1977 Toyota Pickup SR5 Long Bed review from North America

Replaced alternator after just getting the pickup 130,000 miles, replace the clutch at 135,000 miles. replaced headlight relay at about 140,000 miles. Other than that just maintenance, Fluid filters and tune ups. Very reliable.

My 1977 Toyota Pickup long bed SR5. Has a 5 speed manual shift, the 20R engine and 4:10 rear end. An aftermarket bed liner and a light weight Aluminum canopy that is easy to take on and off, I can even do it by myself if I'm careful.

I know the original owners son, who inherited it from his Dad (the original owner). I know that it was taken care of it's entire life and garage kept for most of it. The truck was given to me after the former owner had an accident that resulted in the LF fender, Front Bumper, Grill, hood and radiator being damaged.

I've done some up grades, air shocks on the back for heavy loads, trailer hitch, four inexpensive chrome wheels, a Weber 32/36, I installed a distributor and controller from a 1978 Toyota pickup so I could eliminate the ignition points. I installed a rear sliding window, carpeted dash cover, seat covers and made custom carpeted door panels. Also I added a delay wiper unit, a tachometer, and cruise control.

Pros:

Great truck for hauling just about anything. I've towed cars and trailers with my pickup that weighed more than the truck and never had a problem except that the top speed on the highway can be limited.

A couple of times I've hauled a ton of weight in the bed and towed nearly a ton of weight (at the same time) and have never had a problem. Even starting off on steep hills, I have never had a problem getting going, never had to slip the clutch to much and was able to stop comfortably.

The truck gets 22 Mpg or better most of the time. Sometimes it is a little lower, if I do a lot of heavy hauling, but I average higher gas mileage than my Dad does in his 1994 Ranger.

This 31 year old truck, and has been more reliable than my new minivan and my 1984 Honda. Even though it is carbureted it fires right up even when it is very cold outside.

Clutch is not too hard to operate and transmission is much easier to shift compared to other trucks of the same vintage.

Cons:

No power steering, air conditioning or 4X4 available.

Interior is small. It is okay when I am driving by myself, but if there is a passenger you’re sure to be elbow to elbow.

Limited storage space in interior for stuff like ropes, straps and tools (not that you really need to carry tools in this truck it never breaks down).

Manual steering wheel is not too hard to wrestle, but can be a bit of a hassle when backing up trailers or in tight parking lots.

When empty the top speed on highway with the throttle wide open is limited to only about 70mph (and almost 4,000rpm) wide open throttle, it use to be only about 60 mph, but it got a little higher after I installed the Weber carburetor. Top speed drops when loaded heavily and it is impossible to keep up with traffic on mountain passes even if the truck is empty.

Things I'd like to do to the truck:

I'd like to add air conditioning for those hot summer days. I'd also like to install four wheel drive, but I don't think that will ever happen as the cost and amount of work is daunting even to a long time auto technician.

Bottom line:

This truck is not all that comfortable to drive or ride in, it isn't flashy and won't win a race. However it is very reliable and will haul or tow anything you ask it to. It is a true first class unstoppable work truck.