Long time lurker here. Currently have a couple 1st gen Tacomas but I haven't been able to shake the long time desire to own an 80. I've read through a ton of threads, Slee's page, etc but now I'm stuck.
I just looked at a stock 1997 LX450 with factory lockers - Canadian truck 160k miles, my main concerns are rust and a significant amount of oil leaking from the engine (more time would be required to figure out where it's coming from). Battery was dead when I got there but hoping that is because it sat and not some hidden electrical problem. Couldn't test drive it (no insurance) but the lockers seemed to function on the snow covered driveway - he's owned it since 1998 and didn't know how they work/never used them. The shape of the head gasket is still unknown but I can dig into that more later.
I'm no stranger to rust dealing with Subarus and Tacomas (the 97 with 109k miles has been retired from winter duty to preserve it) but one area of rust has me concerned. There is a significant amount on the dog leg area of the drivers side rear door - it's hard to tell the extent since it's hidden but I'm hoping to see what you guys think.
Thanks.
I just looked at a stock 1997 LX450 with factory lockers - Canadian truck 160k miles, my main concerns are rust and a significant amount of oil leaking from the engine (more time would be required to figure out where it's coming from). Battery was dead when I got there but hoping that is because it sat and not some hidden electrical problem. Couldn't test drive it (no insurance) but the lockers seemed to function on the snow covered driveway - he's owned it since 1998 and didn't know how they work/never used them. The shape of the head gasket is still unknown but I can dig into that more later.
I'm no stranger to rust dealing with Subarus and Tacomas (the 97 with 109k miles has been retired from winter duty to preserve it) but one area of rust has me concerned. There is a significant amount on the dog leg area of the drivers side rear door - it's hard to tell the extent since it's hidden but I'm hoping to see what you guys think.
Thanks.