Purchased this '98 from a TX dealer that had it on BAT. To me it seemed very clean, rust free, and as original as can be. It has 246,000 kilometers or 153,000 miles.
Looking up the VIN on some sites does validate that it was factory produced with a 1HDT motor and had a build date of mid 1997. The available paperwork from Costa Rica have it registered as a 1998 for many years going as far back as early 2000's so its likely a 1998 model when sold new - remember these were sold till 2007 in some markets.
I was told it came from original owner in Costa Rica before making its debut in the USA. Not much paper maintenance history available and no site (that I am aware of) that can help.
Going into the purchase I knew there would be baseline maintenance to perform and some unknowns to uncover.
Once it was delivered the first obvious issue was that it was leaking coolant from around the thermostat. The BAT listing did mention the dealer "fixed" a leak at the thermostat so either there is a bigger problem or it was not properly fixed.
I looked over the entire truck and it is indeed very clean. No rust or body damage visible. Undercarriage may have been sprayed to make it look nicer but it's very obvious that the metal underneath is 100% there. No pitting or any signs of rust when looking in hard to spray areas. Interior looks to have been recovered at some point but I am not well versed in other markets so the material could be original to that region.
The engine ran strong for the few miles I put on it. Suspension is in need of a refresh and same with steering components.
This is my first diesel 80 so if you are well versed in these and have recommendation or see anything in the photos - please point it out. Thank you in advance!
The OEM build specs:
- A442F transmission (auto)
- K295 axles (non-locked)
- 1HDT motor
- HF1A transfer box (part time)
- 12v electric winch
- Dual A/C
- Power seats and window
- Spare tire swing out
- Subtank
- Quad headlights
- Manual hubs
Maintenance List:
- Timing belt job -> Completed
- BEB job -> Completed
- Turbo inspection -> Completed
- Knuckle and bearing job -> Completed
- Diff fluids -> Completed
- Transmission fluid flush -> Completed. Turned into a valve body cleaning and solenoid replacement job.
- Coolant flush with Toyota Red + new radiator -> Completed
- Engine oil and fuel filter -> Completed
- Injector cleaning -> Completed. Replaced with new oem
- Valve lash adjustment
- Injector pump adjustment -> pump rebuilt.
- Motor and trans mounts -> completed
- Replace fuel hoses - Completed
- Fix motorized antenna for radio -> completed
- Grease prop shafts
- New Tires -> completed
Looking up the VIN on some sites does validate that it was factory produced with a 1HDT motor and had a build date of mid 1997. The available paperwork from Costa Rica have it registered as a 1998 for many years going as far back as early 2000's so its likely a 1998 model when sold new - remember these were sold till 2007 in some markets.
I was told it came from original owner in Costa Rica before making its debut in the USA. Not much paper maintenance history available and no site (that I am aware of) that can help.
Going into the purchase I knew there would be baseline maintenance to perform and some unknowns to uncover.
Once it was delivered the first obvious issue was that it was leaking coolant from around the thermostat. The BAT listing did mention the dealer "fixed" a leak at the thermostat so either there is a bigger problem or it was not properly fixed.
I looked over the entire truck and it is indeed very clean. No rust or body damage visible. Undercarriage may have been sprayed to make it look nicer but it's very obvious that the metal underneath is 100% there. No pitting or any signs of rust when looking in hard to spray areas. Interior looks to have been recovered at some point but I am not well versed in other markets so the material could be original to that region.
The engine ran strong for the few miles I put on it. Suspension is in need of a refresh and same with steering components.
This is my first diesel 80 so if you are well versed in these and have recommendation or see anything in the photos - please point it out. Thank you in advance!
The OEM build specs:
- A442F transmission (auto)
- K295 axles (non-locked)
- 1HDT motor
- HF1A transfer box (part time)
- 12v electric winch
- Dual A/C
- Power seats and window
- Spare tire swing out
- Subtank
- Quad headlights
- Manual hubs
Maintenance List:
- Timing belt job -> Completed
- BEB job -> Completed
- Turbo inspection -> Completed
- Knuckle and bearing job -> Completed
- Diff fluids -> Completed
- Transmission fluid flush -> Completed. Turned into a valve body cleaning and solenoid replacement job.
- Coolant flush with Toyota Red + new radiator -> Completed
- Engine oil and fuel filter -> Completed
- Injector cleaning -> Completed. Replaced with new oem
- Valve lash adjustment
- Injector pump adjustment -> pump rebuilt.
- Motor and trans mounts -> completed
- Replace fuel hoses - Completed
- Fix motorized antenna for radio -> completed
- Grease prop shafts
- New Tires -> completed
Last edited:
