Hey everybody, I bought my first toyota a couple weeks ago. I told myself it was going to be a cheap daily driver and I wouldn't put a bunch of money into it. We all know how that turns out. I'm loving the pickup to death but I can't help but wonder if a 4x4 conversion is an option? Just wanting some opinions on where to go with it. Thanks!
It's your truck you can build it however you like! Personally I would not go the 4x4 route with a Hilux only because they are becoming more scarce and it would be a shame to raisin up on a trail as spare fenders and body parts are quite hard to find....but a 1980s minitruck is very abundant. Because of that I plan to keep my 75 on the street...but you never know what will happen 5+ years from now when the laws become even more strict. Glad I waited and got a pre-smog instead of the 78 I almost bought a few months prior.
You could figure out how to do a conversion, or you could keep it as your economical dd and hold out for a factory 4x4, which I think first appeared in the 1979 hilux. Two trucks! Although I haven't seen too many early 4x4 hiluxes for sale in my area (az), theres a sweet 1980ish 4x4 that comes into my work. Your hilux looks like a great cruiser though.
I've decided to keep her low and slow lol. I've got some lowering parts headed my way and 15x10s on her now.
If you're determined to have a Hilux 4x4, consider just buying one that's already done. Less work on your end, instead of fabbing from scratch you just spend time fine tuning whatever frankenjob the PO did. I've seen them pop up on CL a few times over the years. This one's been on CL for months now, not sure why it hasn't sold: https://sacramento.craigslist.org/cto/6123473991.html
I know exactly where you're coming from. I've got a 100 series Land Cruiser and a 4x4 Toyota pickup that can't fit my family, been thinking of selling the truck because why do I need two 4x4s that I cannot use simultaneously!