Still Untitled - 1989 Toyota Pickup Full Restoration

Great project. Instead of coilover set up in the front I’d do a solid axle conversion. Again great project and great job!!

 

I have a ‘90 pickup with the 3.0 that runs great with 253k original miles. Just like any engine, if neglected it will eventually fail.

Great work thumbs up

 

Thank you! This is my kind of attitude.

Everyone hates on this engine and dismisses it (and the IFS). They aren't bad designs, and they are very capable. The most "off-road" this truck will see is some gravel roads heading to and from trail heads so I can ride my bike. It's purpose (re)built to be a comfortable, quite, enjoyable ride for getting around town and something I can relax in after a 20 mile MTB ride. So I don't need to swap the engine, or put a solid front axles or give it a 6 inches lift or put 36" tires on it. Not every truck needs to be able to climb Mount Everest. Some simply need to be a comfortable ride for a dude that's 6'3" that doesn't have to do deep squats to get in his vehicle.

I won't argue that the 3.0 has issues, but with some slight modifications I think I'll be able to fixed most of them.

But I'll hop off my soap box now. AND, sorry there hasn't been much movement on the truck lately. I've been working my tail off trying to get into a bigger more capable shop. Soon. I promise, soon.

 

310k miles on my 88 3.0L 5-speed. It will need a rebuild soon, but by my understanding, it will be the first. It was a one owner until 2017. Loads more power than the 22r I had in my 84. People just hate on the 3.0. Hell my 2005 4.0l Tacoma blew a Head gasket also....

The build is looking great. Good luck on the new shop.

 

3.0 5 speed is a good combo, I owned 1992 3.Slow 4Runner in Auto and it put a bad taste in my mouth the first time I drove it to Colorado but I live near an avid 80's Toyota enthusiast who usually has 3-4 80's Toys at a time who swears by his 3.0s.

 

Not hijacking your work. More 3.0 love to share. 253,000+ miles original motor and 5-speed transmission.

 

Don't worry guys. The truck project hasn't died! I've been steadily working on it since that last post. So here is an update!

I switched gears away from the frame since I'm still working on the big shop and getting a 3d scanner (spoiler) and moved to rebuiling the rear axle. Here is the first video that started that process:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hEMaJfRzrIg

I went through it all. Sandblasted all the external surfaces. Replaced the all the bearings and seals on the axles. Made my own gaskets. Painted all the external surfaces. And put it all back together. The only thing I didn't touch was the differential. It was in pretty good condition, and I might swap out to a limited slip down the road. Here are some pictures of the work!

 

Just found this thread and holy shit dude you are doing some unbelievably incredible work.

 

Nice work. Update?

 

I think he’s a little more active on his channel (I’m watching all his videos roughy now)
https://youtu.be/BNJXf8IJuio here is his most recent video on his frame jig.

 

How’s it coming?

 

Nice work on your 1989, My brother wants to sell me his and it is a really good truck, not sure but it is in the 250k mile range but runs strong. Would like to see the latest on this truck but it looks assume. Thanks for sharing