I kinda fell into a great buy on an 1982 Toyota 20R pickup. I know that the 20R motor isn't as strong as the 22R, but is there any known issues with the year or the engine? I'm not aware of anything personally and i've done some research but nothing is coming up that i'm able to find. It would be a pure wheeling rig not anything like a daily driver so I'm not having to look at getting it trully street legal ya know? If you guy's have anything to look for on it before I accept it I would appercaite your insight =)

These are pretty bulletproof little mills; preceding the 22R, along with its Japanese flavor in the 21R-U.

Before you start it, check to see if there's any fuel visible in the carb site glass, assuming that this would be the first start of the day, and that the truck hasn't simply sat for awhile.

Check the front axles/birfs--likely have to get in there and replace seals, etc. Marlin has kits; we have a maintenance article here. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Do a compression test and a leakdown; that'll tell you what kind of shape the ol' girl is in.

CHECK THE FRAME for rust/cracks--she's old, y'know...safety should be your yardstick while going thru it; everything else we can help ya with.

Guy in NY selling a 22R engine right now....... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />

Also

20/22R history

and www.engnbldr.com if you need goodies. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Awesome I'll do what you suggest, I dont have a compression tester is my only problem <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

Cheap. NAPA. Not a problem. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

What should the compression be at?

Around 156; I don't have the entire range tho.

22R is 142-171 psi.

Also to mention, smell the dipstick. If it smells like gas, you might be looking at a carb rebuild or a possible washdown (gas dilutes oil, doesn't lube properly)

Again, ask if the rig has just been sitting and you guys are pulling it out of mothballs, or if it's been up and running.

It has been running, but probably rough off road really kinda beat up and can tell it's been off roaded at least from the pictures that i've seen. He say's it runs, i'll find out gonna go see it in about 2 hours from now.

I'll do all you requested and check it out =)
Hopefully i can get a new rig so i'm not breaking my Daily Driver ;(

I am the original owner of a '82 short bed, 4spd, 4X4. It is still going strong and in use everyday. It has the original engine, carb/emission control system and tranny. The only mod I did was a lift. I never lost a day of work since buying it and I have never been left stranded in the boonies. No payments since '85!!!!

I think if you have the 20R someone put it in afterwards. I thought the '81-'82 models came with the 22R. I can help with the engine control on the original 22R.

I suggest you check out Ebay for a hardcover Toyota Pickup Repair manual for the '82 and what ever year your 20R is set up for. I have seen them go for around $5.00. I thought it was expensive in '81 when I bought it at about $40.00??? Those were the good old days!

Either that, or they're using a 20R valve cover.

Couple quick n dirty crosschecks:
20R carb has round hole
22R carb has a rectangular-like hole

Block ID is on the driver's side, flat surface behind the alternator-- will have engine type and serial number stamped there.

Good advice. Either way I think both engines are probably the best/reliability wise.

I have come to the conclusion that many early '80's Toyotas came to an untimely death simply because the mechanics in those days did not understand or keep up with the EPA required changes in the 22R engine vacuum control circuits. Shoot it took me 20 years to figure out it ain't that complicated. I will bet a nickel that they tried to adjust/replace the carb to compensate for a plugged EGR or malfunctioning vacuum switch, disconnected hose, etc.(The '82 22R numbered vacuum hoses were made of silicone rubber. I learned that I needlessly replaced all but 2 of them about 3 years ago!)I also never had a coolant line hose failure. I only replaced them because it seemed rediculous to have 16 year old hoses on, driving in AZ everyday. Darn, I wasted my money in '84 by buying an emergency set that is still behind the seat in the cab, never used! Then there are the 18yr old brake lines that have never failed....am I lucky?