Concerned about rust when upgrading from a 1991 pickup to a 2.7L Tacoma

We don't know what the OP is carrying up the hill. I'm assuming he means gear for skiing etc?

 

You'd have to be there to believe, but there's a ski hill here that has us fueling the truck with prayers everytime we go up it lol downshifting to 1st like engage warpspeed

 

Oh boy

Comfort, 50 more horse power, AC, modern comforts. Oo oo oo , cup holders! That fit regular sized drinks and don't block your "climate" controls! Exciting. A center console for storage. Hell any storage besides the glovebox. Electric door unlock, power windows, mirrors larger than a phone screen. Don't knock it till you try with out all of it!

The 91 base model was BARE bones

 

i agree toyota truck is trash, tacoma is where its at

 

Woah Woah Woah they're awesome trucks in their own rights

Less is sometimes more, they are very reliable and dependable.

So many people have chimed into this post but it's gone off the tracks with only some commenting on the rust.

Would you pay $11000 USD if the frame looked like that?
If money sounds better spent on chasing the ghosts of ponies deceased from my 32 year old engine, that's the question that brought me here

 

I would keep looking if you’re not in a hurry for a new truck. I picked up an ‘08 TRD OR 4x4 with $188k miles for $12k (one owner). The truck was well taken care but had a little rust on the frame that I’m taking care of. Besides that the truck is in great condition. It took me seven months to find it but it was worth the wait to me.

 

Keep looking.

 

some of that rust is beyond just "surface"

at that price, it should have a better frame.

if you want to buy that truck with the rusted up frame, you need that price lower much lower.

you could clean/ treat the frame, but again, some of that rust could be rot and structural. (hard to really tell in a picture)

have you considered regearing your current truck?

and maybe look for some better seats or have the seats rebuilt?
this way, you can use your current truck for longer and not have to be in a rush to buy a newer one.

 

dont walk, but run away...that frame will cause you NOTHING but heartache...

 

Run Forest run ! Too pricy and too rusty...Frame not happy...

 

For that kind of money, is it worth it to you to overhaul your current rig? Not sure how hard it is to do an A/C conversion on those trucks, new seats…rebuild the engine. LCE engineering has a ton of parts for the 22RE.

1UZFE Swap.


Cup holder options.

 

The lower the year the better the truck...

 

I know it’s only a 22RE, there’s lots of aftermarket support from LCE engineering. I bet with an engine rebuild, and bolts ons,you would and feel a significant power gain from your truck. At that point I don’t think you would be far off in power from a larger heavier 2.7 Tacoma.

When I had an auto 22RE 4Runner, I removed the cat and felt a gain in power, not a lot but enough to feel it even with 33’s.




This kit provides 30-40hp over stock.
https://www.lceperformance.com/Top-End-Kit-Pro-22RE-EFI-Toyota-Pickup-4Runner-1-p/1020033.htm

 

Thanks for the advice!
I don't know much about gearing, was under the impression most people changed gearing if they were running 31s or 33s and my tires are just a bit bigger than stock. I am very close to buying LCE headers with a new exhaust, been thinking about it for a year, but wondering if I should do gears or both.

Did put a new seat in, which helped, but should not have gone with a civic seat

 

Thanks everyone, appreciate the advice, my frame on my 91 is in such good condition and the engines been treated well I will avoid this ugly 2nd gen frame.

Catalytic converter was "punched through" by previous owner, I don't think it did anything at all but make it stinky and louder.

It's very gutless, I got 2 different mechanics to look at sources why it struggles. Guess I'll toss more money at it maybe it is something. For sure the holes in the exhaust are a factor.

Mechanic advised A/C conversion isnt worth the hassle, might get a portable battery AC next summer, least my gf prefers windows down ocean side cruises, I just want to hear my music over the roar of my exhaust haha!

 

I think with a little bit of money, blood sweat and tears. That truck would look and feel amazing again. They don’t make them like they used to. Any more pics to share?

 

If highway driving at 120 km / hr is what's making the truck struggle and ruining mpg, regearing from stock wouldn't help as much as improving intake and exhaust mods for better engine breathing?

Removing my mirrors for better aerodynamics? Hahahaha
Taking off the canopy and getting tonneau cover?

 

That’s nice but understand what you would want to upgrade to a newer model. In my case I downgraded- lol. I gave my son my ‘18 OR and I took the ‘08. Always wanted a 2nd gen Tacoma

 

Remove those steps, rear bumper and rear topper.

 

Think I might try to make myself a lighter front bumper before I remove the rear bumper. I like it

Steps are great, didn't know what their point was till I realised there's no rust under my door cab from road salt unlike every other 22re I see on the road.