This 1981 Toyota 4×4 is a restomod example powered by a 5.3L Vortec V8 mated to a RF151 5-speed manual transmission and transfer case. The current build was commissioned by the seller around 6 years ago at a total stated cost of $40k Canadian (~$32k USD). Work performed at that time included a body-off paint job with sandblasted frame rails, a new interior, the V8 drivetrain, locking differentials, and a Marlin Crawler suspension lift with 35″ Mickey Thompson tires, among other modifications. The truck now shows 82k kilometers (~51k miles), 5,000 of which have been driven since the completion of the build. The seller’s documents from the restoration work are included. Fluids were changed two months ago. The truck is located in Canada, and the seller is willing to assist with import paperwork and delivery to the US border. This V8 Toyota 4X4 is sold with a Nova Scotia title in the seller’s name.

Around $12k was spent on paint and bodywork, which included rotisserie restoration of the body and media-blasted frame. The frame has been reinforced with gusseting and additional Trail Gear cross-members, and the truck has been lifted 5.” A tubular roll bar has been installed in the bed, and rocker guards/steps are welded to the frame rails underneath. A 3″ stainless steel dual exhaust exits ahead of the rear wheel arches on both sides.

Cabin glass and lights were replaced, and new fenders with painted bolt-on flares were installed. An custom-fabricated tubular front bumper with KC foglights have been added. 35x15x12.5″ Mickey Thompson Baja Claw MTZ tires are mounted on polished aluminum Outlaw-style rims. The seller states that the truck has been street-driven only since the completion of the build.

The bed was stripped to bare metal and repainted, and is now protected with a Linex spray-on bed liner.

A custom interior features black leather upholstery and door panels, new carpet, and a new headliner. The dash layout was revised with additional gauges monitoring oil pressure, manifold pressure, and water temperature, as well as switches for additional lighting and an electric locking differential. The wiring harness was upgraded to blade fuses, and a custom stereo with a Kenwood head unit and in-dash iPhone dock has been installed. The odometer shows around 82k kilometers (~51k miles), and is believed accurate. The seller notes that the tach needle has fallen off of the gauge.

Aftermarket bucket seats are manually adjustable, and show little wear along the bolsters. The center console is a custom piece incorporating storage, an amplifier, and subwoofers.

The original engine has been replaced by a 5.3L Chevrolet Vortec V8, paired with a rebuilt RF151 5-speed manual transmission and transfer case via an Advanced Adapters bellhousing and Centerforce clutch. Fuel comes from a Holley Truck Avenger high-angle carburetor and Edelbrock hi-rise intake manifold, and an MSD electronic ignition provides spark. The cooling system has been augmented with a aluminum radiator and dual electric fans, and Hooker LS1 headers route exhaust through 3″ stainless pipes.

A reinforced front axle features an electric locking differential, and the rear axle is equipped with posi-traction. A 5″ Marlin Crawler lift kit has been installed, along with Trail Gear spring shackles and springs. The steering was augmented with Trail Gear dampers and crossover components. The refurbished braking system has a Wilwood proportioning valve, with front brakes are Land Cruiser slotted 4 piston calipers, and rear discs were adapted from a 1988 Chevrolet Monte Carlo. Videos below show a walkaround and footage of the engine running.