1986 Turbo EFI Purchasing Help

So I have been holding off getting another truck until I got my dealers license in a few weeks so I could hit the auctions..... but I may have found my childhood dream truck. The ad seemed sketchy but the guy responded and I think im going to go check it out. Its 6 hours away from me. I want to get some advice from you guys so I can ask the right questions before I commit to the trip. What are some specific things I should check for? I know these trucks are hard to put a value on and location will affect value but any idea what one of these in good rust free condition goes for? Am I going to have a hard time finding parts for anything? Any helpful advice would be much appreciated. I am not looking to buy this as a show truck, it will be used as my daily and my main dirt toy. I have an 02 DC TRD right now that I will be using as my camping setup and wifes daily, so whatever truck I get now will be the one I get to play with in the mountains.

 

The boxes on these trucks rust like nothing else. Bring a magnet and check the top ridge of the bed side flare in the center. Toyota really fucked the dog with this box design and when it came to protecting it from rust.

 

Nice truck! I’ve owned several Toyota trucks sine 82. The 22re timing chains should me replace regularly, the guides break then the chain can wear through the timing cover. Check the front axle shaft driver side, they can wear enough to cause the seal to leak. Just a couple of things I’ve experienced. Good luck looks like a fun toy.

 

@Itchyfeet I can see what your saying, ill make sure to check for rust really well. The trucks in a small town in Idaho, not much rust around here unless they came from cali.
@markmb45 Thanks for the advice! Timing chain issues and regular required replacement might not be something I am ready for. I need to look it up but im sure the job is not easy. How often are we talking?

 

Really, the only issue with these Toyota pickups are rust. I know the later 3VZ v6 had a head gasket issues, but that looks like the 22R or 22RE so I think you’re good there.

Really do inspect that frame. Check where the Leafspring perches are especially.

I’d ask him for frame pics before you take the drive.

 

They rust in that area even in drier climates. If the inner side panels are removed you'll see where Toyota tried to save a few bucks. The inner bed side has nothing for paint on it, just primer and insult to injury they didn't use seam sealer on the wheel tubs where they meet the beside side. It gets full of trash and dirt behind those panels.

 

@BartMaster1234 and @Itchyfeet Yeah Ill definitely be checking for rust and any patched areas. He said he would take better pictures for me today.

@Jamesboy2233 I have heard about issues with the turbos cracking and cooling issues when shutting the engine off while its hot. I was thinking I would freshen up the turbo system with some new components if I got it anyways. I would also want to lift and lock the rear.

 

@Jamesboy2233 I wouldnt lock it full time.

 

@Jamesboy2233 sounds like i need to do some more research...thanks for the heads up.

 

I had a 1987 turbo 4Runner and the turbo exhaust housing was cracked. Finding parts for the CT20 turbo can get expensive pretty quick. And like mentioned, the timing chain guides wear out or break and the chain can slack and dig into the cover. If you need to take the turbo apart, it can be a real pain getting the oil lines and cooling lines back into place without leaks. But once everything is running right, it's a fun combo. I honed out the exhaust manifold and housing for better flow and it spooled up really quick which even more fun.

 

Yeah, not gonna do it. Im too hard on my toys for this one, and I dont feel like searching for obscure parts. Thanks for the help guys.

 

Those trucks are pretty solid. The main issue on those 22ret is cracked manifold.

Visit www.22rte-trucks.com for more info

I had a 22ret swap into my 83 pickup. Ran DOA cam, water cooled intercooler, BOV, boosting 7psi on 37" tires with marlin dual case and F/R elocker. That beast was amazing! Went through all the trouble to make this thing street legal in California.

 

I had an '86 as well and put 400k on it. The only real issue I had was the valve seals would last about 200k. I didn't have the cracked manifold problem and had the turbo rebuilt once but it didn't really need it. I ran a Schneider cam in mine.
Holy Cow! They still make them. http://schneidercams.com/20R22Rturbocharged.aspx

 

It's definitely a cool setup but if it's overpriced and you plan on driving it daily then the chances are the body will fall apart rapidly and it will lose all it's value.

Holy crap, check out this one!

https://www.autotrader.com/cars-for...e1=TOYOTA&modelCode1=PICKUP&clickType=listing