1988 Purchase help

Hi. I'm new to Toyotas and 4WD's, but love the look of the first gen truck. A guy at work has decided to sell his SR5, and I'm considering the purchase. Facts as I know them, 1988, V6, Manual, 417K. New clutch/throwout/timing belt. Surface rust/bubbling paint on fenders/fender wells, not holed though. Comes with a second motor. Second motor turns freely, but he never had it started (owner before him bought the second motor when the odometer turned over 300K. Previous owner said motor ran when he bought it. - "yea, ran when I parked it" kinda' thing). Daily driver. Starts everytime, but runs sluggish and has to warm up. Top never taken off and doesn't leak. Hubs lock in and out easily. Generally clean, "bed" was apparently redone because he paint matches, but the graphics aren't on the "bed" section. Offered to have it state safety inspected before I buy it. Here in PA 1rst Gens kinda' rare. He was asking $1500, but got him down to $1000.

My interest - 1rst Gen, manual, daily driver and if the second motor spins free, can probably be rebuilt and dropped in.

Since I'm new to both 4WD and Toyotas, what should I look for? I know generally the rust/frame issues, but anything specific? Motor specific? Is $1000 with the second motor a good deal? Concerned about the 417K.

Thanks!

 

Rebuilt and install of motor by someone is probably $3000 ish? Factor that into your calculations. Doing it yourself you'd still have to employ a machine shop and spend maybe $1500 - $2000 to have it rebuilt if it needs it.

Certainly look for rust like you mentioned.

There's a guy here named Ol'Blue that really knows his stuff, hopefully he'll respond to you soon.