1981 Pickup 4 X 4 New Owner

[t6dpilot]

Thanks for the reply Kurt @cruiseroutfit. I’ll get one of your kits on order soon. Looks like a great option. I also looked at the OME spring kits on your site and only see ones with lift kits. I want to keep it a stock height. Interesting that it still sits pretty level even with the front spring sag.

@ferg i asked an experienced mechanic to look at it with me. It is not just a puff on start up. It comes and goes inconsistently is the only way to describe it. Definitely doesn’t leave oil residue or smell like it. Same with coolant - no sweet smell. And it only appears once it exits the tail pipe. He thinks maybe the cat isn’t heating up the exhaust enough to vaporize the condensation prior to exiting the tail pipe. Makes sense as it changes with atmospheric conditions. I will monitor.
@120mm do you want to part with that shop manual?

 

[120mm]

@120mm do you want to part with that shop manual?

I could be talked out of it. Every time I look at it I am reminded of my foolish decision. Message me.

 

[gnob]

I could be talked out of it. Every time I look at it I am reminded of my foolish decision. Message me.

i need to rip mine to pdf

 

[thetoyotaman]

Factory front springs are negative arched from the factory and are different left and right. Although most like a lift, new bushings and hydraulic shocks do wonders for the stock springs.

 

[t6dpilot]

@thetoyotaman Thank you for that information. Super helpful and I would have had no idea that is how the factory supplied them without that detail. Maybe then the springs are just fine. I had a hard time understanding why the truck sat with a stock look with the rear springs in good arch and the front having that front part as a "negative" arch. Bushings are definitely on the list as is a bunch of other stuff.

 

[thetoyotaman]

The torque rod bushings probably need replacing too. For some FJ40 purists, that factory spare tire would be a gem for them. The radio you have I"m guessing is a "mini chassis" meaning your dash supports are probably not cut off where it mounts like most. The rims didn't come from the factory but may have been a regional Toyota or port accessory. If the transmission is original it's probably an L50. Only way to verify is if hit does not have a removable bell housing and get the number off of the input shaft bearing. L52 is the best of this series. My recommendation is to change the oil with Dino 80W-90 yearly. Windshield gasket needs to have sealant used in the channel the glass goes in or it will probably leak. This is why the floors rot. As far as desmog, the stock carb requires vacuum accessories to operate properly. The basic setup would be the 81-82 Canadian Spec Vacuum Hose Routing page found in the FSM

 

[t6dpilot]

@thetoyotaman again, thank you for that information. I believe the transmission to be the L50 5-speed, but I suppose it could be an L52. Build date of the truck is 2/81, not sure if that is considered an early or later 81 build date. Rig is running pretty darn good, so no plans to desmog. @120mm was kind enough to send me his manual, so I am armed with all the tools needed to dig into this truck.

I ordered the steering knuckle rebuild kit from Cruiser Outfitters and will start that project soon. They are leaking pretty good right now, so that needs to be first. I also ordered a new set of shifter bushings from Martin Crawler. I added spring bushings to that order along with new brake lines. Pardon my ignorance, what is the torque rod? Also, all four side marker lights are gone with only the reflectors remaining. I know that the front ones are lighted, were the rear ones too? Didn't see any wires back there for them. Anyone know if they the same as on an FJ60? Cruiser Outfitters has them and if they are the same, I will get all four from them.

 

[IdahoDoug]

Any update on your smoke? As someone pointed out, the valve seals will be rock hard plastic by now, though they left the factory as rubber. So that's the #1 suspect to me. Nice find on the truck!

 

[thetoyotaman]

@thetoyotaman again, thank you for that information. I believe the transmission to be the L50 5-speed, but I suppose it could be an L52. Build date of the truck is 2/81, not sure if that is considered an early or later 81 build date. Rig is running pretty darn good, so no plans to desmog. @120mm was kind enough to send me his manual, so I am armed with all the tools needed to dig into this truck.

I ordered the steering knuckle rebuild kit from Cruiser Outfitters and will start that project soon. They are leaking pretty good right now, so that needs to be first. I also ordered a new set of shifter bushings from Martin Crawler. I added spring bushings to that order along with new brake lines. Pardon my ignorance, what is the torque rod? Also, all four side marker lights are gone with only the reflectors remaining. I know that the front ones are lighted, were the rear ones too? Didn't see any wires back there for them. Anyone know if they the same as on an FJ60? Cruiser Outfitters has them and if they are the same, I will get all four from them.

The torque rod is the bar that connects the axle to the frame. It helps with straight line braking on a solid axle. The 4 side markers are indeed lights. The lens is the same but mount and plug might be different from other models. TYC makes aftermarket replacements.

 

[desmocruiser]

Late to the party, cool truck!

The second interior pictures are likely the factory fabric, first pictures were an upholstery shop recover which is the direction you will have to go next time. There are lots of cool similar 80’s patterns available from reputable shops that match pretty well.

The wheels are Toyota or port accessories @cruiserdan will clairify, but are certainly cool and rare.

The smallest OME lift from cruiser outfitters and a set of BFG all terrain 31x10.50’s will make it set perfectly and ride much better!!

I bought a new Windshield weather strip from Toyota a few years ago, not certain on current availability.

Good luck, cool truck!

Here are a couple pictures of my most recent 83’! Including a couple of the reupholstered seats that used some 80’s era fabric that was a close match!

Now working on a 86’ SR5 extra cab!

 

[clx16]

Thanks for the reply Kurt @cruiseroutfit. I’ll get one of your kits on order soon. Looks like a great option. I also looked at the OME spring kits on your site and only see ones with lift kits. I want to keep it a stock height. Interesting that it still sits pretty level even with the front spring sag.

@ferg i asked an experienced mechanic to look at it with me. It is not just a puff on start up. It comes and goes inconsistently is the only way to describe it. Definitely doesn’t leave oil residue or smell like it. Same with coolant - no sweet smell. And it only appears once it exits the tail pipe. He thinks maybe the cat isn’t heating up the exhaust enough to vaporize the condensation prior to exiting the tail pipe. Makes sense as it changes with atmospheric conditions. I will monitor.
@120mm do you want to part with that shop manual?

If you check out the resources section... you will likely find the shop manual you need Trucks / SUVs - https://forum.ih8mud.com/resources/categories/trucks-suvs.15/ I uploaded a bunch a few weeks back.

 

[t6dpilot]

@IdahoDoug smoke kind of comes and goes. Seems like it might be based on humidity and temp. I'll look into the valve seal replacement and maybe just add it to the things to do.

@thetoyotaman thanks for the clarification on the torque rod. I'll have a look. Got the truck on the lift and started the steering knuckle rebuild. Stalling point are the cone washers currently. Soaking in PB Blaster for now. I found the wires for the corner marker lights and ordered up the lights. Hope I got the right ones and they are correct.

@desmocruiser welcome! Also, thank you for that information. Yes, that grey weave vinyl is the factory material. We have a good interior shop nearby, so I will probably take it to them to see if they can "save" it from the back side. Maybe have them re-stuff the seats too. Nice rig you have there. Thanks for the pics. I am probably going to leave the stock springs for now. I am not sure I want a lift on it at this point. I'll try Toyota for the windshield seal. I see some trucks with and some without the aluminum trim in the windshield seal. Was that an SR5 thing or did all trucks have that from the factory? Is it even available any more? Early Porsche 911s have that and it is a bitch to install correctly. Don't ask me how I know... I also see you have carpet on the back of the cab. Is that also and SR5 thing or did the Deluxe have that as well. Mine has the simplest of vinyl mat and nothing on the back wall. Seems like the truck was not optioned out much.

So another question for the brain trust. I have one slat on the front grill broken and was thinking of replacing it. I saw some advertised on eBay. Anyone have experience with those suppliers? Good product or stay away? Also, the headlight surrounds are faded a little on the bottom and I was thinking of painting or replacing. Then I looked closely and I see a silver fleck that appears to be part of the factory finish. Is that how they came from the factory or is that finish failure from the sun. Seems odd to pair a silver flecked headlight surround with a solid black grill. I'll see if I can get a good detail photo.

 

[desmocruiser]

@IdahoDoug smoke kind of comes and goes. Seems like it might be based on humidity and temp. I'll look into the valve seal replacement and maybe just add it to the things to do.

@thetoyotaman thanks for the clarification on the torque rod. I'll have a look. Got the truck on the lift and started the steering knuckle rebuild. Stalling point are the cone washers currently. Soaking in PB Blaster for now. I found the wires for the corner marker lights and ordered up the lights. Hope I got the right ones and they are correct.

@desmocruiser welcome! Also, thank you for that information. Yes, that grey weave vinyl is the factory material. We have a good interior shop nearby, so I will probably take it to them to see if they can "save" it from the back side. Maybe have them re-stuff the seats too. Nice rig you have there. Thanks for the pics. I am probably going to leave the stock springs for now. I am not sure I want a lift on it at this point. I'll try Toyota for the windshield seal. I see some trucks with and some without the aluminum trim in the windshield seal. Was that an SR5 thing or did all trucks have that from the factory? Is it even available any more? Early Porsche 911s have that and it is a bitch to install correctly. Don't ask me how I know... I also see you have carpet on the back of the cab. Is that also and SR5 thing or did the Deluxe have that as well. Mine has the simplest of vinyl mat and nothing on the back wall. Seems like the truck was not optioned out much.

So another question for the brain trust. I have one slat on the front grill broken and was thinking of replacing it. I saw some advertised on eBay. Anyone have experience with those suppliers? Good product or stay away? Also, the headlight surrounds are faded a little on the bottom and I was thinking of painting or replacing. Then I looked closely and I see a silver fleck that appears to be part of the factory finish. Is that how they came from the factory or is that finish failure from the sun. Seems odd to pair a silver flecked headlight surround with a solid black grill. I'll see if I can get a good detail photo.

Thanks it was a fun truck, just found the regular cab did not meet my needs and sold it to another Mud member and moved to an 86’ SR5 Extra Cab.

The new windshield seal did not have the stainless or the groove for it, I think it was updated or maybe defaulted to the one without and yes they are a pain and you are better without.

That truck was a deluxe and did not have the carpet (or at least didn’t when I bought it) on the back panel, my SR5 I had in HS did, so I had my upholstery guy create one. That truck did have buckets and carpet from the factory and I added the SR5 steering wheel and gear shift, I bought those used pretty inexpensively from the Mud classifieds or eBay, don’t recall.

At one time there were some good new parts on eBay, I haven’t looked in a while, but had good luck with what I did purchase.

 

[thetoyotaman]

@IdahoDoug smoke kind of comes and goes. Seems like it might be based on humidity and temp. I'll look into the valve seal replacement and maybe just add it to the things to do.

@thetoyotaman thanks for the clarification on the torque rod. I'll have a look. Got the truck on the lift and started the steering knuckle rebuild. Stalling point are the cone washers currently. Soaking in PB Blaster for now. I found the wires for the corner marker lights and ordered up the lights. Hope I got the right ones and they are correct.

@desmocruiser welcome! Also, thank you for that information. Yes, that grey weave vinyl is the factory material. We have a good interior shop nearby, so I will probably take it to them to see if they can "save" it from the back side. Maybe have them re-stuff the seats too. Nice rig you have there. Thanks for the pics. I am probably going to leave the stock springs for now. I am not sure I want a lift on it at this point. I'll try Toyota for the windshield seal. I see some trucks with and some without the aluminum trim in the windshield seal. Was that an SR5 thing or did all trucks have that from the factory? Is it even available any more? Early Porsche 911s have that and it is a bitch to install correctly. Don't ask me how I know... I also see you have carpet on the back of the cab. Is that also and SR5 thing or did the Deluxe have that as well. Mine has the simplest of vinyl mat and nothing on the back wall. Seems like the truck was not optioned out much.

So another question for the brain trust. I have one slat on the front grill broken and was thinking of replacing it. I saw some advertised on eBay. Anyone have experience with those suppliers? Good product or stay away? Also, the headlight surrounds are faded a little on the bottom and I was thinking of painting or replacing. Then I looked closely and I see a silver fleck that appears to be part of the factory finish. Is that how they came from the factory or is that finish failure from the sun. Seems odd to pair a silver flecked headlight surround with a solid black grill. I'll see if I can get a good detail photo.

You need a brass punch or hammer to hit the stud the cone washer is on.

Both the black molding and chrome are available. Base trucks had black and SR5 had chrome. I’d have to research what the deluxe trucks had. The SR5s also had chrome rain gutter trim. The chrome trim was plastic and eventually fades and can crack.

 

[desmocruiser]

You need a brass punch or hammer to hit the stud the cone washer is on.

Both the black molding and chrome are available. Base trucks had black and SR5 had chrome. I’d have to research what the deluxe trucks had. The SR5s also had chrome rain gutter trim. The chrome trim was plastic and eventually fades and can crack.

Good knowledge! The Deluxe had the stainless windshield trim, at least in 83’

 

[thetoyotaman]

I believe the chrome strips are discontinued. My SR5 has been switched over to the black gasket.

 

[t6dpilot]

Thanks guys. I kind of figured that would be discontinued. I’ll hit up my local dealer for one. And some of the chassis electrical plugs that go into the side marker lights. They are all gone.

@thetoyotaman yes I have a brass punch and BFH and was tapping the studs and the sides a bit. Seems like someone previously had the hub off since I see evidence of pounding not using a brass hammer. Sheesh. Brake pads look good so I may keep those, but the rotors need to be replaced I would think.

 

[thetoyotaman]

Tapping the studs won’t do it. Don’t be afraid to get after it. That’s what the brass is for. Back in the day people would hit the side of the hub with a hammer and dent it. Don’t do that.

I think it might be possible to buy the FJ60 chrome pieces and carefully trim down or an 80s vintage Chevy truck. No guarantees.

 

[t6dpilot]

Oh yeah, I got after it with the brass punch. Worked like a charm after soaking in PB blaster. Here is where we are.

Looking at this thing, I am wondering what I got myself into… what do you guys think of the spring? Replace or refinish? Also wondering how to tackle all the surface rust on the chassis components. Wire wheel or paint with rust converter or use rust remover? Going to be a lot of work and I’m trying to avoid the slippery slope of a frame off restoration.

 

[t6dpilot]

Making progress. Down to parade rest. Knuckle and birfield look great. I need new stock rotors and as dumb as it sounds, I am not sure where to get them. Tried a couple sources and they only carry upgrades. Suggestions? Shocks too, but I haven’t looked into that yet. Just looking for a good replacement for factory versions.