Toyota Mini Truck Bed Interchangeability

[G-Cat]

I am bringing my 1986 US Spec 4x4 Short Bed, Standard Cab mini truck from my sister's barn to my house this weekend.

I have researched on here and Yotatech and have found many threads about changing the bed with later-model trucks...but nothing about the earlier trucks.

I'm not 100% sure what year the bed pictured is from, but wanted to know if one of the min-truck experts could tell me if the pictured bed would fit my 1986 without mods, with minor mods or with heavy mods.

I appreciate the help!
* Edit: No idea why the one image is so tiny.

 

[pappy]

My first impression is this is a Gen2 bed from a 2WD truck. That means it will probably bolt up OK. Let us know how this works.

 

[KLF]

Yeah, that photo is from a 2WD '84-88 era pickup. 4WD beds have flared out fenders and never came with that rolled lip on the top and the "2-touch" tailgate. Should fit no problem, but your best check is to look at the detailed frame diagrams in the back of a FSM from that era.

 

[Mudder]

I've been told when i was looking for a bed that 2wd and 4wd beds are interchangeable.

 

[ntsqd]

Years ago I got interested in the many variants of 4wd beds and did a lot of informal research on the topic.

That bed would be what I've come to call a "JDM" bed, except it lacks cargo hooks. Interesting, a new variant. Maybe a 2wd only thing?

FWIW my '84 has that lip style and cargo hooks, but with the center-latch tail-gate. I've labeled those a "Canadian" bed as it seems that trucks destined for sale in Canada were the usual, but not exclusive, recipients of that style.

The bed that I call a "Federal" bed has the rails with no hooks like the OP's pic, but a center latch tail-gate.

The smooth sided bed, as is what the bed in KLF's avatar appears to be, with a center latched tail-gate seemed most commonly sold in California though it was obviously sold elsewhere too. I've labeled those the "CA" bed.

AFAIK within a bed length they all interchange.

 

[G-Cat]

Unbelievable the amount of knowledge here.

I plan to buy the bed and use it:

1) as my 11-year-olds bed (building a small platform and throwing a mattress in) and, then

2) to replace my OE smooth side "CA" bed which is probably a 6.5 out of 10 with poorly repaired (though minimal) rust-through above both rear "fenders".

Thanks for the replies, guys.

 

[My71FJ40]

Yeah, that photo is from a 2WD '84-88 era pickup. 4WD beds have flared out fenders and never came with that rolled lip on the top and the "2-touch" tailgate. Should fit no problem, but your best check is to look at the detailed frame diagrams in the back of a FSM from that era.

Not entirely true, I don't know how many were made but sorta rare and I've been looking for this bed for a project. 4x4 flared fenders with rolled edge and hooks.

 

[Mudder]

Funny this pops up tonight. I was just looking into beds so I can get rid of my flatbed for now, 3rd gen beds will fit 2nd gens with the exception of the two back bolts.

 

[G-Cat]

The bed I pictured was a Craigslist find for $200 with tailgate and lights. Probably went very quick as the owner never returned my texts.

I ended-up sanding and using filer for the rust holes and painting with color-matched white in rattle cans. Weird though, as the new "color-matched" paint has more yellow in it than the cab of the truck. Thought it would be the other way around after 30 years. Maybe the truck has bleached-out...maybe I should triple check my color code. Pic to follow...

 

[My71FJ40]

Older paint had lead in it and was superior.

 

[KLF]

Not entirely true, I don't know how many were made but sorta rare and I've been looking for this bed for a project. 4x4 flared fenders with rolled edge and hooks.

View attachment 1368071

I'm not convinced. That truck was either a one-off custom job, or it's a fiberglass replacement bed. With all the other crap bolted on that thing, could be anything. What's up with those mirrors?

TOYOTA PICKUP Catalogue-

Show me a factory lit brochure, or get beno or C-Dan to confirm. I'm happy to be wrong on this.

 

[Box Rocket]

The 2wd bed from '86-88 will have less flare and the wheel arch is slightly smaller. You can also tell the 2wd bed by the crease around the wheel arch opening. This is a 2wd bed on this truck.

Compared to a 4wd bed from the same era. Larger flare, no hook sides, no wheel arch crease. 4WD bed will also have the rock chip guard at the forward edge of the fender.

But they are interchangeable.

 

[G-Cat]

4WD bed will also have the rock chip guard at the forward edge of the fender

Speaking of, does Toyota still sell the rock chip guards? If so, anyone have a PN or description. I've searched the Interwebs with no luck.

EDIT: Found it. Cover, Quarter Wheel House: $40.00ish per from Toyota

1986 Toyota Pickup Rear Body Side Panel - ToyotaPartsDeal.com

 

[KLF]

I actually tossed mine when I had my bed painted, had them fill in the holes. They trap mud & salty slush and can promote rusting. Once you find it, it's too late. I had them apply anti-chip paint in that section of the bed.

 

[Box Rocket]

the '84-88 beds were the worst for rust! I tossed the bed on my '85 and built a flatbed for it.
Before:


After:

 

[KLF]

Agreed. I'm sure that will be my direction at some point. I keep mine marinating in Fluid Film and 90W, but eventually...

 

[snobdds]

I am bringing my 1986 US Spec 4x4 Short Bed, Standard Cab mini truck from my sister's barn to my house this weekend.

I have researched on here and Yotatech and have found many threads about changing the bed with later-model trucks...but nothing about the earlier trucks.

I'm not 100% sure what year the bed pictured is from, but wanted to know if one of the min-truck experts could tell me if the pictured bed would fit my 1986 without mods, with minor mods or with heavy mods.

I appreciate the help!
* Edit: No idea why the one image is so tiny.

View attachment 1093613

View attachment 1093614

That's Canadian, eh.

 

[snobdds]

I went fiberglass and never looked back. Best money I ever put into the truck.

 

[CStoop]

I could use any help identifying this bed as well. Just picked up this '86 4x4 project and a little confused on what bed it has: It is just a little wider then the cab on both sides...plus the rocker panels don't seem to match?? Note it does still have the original VIN# sticker on the front fenders.

 

[Box Rocket]

I could use any help identifying this bed as well. Just picked up this '86 4x4 project and a little confused on what bed it has: It is just a little wider then the cab on both sides...plus the rocker panels don't seem to match?? Note it does still have the original VIN# sticker on the front fenders.

That bed is off a 3rd gen pickup (1989-1995)