Hi. I'm 40 and I've been a toyo fan since my first 82 4x4 I had in 97. I've been without one since I sold my 88 4runner a while back. I've been looking for solid 2wd ext cab and, man! they are hard to find around ohio. people want 2-3k for good running trucks that has rusted rockers, bed, doors, fenders and even frames! standard cab can be bought for cheaper but I only wanted the ext cab. Finally found this solid one but it had a bad auto trans (look at this filter pic!). Plus a deer wrecked front end but the frame/floors/bed was great and what rocker rust it have is an easy fix. So after laying out a mere $600 I had it towed home. Bought a trans off ebay after exhaustive searches locally turned up nothing.
Spent 3 days doing the install (wish I had done a play by play on it). Now the toyo is on the road again, grand total so far, $1150. I do love driving the bugger. This one I will keep for good.
My next step is replace the timing chain/guides & both pumps. It looks fine now but I'm doing it before something happens, and before I paint it. Add in a high volt coil, good plugs, time it perfect, adjust the valves, tweak everything to as perfect as possible. Keep it oem but with hot ignition.
Next will be a front end swap with 4x4 fenders, and 4 runner grille/bumper bodywork and paint My paint plan is a two tone oem burgundy top color with the new chrysler "cool vanilla" sides from mid-door handle down, separated by a 2" wide flat black stripe and a flat black hood center with "22RE" edge lettering in the hood insert. Keeping the top color factory allows me to skip the horrible process of painting under the hood and in the door hinges. I will just paint the jambs vanilla from the line down and it all looks right. it will be slick. I may paint the bumper/grille as well. Or I may do a vw gti grille bumper, i have a photo mock up, tell me what you think.
I still haven't got the trans shifting perfect. After much tweaking the tv cable I have it near perfect but it still wont upshift to 3 or od without letting off the gas slightly. No problem driving it this way, it gives an extended shift point if you want it, but maybe someone here has had this issue. I'll post it under tech.
A new set of wheels are a must, I like the 5 star look, it seems many vehicles share this bolt pattern, even mustang, I may opt or a set of gt 5 stars oem wheels. I see tons of cool trucks on here and really like this site but before you get the nails and hammer out to crucify me I must admit, I'm not slamming it. A slight drop to fit the wheels perfect maybe but it must ride great as it will be my main driver and I have haul 1000lbs with it once a month.
I'll keep the changes posted and it's cool to have so many people who enjoy these things to share with.

 

Welcome!! Looks like you got a great deal on the truck! It looks good!! I'm not feeling the VW front but to each their own.

 

Welcome man!

 

Welcome to TM. UM OH UM that front end is .....................UM OH UM YA.

 

gti front end

I have to admit I'm on the fence, but I love doing simple tweaks that have a big effect. I also like that it looks factory but it's still "custom". It will freak out many-o yota fans for sure. Plus if you picture it all one solid color it would again have a completely different look. who knows though I may go for a solid color 4runner front. I've seen a few of those and they do look great, standard but great. Thanks for the welcome

 

Welcome!!!

I like that last pic. Its different.

Trivia: Did you know that VW took the hilux and named it their own for a short while? It was called the Taro

check it out:
Volkswagen Taro - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

 

welcome to the site!

 

Welcome ,good to see another older member( even if your 20 + years my Jr.)
Good looking truck! Now bag that ride & enjoy!