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Vehicle prep date shows March 1994 when it left Japan to the dealer here in AZ. This one spent its entire life in AZ and a couple years in California and then back here.Nice looking rig in my opinion and twin to mine...If you've been looking for an 80 and like how this one is optioned, I'd jump on $13k. As long as you have a few $k in backup for little projects and can wrench a bit yourself, I'd call it a no-brainer. I made the trip from MD to AZ to grab mine last summer, so being local would save you a few $K just in travel/transport that I spent.
As far as general issues, as others have said, hatch repair can be done or at least controlled for now and cleaned up. Oil leak really isn't that bad since it's more caked than dripping out of it (shows a long time slow leak). A quick engine clean and you can diagnose the repairs needed, starting with the valve cover gasket. Whine can be a lot of things, but doubt that it's catastrophic given the overall look of the truck which shows minimal abuse.
For the triple lock, it's a nice option, but highly overrated (in my opinion) when it comes to resale value. The CDL button is a very easy add with just a button in the dash as the wiring is already there, and as others mentioned, means that you have ABS and full float rear axle and better brakes which is great. Mine has the CDL add on button and is rear locked via ARB and compressor in rear hatch. Front on mine is open and unless you are a hard core off roader, makes zero difference in the capabilities....I've run mine to the limit and still got through everything with a little extra effort that a triple locked (aftermarket) truck did with my same lift/tire spec. In the end, if you lock the rear first and actually use it, you'll probably not worry about the front like me. Also, a high quality Eaton is a relatively easy install and far less expensive than a factory locked truck, while performing as well if not better in the end and not needing the additional compressor (although handy for air-ups too!). In fact, if you look around, you can get the wiring harness for the dash and a wiring diagram to actually hook up an OEM lock switch to run the Eatons which would be cool and clean looking on the dash.
With the ABS optioned truck, I believe that you'd be a late '84 production, which is good. I think the cut is around 3/84 or 4/84, but if after that (mine is 10/84), you'll have the beefier front drive flanges plus other little odd's and ends that are improvements. One quirk to this vintage is that you'll be on OBD1 instead of 2, so you'll need to do your diagnostics with a jumper pin instead of a scan tool. Grab yourself the full service book on it, and it goes through diagnosing just about every system that you could have any issues with, using voltages, vacuum readings, etc....so again, if you are handy, it's pretty easy to work on.
Depending on your off-road wishes, you could probably go with a fresh OEM or equivalent spring and shock set and still be able to bump up a little in tire size to beef it up a little...you'll be amazed with the stance and extra capabilities with this alone as you'r probably sagging a few inches now.
I hope that this is inspiring....mine is my first 80 and I will pass it along to my son (that turned me on to them) in another 30 years before I sell it!
One quick note after looking through your pics again, I'd probably plan to service the front axles...the wiper seals on the Birfs look a little "too dry" for my liking. At least pull the plug out of the top and dip the grease to make sure it's still looking good and proper fill (easy to find out how here on the forums). I'd plan on checking these plus changing all of your diff and trans fluids right off the bat unless you have some service records with history on these items.
Good luck if you take the plunge! Honestly, I can't see how you would loose a dime if you put a few $K into the regular maintenance items that you should do anyway.![]()
Thanks for the observations on the front axle! It’s pretty likely I get it and I’ll post a lot more detailed shots after I give it s good degreasing. I’m pretty handy and have rebuilt 2 85/87 Saabs, 1 to pretty near show quality redoing all major systems. I think this will be a lot more fun as I’m not a Saab guy I just kinda found my way into them. I love Toyota’s and can’t wait to get this one to get shape.