Topic: Tell me about my truck!!

[95TacoTruck]

Well I am parting with my 83 cause I got my hands on an 85 very cheap.  I have been into the 83 for so long I am just curious how  much of an improvement I have made and what if any things I should know about the 85 that are different from the 83.  I know it is better looking  8) Please feel free to drop a message if your familiar with the truck.  Also I was told that it has posi front and rear is this good or should I change it?

[Im4yotas]

Well the first thing is that EFI was an option for the first time in 85.  Only MAJOR difference (other than obvious appearance).

The front axle has a longer gusset.  Xtd cab option.  I don't know if the 83's were 20r's or 22r's.  But the 85's were 22r's (carbed 4 cyl) or 22re (EFI 4 cyl).

Posi is good compared to open.  Helps traction a lot.  Not as good as a locker or spool.  Some have clutch discs that can wear out.  But the lockers and spools have on road drawbacks.
Wether or not you should change it depends on how you are going to use it.  If you intend to wheel a lot or at least some kind of difficult trails then it is a good investment.  Most bang-fer-the-buck modification would be locker or spool (or welded).  Large gain in offroadability (is that a word?).

[trt2]

offroadability    ??

It is now!    

[cgbemis]

Regarding your question on some of the differences between 83 vs. 85, I have been told that there are several small differences. First off, the front Drive shaft (and this is only what I have heard) on the 85 can bend further in the CV. In the 83, it wasn't uncommon to find rearend gearing of a 4.37:1   (but not guaranteed). As previously stated the Front axel has a longer gussett under the 85, I have also been told that the drive shaft bolts are smaller on the 83, as well as the flanges on the diffs. Also, I think the 85 has more interior room in the cab. Again I don't own an 83, but I have been told that these are some of the differences.
    As for the limited slips, you will notice the difference from running open diffs. I put limited slips in my 1990 (solid axel swapped) and I noticed a difference. And even though they aren't lockers , they definently help.