Finally an "official" member

[MrClean]

I am finally an "official" member now. I joined this forum a few years ago and was originally looking for a FJ40. I searched and searched and almost pulled the trigger on a couple of them but alas, I never did. Well, as things might happen, my budget got severely cut and I decided to change my direction a little. One of my biggest vehicle regrets was getting rid of a 2003 Tacoma. So, my new direction was to look for a pickup. I decided to focus my attention on the 1st gen 4x4 pickups as I really like that body style. After looking for quite some time and actually spending a couple months working with the previous owner of this one, I finally purchased this truck.

She's a 1979 4x4 deluxe longbed with 112,000 miles (at least that's what I think it has) with 20R and 4-speed transmission.

From my understanding, this truck originally came from Taft, CA many years ago. The body is pretty straight with only minor dents, but at some point the bed, hood and right front fender were replaced and truck was resprayed it's original yellow color. There looks to be only very minor rust (rust around cab mount and one thumbnail sized spot on the left front fender). It starts, runs and stops pretty good. All in all, it looks really solid and I am excited to have it. My plans for it are to enjoy it, fix some stuff, enjoy it some more, fix more things...etc. I'd like to keep it as stock as I can. I've already purchased a couple of service manuals and my first big project will be to rebuild the front knuckles as they are leaking pretty bad. Here are some pics.

 

[pappy]

SCORE!

Nice find, and welcome to the sickness. I agree, those first gen trucks are special.

Edit: You sure that is a Dlx? That sure looks SR5 to me (except for the seats).

 

[Manhattan]

That is BEAUTIFUL! Helluva score! Can’t wait to see your progress on this.

 

[joseywales]

You sure that is a Dlx? That sure looks SR5 to me (except for the seats).

It has a tachometer, which I think is SR5 trim level too. Great truck!

 

[pappy]

It has a tachometer, which I think is SR5 trim level too. Great truck!

Plus the interior door handles.

 

[ferg]

Door handles and tach are the same as my '80 was, DLX. Plain jane truck would have had a steering wheel with only two spokes and no gauges on the trans hump.

Trans is the weak point in your drivetrain. L43 sideloader. Front axle should be without factory truss. Not hardcore.

 

[backwest]

Wow, super clean looking truck

 

[MrClean]

Thanks everybody, I appreciate all the responses. The previous owner was pretty adamant that it was a deluxe model. Along with the gauges and tach, it does have a tilt steering wheel. Here is the data plate. I haven't been able to find out what a KC41 trim level is? You guys may know. Also, the bed has a locking gas cap, but then again it was replaced at some point. Anyhow, a few more pics. I gave her a bath today. I have to say, even though it was in the upper 90s today in Texas, it just brings a smile to your face to take her out for a drive.

 

[pappy]

Thanks everybody, I appreciate all the responses. The previous owner was pretty adamant that it was a deluxe model. Along with the gauges and tach, it does have a tilt steering wheel. Here is the data plate. I haven't been able to find out what a KC41 trim level is?

Do this. The truck might be too old for the database (didn't work for my 1985), but who knows.

Go to www.Toyota.com
At the top select the "Owners" tab.
Pick the "My Vehicle" drop down, and select "Vehicle Specs."
Enter your VIN, and good luck.

As I recall, a good parts tech can also run the VIN and print out a really cool report on the truck. I've had the dealer do this for me, but it takes a parts person willing and able.

 

[gnob]

Sr5 would have chrome grille. (i know he said it swapped) . My 79 sr5 also had A/C.

Beautiful truck.

 

[bhsdriller]

How did you find this one...i'm basically local and must have missed it.

Clean truck

 

[MrClean]

I think maybe this confirms that this one is the Deluxe model. I went to ToyoDIY.com, selected "enter parts catalog", then selected "Select your car" and I entered the VIN. This is what came out. It even shows the correct manufacture month of May which matches my door plate and my data plate shows as a KDA for USA. Maybe this site will help someone else with theirs.

bhsdriller, I found this one on San Antonio Craigslist. The seller had it advertised for a pretty high price and I passed up on it at first. I kept seeing it, so finally I decided to give the guy a call and after a couple months negotiating, we got to a more preferred number. There out there, just takes time.