I just purchased a 1980 Toyota 4x4. The primary purpose is for hunting in the SE US. I am located in Georgia.

I have viewed all the available posts here. I have a few general questions if someone has the time to direct a "newbie" in this area.

I found a good spot to purchase a manual in the posts.

Most immediate issue is -- you can simply reach your hand in the window, turn the ignition key and she cranks and idles just fine. However, there is a major "dead" spot in the acceleration until the rpms are up a bit. I can't say just how much at the present because the sensor for the gage is bad. That problem should be taken care of by next weekend. So long as I pump the accelerator a few times to get the rpms up a bit and ride the clutch a little, she takes off just fine. I found some interesting information on the severe hesitation/jarring acceleration thread. Do these recommendations sound like the correct place to start? The mechanic I carried the truck to mentioned the rotor cap as a possible place to start.

Next general question -- I think it might be fun to operate this truck assuming we get the acceleration hesitation issue solved. If so, I would like to see whether it is feasible/sensible to put an extended cab on the chasis? I realize/assume if such an act is feasible/sensible that the bed would have to also be replaced. Any pointers to some sites that provide ideas and direction for modifications?

I appreciate your kind assistance in advance.

Sincerely,

Joel

that's a good little truck you've got there <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

the carbs that were used on the 20R motor that were in the '79-80 trucks don't have the greatest service record. i'm more than willing to bet that your problems are due to your carburetor and emissions system. a good replacement is a weber 32/36, and block off the EGR as it more than likely doesn't work any more. there's kits for both of these things out there.

as for the extended cab, you can swap bodies on toyotas but you'll be in for some work(cab mounts etc). there were no first generation('79-83) trucks available in the US with anything besides a single cab. you'd have to step up to an '84 or later body to get an extended cab. it's all in the amount of work you're willing to do <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

kyles got it right on this. the early hilux only came with standard cab. Main option was short or long bed.

The 20R and 22R carbs arn't exactly the best and do require some work. I'm going to replace mine soon with some sidedrafts. I bet you your Acelerator pump is going or gone. More than likely the sub diaphram went byebye on you. Basically it's pumping in too much fuel when you initially gas it which causes teh engine to stumble.

Thanks a lot guys, I'll give that a shot.

actually the 22R carb is a really good one. most of them are just getting old and need to be rebuilt

Hey reeljustice, welcome to the board. The info here is priceless. Thought of a "supercab" conversion? See this link, Supercab it's a fun start, probably do my son's truck in the next few years <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />.

Staceman, thanks for sharing that link! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
That is one awesome looking truck!! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />

Thank you for the kind words Staceman. I checked out that Supercab option and REALLY LIKE IT!!!

Thanks for hooking me up with that site. Even if I don't follow his exact Supercab mods, it definitely gives me the impression that many things are possible and feasible with some imagination, work and a few bucks.

Yeah guys, that truck is WAY SWEET! My kid is 12. I showed him what "his" truck will look like when he turns 16. He is starting to save up now <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />. I'll start with a '79 or '80 longbed. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

UPDATE: New plug wires and plugs were added and made a significant improvement. The parts place sent the wrong rotor so we'll have to wait until next weekend to replace it.

While the hesitation is much less noticeable, it is none-the-less still present. After what I've read so far in the forums, I am beginning to wonder if it might involve a Throttle Position Sensor issue as well.

Next weekend, we'll replace the rotor and recheck timing and such. I will keep you posted as to progress.