Clean ’91 Toyota Pickup Quickly Becomes a Love Affair Project
Yota Tech member becomes smitten with Toyota pickup older than he is, proceeds to spend years wrenching on it.
While many of us grew up during the heyday of Toyota trucks in the ’80s and ’90s, others are, well, a little greener. Some folks, like Yota Tech member Genera_lee, aren’t even as old as their trucks. But in this case, he was every bit as smitten with our favorite pickups as those of us who are much older. And when he had the chance to snag this clean, two-owner 1991 Toyota pickup, he didn’t hesitate. In the years since, he’s also documented the process of fixing it up in this cool thread.
“I’ve been crushing hard on these trucks for years. This one came along from a known source for the right price and had low miles. So I had to move on it. Probably the biggest pitfall of the truck at the time of purchase was the lack of A/C. Central Texas summers are unkind at best. The summer I purchased the truck was no exception. I got really good at hand cranking down windows really fast. I have big plans for this little blue pickup. I’ll get to learn new skills and buy new tools to do all the things I want.”
The first order of business, however, was to do some general maintenance items like change the oil. After that, the OP quickly tired of the blacked-out look, and proceeded to restore the lights and chrome back to normal. Then, he adjusted the valves, of which a couple were out of whack. Next, he replaced the timing chains, but a sudden job change and move stalled this project for a while.
The OP made up for lost time, however, ordering up a slew of parts including new shocks, brake pads, shifter seats, bushings, and some JDM stuff like a shifter knobs and lights. He also installed an add-a-leaf kit, new u-bolts, and KYBs, along with 33-inch tires.
In the months since, the OP has continued to wrench on his Toyota pickup. As well as drive and enjoy it. This process has been thoroughly satisfying to watch unfold, and we highly recommend that you check out this thread in its entirety by heading over here!
Photos: Yota Tech forums