The worst thing is the clutch seal keeps leaking and replacing it costs 200-400 bucks. So right now I am just keeping a watch on the clutch fluid and topping it off when necessary. My mechanic, known since before I got this truck, says he has seen several with the same problem. Other than that, it's been very good. I intend to keep it.
Acceleration is still very good. Best to keep some weights in the truck bed, though, as you could fishtail in ice and rainy weather.
I agree with your experience. No problems as I have driven standard 1988 Toyota Pickup between 147K and 180K miles. I can't find an owner's/shop manual and wonder what weight the truck will tow safely, without damaging something...
My clutch stopped working so I checked the fluid reservoir, and it was empty. I topped it up and let it sit for a day, but the gears still won't engage. Do I have to prime it somehow to get the gear oil into the transmission? The clutch feels very loose.
My little '88 Toyota has the same problem with the clutch fluid. I had to replace the clutch cylinder a few years ago when I bought it. Now it's just started leaking out again. I'm getting another vehicle for daily use, so I think I'll just keep topping off the fluid reservoir in the Toyota indefinitely. Because other than that, not a darn thing has ever gone wrong with it, and I doubt that it ever will (unless the body rusts completely off). And I can't bring myself to part with such a well-made little truck when I'd probably be lucky to get a grand out of it.
I've got an '88 Toyota truck. Thing is a tank. It's got 160K, and still runs almost like new. A little rough idling and knocking, but no complaints here. haven't had any clutch problems such as those above, and no leakage. I'm assuming, like most cars, the brake and clutch fluids are shared. Anyway, great truck for the money.
-J.
My 88 Toyota truck is great exept for the darn clutch fluid leak. I have replaced it once and it still has started leaking. But for an overall truck you can't find any better, It's very low maintenence, and has great off road capabilities.
When you run the clutch reservoir dry, you MUST bleed the system.
I love my 88 Toyota pickup. Even though it's a 4 banger its got some real power behind it. No probles with the clutch. It has 142k and runs like 25k. Only thing that I have truble with is the rust on the bed and the oil leak. (not big problems)
I have a 1988 Toyota Pickup and it runs great!I have replaced the brake pump, belts, thermostat, and spark plug wires. I recommend that the guy that was talking about his running kinda rough replace the spark plug wires. Mine did the same thing and I replaced the wires and it idles and accelerates great!My truck has 181,000 miles on it and runs like new!I have recently gotten a new paint job on it for $500.These little trucks are rough and strong I had someone tell me that they run good for over 300,000 miles.
I just watched my odometor turn to 300000 miles on June 4, 05. It is a 1988 shot box. This is one great little truck. I also have the clutch fluid problem, just keep filling it, although mine leaks into the interior. I really hope to get 400000 miles (keep changing that oil).
I too have a 1988 Toyota 4x4 V6 original owner My brake reservoir leaked on the inside, replaced all of it about 3 years ago & no trouble since.368,000+ I do need to replace the standard 6' bed, my favorite color is not rust.
On July 10, 2005, the odometer on my 1990 Toyota pickup rolled over 300,000. The truck has all original parts except for the starter and alternator. The engine runs great and I average about 25 miles per gallon. There are a few body dings, but no rust. The paint has some oxidation, but is in good condition. To celebrate the milestone I replaced the original wheels with some chrome after market ones. Next I am going to replace the camper top. Going for 400,000! I love my Toyota!!
Let me tell you all that my toyota has gone through some serious trials. It has been from the front and had its face pushed in. but it was fairly easy to repair. it runs great for all the abuse I have put it through i.e. street racing. I Love this truck it has never failed me. And I know it never will. It has been stolen three times. and the last time it was stolen someone decided to crash it into a pillar. the damage looked horrible, but the frame was still in good shape. so I agree this thing is a tank! Yet all i needed was to pull out the body a lil and hammer it a little bit and it looks almost pre crash with the same parts!! But either way all replacement parts are available online at very very reasonable prices. I think i will go ahead and purchase everything to get this lil truck looking nice again. Its only 325 bucks. Minus interior, and bed. One very well made lil truck. I had a 81 before this one. and it had 687,000 miles on it when I let it go. original motor and transmission. the transmission did fail at 686,000 lol. got one from the junkyard and slapped it back in and the thing was back on the road. And as you see I just went and bought a younger model. with less runs on it. I have Never been this satisfied with a vehicle in my life. yes I had to change the clutch reservoir on both trucks, but it is fairly easy proceedure and inexpensive. Not a bad trade off for outstanding reliability.
I just bought a used 1988 Short Bed Toyota Pickup with 69K miles on it! It was a delivery vehicle for a body shop in Manchester, NH, and I love it (previously, I left a 1981 Toyota Tercel at a Goodwill in Austin with 249K miles on it, and it would have run forever it its seals hadn't dried out due to a brother's failure to use coolant for a couple of months).
One problem: there is a rust hole in the bed behind the right rear wheel, and I'm not sure if I should glass it over, have it welded, or let it grow and spread. Any advice? Having cost me $2K, is it worth it (or is it possible) to fix it?
I have an 1987 toyota 2 wheel drive truck, brakes are very mushy. My mechanic said I need to replace the exterior brake
pieces (that connect to the brakelines) behind the rear tire, any idea what this is called? I'm up in northern Wisconsin, so it's a bit rusty. Thanks for any advice.
Nov 27, 2005.
I have a short bed 1988 Toyota truck that will pack a mean punch. It has been a tank like the others have said. But I have recently had the clutch replaced and now the four wheel drive will not engage at all. I replaced the clutch due to its leaking as well. If you have any answers to this problem please post them thanks.