Clarification on Hilux history in the US

[ToyotaReference]

Wiki shows that the US Hilux launched in 69 and that generation was sold through 72. What was the chassis code for this generation?

The next generation was released in mid-72 as a 73 model. But then wiki says that in 75 there was an all new "radically redesigned" model that was sold through 1978. As far as I can tell the 73 truck looks nearly identical to the 78.

Here is a 73 that some kid is "restoring" hehe...
home.midsouth.rr.com/agbt/update/paint.html

And here is ad copy from Toyota USA showing the 78:
www.adclassix.com/ads2/78toyotasr5pickup.htm

Is wiki wrong? Can someone clarify the history of the RN2x?

Lastly, I need to make sure that I have the chassis codes correct. I have a feeling that I don't:
73-74 RN27 (all shortbeds)
75-78 shortbed RN23
75-78 longbed RN28

Darren

PS: Since this site does not send notification emails when a topic updated it would be great if you send me an email letting me know that you have replied. [e-mail]

[ToyotaReference]

John responded to me via email...

I'm not an expert but, I do own a 1970 hilux that runs and is a daily driver for me. I plan on restoring it and have done some research in an effort to acquire parts.
The hilux was first made in 1969(the second half) from what I can tell. Then 1970 through 1971 without major changes. There were some minor changes in these years the beds are different heights. 69',70' were" shorter. The engines. The Emissions changed in 1970.
Hence the 8rc the "c" stands for California emissions. Moving on They changed the body and trim somewhat in 1973, and in late 1974 they dropped the "HiLux" from the truck and went with "pickup". The Hilux name didn't stick in the US but a pickup is still a Hilux everywhere else in the world, check out Toyota's international web site. The engine history goes 3r, 8rc, 18rc, 20r 22r. I'm not sure about the chassis codes but I do recall a web site I linked to from TORC that had an accurate Chassis code.

A little trivia for you. Osama bin Laden and Al Qaeda own more Toyota Hilux's then any other person or organization in the world, its also the most popular pickup in the world.

Good luck in you searchs

[ToyotaReference]

Thanks John! I was not aware of the little fact about Osama and Al Qaeda.... where did you uncover that tidbit?

I was aware of most of the important model changes that you covered, although I didn't know some of the little details. Unfortunately the main question still stands... was the 73-74 Hilux the same truck as the 75-78? Wiki says 75 was an all-new truck, but they look the same to me!

en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_Hilux

[toyotageek]

Okay, here is some detail on the early trucks that I got off the Toyota EPC at work.

RN11 6904-6911 3RC
RN12 6912-7108 8RC
RN14 7109-7204 18RC
RN22 7205-7408 18RC
RN27 7205-7408 18RC
RN23 7408-7807 20R
RN28 7408-7807 20R

was the 73-74 Hilux the same truck as the 75-78? Wiki says 75 was an all-new truck, but they look the same to me!

As far as that goes, body-wise they are the same. Most of the changes were cosmetic to the interior and exterior.

[riceburnerbob]

Essentially they are the same truck. The grills are different but I am guessing they could be swapped. Other minor details may be different. I do know for certain that the door glass is the same from 1973-78. The big change in 1975 was the 20R engine if I am not mistaken.

[dsp979]

Bringing this back up from the dead.

1972.5 to 1974:

18R engine
different grill
different radiator support bar
drum brakes all around

Facelift model 1975 to 1978:

20R engine
new grill
new radiator support bar
front disc brakes
rear quarter panel lights moved from top to bottom