Should I modify this low mile truck?

Will try to make this short. I snagged a 4cly reg cab, 4x4, auto transmission, 1995 SX or DXL or whatever (chrome trim and aluminum wheels/10.5 tires/B04a).

It has about 30k miles on it, good history/carfax. It came from a northern state.

Importantly it has no AC and auto transmission which are 2 downsides.

My current daily is an F250 and I currently have my f350 backup for sale (f250 works fine). My brother drives a 10 year old Mazda and had an 06 Tacoma before that he misses. We could use a backup little truck. I am going to pay for everything and keep it in my name but we will restore it together as he lives 3 miles away and will want to use it for Home Depot stuff. Blah blah blah

Ok…. So I am doing a frame swap on it. First i thought I could back half it but the frame is getting flaky around the front suspension.

I found a clean 95 frame out of of a 5 speed truck and put a deposit on it, I also put a deposit on all the parts I would need for a 5 speed swap and parts to install AC. I also planned to do a 2 inch lift, Trutrac and some 32s on aftermarket wheels. Also bluetooth mod the radio, speakers, and dynomat the interior.

Now we are having discussions about leaving it an auto, stock wheels/suspension, and just doing the AC and radio.




My question is to retain the value should I leave it Auto. I collect cars as a hobby and like to sell them occasionally; can always get another. AC install.

Option 2 5 speed, trutrac, 1.5” lift, stock wheels with 31s. AC install.


Would probably do the bluetooth mod either way.

 

Automatic trans provides a larger potential resell market.

 

I'd say do the mods you want especially if you plan on keeping the truck forever

 

We probably won’t keep it forever. But there is a 50/50 potential for that.

 

These are desirable, but not really collectible in the Mecum sense

Personally I'd do the frame, leave it auto (and service it well), stock wheels, plus size tires appropriate for how the vehicle will be used, upgrade the suspension, replace all the suspension bushings, all fluids swapped, Monstaliner the inside of the bed, add the AC and radio of your choice and enjoy it.

If the frame is in need of replacement, you're going to find lots of other parts need replacing while taking it apart. Just plan on that. It's the right time to super clean and protective coat everything, as well as service parts normally tougher to get to.

 

Aside from the frame, how clean is the rest of the truck? Are we talking "immaculate" or "been used pretty hard, just has a low Odo?"

And since you're new here, I just want to point out that in 95, both the pickup and the Taco were available. Are you 100% about what you have and what you're buying for donor parts?

 

Its a Tacoma. 95.5?


Everything else is in decent shape for a 30 year old truck. No rust issues besides frame

 

I say do the whole slew of mods (5speed, Bluetooth, AC, Truetrac, 32" tires). You'll still be able to sell it for good money if it's as clean as you describe. And sites like this would be a good place to sell it once modified (if you decide to). Plus the 5-speed really livens up these trucks and makes them more enjoyable to use in my opinion.

 

I am buying the 5 speed stuff since the donor truck is also a 95.

I can decide later.

I just need my thread asking for a list of swap items to be responded too so I dont miss anything and waste money or have junk I can’t use.

 

I collect cars as a hobby also, I would do all the mods listed. I don't think it would decrease value if done well. It's not a Hemi Cuda.

 

Yeah I think once the AC swap goes in who cares I might as well 5 speed swap it. I can rebuild it and put the higher 5th gear ratio I read about into it.

One of my tenants is a powder coater and just told me he can get the stock rims back 100% factory looking. I told him try to save the original tires so I could save them lol (yes it still has the original tires on it). Can put some 31 or 32s on the stock rims and thats fine.

I was thinking get a second one and I may as I have a lead on an 80k mile one with 5 speed but I am running out of room. Supposedly doesn’t need a frame but its risky because I can’t see it in person.

Maybe just do this one the way I want.

 

Just do this one the way you want and enjoy it. Then if you decide to sell it, you'll likely get all of your money back out of it then. You won't lose big money unless some buffoon without insurance hits you and totals it

 

Daily reminder low miles on a 30 year old truck doesn't mean much

Sitting can be worse than running

 

True but she feels nice and tight