I Might buy a 1985 4x4 720 this week. What should I watch out for.

[Liquidnails]

Hi everyone, I'm a longtime Nissan owner and I need (want) a little truck for summer fun in the woods, and dump runs and stuff like that. With new wheels and suspension on my Maxima i won't be taking her off the blacktop anymore.

I saw an ad locally for an '85 720 4x4 with 85k miles (sunroof and spray in box liner) for $1400 OBO. She looked pretty straight from the pictures with some rust above the rear wheels and a dent in the KC part. I'm planning on checking her out this week sometime... is there anything in particular I should watch for? I am not all that familiar with this model. I know what i could be getting into with a 25 yr old vehicle, especially if she's been beaten on and mistreated for every one of those 85k miles. I'm looking forward to any input you all have. i'll be sure to check in after i've had a look at her.

Thanks!

[MetalFab]

85k miles on an 85 4x4.. add 100k+ and thats what sittin in my garage. Sounds like you have a good deal there unless it's been trashed. Only issue I've had with mine (other than a blown headgasket) is the front end. Any wheeling will make these fall out of allignment fairly quickly. So long as the front tires seem to sit square and everything else looks good, congrats =)

[lil89ram50]

CHECK COMPRESSION BEFORE BUYING!!!!!!!!! and also lift carpet to check for rust around front body mounts and any where else in that general area, mainly drivers side. also make sure all electricals work n it should be a good buy

[85NIS720]

The problems I've seen that a lot of people have had when first buying their 720 is compression and carb problems. Mine had carb problems, but it was easily fixed with fresh vac lines (replace ALL of them!) and cleaning out my carb with some B12. If you know of any problems, just let us know. Good luck!

[captainzeros]

Yeah, check to see if it idles like crap due to vac lines, and if so get the guy to knock 200 bucks (or however much you can squeeze him) off because it "needs repairs" then buy it anyways. Vac lines are easy. All in all, the 720 is a pretty good little truck and will stand up to a lot. Mine has about 76k miles, and the first 40 of that it was a farm truck being backed into fenceposts and such and the only things it has ever really needed were new shocks.

Also, do a lap around this thread:zerothread/481155

[Liquidnails]

Thanks for the tips, everyone. I'll be taking a look and test run on thursday.

[Liquidnails]

Oh man, what to do?

Another 720 just got listed in the buy and sell today for under $1000. Body fully restored 5 yrs ago, but oil in the coolant.

I dont think I could do a head gasket on my own, but I've got friends whom i could pay $$ and beer and lend a hand.

What would you guys do?

[85NIS720]

Wow, that thing is gorgeous! I would still check it out, and make sure you check for rust. Some restorations are half-*** done, so watch out. Beautiful 720 though!

[flinterman2000]

Check out both and way your options. A driver with some rust and minor engine issues or that sweet looking reds with engine needing to have the head removed. Hmmm. The choice is yours. If you're looking at a long term investment, go with the red beauty, because when you're done with the engine repair you would know what you have and body work wont be an issue.

[moredunes720]

Yep. if you want a 4x4, this one's tires and wheels, with the spacers alone would easily fetch 1000 bux. It's also been lifted from the looks of it, which is no easy feat on a nissan. Head gaskets are a pain to replace, but if thats really all it is and no cracks in the block or head...man I Be jealous.