What to check when looking at a first gen???

[rock_krawler]

Hey all-

First off, sorry for what looks to be a long post and probably a few newb questions (since I'm short on time).

I want to go check out a Toyota truck that's for sale. Can you guys help me out? I have never owned or even shopped for a Toyota 4x4. I am familiar with 4wds in general and can do all my own work, well not machine work but you know what I mean. What are the things I need to check?

The specs on said truck-
1980 4x4 130,xxx miles 20R, 4 speed manual trans, AC (I think), original paint, it's not smogged and on non-opp status.

I would like to pick this truck up if it's in good to decent mechanical shape and will pass the smog check. I've read about checking the body, floor and frame for rust so I know that much. I can't take it for a good drive with it not being registered, maybe just up and down the street.

Are the first gen trucks very difficult to maintain?
Are parts readily available?

Please help...
If all equipment is there, should it pass smog?

[KYOTA]

just the usual, make sure everything works (trans, xcase etc) check fluids, (wouldnt hurt to take some sockets and check the 3rds, trans and xcase fluids too) have a compression gauge? check compression. visual inspection can tell you alot too, is it a leaker? check the parking spot for pools of oil etc. parts are easy to find and cheap. the miles you posted are still pretty low so thats a good start. check the frame at the front xmember by the steering box, if its a stocker there shouldnt be any problems. cali truck I assume? frame rust shouldnt be an issue.  Oh, make sure the frames not bent  (inside joke)
good luck they're lots of fun

[Steve_925]

its hard to say about it passing smog. you could always tell the guy your gonna go take it for a smog check and if it passes you'll buy it. as far as parts, there everywhere for dirt cheap. you can swap a 22re(efi 2.4 <very common and reliable>)pretty cheap

[rock_krawler]

Thanks guys, I'm hoping to check it out in the morning, or later this morning actually. 

[krash81]

Aside from not having alot of power, first gens are awsome. These are the trucks that started Toyota trucks reputation for being long lasting, durable and reliable. I love mine. As far as what to look for, If it runs good and drives good without strange noises and vibrations. It will probably be good. Check the vacuum lines for evidence of being all mixed up or hacked up. They can be a pain to get right again.

[rock_krawler]

I think a FSM would be a wise investment. 

[rock_krawler]

Well, I went and looked the truck over and took it for a very short drive. It was difficult to get a good impression of the mechanical condition with the amount of time and short distance I drove it.

The good--
Body is fairly straight with minor dents and dings (nothing I couldn't live with) original faded paint, the bed interior is near perfect, it has a shell that I could sell for a couple bucks, under the hood it looks pretty complete and unmolested, seller said he would have it smogged,  power brakes, bench seat in OK condition, the emissions and vacuum diagram stickers are there and in good shape, the grille and headlight bezels are in good shape, doors don't sag and shut tight and easily


The bad--

Needs tires ASAP, has a pretty good sized exhaust leak, sounds like it might be missing but couldn't tell with the leak, was told 1st gear doesn't work so I didn't try (seller says he will have it fix), a very small amount of rust bubbling at the bottom of passenger door, the center area of the dash is pretty much gone so the heat, ac and blower don't work (need to replace the entire dash), no power steering, pulls left and has a slight shake like a tire could be coming apart, door panels are shot along with extra speaker mounting holes cut in doors, needs new windshield rubber

I'm sure I'm leaving something out but this is what I think the major stuff was. There could me numerous little things that would pop up here and there. I understand that it is a 30 year old vehicle and considering that, I think it is in pretty good shape. I do however have nothing to compare it to.

So all this for $1600, I don't know yet if he is firm as I didn't want to make an offer until I had a chance to figure out what it will take to get it DD worthy. I figure I might be able to get him to throw in a 5spd with TC instead of fixing the trans that's in it.

Any more suggestions for me???