the early pickup engines were really tough and very simple - thats why you still see so many 20 year old hilux's on film in 3rd world countires.
There is hardly any electrics and everything is very simple and easy to fix. We have a '84 4 runner which is based on the pickup and when you open the bonnet you think somethings missing as there is so much room!!
Still pulls like a train after 200,000 miles and swims in the mud likes it was made for it!!