New to wheeling just got my first 82 p.u

[rubinomark]

Hey guys I just got my first 1st gen 4x4 pickup and want to know if you guys can help me out with what I should start off doing to the thing. Its fairly stock other than  rancho rs5000's and a flow master exhaust. It also has a new weber carb since im running a 22r. Unfortunately it has a 4spd in it right now. Should that be the first thing I should swap out or should I lift it more since its only giving me about 3-4in with the ranchos. My plan is to make it a crawler but also use it as a daily since I just sold my second gen 4runner.

[monyman]

It's good to have you aboard.

As far as what to do first, I would want to know what do you want your truck to be or do for you? You might have lofty longer term goals, but what about this year? What kind of wheeling do the people you go with like to do? What kind of budget do you have? Are you going to try some of it yourself or find help?

It took me a couple years (I'm not fast) to correct all the neglect and abuse the PO had inflicted on my truck. I tried to use every opportunity I could to ask people what they'd done to their rig. Some probably thought me obnoxious, but most folks were proud to show and tell me about their fixes. Getting in a club, going wheeling and hanging around forums like this one helped me.

Toyotas are strong vehicles and your 1st gen is plenty tough and very modifiable. It takes commitment, but making your rig into what you want it to be can be very satisfying. Enjoy the ride.

[rubinomark]

Thanks for replying. well I want to turn it into a crawler since im not far from Rubicon(2 hours). My budget is fairly ok but I dont want to get to radical. I just want to do one thing at a time and learn as it goes on. I kind of look at my truck as a never ending project because im always looking for more. Im just not sure if I should swap out the 4sp for a 5sp ,locker, change the suspension, etc? I forgot to mention its a short bed so I don't think i will need to bob it anytime soon but I will have to cut up my fenders since they are all original too. Im running 31's right now also. Ill try and post some pictures of it later on tonight. Also my cab lights keep shorting out and blowing a fuse so im going to try and find the problem to that  today. If anyone has any ideas ill try and check my phone.

[Nocents]

Don't worry about the 4 speed it will be fine. The 22r is marginal in power for overdrive anyway. Worry about suspension first if you want bigger tires and think about adding dual tranfer cases if you want to crawl.

[rubinomark]

Thanks for the advice I really appreciate it! the suspension that will probably be my first thing. But as far as dual cases would it be wise to get lockers first?

[monyman]

I went to a single 4.7 TC with F/R lockers and it goes most everywhere. Duals someday... Just a thought.

[H8PVMNT]

You don't have to do much to a 1st gen to get it wheeling most trails.  I would say lockers and sliders to start with, that will get you better than average capability and save your doors. Do some wheeling, then as you get more agressive do the typical suspension with hi-steer, rear springs up front and chevy springs in the rear, dual t-cases and lower axle gearing 35s 37s, whatever...  That's about all you need to wheel with the big dogs.

Have fun, 1st gens are the best!

I have an '80 longbed that is basically stock with 31s, lockers and sliders and I can go most places more modified rigs can go.

[rubinomark]

Thanks for all the advice. I'll post pics of the truck in a few mins. As for lockers what would be a good investment? I have about $1000 to put into the truck this month and I know lockers are a bit more expensive . I want to take her out soon, Anyone know of any cool places in the Bay Area? Running off subject a little but I'm getting a knocking noise from my exhaust manifold, I'm no mechanic haha but I think it may be leaking . I gotta get a new valve cover gasket and oil pan gasket also.

[rubinomark]

Pics aren't working right so here's a video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hjXI9Yg3i9I

[rubiconrunnerneville]

  I would get a selectable locker for the rear or detroit if its a dd I did dd for awhile with a spool and it was fine and some sliders to start a rear locker works wonders and if you lock the front on stock birfs be ready to swap out birfs all the time. and as for places to wheel in the bay area your looking at carnegie or hollister ohv parks I rather drive to hollister personally. if you need a wheeling buddy or more people to wheel with let me know and I'll keep you posted on trips my buddies and I make. we are all out of the bay area jeeps and toyota's