79 4WD In Portland Area_ My Story

Discussion in 'Introduce Yourself' started by Lowranger, Apr 2, 2018.

  1. Lowranger

    Lowranger Newbie

    Joined:
    Apr 1, 2018
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    Hi friends,

    Portland Oregon area

    1979 4WD Short Box

    Original owner

    Red w/ white Brahma Canopy

    MY STORY...

    Had an FJ40 that I bought brand new in 1978.

    I was 19 years old.

    $6953.50 as I look at my old window sticker in my hand

    Heavily modified it.

    Lifted, 12.00x15 tires, Offy, Carter 500, Hooker Headers.

    Great off-roader.

    Terrible mileage.

    9 mpg ?

    Gas was approaching $1.00/gallon !

    Then in autumn '78 rumors of a NEW Toy, the "Son Of a Landcruiser" as Toyota called it in their ad campaign.

    Read all about it in mags such as 4wd & Off Road.

    Test drove one in early '79.

    Placed orders at all nearby dealers for the scarce new truck that was so hard to find.

    Got the call from a dealer in late June.

    Capital Toyota in Salem had one if I wanted it.

    Did I want it ???

    OH YEAH !!!

    Sport Truck, power steering, no air, Line-a-Bed.

    Just what I wanted.

    Dad flew me down in his Cessna 210.

    Salesman picked us up at the airport.

    $7214.25 as I look at my old window sticker in my hand.

    I was 20.

    Carter was president, the Shah ruled Iran, and John Wayne was still kicking.

    Mount Saint Helens was a beautiful snowcone and not a smoldering volcano.

    I remember when it was such a novelty that I'd exchange waves and headlights with other Toy Boys as we wheeled about town.

    Many great adventures over the years.

    Spun a crank bearing in 2000 and rebuilt.

    Around 140,000 miles total in about 38 years.

    Never wrecked and like new inside/out.

    Every day I get to drive her I'm so grateful that I found my perfect rig when I was so young.

    Last NEW rig I've purchased.

    De-smogged her 5 years ago.

    Last year my original Nippondenso 55 amp Alternator gave up the ghost.

    Installed a GM 105 amp CS130 Alternator on the old smog pump bracket passenger side.

    Works great and proud of this upgrade.

    Details available if needed, just ask.

    Having some stalling issues lately and have just replaced dizzie with a Cardone reman and waiting on GM HEI ICM (igniter), coil, and heatsink to complete this latest upgrade.

    Look forward to many visits here with others who share my affliction/addiction.
     
  2. Hands_On_Henry

    Hands_On_Henry Member

    Joined:
    Dec 5, 2017
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    Location:
    Michigan
    Truck:
    1985 22R/4spd
    Very Cool!
    Welcome
     
  3. Cliff Fischer

    Cliff Fischer Newbie

    Joined:
    Mar 25, 2018
    Messages:
    22
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    Location:
    Arkansas
    Truck:
    1988 Pickup 5 speed, 2012 Tundra Platinum 4x4

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