1983 toyota 4wd

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J

jgallo1

10 Year
Joined
Oct 4, 2012
Threads
65
Messages
225
Location
the west
Hello IH8Mud,
I have no experience with older Toyota trucks. I have come across a really good deal on 1983 fully restored pickup 4wd, with a 22r.
My question is, I would use the the truck as a daily driver and some trips, LA to SF, down to baja on some surf trip. Any thoughts or personal experience would be really appreciated. I have to act fast if I want it.

Thanks...
 
I owned a 1982 short bed for a long time (1984-1998). Knowing what I know now ... I would still own it. Sellers remorse. Camped out of that thing throughout the southwest, and Baja.
 
I just found out it does not have A/C but it is a SR5, it should have the ability correct?
Here are some photos.

IMG_3965.webp


IMG_3966.webp


IMG_3967.webp
 
A/C was an option, either port or dealer-installed. I'm surprised it does not have it unless it came from the far north. It is possible to retro-fit A/C but finding all the necessary bits will be a challenge. In a warm climate that truck will not be very comfortable. The photos do make it look nice however.

That one never had A/C, the firewall does not have evap holes cut in. Back in the day we had to cut those holes.



How much are they asking?
 
Thanks Cruiser Dan,
They are asking right under 10k. I am thinking of offering him 8.5k. Also,I am thinking I am going to need to put AC in it. You think that will run me around 1k?
 
It is difficult to try to guess what A/C will cost. Most of the stuff is discontinued and you are going to have to hunt for used. I'd budget two grand for A/C.
 
I was quoted $1300 for an aftermarket AC kit for my 86 truck. That's just over 50% of my truck's current value!

Colorado Springs was a prime market for non-AC trucks in the 1980s...houses, too.
 
If I were to undertake this project I would absolutely NOT use an aftermarket kit. The truck deserves better. Once upon a time there was a dealer in the PNW that specialized in A/C kits and retro fits. The name was/is John & Phil's Toyota. If they still exist they may have at least some of what you would need.
 
Your best bet is used oem stuff. I might buy a new compressor though. Keep an eye out on Craig's list for someone parting out an entire vehicle. X2 on not going aftermarket
 
I found my setup from an 83 in the pick n pull. Make sure you get all the parts because some are hard to find otherwise.

evaporator box with evaporator coil, TXV, pressure switch and thermistor, electrical sub harness and amplifier board, mounting bracket, drain hose, wide band clamp to heater core housing, firewall grommets (consider replacing the TXV - easy to find)

2 rubber plugs for metal fresh air duct that runs across the front of the truck (3 or 4 inch diameter)

plastic ducting that runs under the dash including the clamp on the steering column and the center output duct with louvers (different for AC)

Heater fan control switch with AC control on it, knobs and faceplate

low pressure hose from comp to firewall

high pressure copper line from firewall to receiver/dryer with mounting clips

high pressure hose from comp to condenser (think about getting a new one made up if rubber is hard) this is the weak link.

condenser coil with rubber mounting hardware - (I got a new coil from Toyota because the used one I had was in bad shape)

L shaped tube from condenser to receiver/dryer

receiver/dryer (get a new one, easy to find)

receiver/dryer mounting bracket

compressor, there is a larger one for 4runner that requires a different bracket

compressor bracket with idler pulley - needs to match the compressor, get hardware that holds it to engine and the four compressor mount bolts. Bracket mounting bolts are longer than those currently installed.

belt

carb idle up actuator

VSV

The 79-81 version is different, it uses flared fittings vs o-ring (not sure if this applied in 81), the 20r carb idle up actuator is different from the 22r, and the AC dash control is slide vs rotary. The 79 steering column bracket to hold the duct is different also, and probably the vsv too, at least the connector.

I have a spare setup from a 79 I need to do something with, taking up garage space.

Let me know if you have any questions about the installation, it is very easy, like installing a kit. holes in the firewall are pre-dimpled so you know where to drill for the two lines and drain. Electrical is plug and play.
 
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