Shifterati

Toyota Truck · 1st gen (1969–1972)

1970 Toyota Truck

Sold as Hi-Lux

This page is a draft. It has not been approved yet, so read it with care.

Learn

What changed

  • The overhead-cam 8R four replaces the 3R.1,2

What it came with

Badges
  • Hi-Lux3
  • 1.9L four-cylinder (8R)1,2

    97 hp, overhead cam

Transmissions
4-speed manual1,2
Drivetrains
Rear-wheel drive1,4
Trims
Base1,4

Compare with another year

Buy

Watch out for

Reputation: what owners and the press report. Tap one to see what to check.

  • Rust All years One source so far

    What to check: Look over the body, cab corners and bed for rust and repairs. Most were sold on the West Coast, so survivors are rare elsewhere.

    Curbside Classic says Japanese vehicles of this age were not properly rustproofed.

    Sources 1

  • Front drum brakes All years One source so far

    What to check: Brake hard on a test drive and feel whether the truck pulls to one side, and ask when the front drums were last adjusted.

    Two Curbside Classic readers who drove these trucks say the front drums were finicky. One says the truck darted to one side under hard braking unless they were adjusted often, and the other says one had to brake with care.

    Sources 1

Recalls

  • 70V083000 1970

    Because of how their metal fittings were crimped, flexible fuel hoses can draw in air or leak fuel. The fittings are inspected and crimped again where needed.5

  • 70V084000 1970

    Long driving at high speed can shake the fuel pipe between the carburetor and the fuel pump enough to leak fuel and upset the engine. An extra clamp is fitted to the pipe.5

Checked against NHTSA records on 21 October 2026.

Before you pay

Open the buyer's checklist

Every warning and recall for this generation, with a box to tick.

Sources

  1. Curbside Classic (first Hilux)
  2. Wikipedia (Hilux)
  3. Toyota Newsroom (Hi-Lux and Truck albums)
  4. SlashGear (Hilux changes)
  5. NHTSA recalls (1970 Hi-Lux)