Been kicking around this idea lately of getting myself a 2wd toyota pickup. Actually I woke up in the middle of the night last weekend with the blasphemous idea of selling my 4wd pickup, corolla, AND my motorcycle so I can justify it. I have recently accepted that my 4wd truck is impractical with a family and I only "need" it out of sentiment - it makes more sense for me to buy a buggy or more built rig if I want to do anything more hardcore wheeling than what my Land Cruiser can do once I put some armor on it. A 2wd pickup makes sense to me since I can still haul items and it's small enough for good MPGs on my commute.

I love ALL Toyota pickups and I haven't really narrowed it down to any specific year. If I can find the right one, I'd strongly consider getting myself an old Hilux pickup - but not sure if I'd be happy with the decision. I've looked on CL for a little while now and have only seen a small handful of them, and even fewer that I'd consider driving. I love all the ones with quad headlights - so pretty much 1978 and earlier, but would much rather have a pre-75 and not deal with CA smog anymore. Other considerations I'm looking at is a clean 2nd gen or 3rd gen pickup, since both can have AC for the Sacramento weather. The only problem I have currently in finding the "right" truck is that my 93 is in pretty damn good condition and everything I see for sale needs a bit of cosmetic work to just come up to par with what I'm used to. Perhaps it will just take time to find the right one.

So wondering if any of you guys have input on how the old Hilux pickups are on the highway and for DD. Closest thing I have personally owned was a 1983 Datsun 720 pickup - manual everything, was a GREAT truck that I sold to fund my current 4wd Toyota almost 10yrs ago. Knew two old gents who drove old Hilux's and they were freaking cool.

 

For a daily driver, I actually like a 2 wheel. Doesnt set as high, better mileage, easier to work on, less wear and tear on parts such as no t case or front axle. I know of some 79-83 two wheels setting and they are great shape. I am tall so would look at the 84-88. I too have debated on fixing a two wheel for a dd.

 

I have seen a few nice older trucks basically sitting on 2wd taco frames..that would be a fun DD..
my 81 is a 35 year old truck...it has good days and bad days runs great, than some intermittent idle issue pops up and makes me want to part it out.

If you can do the old truck modern engine wiring etc I think you would be golden.

 

I can only speak for myself owning a 2wd truck was about one of the biggest mistakes I ever made right there with getting married.

Then your weather is much different and I am sure your needs are as well.

 

17 mpg in my 89 pickup is acceptable.. If I'm feeling thrifty, I'll ride my motorcycle more! I think any perceived gains from the older pickup in mileage, simplicity, or practicality will be outweighed by all of the things you'd be giving up... $.02

 

However.. I WILL say that my grandfather's '91 baby blue, single cab, 5 speed, manual everything, 2wd S10 is the coolest thing, and I'd love to have it as an intermediate vehicle between my bike and truck.

But your Corolla currently fulfills that role!

 

Thanks for the input.
I guess I should mention something that has influenced the idea: my MIL has a 98 tacoma 4wd single cab that will be there for me if I ever need a 4wd truck. She's been thinking of getting a Tundra and keeping the truck around. They also drive an 03 taco 2wd I gave my FIL to drive, after my MILs dad gave it to me when he went to the home -- I didn't keep it because I already had 4 cars and it only got 20mpg hwy with the 2rz/auto and a camper shell.
I know the pre-tacoma 2wd pickups get around 30mpg which is perfect IMO. I really like the IDEA of having an old Hilux with a modern engine (1uz maybe???) and upgraded suspension and interior for a DD. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking.

 

If It is just because you can then go for it.

If I had to commute to work I would put a third generation Celica together from the parts I have.

I insure 4 vehicles as it is and it is only me.

 

I would look at a "slammed" or "lowered" 2wd and bring it back to stock height. Reason being: you can get them moderately cheap, and from *my* experiences from talking to dudes that lower them, they take great care of those things. I don't know, maybe coincidence? But ive seen so many with spotless engine bays and really fresh looking paint. Something to consider at least.

 

I will keep that in mind, I know those guys usually baby their trucks so this is ideal for me if trying to find a super clean one.

I did find one on Los Angeles CL and though it is VERY clean they did a horrible paint job on it IMO and are asking $6k:


i just missed out on this clean one for $3800 closer to me in the Bay Area:


All the good truck seem to be up in the $4k+ price range - not too bad IMO for CA prices. I wish there were more Stouts for sale - only found 3 across country, one in Oregon - waiting to hear back, supposedly it "runs".

 

I hope you're around 5'2" or so. I'm a little over 6'1" and could not SIT in a 76 hilux. I tried.

 

I'm 5'10". I fit comfortably in my old Datsun 720 and though I've never sat in a Hilux as an adult, I think they are around the same size.