Inherited 85 pickup - minty (1 Viewer)

[huddleston]

Hey guys, while I’m very familiar with my 80 and 100 series this truck is a bit of a different ballgame. I apologize for not having more pictures but this is all I have for now.

My grandfather bought this truck brand new in 1985 (same year I was born) and now my dad has it. It will be going to me in due time and it’s certainly sentimental. Lots of great memories in this truck. It has 180k on the 22re and still runs great. It’s an extra cab and 2wd with an automatic transmission. My dad has expressed interest in slightly modifying the truck with a lift and off-road tires/wheels just to enhance the appearance and make driving on roads around our property and local forest roads. No technical trails or significant wheeling.

What are the best options for accomplishing this? Thanks guys!

 

[huddleston]

Looks identical to this.

 

[BlueCruiser84]

That thing is cherry as s***! I love it!

Brian

 

[yotadude520]

Nice pickup! It’s got a great look to it.

As far as lifting it, I would say if you have the money, time and skills to do a solid axle swap using a front axle from a 81-85 Toyota pickup. That way you will be lifting the truck and making it 4x4 all in one sweep.

There was a guy with a couple of questions interested in lifting the same type of truck. In that thread you’ll find a decent amount of info on what the SAS would entail:

1985 2wd base Newbie build suggestions

So I recently had a chance to go off-roading in Sedona for the first time and caught the bug. Rather than do the smart thing and buy a 4wd capable truck, I want to explore some of my future short-term and long-term options with my current truck, with an emphasis on getting the most bang for my...

forum.ih8mud.com

Look forward to seeing what you do with this one!

 

[BlueCruiser84]

If that’s what he wants to do I would buy a different 4x4 truck and leave it stock. No sense in “ruining” an awesome 2wd specimen like that. That truck is a peach.

 

[old87yota]

I completely agree with Blue Cruiser87 here.

That is a really clean, original Truck. That all goes away once you start lifting and modifying it.

Honestly, if that truck does not do what you need it to do in its current form, I would find a 4WD version to play with.

 

[yotadude520]

Sorry for some reason I thought you guys were going to hit some more moderate trails. Don't lift it just for looks, just keep it stock and functional. 4WD Yotas are a dime a dozen!

 

[KLF]

It's too bad Downey isn't still in business, they could hook you up.

I agree on not hacking that up by putting a solid axle under it.

 

[Pacer]

Yup, keep it as is or sell. Buy a side x side for the farm.

 

[Ozark cruiser]

This is the cleanest toyota pickup you will find I drool ever time I am around it

 

[IslandJ]

I have to concur with keeping it stock. That truck is just gaining in value in its stock form. Its so nice.