So.. is it still a Hilux or is it a truck? I'm a little fuzzy yet.... I just picked up this old man truck to do some light hauling and came to realize the only modification to it has been a removable face tape deck and a fresh coat of krylon. steelies, stock hub caps, the whole bit. barely any rust. but i do have the 4sp with the 4.10. so it's not a speedster. yet... So opening question... my dead (accident and no motor) 85 p/u... how much is interchangeable?

 

None of the body or suspension from the 85 is a direct swap except rear axle parts and the motor/trans.

Most people call them a hilux. In 76 the name was dropped for USDM and called the pickup and eventually the Tacoma. World market its still a hilux. Anyways, I have some spare parts and plenty of info if ya need anything.

 

Thanks! I'll pick at a few weeks and get a good idea of what I want or need and get back to you. I do think I need to do something about the rear end, the gearing just crazy! Are my 3rd members interchangeable or is there some modifications, and how much? Would it be better to swap the whole axle? I'm pretty sure the 85 has the 3.07 gears and the 76 has 4.10... I used to drive the 85 and it was WAY better on the freeway than the 76. Both have 4spds. I did notice the 76 has the "side-shifter" and the 85 not... are those straight swap? I've seen lots of posts but always "if this, then that, but sometimes this other..." not a ton of straight answers... again thanks, and thanks for any input.

 

3rd member will fit. Swap the pinion flange on the 3rd to keep your driveline matching. Might need to clearance the inner edge of the case for the ring gear. Some are 8, some are 8.125". Id keep the 76 housin though its narrower.

For trans you prob have an L43 in the 76, a side shifter. Prob a G40 or W42 in the 85, a top loader. If you swap the whole thing they can be changed. Or find a 5 speed to swap into the 76. I used to run a W50 now a W52, both have a short 5th and with the 4.10 rear end and 215/45/17s I do about 3k rpm at 70.

 

Very good to know! I used to run about 3k in 4th at 70ish with my 85. Guess I'll stick with a 4 spd either way. I am concerned about the steering box, pretty sloppy. Anybody around here rebuild them at a reasonable cost? I've seen Redheads site but that looks kinda pricey for my old wagon...

 

The thing with the 4 speed vs 5 speed argument is that Toyota typically tried to have a similar final ratio on either setup. So 3k rpm in final gear at 70 is the norm. The best setup is a 5 speed with a 3.08-3.73 rear end ratio in place of the typical 4.10. Especially when smaller back tires are added for lowering and looks.

 

my truck has "hilux" on the title. all my other trucks have had PU for pickup.

in regard to the 3rd member my pinion shaft has really big splines that won't fit the newer pinion shaft. just something to check if you decide to do the swap.

 

Good to know. Then keeping the back driveline flange or entire driveline to swap may be advise if you swap 3rds. I don't like swapping pinion flanges on the 3rd since it messes with preload. I never learned how to set up diffs. I just swap the whole thing when I have problems or change whole pumpkins.

 

question, if you swap the L43 for the W42 do you need to make any changes to the cross members, driveshafts, or trans mounts. Newbie here as well, i have a tired 1976 hilux with an L43 and just got a donor 1982 pickup with a 22r/W42 combo. It looked like the rear trans mount near the tail housing was slightly different. thanks in advance for any help. Bob