me "new" 1991 Toyota ext cab 4x4 - comments?

[stealthycat]

I had a 1992 Toyota ext cab 4x4, V6, standard SR5 and I put 300,000 on it before I got rid of it. Since then, I've had a couple of big GMC trucks, the last a 2500 HD with the 8100 Vortec engine. When gas prices got bad, I solid it, bought a Sequoia for the wife (V8) and a diesel Jetta for myself.

I've been wanting a Toyota again for a while now, a 4x4 truck, a hunting/fishing truck, not a daily driver.

On Tuesday night, a guy posted this truck for sale on Columbia MO craigslist. The pictures he posted made it look solid, nice, his description was what I was looking for. I figured it wouldn't last long so committed to buying it.

Wed morning I left at 10:30 am, rented a car, drove 410 miles via a long route and at 6 pm met the guy. Kinda dark, rainy ........ heck I was already committed at that point so I did buy it.

Here is what I got.






1992 Toyota ext cab 4x4
3.0 V6
stock except for the rims best I can tell
automatic transmission
172,000 miles
clear and clean title

It drives nice and straight, handles very well I thought for what it is. I drove it 350 miles back, so I got a bit comfortable with it Transmission sounds nice, a bit "hard" when it shifts out of OD but other than that sounds nice. Every now and then it idles a bit rough, then cleans up just as quickly? Once, when I tried starting it, it growled at me, and I turned the key back and forward again and it started fine (bad place on flywheel/starter?)

Its not a strong engine, maybe I'm just spoiled on the big V8's? A few little things needs to be done, like the radio sucks, and the speakers ... I need new seats. Rear glass clip broke, windshield washer pump motor is not working. The gear stick is loose.

Paint is faded bad on hood/top. No rust, only 2 small dings on the whole outside body. Inside the bed is banged up, but very little rust there. Rear bumper banged up some. 4 WD works find, like I said truck drives pretty dang nice. I think the idle issue might be as simple as plugs or fuel filter?



I am NOT a mechanic. However, I do have an interest in trying to fix this truck up. I paid $2500 for it, and it wasn't as nice as I'd expected, however it drives and handles pretty good, other than the cosmetics and little things did I get hurt bad on this deal?[/

I have papers showing in the past 12 months this work being done

timing belt component kit
water pump
harmonic bal
crankshaft pulley/washer/TCK seal
front crankshaft seal
new ignition cables
PCV valve/hose
V/C gasket replaced
AC recharged
new battery





Thoughts/Comments?



IF I keep it, my plan would be to replace the seats, fix all the little things I can, Durabak the whole exterior and maybe even the interior ( http://www.durabakcompany.com/index.htm ) find a nice rear bumper and front with recievers for a winch .... keep it pretty much stock, maybe add a bit of a lift and bigger tires but I'm thinking for the price I aint in it too bad and could have some fun with it.

[YotaJosh]

Glad you found a truck. Looks like a keeper to me.

Any other history on the engine? Ever had the head gaskets done? I'd start saving for a 3.4 swap, as that'd be the perfect mod for that truck and what you are wanting to do with it.

And we're here to help. We'll make a mechanic out of you before you know it.

[Dropmytaco]

it'll never work out... just burn it!









just fuckin with ya.. IMO, the truck looks clean and there's no way i would durabak the hole truck (i've used the stuff, good shit!). suck its an auto, maybe one reason it doesnt run as well as the v8's your use to. i would throw that 3.0 in the trash and put a 3.4L in it and you will have one great DD. truck looks clean, i spent 6 months lookin for the one i've ot now.

[stealthycat]

how difficult is the 3.4 swap if I can find one?

the head gaskets I was told was done .... I didn't look for the sticker to verify though.

Dropmytaco - why not durabak the whole thing?

[domino]

Originally Posted by stealthycat

how difficult is the 3.4 swap if I can find one?

the head gaskets I was told was done .... I didn't look for the sticker to verify though.

Dropmytaco - why not durabak the whole thing?

3.4 swap is pretty involved. I wouldn't attempt it unless you're really comfortable with your mechanical skills. Just keep the 3.0 and maintain it. Except for the HG issue, they're pretty reliable motors even if they are gutless.

x2 on not doing durabak or any other bedliner. My trail rig is covered in pro liner (done by a professional shop). It's peeling off in a lot of places and has faded quite a bit. IMO, a decent paint job would look a lot better.

[Dropmytaco]

3.4L "bolts" right in, just the wiring isnt fun, but its 50 times the motor of the 3.0 (reliable, power, etc.). i mean dont be scared, im still beating on my 3.slow

the body still looks good to me, if you were going to wheel it and beat on it then i would say go for it! just my

[stealthycat]

its a hunting and fishing truck - I'd do like a War Eagle type camo job but spending $1500 on a paint job for a $2500 truck? Naw ..... I'd rather $300-400 in durabak or $75 on Krylon Fusion and camo it

[fulleroffroad1]

Originally Posted by stealthycat

its a hunting and fishing truck - I'd do like a War Eagle type camo job but spending $1500 on a paint job for a $2500 truck? Naw ..... I'd rather $300-400 in durabak or $75 on Krylon Fusion and camo it

I krylon sprayed my truck olive drab green (exact same truck you have) and i didn't really like the outcome. I would have rather left it alone or had it painted. just my


If you search in the tech sections there are some pictures of what it turned out like...but the thread is pretty old.

[stealthycat]

Anyone local to central Arkansas that can camo paint a truck for a good price?

[YotaJosh]

Originally Posted by stealthycat

Anyone local to central Arkansas that can camo paint a truck for a good price?

I hear you can. Grab some cans, and layout a template.

Here's you some inspiration:

http://www.norcalttora.com/~dean/tru...start/stage07/



You might get some more ideas by reading up in the Paint/Body sections of the forum: http://ttora.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?f=156

[Jordan7118]

Hey Brad,

Thanks for the PM. Unfortunately I don't have any of the stuff ya needed.

For bumpers, there are several people on this board that are willing to help you build a bumper for some sweat equity, some beer, and maybe a little cash.

Civic seats supposedly are close to a bolt-in for seats if your seats are really bad enough to replace.

I like the paint. It's a good color. It doesn't appear to be that bad. And I definitely wouldn't use durabak or anything like that in place of paint. Durabak the bed, definitely, but it just makes a truck look like it's owned by a hill-billy (no offense, Aaron )

The 3.0 is a decent motor if maintained. I say you got a good deal because all of the problem areas for that engine were addressed before sale (belt, etc.) with the one exception of the head gasket. HG's are a known weak spot for that engine.

Don't bother with a 3.4 swap right now. More mechanical / electrical than I think you're ready for. The 3.0 will do what ya need for a hunting / wheeling rig, me thinks. Sucks that it's an auto, but whatever....


Post up the parts you need in the classified section and maybe somebody will be able to help ya out!!!

[Dropmytaco]

more my style, but to each his own

[stealthycat]

http://www.durabakcompany.com/innovations.html

ya'll don't think I could do this Toyota in a nice tan, black the base and stencil a black TOYOTA 4X4 sig or something on it and make it look sweet?

[domino]

Originally Posted by stealthycat

http://www.durabakcompany.com/innovations.html

ya'll don't think I could do this Toyota in a nice tan, black the base and stencil a black TOYOTA 4X4 sig or something on it and make it look sweet?

Oh, it can be done.. But if you're trying to make the truck look better bedliner isn't the option. I think the paint scheme on the truck now looks much better than any durabak would. FYI: This is coming from a guy with one beater truck with peeled off bedliner and one silver tacoma with the same or worse paint fading that you have. I'll paint pink flowers on the tacoma before I put bedliner on it.

[YotaJosh]

Plus, the original stripes are far cooler than bedliner. One thing I don't like about the bedliner is the "hard to clean" factor. It's hard to get mud and such out of the texture.

Here's some original schemes to oogle: http://board.marlincrawler.com/index.php?topic=44007.0

[Dropmytaco]

Originally Posted by stealthycat

ya'll don't think I could do this Toyota in a nice tan, black the base and stencil a black TOYOTA 4X4 sig or something on it and make it look sweet?

I think you can do it, dont listen to anyone do what you want. Trust me, most of us here do what we want, i mean shit we cut up perfectly good trucks!

[jujew]

It looks like this guy used a wrap and it only cost him ~$700 total, and he's an Arkansan:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthrea...=1#post1789303



Here is my favorite camo pattern. I was looking for a photo of a Taco I have seen with this exact paint job but could not find it.

[79coyotefrg]

Originally Posted by stealthycat

I am NOT a mechanic. However, I do have an interest in trying to fix this truck up. I paid $2500 for it, and it wasn't as nice as I'd expected, however it drives and handles pretty good, other than the cosmetics and little things did I get hurt bad on this deal?[/

I have papers showing in the past 12 months this work being done

timing belt component kit
water pump
harmonic bal
crankshaft pulley/washer/TCK seal
front crankshaft seal
new ignition cables
PCV valve/hose
V/C gasket replaced
AC recharged
new battery

IF I keep it, my plan would be to replace the seats, fix all the little things I can, Durabak the whole exterior and maybe even the interior ( http://www.durabakcompany.com/index.htm ) find a nice rear bumper and front with recievers for a winch .... keep it pretty much stock, maybe add a bit of a lift and bigger tires but I'm thinking for the price I aint in it too bad and could have some fun with it.

i think you found a good deal, look in the door jamb and let me know what the axle code is, i'm hoping its G144, cause that means stock 4.88's
if it says G292 then we need to find you a 4runner with the 4.88's and swap it into your truck, (direct bolt in) and you'll have much more torque and a easier cruise on the highway

dude, put the camo wrap on the bottom , some custom bumpers front and rear

newman99 does some bad ass bumpers and is here in Central Arkansas

[stealthycat]

79coyotefrg

G294 .... is that the 4.10 ?

[79coyotefrg]

Originally Posted by stealthycat

79coyotefrg

G294 .... is that the 4.10 ?

yep, thats a 4.10 we need to find you some 4.88's 4runners from 90-95 with 3.0 and auto i think all have the G144 (4.88) this will get you going easier and stronger