Vehicle Description
1979 Toyota Hilux SR5 4x4 Short-bed Pickup 2.2L SOHC eight-valve,
four-cylinder engine (code 20R) Four-speed manual transmission
(code L43) with 4.37 gearing and two-speed transfer case (code
RF1A) Yellow exterior (code 541) with SR5 package Tan cloth vinyl
interior (code KC41) Roll bar, auxiliary lights White wagon wheels
with front locking hubs and newer tires Looking for a survivor of
the second oil embargo that can use some tender, loving care? We
have a candidate in this 1979 Toyota 4x4 Short-bed Pickup (called
Hilux in other markets). Made in Toyota?s Tahara factory in Aichi,
Japan, this example is dressed in yellow (code 541) with the SR5
trim package. The truck?s paint and trim are in overall
satisfactory order, including the cargo bed, which displays some
blemishes. The bodywork is otherwise straight and solid and the
engine bay is tidy. The black front bumper is in decent order.
There?s a roll bar with driving lights perched atop it. This truck
rolls on newer tires, size 33x12.50R15LT, mounted on white wagon
wheels. The wheels are in overall good, original order. Under the
hood is a 2.2L SOHC eight-valve, four-cylinder engine (code 20R).
The engine head was changed from a reverse-flow to a cross-flow
type with hemispherical combustion chambers and shorter valve
rockers. The timing chain was strengthened. The lower block
bearings were strengthened against wear, safeguarding oil pressure,
and the stroke was lengthened. The changes increased torque
substantially and shifted peak power and torque towards the lower
speed range. The later R series engines did much to establish
Toyota's reputation for reliability. Backing this motor is a
four-speed manual transmission (code L43) with a 4.37:1 rear end
and two-speed transfer case (code RF1A). Inside, the car?s tan
cloth seating surfaces and vinyl seat sides (code KC41) are in
overall satisfactory order, except for the headliner, which is
great shape. The bench seat, carpet and three-spoke steering wheel
show as less than perfect. The inner door liners and dashboard are
in a similar state while a floor shifter, transfer case lever and
AM/FM stereo with cassette deck rounded out the interior. The
redesigned Hilux was introduced in August 1978, with a 4WD variant
introduced in January 1979. The newer model was of similar
dimensions to its predecessor but both front and rear tracks were
wider. Another change was the front suspension was changed from
coil springs to a torsion bar design, still with a double wishbone
layout. The 4WD variant ? not offered with any engines smaller than
the two-liter ?18R? ? featured some common technology with the
larger Toyota Land Cruiser. Its front axle was a live, leaf-sprung
design unlike the more car-like type used on rear-wheel drive
Hiluxes. In North American markets, the Hilux (known as the Pickup)
saw the use of four-wheel drive. It had a solid front axle and leaf
suspension. The body saw a redesign that included single round
headlights and a less complex body. This new 4WD setup featured a
gear-driven RF1A transfer case. This transfer case is unique in
that its low-range reduction portion can be replicated, using what
some refer to as a dual or triple transfer case. This results in a
much lower overall gear ratio. It was the first Hilux available
with an automatic transmission in that market. Competition to this
Toyota in 1979 included Chevrolet?s Light Utility Vehicle (LUV),
Datsun?s 1600, Dodge?s D-50, Ford?s Courier, Isuzu?s Faster,
Mazda?s B1800, Mitsubishi?s L200 and Plymouth?s Arrow. Toyota?s
?70s-era pickup trucks still command attention after all these
years. If interested in taking this one home, stop by MotoeXotica
Classic Cars today. VIN: RN37011238 This truck is currently located
at our facility in St. Louis, Missouri. Current mileage on the
odometer shows 78,955 miles. It is sold as is, where is, on a clean
and clear, mileage exempt title. GET OUT AND DRIVE!!! Note: Please
see full terms and conditions listed below that pertain to the
purchase of any said vehicle, thank you.