1991 Toyota SR5 Xtracab Pickup

While payload and towing capacities are better than the Japanese norm, they don't quite measure up to the domestics.  When comparison shopping, Toyota may have an advantage in the fact they have perceptibly higher quality of workmanship, which might offset possible higher prices.  Compact Toyota pickups gained a restyling for 1989, with shift-on-the-fly part-time 4-wheel drive and rear antilock brakes.  The new ABS system was standard on SR5 V6 models, optional on SR5 4-cylinder pickups.  Standard powerplants in 1990 included both a fuel-injected and carbureted 2.4 liter 4 cylinder engine plus an available 150hp 3.0-liter V6.  The two 4 cylinder engines provided 102hp and 116hp respectively.  Standard on SR5 V6 models and optional on Xtracab Deluxe pickups was the 3.0 liter V6.  The carbureted engine offered a 4-speed manual gearbox, while the other two came standard with a 5-speed manual, with an available 4-speed overdrive automatic.  For '91 rear-wheel antilock brakes continue as standard on the SR5 models, but are optional on all other Toyota pickups.  Standard on the SR5 V6 4×4 and newly optional on all of Toyota's 4WD pickups for '91–is a system the automaker calls 4WDemand.  This system has automatic-locking front hubs.  Shifting a floor-mounted transfer-case lever engages the front differential and drive shafts, permitting shift-on-the-fly between 2WD and 4WD high at any speed up to 50 mph.  Gone for '91 was the carbureted 102hp 2.4-liter 4 cylinder engine.

Looking just the way it left the showroom floor thanks to a bed off restoration and ready to be rough and rumble in any outdoor situation, this well maintained and rust free and 2 owner SR5 Xtracab pickup from 1991.  Its a ready to be used and not trailered 4x4 in classic Toyota design offered for consignment here climbing the walls at Classic Auto Mall.  This truck can literally go anywhere, and if you get into trouble, you can pull the transfer case level and drive your way out.  The only thing it does not do is drive upside down on the ceiling, which is a bit disappointing but understandable.  Ready for some serious mountain climbing steps, this rig is rough, ready, and capable with a ton of recent maintenance, factory recalls performed and is completely original save for the paint and consumable items.  Some knobby off-road tires and aggressive look make us ready to strap in, pull the lever into 4-High and take the path less traveled.

Exterior
This urban jungle and off road capable rig is bathed in a respray of the correct Cardinal Red which presents with no rust on the stamped steel body panels.  A OEM segmented silver decal graces the sides and stops with a diagonal cut on the well preserved bed.  15-inch factory installed alloy wheels, all spit shined, are all wrapped in 32x11.5R15 Renegade knobby all-terrain rubber.  Chrome is dressing the larger than life front bumper and grille surround which holds at the outboard sides glass lensed headlights with wrap-around signal markers and this compliments the sea of Cardinal Red steel nicely.  The gaps remain well minded, but as with any off roader a few dings and scratches are noted in the finish.  More chome is noted for the side mirror housing and door handles and even makes an appearance as thin trimmings around the front windshield and sliding rear glass.  Speaking of the glass, the sides and rear are carrying a light smoked finish that works well with the overall demeanor of the truck.  Moving to the bed, a spray-in liner has been installed that extends to the top sides and a polished to the nines diamond plate tool box fills the space at the front of the bed.  A TOYOTA badged tailgate shows proudly out back with tall smoked tail lights flanking the sides and a tubular step bumper is below.  Climb every mountain!
 
Interior
Luxurious and effective, the factory gray tweed buckets up front flank a gray plastic console, complete with storage box, coin cubby and the shifters for the transmission and transfer case.  A foldable matching rear bench seat is seen, and tough Coco style mats over top the charcoal gray carpets for extra protection.  Overall the carpet remains very clean,  but does show heavy soiling in the driver's rear area.  Floating below the curvy gray padded topper is the black faced dash with black face gauges.  The center of the dash has many original knobs, a controller for the heat and AC, and a faceless aftermarket AM/FM/CD stereo.  Gray molded vinyl and broadcloth makes up the door panels and is dressed with padded inserts to hold the power window, mirror and lock toggles.  Give me your mud, your rain, your camping gear, and your firewood…

Drivetrain
The factory 3.0 liter 3VZE 6 cylinder fits nicely into the engine bay.  This mill is fed by EFI and has been treated to a new timing belt and related parts including the water pump in the summer of 2017.  The factory head gasket recall was performed in 2005 and all of the fluids have recently been changed to top grade Amsoil products.   A 5-speed manual transmission with a heavy duty clutch and pressure plate is just behind along with the dual range transfer case.  4.10 geared axles are seen fore and aft to assist with the mud slinging.  Some kids grew up on mean streets with crips and bloods, but me, I was born on a back road on a 4x4 rollin' through the mud.

Undercarriage
Some surface rust on the usual subjects, all is secure and sturdy, structurally sound underneath with its black finish and light coating of road dirt.  Keeping things surefooted is an independent front suspension with torsion bars and leaf springs being noted in the rear.  Power front disc brakes and power drums bring this rig to a halt, which is good, because what goes up must come down!  A factory style single exhaust is on for the exhale and breathe spent gasses out the stock style muffler.

Drive-Ability
A quick starter and smooth runner, this truck can get the tires singing and the exhaust playing a melodious throaty tune.  I noted that the power locks only unlock from the passenger's door, the driver's power mirror would not move up and down and the AC, while cold, could be a bit colder.  This system is still operating on R12 and after a recent shop visit the technician stated that a top off should bring the system up to snuff.  Small nuances aside, all other functions operated as designed, sing with me:  Let's get a little mud on the tires…

Rarely seen these days and with some unique Asian design cues the truck holds an allure that is almost imposing but inviting at the same time.  Some restoration, lots of predictive and preventative maintenance, and a reliable Toyota drivetrain coexist with the utilitarian but nice interior which can be cleaned easily on this decidedly good looker.  4 wheeling in a classic Toyota, you'll have the hikers and mountain bikers turning their heads when you are coming and going…throw a little dust or mud on 'em just for kicks!

Classic Auto Mall is a 336,000-square foot classic and special interest automobile showroom, featuring over 850 vehicles for sale with showroom space for up to 1,000 vehicles. Also, a 400 vehicle barn find collection is on display. This vehicle is located in our showroom in Morgantown, Pennsylvania, conveniently located just 1-hour west of Philadelphia on the I-76 Pennsylvania Turnpike. The website is www.classicautomall.com and our phone number is (888) 227-0914. Please contact us anytime for more information or to come see the vehicle in person.