hey /o/, I'm looking to get a toyota pickup of some sort

>>17669735
The last gen that uses solid axle, they didn't really change much until they went to IFS.
straight axle is obviously better but IFS cucks will chime in shortly saying IFS is just as good or better.
They are bad when it comes to rust, it's basically a meme.
I don't have to worry since I live in the southwest, nothing rusts here, not even toyotas.
Avoid the 3.0 entirely, horrible engine that makes no power and will 100% blow the head gasket, while getting awful fuel mileage.

>>17669741
Thanks, so I'd probably need to be looking in the 84-85 range, right? also, is an automatic even worth considering or should I stick with the 5 speed? the autos are rare but I have seen a few

>>17669735
i own an 88 and a 92 toyota pickup

the 92 is my project, it has a blown engine and the paint is shit

the 88 has a rebuilt engine and is lifted. pretty good condition. i use it as DD. the trucks are built to last. rust IS a big enemy and usually the trucks arent worth putting new engines in. you have to want them to be a project. parts are really cheap and it is easy to work on them
overall they are worth it if you are going to be doing the work yourself. if you need to go to a mechanic they probably arent a great choice