85 Toyota Diesel (2L-T) 4x4 Pickup - Newbie Questions

[Skead]

So I got a hold of a truck that I think will give me a balance of what I want; decent mpg, durability, and ability to off road. The downside is the wheel wells were rusted; so I just got it sandblasted and now am getting it grinded / fabricated / rust coated.

(Before sandblasting)

I was wondering if anyone could explain a bit about the tire / gear ratio system for these trucks? I read somewhere it should be 4.10

I have 33 inch tires I'd like to use that were on my 92 toyota pickup 3vze. The goal is to be able to off road for hunting trails, but nothing extreme like crawling up rocks.

And any suggestions of what I can do while I have it bare like this?


Thanks!

 

[jynx]

First I will say welcome to MUD.

Second I have to say you suck. A solid axle 1985 regular cab pickup with a 2L-T, that has to be one of the rarest trucks ever (if you are in the US, can't see location since I am on my phone)

As far as gearing, I believe 4.10 was the most common ratio thru the years. Easy way to see what you have is look at the end of the pinion on the diff. Pink is the color used to mark a 4.10 diff. With the diesel I am going to have to guess, but I would say that for a 33, a 4.30 would be your highway gear and a 4.56 might better suit in-town and off road driving. Since the powerband of the diesel is going to be lower and narrower than the gasers, gearing will be a little more critical. In my truck (22re, 5spd, 32s, 4.30) I find myself wishing for a 4.56 gear since I stepped up to the 32s (265/75R16).

Remember lower gearing is numerically higher. If you are looking for all around gear I might go 4.56, but on the highway you may be limited on top speed by you engine red-line. 4.30 would give you highway but might not feel as sharp off the line, of course the diesels low end torque might make this a non-issue.

Definitely looking for more pictures of this little gem.

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Actually, the diesel powerband makes higher gears much more useable IMHO. My faux-lux with the 2LT-E feels much happier at low RPMs than the 22RE ever did, and can cruise in higher gear than the 22RE did too (and thus lower RPMs).

That said, I have 4.10 gears and 31" tires. It's just right for daily driving and mild wheeling. When I go to 33s I will regear to 4.56. Mostly because you'll be pushing that turbo pretty hard at highway speeds, and regearing will make 5th gear remain relevant. I've put 33s on my truck just to try the gearing, and 4th gear is a highway speed to avoid running the EGTs too high.

Dan

 

[Skead]

First I will say welcome to MUD.

Second I have to say you suck. A solid axle 1985 regular cab pickup with a 2L-T, that has to be one of the rarest trucks ever (if you are in the US, can't see location since I am on my phone)

As far as gearing, I believe 4.10 was the most common ratio thru the years. Easy way to see what you have is look at the end of the pinion on the diff. Pink is the color used to mark a 4.10 diff. With the diesel I am going to have to guess, but I would say that for a 33, a 4.30 would be your highway gear and a 4.56 might better suit in-town and off road driving. Since the powerband of the diesel is going to be lower and narrower than the gasers, gearing will be a little more critical. In my truck (22re, 5spd, 32s, 4.30) I find myself wishing for a 4.56 gear since I stepped up to the 32s (265/75R16).

Remember lower gearing is numerically higher. If you are looking for all around gear I might go 4.56, but on the highway you may be limited on top speed by you engine red-line. 4.30 would give you highway but might not feel as sharp off the line, of course the diesels low end torque might make this a non-issue.

Definitely looking for more pictures of this little gem.

Haha, thanks for the kudos. I'm located in Vancouver, BC. But I sought out the 85 Diesel because in Canada it was the last year of the factory solid axle and turbo diesel.

Awesome information, I found out I can also look on the tag on the firewall for specs as well, and use the cheatsheet. So it's looking like I'll have to change the gears around, or go with smaller tires.


I'll keep you guys updated for sure because I'll be asking for ideas on what to do to it

 

[raevenzero]

I'm running a 3L turbo with 4.88's and 35's. This is the same setup I had with my 22re.

I find that the low end power is great and feels much better than a stock mini/runner. On the highway, it pulls pretty good up to about the 65-70mph point, and then power starts dropping off. I believe these engines can run up to about 4900rpms IIRC. My main problem is EGT's. They start to climb if I pull a hill on the interstate running above 65. I have an intercooler to help with this, but haven't found out where I'm going to mount it yet. I'm hoping that will solve any issues I have, but I'm still much happier with the 3L turbo than I was with the 22re. There's no comparison on the trails! Everyone stops me to ask about my screaming turbo too!

 

[Adam R]

I believe your 85 has 4.30 gears. That is what my 2L came with.

I wish mine has 4.10's and 33's. With 31's, I'm rpm limited to about 75 mph. The sweet range of rpms/speed is about 55 mph as it sits now with the 31's.

Adam R.

 

[toyotology]

My 85 2L-T came with 4.10's stock

 

[TOY4WD]

Inquiry from Buenos Aires

Hi, I'm new to the forum and would like to make an inquiry.
I had some problems with my gimbal center Hilux 4WD 1996 (LN 106 PRMRS japan) and having studied the issue for several months, I decided to cancel it and put a whole cardan from the gearbox to the differential, as is my 1981 4WD.
Many mechanics have consulted those who have told me the reason for the existence of cardan center but could not explain why some vehicles with similar characteristics have it and some do not.
For example: 1979-1983 4WD Toyota Hilux 18R Engine (gasoline) not
has.
1979-1983 Toyota Hilux 4WD Motor L (diesel) has it.
1989-1996 Toyota Hilux 4WD 3L Engine (diesel) and 4Y (gasoline) have it.
2002 Toyota Hilux 4WD Turbo 2TL Japan Engine (diesel) does not.
If someone made ​​the switch to center of cardan with direct cardan, I would appreciate any information.
thank you very much
Carlos

 

[TOY4WD]

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