T4WD Wannabe Owner...

[RustBucket]

Hi everyone,

I don't own a Tercel, but I thought I would join this board anyway because I plan to own one someday. I am a big 'yota guy and currently own a 1988 4Runner. It has been modestly modified for offroad use (33's, lockers, chevy leaf spring swap, armor, etc.) and is proudly propelled by a 22re and a W56 trans. I have done alot of work on a friend's 94 tercel including valve stem seals, clutch job, upgrading from a 4 to a 5-speed, and struts, and really enjoy working on it.

Recently I spent some time at Pull-A-Part looking for some stuff and ran across a couple of wagons (83 and 84). I had never really studied them up close but after doing so I've decided that I will have to get one sometime. Since these particular ones were junked anyway I didn't feel any remorse scavenging the shifter knobs (the FWD-4WD knob has replaced the J-pattern knob in my 4Runner), some extremely cool badges, and an inclinometer. BTW I think I'd like to sell the inclinometer since my 4Runner already has one so contact me if you want it.

I am located in Atlanta GA and would greatly appreciate it if anyone in the region that is selling a well-loved Tercel wagon would let me know. I want to join the club!

[Petros]

welcome to the list. We mostly find them on Craig's list, I have found several in back yards and side lots.

With that kind of modification experience you might want to search this forum about engine swaps and suspension mods. These are great little 4x4s, but they have their share of issues, the most annoying is the very underpowered and obsolete engine. This can be fixed of course, and once you find one it will be fun to see what kind of up grades you can accomplish with these under appreciated little cars.

[RustBucket]

Looks like Corolla engines are a pretty easy swap in?

Has anyone tried the 2.4L 22re? That would be cool...

[danzo]

To my knowledge nobody has slapped a 22re into a T4wd, as there would be major front suspension reworking involved. Cutting/relocating cross members/steering gear to set the engine lower in the chassis (stock 3A is high for ground clearance) and much more that would involve many hundreds of manhours and tons of skill. But I do agree this is a fantastic engine and would be very cool in a rwd Terc. Toyota now puts a 2.7L with about 160hp/180torque in their small trucks and it would make a real sleeper of a Terc.

Other swaps have been done, just search the archives for some interesting reading. Keep in mind the limiting factor is the gearbox whose life will shorten as you add power.

[trestlehed]

Hello, new to this forum. I was directed here by Brenton Netz from ToyotaVanPeople.com
I have an '87 4x4 van which has been a project for the last 2 years. Now that I have most of the bugs worked out of my van,
I'm on the hunt for a 4wd tercel wagon. My only apprehension was reading that the tranny is one of a kind and hard to replace.
With any luck I will look at and test drive an 86 Tercel 4wd wagon early next week.
Wish me luck!

Udpate: I decided against a Tercel wagon and instead bought a 1987 Toyota truck.
Sorry...

Moderator please delete my post.

Thanks.

-Mark H.
San Diego, CA.