80 Toyota ---Five year build up----

[sgt.majorcrash]

I recently bought a new to me 1980 first gen pickup with 150K that was in running order when I bought it, however it did not pass smog that was why I got a great deal for it, $750 and every thing worked from the wipers to the breaks.  I put the truck on the trailer to take back to my shop to start work.  So far, I have only started scrapping junk I do not need.  My plan for this truck is to be a trail rig/ expedition rig so no street time for this truck I already have the tow rig.  I have been thinking for the last few weeks how I wanted to build this rig and so today I have decided that I am going to swap out the 20r for a 302 and run Dana 60's front and rear with some 37-39 inch tires with all the gears and lockers front and rear.  I plan to run a five-inch lift, an exo cage, and dual cases.  The main goal with this build is to build a trail rig that is capable of doing over night wheeling, and most of all I am going to keep the bed on the truck.  I love that look it gives it more of expedition style look

Here is a shot of the truck once I drove it home that morning.

[trekker]

nice start

[yotadork83]

can i buy those tail light lens off of you and the 20r head and a couple of interior parts if they are on the scrap list.

[Doosty]

302 chugs to much gas.... keep the 20r and just gear it.. mine has damn near 500,000 and still runs strong!

[sgt.majorcrash]

Well I came across a 350 cheap so I am going to run a chevy motor and trans. The interer parts were all crap but I will have motor and trans parts and axles up for sle in a few weeks. I will keep you in mind when the parts are off the truck and ready to be sold.

[gotrocks]

Nice find man.  I like your choices so far and this seems like a great start to a great rig.  Deffinatly start working on it. 

[Hottrod81]

302 chugs to much gas.... keep the 20r and just gear it.. mine has damn near 500,000 and still runs strong!

302's don't chug that much gas.  Really not much different that a SBC.  I think it's a great choice especially if you don't have smog issues to worry about.

[Hottrod81]

If you ever wanted to smog it with the 20R, you might start by putting a truck Cat Converter on it and adjusting the carb.

[sgt.majorcrash]

did some work on the build up and got a few pictures.

http://www.thegc.org/summers/Web/Toyota/


Soon the cab will be off and I can start building the drive train.

[Duffil]

looks like a good start.  you say 5inch lift--I take it you plan leafs, then?

[86bobbedtoy]

I need that front axle my cell# is 717-269-2679 I will be there with 150.00 cash

[sgt.majorcrash]

looks like a good start.  you say 5inch lift--I take it you plan leafs, then?

Well thinking that this project is going to be a long term project I am going to go with coil overs and and link the front and rear. I mean why not do it just once I figure. The plan has morphed a lot from leafs to links and coil overs. In my head I have done about five buildups and tear downs and I have not even bent once pieces of tubing yet. My goal now is to keep it low height wise like some where about six and a half tall with a 22" high belly.

[sgt.majorcrash]

Quick question would it be smarter to use duel V6 t-cases behind a 350 and 350th or to use the duel four banger cases. I figure the V6 cases would be stronger and could handle the power but some have told me that the four banger cases would be just fine. What are some other peoples thoughts.

Some have told me to use the NP203/205 combo would that be wiser then the duel V6 cases.

[gotrocks]

V6 cases are a chain driven case.  They are not as strong as a 4 cyl case which are gear driven.  Dual 4cyl with 23 splines is the way to go.  Marlin has a friend who runs a full size blazer on 42's a I believe and he runs duel 4cyl cases. 

[sgt.majorcrash]

Thanks for the help, It's questions like that one that make sites like this one important for build up research.

[gotrocks]