Topic: Problem areas to look at when buying used??

[Cheesemaker]

I know there are posts somewhere.  But the search isn't bringing anything helpful up!  So, I'm looking at a late 80's toyota tomorrow, and I need to know what are the problem areas?  I've heard about the frame rails behind the cab?  What should I be looking for in the body, frame and running gear!  It's been sitting for a while, so is there any spots I should look for rust!  Common areas!  I'm not worried about the bed, flatbed will fix that!  Any information will be very helpful!  Thank you! 

Maybe we can get a post started and make it a sticky for future reference? 

[jimbo74]

check to make sure what you see is surface rust and not cancer rust....

[IronClad]

rear shackle and spring hangers are a area where rust will attack on a yota frame..  take a slag  type hammer with you and  smack the frame with the pointy end whereever you see rust.   good way to tell

[79coyotefrg]

hanger behind  gas tank,  if it aint rusty there  chances are the rest of the frame is ok

[DTB]

i like the ol paperclip trick to check engine codes, test 4wd (obviously)

[BLACKDOG]

on the frame, look for fresh paint!!  I looked at a truck that had a nice shiny frame in spots   turned out the guy spray painted over all the rust 

is it driveable?  if it is, listen real close for any squeaks from the front end. if the bushings on the IFS dry up, the whole front end gets really loose.

make sure the hubs lock, and that 4wd works.

[germ]

I also like to climb under the truck and look for evidence of oil/grease where there probably shouldn't be any. Some folks will spend $30 at the car wash, and spray off any evidence of leaking seals, and unless you get up in there, you won't see it. It also gives you the chance to grab and shake the drive shafts, looking for sloppy U-joints or worn pinions. Also look for loose wires that are hanging, and not attached to anything.

I like to have a mental list of just about everything that is wrong with said vehicle and an educated guess about how much it's going to cost to get it back into shape before I even consider making an offer.

Erik

[boggerunner]

another problem area is where the front axle torque bar attaches to the frame, check for cracks there, i had a 79 longbed with a crack halfway around the frame there with no suspension lift.

[Cheesemaker [OP]]

Well, I looked at the truck today!  First off, the people that own it, are friends of my step mom.  It's a 87 toyota std cab with the 22rte!  It has 202,000 miles on the motor, has a new head, has been well maintained, the driver of this rig checked the oil and everything every morning, and it uses a little oil.   It had a full service utility box on it, which explains the 89 toyota bed on it!  It has been sitting for 3 years and they tried to start it last spring, but the only way to get it to fire would be to put a little gas in the intake after the turbo!  I don't see any rust on the body of the cab and front end, just some small areas on the bed, but A flatbed would look cool!  Mostly, just some small surface rust on the frame, the front end looks like it has a small oil leak so I don't think there's any rust, or problems with dried bushings!  They drove this truck everyday until they got the newer truck.  The cool thing is they offered to tow it to my house if I buy it, and if I can't get it running and I decided that it's not worth my time, they offered to buy it back!  The truck is in good shape, just needs a good wash job!  They are only asking $1000.  They've had many people stop and want parts off it, and they said no, but you can buy the whole truck though, and nobody has!  They offered it to a couple of kids and they just didn't want to spend the time to make it run!  I'm seriously thinking I'm going to take it!  What's your opinions?  Should I take on a project?  It does burn oil, but a motor can be rebuildt, or hello 2/3rz!!!  Since the turbo comes with the good tranny!  If I do get it, I will be basically be changing all the fluids, and do a complete brake job all the way around.  One of the rear brakes is locked up!  And will be fun getting it apart!  Maybe I'll do a rear disc?!

[BLACKDOG]

  nice!! looks and sounds like a good score!

[Gittinit]

TURBO  wahoooo!  I'd buy it!

[red]

i'd go for it!

[Cheesemaker [OP]]

I'm the proud owner of this toyota!!  Now I've got something to put my Marlin Gear shift knob onto!  It ain't running but I can shift!!!