Free 84 xcab 4x4, Sitting Long Time, Where to begin?

[LAMBCRUSHER]

November 83 (does this make it an 84 model year?)extended cab 4x4, 22R, 5 speed, pretty much bone stock with a dent in each panel, rust not visible, if present. the tires are cracked but holding air, I have a set of 15 with 33/12.50s from when I swapped to 285/16s on my FJ55, so that won't be an issue- prolly try to stick a set of treadwright 30"ATs on those rims when cash allows, as I am hoping to get economy from this rig. The birfs need repacked if not rebuilt, and resealed; wheel bearings as well. I imagine there will be some gasket leakage, so I'll plan on that. I am hoping to gain perspective from you vets as I'm more tuned into the cruisers and big block 6ers. Beside the basic safety/drivability issues, how should I prioritize the revival? What are some of the pitfalls? Any tips for prestart checklist? What can I do to get the most mileage and MPG out of this rig? I will have pics and a new battery of questions after I take possession of the rig- hopefully I'll go next door and drive her over the hill back to the ranch by this next w/e. Thanx

 

[jynx]

Cool find. If it has the square front clip like the later 80s trucks then probably an 84, if still rounded like the early 80s the 83. 84 was kind of a transition year.

As far as where to start, I would do the basics. All fluida, diffs, trans, motor, radiator, etc. Drop the gas tank and drain it to see what is lurking in there before you try to fire it. Plugs, wires, belts, etc... Basic tune up stuff. Make sure the motor spins freely before you put the juice to it. Then go from there. My guess is the front end will need a rebuild, good time to do brakes too. Probably let your budget and time dictate order of necessity. To me, make sure it starts and runs, then make sure it will move under its own power and stop when you tell it to, the rest is comfort and cosmetics. Somewhere in there lights and signals would be good before you take it down the road.

Look forward to some pics.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

solid advice. Thanx!

 

[Kris]

How long is a long time?
Check the oil/coolant for discoloration (tasty milk shake) smell the oil for gas. If it smells like gas, I would replace it before starting.
To see if it starts/runs/knocks I would get a tank of fresh gas and run some hose down to it from the fuel pump.

After it starts drain the gas tank. If it hasn't sat for too long, you could run dual fuel filters and probably be ok. but if it were me, I would try to flush out the tank.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

coolant looks clear and green, oil is dark, but clear and doesn't smell like gas...great tip on the gas can fuel tank

 

[TCinVA]

Good advice so far. An extended cab is definitely an '84, no 1st generation extended cab. That is a great truck. I get well over 20 MPG in my '85 4Runner mainly because I run stock tires but EFI helps too. Keep it relatively stock and drive the hell out of it.

 

[pappy]

Ya know, we have been sitting here talking about this truck for what, four days now. Unless you post pictures of this alleged rig ... it doesn't exist.

 

[KLF]

Unless you post pictures of this alleged rig ... it doesn't exist.

X2. WIth 4300 posts, you know this is a requirement by now.

That will be an '84, changeover month is August. Start at the front bumper, replace every seal, gasket, fluid, lubricant, and bearing until you reach the back bumper. Because everything will leak or be worn out. Plan to replace the entire brake system too. Send the carb out for a rebuild.

I still have some gray interior parts from my '84 if you need anything.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

HAHA, alright, pics today on the way home...fair enough!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

du dudun

 

[pappy]

Project!

 

[snobdds]

That is actually becoming a very rare truck...bring it back to life. I hear Cali has some good junk yards.

 

[Kris]

Pristine! Lol the turbo truck I bought was that rough. I could have handled it if it wasn't for that god-awful red interior.

The red 82 I used to have, had the same vinyl flooring in it. Seemed to work pretty well. Good luck!

I might add that I would pull the air cleaner off and pull out all of the nests from inside it before you try to fire it up.

 

[KLF]

It really is shameful that someone would treat a vehicle like that.

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

hey, if they didn't, then I'd never get a chance to fix it up It doesn't seem to have much if any rust, I got junkyards, and there is alot more support for these rigs and drivetrain than any landcruiser gets to enjoy...the dents don't bother me too much, if it can be brought to decent running condition, then I would be inclined to fix the interior and body one panel/fender at a time...
one question I have been neglectful to ask is, how hard is it to retrofit factory A/C into one of these- the biggest drawback with this vehicle to me is the lack of cold air production capabilities...

 

[Kris]

I believe that KLF recently pulled it out of his truck.
Does yours have the buttons etc?
If not, getting the controls, idle up and condenser will probably not be that fun.

 

[TCinVA]

Nice truck!

 

[mongoose2231]

My 86 was also given to me for free! Sorry to hijack...wanted to say that I also did oil and fluids and needing new shocks now. Brakes are better than anything vintage I have ever owned. Runs perfect and has 87k on the ODO. I am in teh process of getting it registered 2 years after actually having it pull logs and fire wood on the property.

Here she is...

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

home!!!

 

[LAMBCRUSHER]

towed/coasted home this am. got the wrong key unstuck and we found the right keys. needs tires and a couple of lenses, I guess...going to get 31 10.50s to be interchangeable with the fj62, maybe even swap wheels after painting the pick-up wheels. the bumper will be swapped with the old style bullbar in the bed and the camper will come off. about to start picking thru the engine bay to see what's what, maybe yank the carb for a bath, think about getting into the front axle and checking the brakes all round. so far, I have about a half a gallon of gas into it.