I just got a 1981 toyota pickup 4 speed, all original 2nd owner with 59,567 original miles on it. Im looking into the right way to lower the front right now. I just ordered 4'' drop blocks for the rear but havent decided what to do about the front. I plan for a low and slow awesome looking daily.

 

Sweet find! Just let the torsion bars out to match...when you go #moarlow the front suspension can be replaced with newer design (or just heavier duty bars). Spindles and 1ton bars is a good static front setup. There's a ton of info round these parts! Welcome to the site!

 

Nice truck, plus 59K miles!! Mine also has the white front bumper (same year).

 

Alright guys. I put 4inch blocks on the rear, and lowered the torsion bars and this is what I ended up with on the first go. Getting drop spindles in the upcoming months as well as a full bushing kit and going to look into a newer year front suspension. So far I'm happy with the look and the ride is as bouncy as any other lowered car would ride.

 

Some more progress.

 

U need to take the bump stops out they are over rated give me a call when you want to get the tranny

 

Still got the cluster as well? Should be soon. Starting a better paying job at Toyota of all places on Monday.

 

So I got a little frisky the other night and am pretty sure I blew the head gasket.
Cylinder 4 is not firing, still has spark from plug and wire. The plug was covered with oil though.
I've been told hole in the valve and also blown head gasket. I'm ripping the head off to inspect both and because with the age I might as well have already done it before now. I drove the truck a mile home the night it happened and the temp stayed normal but it was not having anything to do with idling or running. I had to keep it alive the whole trip. Any insight would help and I'll post progress as I go.

 

Got the exhaust manifold off today. Now to start labeling vacuum lines before I start on the intake side.

 

Got everything all labeled for disassembly.

 

Looks good,kept going! And slam that bitch!!

 

Thanks! I just need to get it back on the road. Anyone on here know the best place to source a fresh 22r?

 

So I figured out my issue...

 

So As you guys probably put together, I had the bolt from the air cleaner box and carb shoot through the system into my head almost to the block. I got the head repaired and inspected piston 4. Now I'm putting the final touches on getting the head and everything else back together.

Here's my progress.

The first set is me waiting for the machine shop, so I decided to clean and start painting some things.

Engine bay cleaned with simple green. 34 years of grime and sludge gone.

Then I started stripping my valve cover. But I still don't know a good color.

 

Next up we have my grille and side markers.

I used rustolium heavy duty outdoor paint, flat black. Looks awesome!

Then I ordered new side markers for the front from Rock Auto for $12. They came with the whole housing and even new pig tails. Very easy installation. Look great.

 

Now for the good stuff.

 

And a few more

 

Oh yeah. I almost forgot.

 

coming along what machine shop did u use