So in the beginning, This is how I got it.


Drove it home like this too!
Came with 3.0 v6 and auto transmission without reverse. Front brakes would lock up if i touched the brake pedal and would not release. So I used just the emergency brake the whole way home.
Now, there seems to be a small hole in the cab that needs attention.

This cab doesn't have a title and the original cab is Arizona rust free. So...

I'm not a welder, but I think I will be much better at it when this truck is road worthy again!
Now, on to the drivetrain. I have owned several Toyotas and have loved them all. That being said, I am a bowtie man at heart and this Toyota will be too! (save the bashing, I'm no purist)


96 Chevy 5.7 vortec and 4l80e automatic transmission. These are both computer controlled components but I am computer illiterate! Motor is getting carbed and the trans is getting rewired to be manually shifted only.
At this point I have already COMPLETELY dismanteled the entire truck. I don't have pictures of it in that state because I have a small garage and it looked like it blew up in there. I couldn't even think, let alone physically work like that. Everything is LOOSELY hung or placed just to be out of the way for the time being.


Motor is getting sent to the machine shop on the 29th of this month (January). I am leaning HEAVILY towards building a 383 stroker. It needs bored 30 over anyway and that's half the battle.

Well, That's where it stands for now. Have some decisions to make about suspension(front and rear). I will post those later to get a little input!
I'm open and looking forward to hearing your input. Thanks for having me here!

 

This is a great start with a cool story already! Have fun with it. Glad to see something other than an LS going under the hood! What are your plans for the bed?

 

By the way, that cab swap is pretty nice! Hat look like it can get pretty messy quick!

 

I'm really excited about this build! I've been wanting one of these trucks for 30 years!
The bed of the truck will be the trailer that I brought the other cab home on. It just so happens, it's the perfect size!

I really wanted to go old school on this truck. No computer or injection. As basic as can be. Besides I can get 400-500 ponies and 400-500 torque out of this motor relatively cheap and easy. Since it's actually going to be my daily, and a work truck, that's plenty. Also reliable longevity.

So, the place where I purchased this cab also had an extended cab that was a little rusty. I'm really kicking myself now for not getting that one. If it is still available, I might just make the switch. I will save this cab for a future project have up my sleeve!
Yeah, I'm only using half the garage. The other half has my son's project Opel GT in it.

 

Interesting build. I've seen plenty of trailers made out of truck beds. I think this is the first truck bed made out of a trailer I've ever heard of.

Keep us posted!

 

Oh that's plenty hp/trq alright. That's a such a cool idea to adapt the trailer as a bed!! Definitely unique.

 

That's funny! Never thought of it that way.

Yeah, it just worked out that it's the perfect size, and the axle is bent anyway. Going to make it into a dump bed with removable sides. I would like to make the whole bed removable, like a hook truck. Then, build a removable 5th wheel hitch. Don't know how to make it all work together yet.

 

Dope!

 

Dammmn, that just sunk in... So, with the 5th, how much weight you think it'll take?

 

I really don't know. Numbers on these Cab and Chassis Toyotas are all over the place. A lot of misinformation because Uhaul, Rv Manufacturers all put their own weight limits on them. That being said, it is a real one ton dually with one ton front spindles and torsion bars also. I believe these were rated at GVWR 9000lbs. The truck only weighs 3500lbs so that leaves 5500lbs. Towing capacity with this drivetrain combination should easily pull 16000lbs. I don't plan on pulling anything that heavy. Maybe an ultralight race trailer. Thats way off though!

 

BTW Erwin, I just read your LEXXXI build. Where are you on that? It was looking so nice I loved what you were doing with the paint scheme on the engine.

 

Lexxxi is tucked up under a camo tarp with her guts ripped out. I have about 4 main pointss of focus on her. Head within spec. Short block too machine shop. New exhaust and wire harness. Slow progress here and there as family has been keeping me busy these last few months. Been also focusing on re tooling my personal arsenal. Thieves got to at least 80% of my stuff including exhaust, clutch and goodies a had laying still bnib. I've painted parts that will be harder to paint once drivetrain is in. My w56 is just waiting dipped in 24k gold metallic paint!! Hahah gota have fun with it.

 

I understand the family thing! That's why I've waited 30 years to find this truck! Bummer about the parts and tools. I'll be eagerly awaiting your progress reports! Hope to get out to the garage and make some progress of my own. Even with all the kids grown, something always sucks my time and money!

 

Hey, all! Sorry it's been a while! Trying to get a direction figured out on this project! V8 motor and transmission need more than I am able to do at this moment, unfortunately. I do have a lead on a motor and that extended cab I mentioned earlier. Just trying to nail down a price. Question for the masses: I have the original 2wd auto transmission. Was bolted to a 3.0 v6. Will it bolt right up to a 22r? Any year specific? Any modifications needed? Is it the same length as a 5 speed manual? OK, so a couple of questions, lol.

 

I'm pretty excited to see how this will turn out

 

Thanks for checking it out. I'm pretty excited, too! Although, I'm stalled for a week or two. Got approval from the boss to purchase ANOTHER donor truck. So I'm on the hunt!

 

I have decided to LS swap my truck, if I can get my hands on a donor! I am trying to find a complete truck. I can then use everything I need from the same vehicle. I have been researching what I will need to do to rewrite the ecm. The tools to do so are already downloaded. Once I find the vehicle, I will visit the junkyard to get an extra ecu and engine harness to experiment with. Anyone with experience in this matter, feel free to jump in and school me!

 

Hell yeaahhhh

 

Have a lead on two different trucks. Hope to check out tomorrow.

 

Good luck! Hopefully at least one of them turns out to be worth your time and money.