[Taking my 86 Escaper in for an overhaul. Here is the list of things I'm thinking of getting taken care of. Advice?]

17 minutes ago, linda s said:

I watch anyone take off my rear drivers side wheel. No matter how many times you tell them they ignore it and lots of studs have been broken. The only remaining must have in my opinion is a valve adjustment. Makes the most difference in  for power ,gas miles and general running fantastic. I do mine every 2 years without fail.

Linda S

 

Thank you Linda. You're amazing. 

 

[Taking my 86 Escaper in for an overhaul. Here is the list of things I'm thinking of getting taken care of. Advice?]

Hi Everyone,

 

I finally found a mechanic that is willing to take a look at my new-to-me 86 Escaper (four cylinder, manual). Below is the list of things I want to take care of before going on a cross country journey (next summer maybe).  Anything critical that I'm missing? All suggestions are welcome.

 

I'm going to purchase the leaf springs, tires, and air bag kit ahead of time, so hopefully my items are correct. I know I need bushing for the leaf springs, does it matter which kind? I'm just going with Energy Suspension (https://www.desertrat.com/series-202626-energy-suspension-leaf-spring-bushing-set.html#!year%3D1986||make%3DTOYOTA||model%3DPICKUP||sq%3Dbushing). The Desert Rat website is suggesting u-bolts as well, so I'm assuming I should get those too? 

 

Anyway, things I’m having done (oil change already done):

1.       Leaf Springs- Old Man EMU (OME) CS010R leaf springs. 

2.       Air bags- AIR LIFT 57113

3.       Shocks

4.       Front and Rear Brakes

5.       Tires 185R14 102/100R D

6.       Spark Plugs/Wires

7.        Belt and Hose check.

8.       Fuel and air filters

 

Things I’m giving the mechanic a heads up about, anything else? 

 

1.       Toyotamotorhome.org

2.       Rear axle nuts are left-hand thread

 

Thank you everyone!

[Have you named your Toy?]

We just bought a custom spare tire cover for Hunkajunk. 

[Wisconsin Mechanics? Somewhere between Madison and Milwaukee...or maybe Northern Illinois Near the Wisconsin Boarder]

5 hours ago, linda s said:

You need to look for a truck shop. They have the lifts and door heights to accommodate a motorhome and are more likely to be willing to work on your rig. google RV repair and find one that is drivetrain repair not just coach repair. You'll find something for sure. I do see a Wisconsin Spring in Madison. They will handle your suspension issues maybe the other stuff too

Linda S

This place works on RV's and trucks. 

https://www.mjtruck.com/

Thank you! Now at least I know what to look for. I was taken a little bit by surprise when a couple of new RV dealers I called didn't work on chassis and didn't know anyone who did. 

[Wisconsin Mechanics? Somewhere between Madison and Milwaukee...or maybe Northern Illinois Near the Wisconsin Boarder]

Just fishing for a mechanic to do brakes and suspension including leaf springs. I'm working through a list of local places, but the traditional places I know of won't touch it. 

[New to the forum]

Pictures look great. I'm new to website, and not nearly as handy as many people here, but it's really awesome seeing what everyone is capable of. 

[Thinking of buying an 86 Escaper.]

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[Thinking of buying an 86 Escaper.]

24 minutes ago, ajsotophoto said:

Congrats on the buy, I have an 86 Escaper that I bought in June for less but needed a ton of work because of water damage from the roof AC added on. I don't see many Escapers so we will have to connect. These forums are great and I have been learning a ton.

 It's going to be interesting and fun, but stressful too. The drive home was great, but then I  read a thread where someone couldn't get a mechanic to replace leaf springs because it was too rusted...now I'm anxious about that. My two biggest repairs are probably are going to be suspension and new waste water tanks. 

[Thinking of buying an 86 Escaper.]

On 9/26/2020 at 10:29 PM, linda s said:

That's low miles for one of these. I think $6500 would be a good price. Because of the low miles as long as it runs smoothly. Check leaf springs and shocks. Does it bounce a lot. See if it has air bags in the rear and make sure they inflate properly.

I would pay more attention to the inside. Heater, air conditioner, refrigerator and water heater if they don't work it can add up to the cost of major engine repair. Ask that the fridge be cold when you get there, they aren't like regular fridges, take long time to cool. Check all other appliances. Check water pump and lines. Flush toilet. Like your buying a house because you are. 

Good luck

Linda S

Thank you. We ended up buying. It's going to need suspension work and new brakes but the appliances were all functional. We also took a long test drive, and it drove really solid. I've got a busy few days ahead, but I'll eventually post photos and some scans of original documents which are pretty cool. 

[Thinking of buying an 86 Escaper.]

Hello everyone,

 

I'm thinking of buying a 1986 Escaper. Manual transmission, six lug axle on back, 70,000ish miles, 22 RE engine, worn but still okay interior and exterior, tires need replaced. Any idea what these are typically priced at? I've been searching around and have seen anything from $5000 to $10,000, but hardly any of the advertisements are recent. Also, other than the axel issue (not a problem here), anything I should pay particular attention to when I test drive? 

Thank you for any help you can provide.