Going to look at an 85.

[Curran]

Howdy folks,
I'm looking at an 85 Mini to use as a DD/ Beater and future rock crawler.
I found one not too far away that has a rebuilt engine w/ a full weber conversion; 4 inch lift (I think it was a Fabtech) and some other misc. doo-dads that haven't been installed such as ARBs and a Safari Snorkle. Only draw back is a large dent in the lower rear of the cab behind the drivers door, (but it does come with an additional cab) It sounds like a cool project .
I want to go look at it this weekend, but I don't have a clue what the potential maintenenace down falls are for an 85 mini.
First, could you point me in a direction where I can find more info on what to look at?
Second, what would you all expect to pay for something like this?

Thanks,



Curran

 

[HomeGrown]

one thing to look for is if the frame is rusted through. take a scewdriver and a hammer and beat on the frame. in the rear area next to the gas tank. if that is in good shape everything else is easy to work with. here in colorado maybe 1000 to 1500 maybe.

 

[tonkota]

Timing chain guides. Listen for a louder ticking from the front of the engine. A carbed 85 would be the basic model.

 

[Bob_Garrett]

In addition to what's been mentioned so far, be sure to run through all the gears in the tranny and listen for any unusual noise. 5th gear is usually the first to develop noise. Also, check the truck and 4Runner section on www.pirate4x4.com. Lots of good info there.

Bob

 

[KliersLC]

I don't know what the smog regs are in your area but it might pay to get a pretest done to check emissions. The vacuum system on those trucks is a nightmare on CA trucks. Not much else to look at except common sense stuff i.e. Transfer shifting, front driveshaft rattle, make sure nothing is funkied up. Generally those are bulletproof trucks got 256k out of mine before the timing chain jumped the tracks. BTW I had that same dent........................

 

[jccruiser78]

trucks

1982-85,best small truck ever,tough as heck.I second the smog concerns,make sure its all there.My 82 has a weber carb and downey header and it is still smog legal.Rust is a problem,but do they ever WHEEL! Who cares about looks?

 

[hammerhead]

Good little trucks. Very tough. Easy as pie to rebuild and enginebuilder.com has complete rebuild kits for a little over $200. Good rockcrawler cams for less than $100.

With 4in lift you want high-steer if it doesn't already have it. Use the PS box from an IFS.

The aforementioned pirate 4x4 site has an awesome toy-mini section. Go there and spend some quality time reading the FAQs.

 

[Curran]

Holy Smokes. There is a lot to learn.
Thanks guys.

 

[bkfj40]

Hey Curran,
If you end up getting it and need any gauges or misc. interior parts, let me know...I have one that is getting ready to go out to pasture...

bk

 

[Wolfman]

Check the coolant 22r motors are famous for the timing chain guides breaking off and the chain will eat its way into the front timing cover, most people replace the head gasket only to find the same problem. Also if you buy it ask the owner when the last time the valves were adjusted , it should be done at least at ever tune up. also check the frame real well by the muffler I bought a 83 4x4 here in chicago for 50.00 but the frame was paper thin we made cardboard templates and welded em in has lasted this far. the cab is worth big bucks if it is clean, leave the dent my old mini was bad we cut the roof off after a roll over, cut 14 in out of the bed , when it got cold we welded the top back on , ever time I smashed it we would sign it with a silver pen marker, as far as I know the kid is still driving it out in california. we are moving back to cali soon so I will have to check it out.