Planning to build a long range overland vehicle, an '85-95 Toyota extended cab 4wd pickup as the platform.
I have a very high mileage '87 SR5 I planned to use but am questioning the overall reliability of major components.
Had I a proper shop I'd scavange a better engine and running gear to build myself, but that is just not an option right now.
So I need some outside objectivity.
What is NWOS's general consensus:
- Find a different truck in better condition but potentially with unknown flaws
- Build the current truck by having someone build a motor and running gear for reliability.

I appreciate your collective input,
Grant

First images is the '87 I have now

Others are past units I am basing my plans on. Both had hearts of gold, which I am questioning in the current truck.

My old W-150 gives a taste of the general direction I want to take. Objective is self reliance in long range travel

I think I would go for a bobbed duece and a half multi fuel rig.

But, you want a Toyota platform.

I have had several Toyotas and they were all very dependable and not that difficult to work on. I would go for a diesel engine though, especially for long range and availability of fuel. Not as volitle as gas in a crash or roll-over situation. Better low end torque available.

Sounds like you have availability of a specific vehicle. There are toyota parts everywhere in the world.

Grant,

Love the old Dodge!

Does your current Toy have any frame or cab rust issues?

Are you thinking of a straight axle conversion or beefed up IFS?

A rebuilt engine, tranny, transfer case, and axles can add up to lots of money, but you'll know for sure what you are traveling with at that point. Does it need to be done ASAP, or can you do it in pieces?

Are you thinking of using a roof top (bed top?) tent, or sleeping on the ground?

An extended cab with a flatbed, with tool boxes, is a great setup, in my opinion. Lots of ways to set up the bed area. A couple of long low tool boxes on boths sides, and a thin, flat, water tank on the bed floor is something I'd like to expore. A RTT mounted so that the top (when closed) is about at cab top level, would leave room to pack under it. A tailgate of some kind to close the rear of the bed, between the tool boxes, would be needed. I prefer a tailgate to drop straight down when open. I don't like leaning over them to reach stuff.

Brian

I can't be objective. I owned a '76 3/4 ton Dodge that was very good to me.

Sounds like you're 'searchin' for a heart of gold,' which is really spooky given I was listening to this an hour or so ago.

Something like this would work. 

On the Toyota side... I'd say sell the current Toy, buy something diesel from Canada, then start the build-up from there.

Kevan- Elkie, not my kill tho, just hauling it for my brother www.flickr.com/photos/rayofunshine/2198602259/in/set-72157604208696437/

One of my friend's fathers was Niel Young's evil twin- got stopped for autographs and all.

Craig- I have looked at BC's craigslist- is it really possible to import a truck without like $5000 hoops to jump through? Do you think a rattly toy would be tollerable on long drives considering the tinyness of Toy cabs? Not sure how I'd compare a 150,000 mile turbo diesel's components to a fresh built 22re for reliability, tho it'd be sweet!

Morris, you have done it to me.   I started looking at the duece and a halfs and found several that will sell from $2000 to $4000.  They could be easily bobbed and would be a really fun project.

Alas, no money for that large of a purchase all at once.

I always thought a pickup with the utility bed would be great for expo trips.  you know the kind where there are locking doors and compartments built into the outside of the bed.  you could keep your gear safely locked in those and it would be easy access to get to stuff, and still have the bed of the truck for sleeping or hauling.

Found this: which is a similar option but not sure if anyone makes replacement beds with the integrated storage for Toyotas.

http://fleetwest.net/go.html?gclid=COXNrbi7uZkCFRIcawodjVvs5g

 here is an example of the bed I am thinking of but this one is a little big for expo stuff...

http://www.diegosdeals.com/deals/showproduct.php/product/139/cat/389/limit/recent

Most know I am particular to Toyotas...85 is my year for obvoius reasons like solid axle and fuel injected...There is a reason why most 3rd world countries use Toyota as a combat chasis...because they are tough, easy to work on and very dependable....age and miles dont seem to count with a Toyota, its the tiime and care they get in those miles that determines longevity. The only downfall is they are small for a big guy and travel with take its toll on you...Otherwise Toyotas are a great choice...Need help, call me

My 85 which is now totaled thats to a jack ass going to fast and we met head on on Hi-way 7 shaort of Elbe WA.

I have to add my two cents worth to this.  I really like my 2000 Xcab Taco.  Bought it new, replaced the horrible bench seat with a set of DAD buckets. Armored it up, added a Raven HD glass topper which is bolted on, then much later added Windoors to replace the slider side windows. 

If I were to do anything different, I would have waited one model year and picked up the four door version with the TRD option.  I would have preferred the factory electric locker over the PowerTrax no-slip rear diff that I had installed.  Four doors would have given me more room for my dogs, perhaps a better place to mount the ARB frig., a clean/dry place for clothing.

I do wish the Taco had disc brakes in the rear.  I also wish that I would have gotten it with an automatic tranny.  I hate hydraulic clutches as they don't allow any adjustments to the clutch pedal action. If I shift to quickly into second gear I end up grinding the gears a bit.  This has been a problem since I purchased the rig.  Oh, I have experienced some minor wiring problems associated with the overhead light in the cab.  That's it.

The truck is now nine years old and I can't honestly say that I need anything else.  For one or two people and a dog or two it is perfect.  If I had small children I probably would be looking for something else, most likely an 80 series Land Cruiser.

With the existing ethanol degraded regular fuel, I am getting a consistant 16-18 mpg in town, and if I keep it under 65 mph on the highway right at 20 mpg there, fully loaded for a 1-2 week trip.  Off-road, the mileage drops a bit, especially in 4WD, but I have never gotten worse than 14 mpg with the V6 and five speed tranny.  I am pretty sure that unleaded 87+ octane gas is available anywhere in N. and C. America.  I have no plans of going to S. America.  I have thought often about a diesel engine, but it just doesn't pencil out.  At ~105 K on the truck, I expect to keep it until they blow me up the chimney.

After all the issues that were popping up with my 1990 RR, I wanted above all reliability and affordability.  I got both in a vehicle that has a lot of soul. 

Go Toyota, you won't regret it.  Your previous experience just confirms it.

Dale

How bout step Waaaaaayyyyy outside the box and get a trooper? Lots of room, very reliable..on par w/ toyota, comfort?...heh..soso and just darn cool looking. The only downfall is Isuzu is no longer in America so parts will start getting harder to find..next 10 years or so..

Other than than I'd say since you already have the Toyota, keep it and mod it to your needs.

Most people tend to project romanticized fealings into something when they actually are not there at all, and never will be.  Later, they may come to realize that it wasn't what they wanted all along and subsequently sell low after spending big money.

Are you saying that the spark is not there now for this truck, but someday it might be? 

I am considering professional couples counseling for myself and my truck to see if we can get the "spark" back in our relationship. I am hoping my company's EAP program will cover it. It will take a lot of listening, understanding, and communication, but I feel it is worth it for the accessories.

Already, we have gotten a sitter for the camping gear and have gone out just ourselves to reconnect.  It seems to be working.

I just hope there isn't another driver involved somewhere to cause complications....  (Brad?)

I'll let you know how it goes...