Topic: 1988 Toyota 4x4 Van

[ShapeShifter]

Its a rare beast but as far as I can tell, from the engine back, its got Hilux 4x4 drivetrain.  The front is IFS.  The xfer case is hi-lo and the front end is IFS with freewheeling lockable hubs.  Its just ugly enough to be cool IMO and I want to build an expedition rig out of her.

I own two nearly identical rigs, one for parts.  The runner has 270k miles but still runs and drives strong with a few fixable rattles her and there.  Im looking to extend the life of this ugly beeotch and want to repower it with something modern or at least with less miles.

Im hoping to get help and input from whoever I can, and if there is interest, I will start a build thread here.


Previous owner

[redneckcustoms13]

There was a guy on pirate that built one of these ans 4 liked the entire ifs system. It was pretty crazy.

My friends parent bought this one new in 87. The gave it to him a few years back. He leaves it at their lake house and we all use it as a the weekly grocery getter or gas station ride to get ice. We all love it. The interior is like a time machine to 1987 with the comfy brougham greatness.

[ShapeShifter [OP]]

There was a guy on pirate that built one of these ans 4 liked the entire ifs system. It was pretty crazy.

My friends parent bought this one new in 87. The gave it to him a few years back. He leaves it at their lake house and we all use it as a the weekly grocery getter or gas station ride to get ice. We all love it. The interior is like a time machine to 1987 with the comfy brougham greatness.

Yeah Ive seen that one on Pirate.  Not going that direction.  That one in your pic is pretty sweet!  Is it 5 speed 4x4?  My cargo van has zero brougham appeal, but I plan to build a camper thing in back.

[redneckcustoms13]

Unfortunately no. Its 2wd auto. But man it sure is fun to ride around in. We may do a 3rz swap on it later on.

[Flood]

These are awesome little vans. I was very tempted on getting a 4wd one and making it into a camper like you're doing. I found a few on them on CL in the bay area about three months back. One that had a ladder rack in the rear and a front bumper with a winch that has been through Hollister many times supposedly. They are also going for a lot cheaper than VW vanagons and are a lot more reliable too. There was a few on there with over 300k miles on the original engine. Though like most of these 30 plus old toyota's they need some love. Can't wait to see your progress on this!

[ShapeShifter [OP]]

Well I built it up and sold it.  I used to proceeds to buy a 2002 Taco for my next build.

Here is what the van looked like when it sold.

[Prismo]

Nice job!

[flamesomething]

Looks great!