Builds 1985 Xtra Cab build

[120mm]

I was in the market for another Toyota build when a 1985 Xtra Cab fell in my lap from @Thechief86 .

It is running but not driving and in really clean nick, despite some dings and dents.

The goal is to make it as good and original as possible at a low price. It may also appear in an Amazon Prime series, but more on that later.

Eric with his 4BT converted FJ60 winching the project into the trailer

All loaded up

On the road with an assist from my lovely bride

Unloaded with the help of my FJ40 FST.

 

[Thechief86]

I look forward to seeing this one brought back to a usable state! I believe it won't take much to get it on the road.
I think you'll really enjoy that little truck!

 

[120mm]

Operation Avoid Pissing Off the HOA commenced at first light

New shoes are a must

 

[120mm]

All decalcomania are intact. Surprising.

 

[Thechief86]

Check out how pristine that dash pad is!

 

[The Toad]

Man, those old 2wd pickups are sweet. Looking forward to seeing how this progresses.

 

[120mm]

Changed the oil, got a new 24F battery, and threw 5 gallons of gas in it. Will run great with gas down the carb, but not otherwise. Pulled the feed line to the pump and 25 psi of suction won't draw fuel. Will take lines off the tank next to see where the blockage is.

 

[120mm]

Did some dinking with the fuel lines and the feed line is bone dry while the return line is full of gas.

WTF.

Decided to swap the lines and turned the key and discovered the engine was seized again. Just an FYI, the engine was stuck when found and Eric unstuck it, and it turned over good with compression.

I put a 19mm wrench on it and worked it loose again

I reswapped the fuel lines after determining they were correct.

Turned the key and it started to run on tank gas, but much worse than feeding gas down the carb. Shut it down and discovered at least a quart of motor oil on the ground, pumped out through the valve cover. This engine is making crazy crankcase pressure.

Luckily, a friend of a friend just pulled an good running 1985 22RE for a diesel conversion and I'm going to score that on Tuesday and do a conversion and keep it 22R.

My lovely bride and I shuffled it into the garage. Looks like my FJ40 gets to live outdoors for the time being.

 

[Thechief86]

Man, I'm sorry to hear that motor is no good. I thought it was going to be fine. At least the replacement is inexpensive and the job is an easy one. I'm still grateful to see this cool little pickup get fixed up. Without us, it would have been crushed by now.

 

[120mm]

Man, I'm sorry to hear that motor is no good. I thought it was going to be fine. At least the replacement is inexpensive and the job is an easy one. I'm still grateful to see this cool little pickup get fixed up. Without us, it would have been crushed by now.

It's all good

My guess is that the rings were bad before the PO parked it. See attached picture of the hood underside.

On an unrelated note, the lovely bride decided it's name is now "Carl". I think it fits well.

I'm excited to dig into this engine and see what it looks like

 

[120mm]

Today was a "dink around" day. Washed decades of trash out of the back end. The topper is in much better shape than expected. The only repair I can see needed is the screen on the passenger side window is trashed. I need to throw my cot in this to see how it fits.

Started preparing for engine swap by removing the hood. The donor engine is a 22RE, complete with everything except computer, and those got for about $200. Will also need a fuel pump for the tank or go with an external pump, if I want to keep it injected. I'll make the decision to R or RE once I have both engines out side by side.

Spent the rest of the day scrubbing mold off of absolutely everything. Interior is pretty pristine under the mold.

 

[120mm]

I gotta say after wrenching on a 69 FJ40, this 85 rig is complex. Way too many vacuum lines. Hopefully I can remember where they came from when I put them back.

 

[The Toad]

Hopefully you have a good way to keep track of all those vacuum lines. Or access to a FSM. Toyota did go kinda nuts with those things for a bit there. Going from the 3.0 to the 3.4, it was so nice to have the rats nest of lines gone. Sending some good fortune your way for reassembly.

 

[Thechief86]

3M Wire Marker Tape Dispenser STD, compact design for easy handling https://a.co/d/3ScaKGO

This is a great way to keep track of where wires and vacuum lines came from. But I bet you can delete at least half of that crap...

 

[Mudder]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/resources/1985-toyota-truck-4-runner-gasoline-repair-manual.184/

Here’s a link to the 85 FSM thanks to @clx16

 

[120mm]

In the spirit of the honey badger I kept track of none of those lines.

Maybe I subconsciously want to keep the new engine a 22RE...

 

[120mm]

https://forum.ih8mud.com/resources/1985-toyota-truck-4-runner-gasoline-repair-manual.184/

Here’s a link to the 85 FSM thanks to @clx16

Thank you, sir!!!

 

[120mm]

I have everything disconnected (I hope) except the large bolts through the bell housing.

Working in the engine bay of a fully optioned mini truck like this is not easy, if you were wondering.

Just to take a break, I removed the bumper and started reshaping the mangled metal behind and around it.

Light sheet metal may deform easily, but it also deforms back easily. Win.

I need to find a source for these clips. Will check out the local parts stores, and Rock auto.

This fell out of the engine compartment. Any idea what it might be?

 

[pappy]

View attachment 3735107
I need to find a source for these clips. Will check out the local parts stores, and Rock auto.

Don't over analyze this. Dealer will be your friend. Looks like 81518-89121. About $2.25 each.

 

[120mm]

Don't over analyze this. Dealer will be your friend. Looks like 81518-89121. About $2.25 each.

I think you'd be surprised how little the local dealership parts department wants to help out DIYers with parts. Thanks for the part numbers, tho!