Time to Build a Crawler! (1 Viewer)

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chicago said:
the motors had HG issues! Plus, they are DOGS!!!
If youre gonna spend some cash go with the later model motor (3.4L) More poop to it and a better design.
That 3.0 is like a BLACK MARK on the toyota name!!! Yes!!! I am SERIOUS!!! I donno WHAT they were thinking when they designed that motor!!
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Yeah, pretty much avoid anything with a 3.0 v6. Mine was an '88, which was probably one of the most reliable years of the 3.0, many went 250k+ before they had problems. Anything '90-95 you can expect the HG's to go (enviromental concerns forced a change in the HG design and the "eco-friendly" version was crap).

The bigger problem with the 3.0 is the 4cyl power and v8 gas mileage. They were a stopgap design by Toyota and were not well engineered. The '96-'04 3.4 v6 tacos are basically the same engine block, but the upper is totally different and should have been the motor the 3.0 never was. Extremely reliable (although there were some early 3.4's with HG issues) and 40 more HP and 40 more lb/ft of torque over the 3.0. And they will get 19-20mpg all day long.

There a lot of improvements in the Taco generations, but also some weaknesses to look out for.

Jack
 
I've been trying to find salvage title 3.4l tacos on craigslist. Its going to be a trailer queen more than likely.... Don't want to register and pay insurance on a truck I just want to build and wheel. Here's a truck I found, but it's a bit more than the two of us would like to spend. Hoping to stay around 3 -3500 for whatever we find.

2000TOYOTA TACOMA TRD 4X4 5 SPEED XTRA CAB
 
Welcome to the world of trying to find a cheap Jeep/Toyota 4wd to build. Everyone wants a fortune for them, regardless of miles or condition. I guess there are people that pay it...

Jack
 
yeah its crazy what people want for their junk.

Like we said earlier though, the 80 axles are offset, and as far as I know, arent ALL tacos running a centered t-case. SO that would make the 80 axles a no go.
 
DiscoveredLC said:
I've been trying to find salvage title 3.4l tacos on craigslist. Its going to be a trailer queen more than likely.... Don't want to register and pay insurance on a truck I just want to build and wheel. Here's a truck I found, but it's a bit more than the two of us would like to spend. Hoping to stay around 3 -3500 for whatever we find.

2000TOYOTA TACOMA TRD 4X4 5 SPEED XTRA CAB
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Don't forget... Trailer queen means you are restricted to running LOOPS!!
also.... It kills some of the spontaneity too!!!

I'd reg it, but that's me!!
 
Yeah that is true. I can't figure out what to even buy! I know the engine trans and t case are going to have to stay factory cause I have no clue how to swap out any of those. I'm wondering if I can even tackle a project like this if I can't even figure out what to buy or look for. Talk about getting frustrating... :mad:
 
Look for somethin in the price range you want thats a good place to start then once u have it go from there.engine swaps are not hard unless your doin what im doin and thats put a chevy v8 in my 91 cruiser other than that its pretty much plug and play if you stay with Toyota stuff for Toyota stuff. now that bein said there are some year limitations like how far apart they are in years anything is possible just depends on how much time and work you wanna spend on your project.If you watch craigslist and the other 4x4 forums you will come up with a decent rig for the price you want be patient and keep lookin around thats the best way to figure out what you want and get it at the price you want.

Dan :cheers::steer::bounce::bounce2:
 
DiscoveredLC said:
yeah its crazy what people want for their junk.

Like we said earlier though, the 80 axles are offset, and as far as I know, arent ALL tacos running a centered t-case. SO that would make the 80 axles a no go.
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And Taco's are driver's side drop front axles.

geocrasher said:
Not my specialty here, but as far as I know the only other 4x4's to use offset diffs like LC's are Disco's and Samurai's.
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Don't forget Dana 18 and Quadratrac equipped Jeeps.:hillbilly:

chicago said:
Don't forget... Trailer queen means you are restricted to running LOOPS!!
also.... It kills some of the spontaneity too!!!

I'd reg it, but that's me!!
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What he said ^^

Jack
 
locrwln1 said:
Don't forget Dana 18 and Quadratrac equipped Jeeps.:hillbilly:
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I'm sorry it looked like you said something there but it was just a bunch of unintelligible nonsense. :p

Yeah I didn't really want to bring those up. aren't really "crawler" material, not to a Toyota guy anyway.

I was thinking about this a bit. If I were in your shoes I'd get a Toy mini, SAS it, get a new housing for the 80 axle I've got, a centered one. Then I'd cut the rear frame off and build a tubed rearend, and link it front and back, lockers etc.

Please don't take this as heresy either, but after having exposure to the Mitsubishi's with my little raider, they are STOUT. If you were to find a 88-91 V6 raider with an auto, you could swap a 231 transfer case (pass drop) and a toy IFS axle in the back and your 80 axle in the front. See what some of the guys at the mitsubishi section of 4x4wire.com are doing with their SAS's. Solid motors, good transmissions (a340's even) and beefy frames.
 
That is a nice truck. Almost too nice and man is he proud of it.


Now the bad...

Carb'd and not FI, so you have 90ish sreaming squirrels under the hood.
4spd tranny: Not that strong, so figure on replacing that with a 5spd, the later model the better or get one from Marlin with all of the upgrades.
Front axle will need much reinforcement to withstand any tire/locker/wheeling. The '79-80 model front axle has no factory truss what so ever.
Rear axle will need to be replaced with an IFS axle or the tires will rub the frame when it articulates.
Wrong steering box that will have to be changed out for an IFS box (not a big deal, just one more thing to do).
Small driveshaft bolts and flanges that will need replacement, so figure on new driveshaft all the way around.

Sorry to be a Debbie-Downer, but I think you will find the later model the better, especially for the money.

Jack
 
No Debbie downer! I posted cause I don't know what years have what drivetrain.
I need to try and learn what years have what, but that's not easy... Ill keep on looking.
 
Nice truck but your still in the to much money range for what you wanna build BE PATIENT it will come at the price you want just keep watchin bud it will happen but look all over not just Nevada look at Northern Cal as well. if your patient it will come and be at a good price look at THE 4X4 Forums as well Reno 4x4, the Rock Gods and so on even Pirate4x4 it will come just dont rush into this or you might REGRET it

Dan :cheers::steer::bounce::bounce2:
 
Ok here the deal Matt i have an 89 Toyota Ext cab pickup the trans is out and we just put a diff one in it is an Automatic with the 3.0 v6 has about 155,000 on the odo the truck is in fair shape and i want 600 but am willin to negotiate some this is a complete truck and would make a good builder and the price is way better than 4200 this would give you lots of play room
Call me at 775-530-4292 anytime after 4 pm weekdays and just about anytime weekends plz dont call after 9 pm weekdays


Dan :cheers::steer::bounce::bounce2:
 
DiscoveredLC said:
Toyota 1988 pick truck
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Nice truck but I agree with FallonDan, waaay too much money for an '88 truck. Unless it is a low mileage motor.

The good is that it is a v6 (3.0) which while it's not a great motor, the '88's were the good years, my brother's had 260k before it went. And they will feel so much stronger than a 4 banger from that era. 150hp vs. 115hp. Also, when/if the 3.0 blows, a 3.4 will bolt in (motor mounts and to tranny). All you need is a 2" body lift or hole in the hood to clear the intake of the 3.4.

Great 5spd tranny, it is an R150 which was the same one used behind Supras both NA and turbo models, 1st gen Tacomas. Also it is the same basic transmission used all Jeep 4.0 liter inline sixes until 2000 or so. They are very well regarded.

One of the only bad things is that you can't use the t-case and you have to add an adapter to run a 4cyl t-case(s).

The good is the v6 rear diff, which is as strong as the toyota 8" got, so no need to upgrade the third member for any gear/locker you want.

Jack
 
HOLY EFFFFFF!!!!
4200!?!?!? it just KILLS ME. What some of these people want for their stuff!!!
That has to include a "happy ending" for that much!! You could get a pretty nice 40 for that!!

Are you looking for NO MODS!?

You'd be money ahead if you got something partially or mostly built, IMO!!
 
krokarthecrooked said:
Ok here the deal Matt i have an 89 Toyota Ext cab pickup the trans is out and we just put a diff one in it is an Automatic with the 3.0 v6 has about 155,000 on the odo the truck is in fair shape and i want 600 but am willin to negotiate some this is a complete truck and would make a good builder and the price is way better than 4200 this would give you lots of play room
Call me at 775-530-4292 anytime after 4 pm weekdays and just about anytime weekends plz dont call after 9 pm weekdays


Dan :cheers::steer::bounce::bounce2:
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Thanks Dan! Could you send me some pics? Here's my email... NVflytyer1@aol.com I'll talk to my dad about it this week when i see him.

locrwln1 said:
Nice truck but I agree with FallonDan, waaay too much money for an '88 truck. Unless it is a low mileage motor.

The good is that it is a v6 (3.0) which while it's not a great motor, the '88's were the good years, my brother's had 260k before it went. And they will feel so much stronger than a 4 banger from that era. 150hp vs. 115hp. Also, when/if the 3.0 blows, a 3.4 will bolt in (motor mounts and to tranny). All you need is a 2" body lift or hole in the hood to clear the intake of the 3.4.

Great 5spd tranny, it is an R150 which was the same one used behind Supras both NA and turbo models, 1st gen Tacomas. Also it is the same basic transmission used all Jeep 4.0 liter inline sixes until 2000 or so. They are very well regarded.

One of the only bad things is that you can't use the t-case and you have to add an adapter to run a 4cyl t-case(s).

The good is the v6 rear diff, which is as strong as the toyota 8" got, so no need to upgrade the third member for any gear/locker you want.

Jack
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Perfect, thanks Jack. Thats nice to know a 3.4 will bolt right up. I'll do some more research and see what others have done as far as the swap.

chicago said:
HOLY EFFFFFF!!!!
4200!?!?!? it just KILLS ME. What some of these people want for their stuff!!!
That has to include a "happy ending" for that much!! You could get a pretty nice 40 for that!!

Are you looking for NO MODS!?

You'd be money ahead if you got something partially or mostly built, IMO!!
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Yeah it amazes me what people are asking on craigslist for these rigs.

I have been looking for a truck that is built somewhat, but I havent come across anything yet. All the rigs are completely built and $$$ and that leaves no room for me to build anything. If I can find a truck that has some drivetrain mods and tires/lift, that would be nice. I want to be able to build a cage and a lot of other things so my dad and I can make it what we want. Half the fun is the build and i dont want to wheel someone elses creation.


My dad loves the 40's, and Ive actually thought about that. Just seems the ones out there are 5-6k+ for one thats in decent shape. I'm just trying to find something that doesnt need engine work cause thats not my strong spot...
 
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