83

The 22R to RE swap is a bit of a complicated one from what I've heard, because of the wiring, but really well worth if it you feel up to the task. You need the entire wiring harness & computer from the RE along with the engine.

Leg0nd

yeah, like i said though, its all free its just a matter of if i want to go up and get it and how much time it takes? do you know of any forums that show how to do all the work? where to mount all the accessories?

bigtrucknwheels

are you sure its a 4WD transmission? most of those motor homes were 2WD...

EFI swap isn't too complicated, many many people have done it!

83

Very good point on 4wd/2wd. The engine might be more worth it! Search. There are sections on this site for swaps, Pirate4x4.com is a great resource (just search that site don't go asking begginner questions they only want hardcore tech over there), and the Marlin forum.

ebow951

Great looking truck! Loving it.

Leg0nd

Yeah it is 2wd, but i thought the transfer case on mine would bolt right up to the other transmission? I mean i could be wrong but i thought it did. I know it does on the L52.

83

Hmm.....Doesn't seem like it would to me but I don't know. You aught to be able to tell just by looking at it, though.

bigtrucknwheels

hmm. good question.

Leg0nd

I have changed my mind about the whole thing... I heard from a friend who owned an 86 or 87 forerunner and said if i go to lift the truck and pick bigger tires on it, the first thing to go out in the L52 tranny was the 5 gear. I figure I will just put some 35's on it probably a 4 inch lift, and then beef up the engine so that they will spin those wheels.

refried

A 4 cylinder modified or not will never turn 35s without a gear change, '81s have 3.90 gears and have trouble with 31s.
I know someone will say they run 33s with stock gearing, but they have no acceleration and have to downshift to go over a speedbump.

almond_oxide_21

This guy above me is right. Don't run 35's and a lift with those gears. You will have no power. According to what you said about wanting to but a new tranny to get some top end, you will hate the under power of 35's on 3.90's. Do not swap the 22R for RE, i've owned both now. The Carb off road seems to go more for me. If you get the money to swap with someones W tranny do it. Don't bother otherwise. The G's are good don't get me wrong, but just find a wrecked one with the W. Your truck is really nice. I like the 1st gens a lot. I've only owned 2nd though. 4th one and I'm only 18 haha.

almond_oxide_21

Why do you want to sell that rig? If you are into Toyota's be very careful selling. It could be hard to find another in that shape.

bigtrucknwheels

ha.. 6, yes, 6, and I am only 19.

Toyota.. It is an addiction.

Leg0nd

and what do i have to do to put 35's on it? realistically i was going to put 33's or 31's on it but 35's would be sweet! I was thinking a carb kit, a performance cam, and a header would give me at least 50 hp combined that would put me right around 150 hp. you can't tell me that's not enough to turn 35's. I am sure that is plenty of hp. but like your saying i guess i would have to change out the gears so that i can get some more torque as well. I would still like to run 70-75 comfortably even with those tires i plan on putting on it. got any good sites to buy the gears??

82yota

If you are looking to do highway driving with the truck I wouldn't go to much larger tires than 31's. I would go with a 5 speed swap in it. But do not go with the L50 or L52. I had one in my 82 and it was not a good tranny. Put a new input shaft bearing in it and a year later I had to rebuild the entire tranny. Input bearing was good but the rest went out of it. I would go with a newer version 5 speed. You more than likely will need the driveshafts redone and will need to swap the yokes with ones with the correct bolt patterns but thats nothing really. The 5 speed will be great for the highway. And also for highway you might be alright sticking with those 3.90 gears and tranny and getting 31's on it, or do as I am going to do and go to 235/85R16s. Roughly 32x9.5. They will get you the revs you want and wont have as much resistance as the 31x10.5s. I wish I had 3.90 gears in mine. I'd love my revs to be 2000 at 60mph. I can get to 100mph easy but my revs are up around 3600 and thats way too high.

Leg0nd

sounds like a lot of work though. i am really thinking about leaving it alone. leave well enough alone is what i always hear... but whats ur gears?

r8ter87

Hey man Ive got an 81 pickup like it but a short bed, i picked it up for $1500 about five years ago. Now ive got the chance to put some money into it and dont know where to start. I know what your are saying about the no top end, I really dont like driving my truck on the freeway for too long because it rids at such a high rpm. Ive tried to up load a picture of my truck but it keeps saying the upload failed. Did you decide on weather to switch the rear gears or try and find a 5 spd at a desent price? Ill try and keep in touch with upgrades and photos of my truck.