1987 Toyota Xtra Cab

2LT Pickup truck

4 - Cyl.

Manual

JT4LN67D2H0000507

Diesel

This is a rare 1987 Toyota Diesel Xtra cab 4x4 truck in good condition. Read on for a all the details, photos, and video. Why most people have never seen a Toyota Diesel TruckThis vehicle was imported from Canada by the previous owner. While these trucks are very popular in most parts of the world they were not manufactured for the US market. The phrase "toyota diesel truck" usually raises eyebrows in the US, and it's no wonder - not only are these rare, but they are tough, dependable machines. (More: Top Gear Trying to Kill a Toyota Hilux http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OVkedyQZfwQ). The Engine and DrivetrainThe 2L-T is a 2.4 L (2446 cc) turbo version of the 2L still being produced since 1985. The bore and stroke are the same but the 2L-T has a compression ratio of 20:1. Output is 96 hp (72 kW) at 4000 RPM with 139 ft·lb (188 N·m) of torque at 2200 RPM. If you aren't familiar with 2L diesels, please be aware that they are not (obviously) as powerful as newer models. While this truck will do 75 on the freeway, don't expect to pass cars on steep or even moderate uphill grades. You can't be in a hurry to own this truck, which is partially why it doesn't work for me now. However, this truck excels at lower speeds and really excels once you take it off the road. In 4-low you should be able to drive over a mountain. The transfer case offers 4WD selection, and low range gearing options. The engine in this truck was rebuilt around 300,000 km, which means the new engine only has about 26,000 km on it today. One would expect a Toyota diesel engine to run for another 300,000 km without repair. This rebuild included: valves, water pump, t-belt, bored block, polished crank, new bushings, resized rods etc. Overall the motor is solid and the turbo has decent boost (the turbo boost is not strong on these models but helps). As far as how it runs - it's the smoothest and most reliable diesel of this time period that I've driven. It starts up immediately, even after sitting for long periods of time (see the video below). A big help is the custom secondary push-button high-volt glow plug relay that was installed. Basically press a button on the dash and hold for a count or two, release, and start. This trucks also produces the least smoke of any vehicle from this era that I've seen. Startup smoke is surprisingly minimal; you may see a small amount if you floor it at 75 mph. More details: Everything in the truck is mostly 'new' or rebuilt: new injection pump and injectors with less than 1500 km on them, radiator, brakes, injectors, exhaust, alternator, new Nokian tires, turbo rebuilt (stock). Very limited miles since most of this was replaced or rebuilt (I have records for this stuff). The truck was imported from Canada with 313,000 kilometers on 9/19/05 to Montana by the previous owner, and was purchased by the current owner (that's me) in Sept. 2007. The odometer currently reads 327,000 km (203,190 miles). Body and FrameThe body of this truck is in great shape except for a few cosmetic issues. The only real area of concern is the left rear body panel, which is showing some signs of rust and a few holes. All of the rust on the truck is what I would call cosmetic, and all of this could be fixed in a short amount of time by an amateur with a grinding wheel, JB weld, and a custom can of paint. InteriorThe interior of this truck is in great condition. Door panels are sound - surprisingly so, without rips or tears. Seats are solid also without rips or tears. These are the standard Toyota pickup seats you are probably familiar with. The foam on the center divider pad has a chunk out of it. Plenty of space behind the seats and still clean and relatively new looking. Truck has custom stereo speakers behind the seats. They appear to be standard speakers you'd find in a house, not in a truck, but they crank and are solidly attached so it's hard to complain. They also connect to an .mp3/CD player up front. The audio cranks. Overall ConditionAs mentioned, these trucks are very hard to find in good condition. The electrical system is sound with all lights and indicators functioning correctly, except for the left front main headlamp (I have a spare in the truck but have not had time to swap it out), and the auxiliary glow plug relay needs to be checked out. The fan, wipers, and hazards, are all working. The starter and alternator are working great, and a new battery is holding charge. The tires are new Nokian and have no damage and the spare has never hit the road. This truck runs great. I have reliably driven it one two very long and difficult trips: one from Bozeman, Montana, to Corvallis, Oregon, and one from there all the way to its current location about 1.5 hours from Sacramento, CA. Both were 900-1,000 miles, and the second took place in the dead of winter. It can make a top speed of about 120 kph/75 mph on the highway, but is happier a bit slower. The transmission shifts correctly, and the clutch is good, and does not slip. The transfer and locking hubs case are working correctly and 4WD and low range engage and disengage properly without noise, or any problems. Steering is fine. The only operational problem that the truck has is that the fuel gauge is broken. This isn't a big deal, just a pain in the ass. Previously I had the stock tank removed to clean it out. Turns out it was completely clogged with old diesel fuel gunk, so we found a replacement (unfortunately not exact but a fit). It wasn't until the tank was in place that we discovered the fuel gauge was broken. This hasn't been a major problem and shouldn't cost too much to fix, but there it is. So please keep in mind 1) fuel tank is 'custom' and 2) fuel gauge is currently not working. Finally, the previous owner installed a Greasecar custom SVO kit although the truck was not driven far on alternative fuel. Shortly after purchasing the truck I dismantled the system, rebuilt and replaced the injection pump, and swapped out the fuel tank. You will find the system still partially installed. BonusesSince they are hard to find, I'm going to throw in a spare injection pump worth $500. It took me a few months to find them but when I did I bought two. One was rebuilt and installed, and the other is used and probably would need a rebuild before being put into use. Truck comes with a topper that has an elevated back. Inside has a wooden platform to split the bed into an upper and lower deck. This is an ideal setup for camping or gear storage since you can split gear on the bottom from sleeping bags on the top. If you're into biodiesel or SVO (not sure I would recommend it with this injection pump + motor setup) you can upgrade the system in the truck relatively easily. Comes with almost all the parts you needs (ask me about this if you're serious). Comes with factory repair manual on CD and all repair and historical records. Registration InformationTruck has expired Montana license plates on it. Interesting story, but shortly after buying the vehicle I relocated to San Francisco (from Oregon). Unable to register the truck here it has been sitting in covered storage. I have the original title, completely notarized and with signatures. The truck has not been re-registered in California but it should be eligible for registration by next year at the latest (25-year old vehicle exemption). About MeThis my second older diesel vehicle. The first one was an '82 Datsun 720 that I rebuilt, upgraded, and converted to run on recycled vegetable oil. The truck ran flawlessly for 2 years (I went to the gas station twice) until I sold it here on Ebay motors for $6,500. This Toyota which is now for sale was a major upgrade. It was my dream truck, but about 2.5 years ago I moved to San Francisco for work, and this is just not practical for the city. It's the type of truck you need a garage for (to store tools) and a little extra time (to play around with it). Since none of this is going to change in the near future, I (sadly) have to let this one go. It's a real shame since I love the truck, but I'd be happy to see it getting good use somewhere else. I strongly think this truck is worth the money. TransportThis truck is quite drivable and roadworthy, and may make it a long distance, but I think it may be wiser to trailer it, or ship it to any longer destinations since it currently does not a have valid registration. It drives just fine, but it may be wiser to keep it closer to home to shake the dust off it, and go over it, before driving at across the continent. The vehicle is currentlylocated about 3 hours east of the San Francisco Bay Area. VideoHere is some video of the truck to show you how it currently runs. I hadn't started it in weeks before this, so you can see how cleanly it burns fuel. Sorry about the poor video quality - apparently had my phone turned the wrong way when capturing this.