85 Toyota...Saved from the scrapyard

DrankinInTheWoods · Jan 24, 2018

A little over a year ago, a buddy of mine bought a few Toyota trucks. One of them being an 85 short bed. I was rigless for about 6 years and wanted something to just get back out in the woods and also a driver. The 22r was blown and clearly needed a trunion bearing replaced. So, for $400 I loaded it up and drug it home with no real plan or direction I was going to take it.

BUG-E J · Jan 24, 2018

I had a chance to buy a long bed fuel injected one a few years ago that ended up going to the scrap yard. Kick myself in the ass for not doing it

DrankinInTheWoods · Jan 24, 2018

The first plan of attack was to get it cleaned up. It had been sitting since 2011. The front axle looked like a Cummins with 600,000 rough miles on it. Grease and oil covered the entire bottom of the truck. I found a 2wd 87 for $300 than needed a head gasket, but ran. It was a perfect donor. I also put a tag and insurance on it before I got it home. The reason behind this was if it was tagged and insured, I wouldn't let it just sit around for years before I decided not to do anything and let it go.

DrankinInTheWoods · Jan 24, 2018

So within a couple of short weeks, and a ton of help from a few good friends the motor was rebuilt, as was the whole front axle. As I started all this, my plan has been 63s in the rear and RUF. I've tossed that idea around a few times in the past year. I couldn't find a decent set of 31s for less than $600. Knowing I was going bigger, and this isn't my only means of transportation I called up a guy and bought a set of 31x10.50 recaps for $400 for the set. Knowing what I know now, and as hard as I've driven these tires on and off road I absolutely love them. Can not beat them for the price. Got everything ready to go, made it 1 mile out of the shop and the factory radiator took a dump. Drove it back to the shop, replaced it with the 2wd radiator and haven't had a cooling problem since.

DrankinInTheWoods · Jan 24, 2018

A few more photos

DrankinInTheWoods · Jan 24, 2018

A few more photos

DrankinInTheWoods · Jan 24, 2018

After the first several miles I noticed it was running terrible. Fuel filter was completely clogged. Threw a new filter on it, within a matter of miles it was clogged again. I did a little looking around and found a direct replacement take for under $100 shipped. I also did a few cosmetic upgrades. New tailight lenses, bumper back window, seat, and take off the General Lee wheels. After a few wheeling trips it was time for a few essentials. Winch and rear locker.

DrankinInTheWoods · Jan 24, 2018

So, now I've had the truck up and running about a year. I get out a wheel the crap out of it and also find myself driving it around town more than I do my Tundra. I got hammered drunk one night and decided to order a dual case adapter. Around the same time a buddy of mine brought up the idea of selling his front axle (6 shooters, longfields) so I jumped on it. I have since ordered most of the parts I need to get this thing where I originally wanted it. In the next couple months, I will be doing the axle swap, spring swap, hydro assist, high steer, sliders and cage. I will keep this updated as I go along.