I currently have a 1989 Montero 2-door, 4-cyl, 5-speed, 15" 4runner alloys with 265/75 Rovers, Weber 32/36 carb, etc. There's a Toyota 4wd SR5 pickup for sale that looks pretty interesting to me. It's a 1984 model, standard cab, solid front axle, 4-inch lift, 33's, new shocks, rebuilt engine, herculined 3/4" all steel flatbed, 22R engine with 5-speed, new paint, 180K on the truck (less on the engine though), but he took it down to the frame and redid it.

Anyway, is there anything inherently unsafe about having a flatbed version of this truck? There's some work that has to be done to it to make it pass VA inspection, like mounting the front and rear license plates, light for the rear plate, brake lights have to be wired up, brakes have to be bled, muffler needs to be installed, and I think that's about it. The seller is going to take it to a shop tomorrow and see what it'll take to pass inspection, other than what he's already told me.

If I got this truck, I was thinking of putting some side rails on it, like what a utility trailer has, so there are tie down points for straps and such, and for keeping any cargo from sliding off. Might even be worth building some wooden stake sides for it too, for the stakebed version.

I could probably get this truck, with a valid inspection, for less than $3500. What's everyone think? Jump on it, pass, etc? It'll rarely be off road, but I like the idea of having a small flatbed 4wd, especially with a solid front axle, and it would be cool to take camping, at the beach, etc. And it'll make trips to home improvement stores a breeze!

Pictures?

Rust?

A flatbed does not detract from the stability or desirability or the truck. I am pondering the flatbed conversion for my MM, too.

R-

Here's some pics, both from his ad and from pics he sent me:






I've talked with the seller, and he says there's no rust on it, he took it down to the frame and went from there. Had it repainted a few weeks ago, flatbed is all rhino-lined, fairly new 33's, new Rancho shocks, etc. There are some things he'll have to fix in order for it to pass VA inspection, but it doesn't sound like they're that difficult (hooking up a muffler, getting the brake lights wired up, along with a light for the rear license plate, etc). He's supposed to call me today or tomorrow with whatever his mechanic says it'll take to pass inspection. The dash is missing the clock, but he has the plug for it. The front bumper is slightly tweaked on the passenger side (it's not level with the driver side), but that should be easily fixed. The interior looks pretty decent, only a couple of tears on the bench seat, has a dash cover, trans and 4wd levers look to be in good shape as well.

When I talked with him yesterday, he was willing to sell it to me for $2500, but now I'm thinking it'll be closer to $3000 to make it pass inspection. I think even at $3000 it's a good deal. But he lives about two hours away from me, so I just want to make sure it's legal before spending that kind of time driving up there and back.

I would be all over that truck, with some boxes and mudders...look out!

Looks like he might've eliminated the spare tire mount underneath, no surprise in a rustbelt. Also ask if he has the jack kit. Would be a nice surprise if he did. If not, then make sure you have a rim.

Clock doesn't make it drive well. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Good points, if I drive up there to have a look, I'll ask those questions. One of the pics he sent me had a large opening in the dash, with a 4-prong plug sticking out of it, so I asked him what went there. He said a clock. He has it, but it doesn't work. If I get the truck, I'll ask him for it, if anything, to fill that gap in the dash, lol! Then I'll look on eBay, Craig's List, or check out the local pick and pull for that clock.

Well if hitting up the junkyards, you can also consider grabbing a dash panel that still has the knockout panel for the clock in it. Those clocks are getting harder to come by. Look from 84 to 88 for 'em.

There isn't anything inherently unsafe about a flat bed other than stuff rolling off.

If it is going to be wheeling rig, the flatbed makes for a good base to build off of.

This is what I built for my '91.


With the side boxes and under bed storage, I can carry all my tools and spares w/o anything in the bed.

Love that setup, ain't gonna lie. My 83 should get that, esp the storage, since I'm likely be using the truck as a dedicated plow/water truck.