Doug Avery’s 1983 Toyota SR5 4×4 pickup is a rare truck infused with a rockin’ collection of mods, including a dual-carb small-block GM V8 and an uncommon aftermarket stepside bed. But the story of Doug and his truck is every bit as fascinating as the truck itself.
To Build The Perfect Truck Doug Began With An Imperfect Truck
Doug has been a wheeler for decades, and his off-road resume includes mud bogging, trail riding, and even tough truck racing. Along the way, he has attended scores of 4-Wheel Jamborees, which is where we met him and his Toyota. Those events also helped inspire the creation of this rig.
After years of modifying 4x4s for the trail, Doug decided to change course. His goal was to create an immaculate rig that captured the look and attitude of the Jamboree trucks of the 1980s. First, though, he needed the right truck.
He found it when he snagged this SR5 from a local seller. The Toyota had spent time as an off-roader, and it showed. It was rough, but Doug saw past the rust and scars, recognizing it was the perfect foundation for his plan.
Working with Johnson Auto Body in Tolland, Connecticut, a shop known in part for its award-winning restorations, the truck underwent a complete frame-off renovation.
GM Crate Engine With Dual Four-Barrel Carbs
When Doug acquired the truck, it was already packing a 305-cubic-inch V8 topped with a four-barrel carburetor. Before the restoration began, he wheeled the Toyota for more than a year with that powerplant. But when build time arrived, the 305 got the boot to make way for something better.
In its place went a 350-cubic-inch GM crate engine secured with Advance Adapters motor mounts. Up top, a pair of Edelbrock four-barrel carburetors feeds the small-block through an Edelbrock intake. Exhaust exits through Northwest Offroad headers, dual 2.5-inch-diameter tubing, and aftermarket mufflers. A four-core radiator and engine-driven fan keep temperatures in check, while an under-bed-mounted battery helps supply amperage.
Doug wanted an award-winning engine compartment, and he nailed it. The engine bay is exceptionally clean and highly detailed, with the wiring hidden and the electronics relocated beneath the dash.
Salvage Yard-Sourced TH350, ‘Yota Transfer Case
Bolted to the V8 is a TH350 three-speed automatic transmission sourced from a salvage yard and completely rebuilt. It’s mated to the ’Yota’s stock two-speed transfer case via an Advance Adapters adapter.
4.10 Gears, Old School Manual Steering
Doug kept the Toyota’s stout factory axles and 4.10:1 differential gearing, but gave each axle a thorough rebuild. Despite the added V8 muscle, he says the stock hardware has handled the power without complaint. Up front, a Skyjacker steering stabilizer helps keep the manual steering system in check.
Dual Shocks At Each Corner, 35-Inch Boggers
The Toyota still rides on its original leaf springs, but Doug made a few strategic changes to get everything just right. A set of 2-inch lift blocks out back eliminated the truck’s rear-down attitude, while a pair of Skyjacker shocks on custom mounts at each corner handles damping duties.
Doug also wanted room for bigger rubber without hacking into the inner fenderwells. His solution was a 3-inch body lift, which helped clear a set of 35×10.50R15LT Interco Super Swamper TSL Boggers mounted on 10-inch-wide American Racing wheels. A matching spare wheel and tire ride in the bed, adding to the classic 1980s 4×4 look.
Ultra-Rare Stepside Bed
One of the truck’s most eye-catching exterior features is its stepside bed. No, Toyota didn’t offer a stepside bed for the 1983 SR5. This vintage unit was manufactured by a company called California Step-Side Manufacturing Inc. Research indicates that the company incorporated in 1975 and possibly ceased operations in the early 1990s. The super-rare bed features a steel structure with fiberglass fenders, and Doug made it a point to restore it. He also made a few upgrades, including a handmade red oak floor replete with new metal strips. The tailgate was too far gone to save, but Doug’s plan didn’t include one anyway.
During the build, some of the truck’s original bodywork was usable, but several components needed to be replaced. The finished exterior wears a color originally offered on a 2005 Dodge Daytona pickup.
Immaculate Custom Interior
The SR5’s interior was completely reworked. Its features include a handcrafted dash insert with Auto Meter gauges, a custom center console, a hidden radio, and USB ports. Additionally, there’s a custom dash pad and carpet, re-covered Dodge Dakota seats, and a Grant GT steering wheel. The glovebox was also removed and the area covered for a cleaner look.
Once A Thrashed Trail Rig, Now An Award Winner
It’s hard to believe Doug’s impeccable, award-winning 1983 Toyota SR5 was once a rusted-out trail rig seemingly headed for the salvage yard.
So, did Doug accomplish what he set out to do? His answer says it all: “I love the truck because it’s the way I wanted it.”
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