LUVTruck.com

...i want to find out a bit of information

i've been a dyed-in-the-wool toyota guy for a while now, because i've owned a 'yota, and i love it. but it's 2wd isn't enough for me, and i'm looking for something that has 4x4 capabilities. there's a few 4x4 luvs in the local ads, one with some add ons(roll bar, big tires, lift) for 1400, and another 4x4 that "runs good", with another for parts for 850.

i like toyota pickups because they're reliable, easy to work on, and parts are everywhere. however, i'd kinda want something different, since everybody and their mom drives a toyota now, and most are pavement pounders. i've always had a thing for the humble LUV. i've never owned one, but a few people i know have, and they seemed to like them.

the things i'd like to know are:

how much can i squeeze out of the little 1.8, and what kind of performance parts are available for it? i know weber makes carbs for this engine, and thorley makes an exhaust header...i'm a little short on cash and experience for a v6/v8 swap, and i've always been fond of 4 bangers

what kind of suspension upgrades can i do? i think rancho makes add-a-leafs for the luv, but are there better torsion bars or a-arms available? i may see a SAS in the future, but probably not for now(probably in the same category as an engine swap)

i've heard early 80's isuzu parts will often swap in, a few things i would like to know about are locking hubs, transmissions(i'd like to own a 5 speed) and possible a transfer case, since i've heard that the luv t-case often slips out of 4-low

any info is appreciated

well ill tell you first hand my 80 luv out performs my bros 86 toyota in everything. So if you whant a good little truck a luv is defenitly the ticket, oh and the luvs are easy to work on. I havent worked on anny carbed toyota motors so i cant say which is easier but luvs are a great truck and im never getting rid of mine.

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1980 LUV 4x4, going under re-construction...

oh, and the luv definitely outscores the toyotas around here in the price range

the usual price for a 4x4(when i can find them) seems to be around 1200

the typical toyota price for a 4x4 is usually at least 2500-4000(for a 15 year old truck!)

I'm hooked on mine. I've only had it for a few months, and I'm doing a 1.8L buildup with a bigger cam, header, I already have the Weber carb, and a bunch of new parts. Almost my entire rebuild is from auction/lucky to find parts and will cost me right around $500. Mine is a 1980 4x4, and I, too, am fond of the 4-banger. Just do it!

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Kuranosuke
Grampa's Driving:

1990 Luv 4X4 "Family Cab"
with the big 4 banger on 31" Dueller A/Ts

1989 Dodge Raider with some junk...

"Urban Fighter F.P.C" coming soon to a road near you...
got BOOBIES?

Get a luv man. It will reward you with a full life if you take care of it. Mine just rolled over to 217300 miles. ALL ORIGINAL. No rebuilds.

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Hammer to fit, paint to match.
If it aint broke, don't fix it.
There's always room for duct tape and bailing wire.

WATCH YOUR PIEHOLE!!!!!!