When Tony Edwards first spotted this striking V8-swapped 1983 Toyota SR5 longbed 4×4, the year was 2013 and the truck was being stored in a building in Martinsville, Indiana. Tony is no stranger to Toyota trucks—his first new ride was a 1984 Toyota four-wheel-drive truck, and it left a lasting impression. The ’83 also left an impression.

In a twist, twelve years later, in July 2025, he purchased the ’83. A couple of months later, he displayed the truck at the 2025 Fall 4-Wheel Jamboree Nationals in Danville, Indiana—where it drew a significant amount of attention.

1983 Toyota SR5 4×4: Completely Restored, Driven Little

Originally sourced in Arizona, the truck was fully restored and modified in 2012 by Riley Customs in Martinsville. When Tony took ownership, the Toyota had seen minimal use since the rebuild but had spent years in storage. He dove in, sorted out the issues, and soon had the SR5 looking sharp and running stellar.

302 V8, C4 Transmission, And Gear Drive Transfer Case

Under the ’Yota’s hood is a rebuilt and massaged Ford 302-cubic-inch V8 that provides a great power-to-weight ratio. Its features include a Quick Fuel four-barrel carburetor, an Edelbrock fuel pump, and an exhaust system with 2.5-inch ceramic-coated piping. Cooling comes from an aluminum radiator backed by dual electric fans. Output is estimated at 275 to 300 horsepower.

The same Mustang that donated the engine also supplied the C4 three-speed automatic transmission. It’s been upgraded with a reverse-manual valve body, a cooler, and is controlled by a Lokar shifter. Power flows through the factory gear-drive two-speed transfer case.

Rebuilt Axles, Chromoly Axleshafts, Four-Inch Lift, And More

The truck still has its stout factory axles, each completely rebuilt and upgraded with chromoly shafts. The front retains its manual locking hubs, and both axles spin 4.10:1 gears.

Rancho shocks reside at all four corners, working in sync with four-inch lift leaf springs. The added altitude creates space for 35×12.50R17LT Goodyear Fierce Attitude M/Ts wrapped around 10-inch-wide American Racing wheels.

Custom Bumpers, Functional Hood Scoop, No Stickers

The truck’s exterior blends form and function. Up front, a Riley Customs–built bumper features dual LED light bars, recessed LED lights, and a pair of D-ring shackle lugs. Out back, a custom Riley Customs bumper adds another set of D-rings and serious strength. Riley Customs also built the nerf bars, and they each feature an integrated step to aid passenger ingress and egress.

A functional hood scoop feeds airflow, while a spray-on bedliner shields the cargo bed and tailgate. The body wears House of Kolor Bittersweet II Pearl paint, and every stripe is painted on—not stickers. Additionally, all of the lettering on the rear of truck is painted on.

Custom Interior Trim, Upgraded Audio, And More

Inside, the Toyota’s cabin received a full refresh from Coverall Custom Upholstery. The shop created the door panels, seat covers, headliner, dash cover, and shifter boots. The door panels even echo the truck’s exterior striping for a cohesive look.

Instrumentation now includes gauges for coolant temp, oil pressure, transmission temp, and voltage. Tunes come courtesy of a Kenwood audio system that replaces the factory system.

Tony’s Favorite Feature: Drivetrain

Tony’s favorite feature of the truck is its drivetrain. He says, “The engine, transmission, and tire combination work extremely well to make it a great driver.”

The Toyota is also an attention-getter. Tony adds, “This is a great truck, and because of the high quality of the entire build, it gets an extreme amount of attention whenever it’s seen.”

His truck is a fine example of one of the last years of solid front axle Toyota trucks.