Little chief Posted June 17, 2017 Share Posted June 17, 2017 Alright guys heres the situation my girlfriend and i are here from New Zealand and bought a 1980 toyota little chief in Vancouver around 2 months ago with the intentions of traveling across Canada and around the US, everyone assured us you cant go wrong with a Toyota, most reliable car around, will get you anywhere for far less gas, such fun much wow ect ect so after 2 months, 4 new tyres and quite a few auto parts store carpark fixes, we are in Belleville ON and the rear wheel bearing on drivers side has started making not so savoury noises. Its safe to say we are over it and what we are hoping is that one of you enthusiasts on here would want the little chief or know someone who does near here. We obviously want to get as much back as we can for it but are aware we are looking at a substantial loss. We are still deciding on plan b wether we will buy a mini van or something similar and continue on or look at greyhounds ect so this trip isnt a full loss. If you guys are interested, we want to hear offers that you would give us right now for it - cash money, so we can keep going. Even a vehicle trade of some description could work. Its a 20r motor with 4 speed trans, since we have had it i have reset the valves and had the timing reset and changed valve cover gasket, new exhaust mani gasket, new front main crank seal and changed oil pump o ring and checked clearances, 4 new tires, greased all grease points, changed both fuel filters and its running an electric pump new air filter and just had oil and filter done has the foolies on the back (wish i knew about them before we bought it) it has dual batteries with solenoid control House battery new and lasts for a few days with out driving. motor battery never goes flat. new 800w inverter New halogen head lights new fridge new oven\3 burner stove renovated Bathroom with toilet shower basin and mirror most globes led fold out couch and double bed above cab NO LEAKS new mixer tap in kitchen which allows for outdoor showers no rust at all airbags in the rear Cab interior mint and original 10 gallon fresh water tank 40 gallon grey unsure of black capacity but plenty for 5 plus days for 2 Plenty of storage There will be more ive forgotten but we will camp near here until Monday so we can ask a mechanic what the wheel bearings will cost to fix, we dont always have internet so can answer online questions fast but this is our number calls/texts welcome 604 367 4473 any advice on continuing in our little chief would be greatly appreciated too. Thanks guys Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Derek up North Posted June 17, 2017 Share Posted June 17, 2017 Sorry to hear about your troubles. I see you've discovered you still have a 5 lug/stud rear axle installed. Many Canadian Toyotas have been missed by the Recall which was US initiated and AFAIK never followed by Transport Canada. If you haven't already read the actual Recall, I'll attach a copy and also a short excerpt. I'd certainly get the rear bearings replaced and ask the mechanic to very carefully inspect the axle for any signs of cracking caused by metal fatigue. Options? Follow the Recall recommendations or just run a single rear wheel. Assuming you bought 185R14 Load Range D tires, they're rated for 1875lb, so you're probably comfortably under that. The chances of finding a 6 lug axle and wheels in Canada are slim to none. National Axle Recall RC-91V060-NN.PDF Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jjrbus Posted June 17, 2017 Share Posted June 17, 2017 When I was working I had to take Greyhound in the USA often and would not use it as a way to see the USA! You might want to Google touring the US by bus complaints, before you make a decision on that. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Little chief Posted June 18, 2017 Author Share Posted June 18, 2017 we will get the bearings fixed on monday does anyone know a ball park figure i can expect to pay? luckily we just bought 2 new 185r14d tyres in toronto, im tempted to just grind off the steel bits that the foolies bolted to and use the original inside wheels as we also have a spare on the back we like the little chief but its just been one thing after another and just our luck the engine has started running like shit today it barely idles now so i guess bearings and a tune up at the very least im sure that would be $1500 atleast. i think surly after a tune up and wheel bearings not to much more could go wrong touch wood. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Recommended Posts
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.