1990 Tacoma

Ok so I’m new to the Toy world and this is my first truck (90s pickup). I like the idea of having a truck and its nice to have the bed but this is more a winter/off road rig and so far I’m not impressed. It’s currently equipped with a 5.5” lift and I just recently dropped down to a used set of 33s because its still running the stock 4.10 ratios and the new 35s (As nice as they are) are simply too damn big. Now for the real problem……it’s a 3.0 V6 which I have learned (in the few months I’ve owned it) is most likely the worst motor Toyota has ever mass produced. My cousin who was running a stock 22re and is now currently running a 22re turbo motor pulled away from my 6-cylinder completely stock. It was embarrassing.
I have always owned Jeeps and I’m in love with the 4.0 HO motors they run and I’ve grown accustom to the power produced even with a lift and bigger tires. I have heard of guys that have swapped the newer 3.4L out of the Tacoma into there pickups and this would as of now be option one for me. Option two would be to swap a turbo 22re motor very similar to my cousins rig and run that. Hopefully option three will not result in my banishment from this forum lol, but opt. three would be to take a 4.0 HO and tranny out of a jeep XJ or TJ and swap it in for the P.O.S V6. Obviously any of these swaps if even possible will take its toll on my bank account but I simply can not go on and fully experience a Toyota and all its worth with the 3.0 I currently have. Any advice on what you would do and why would be a great help.
Anyone out there with a write up or build of their own in relation to this thread would be greatly appreciated as well. Sorry if I offended anyone with the 4.0 Idea but I had to ask. Any help is welcome thanks

stock as possible

I'd start by regearing. If that wasnt enough, do the 3.4, Itll be easier swap than going to 22re. Also, the ret's are rarer and harder to find parts for. If the 3.4 isnt enough, move on to an LS....

westjohns yota

i hear ya on the 3.0 being a pos but stock is right, the turbo motors are pretty hard to find (one on pensacola craigslist for 750$) and harder to find parts for, id do 3.4

CTRJ

Having a Turbo 22RE in my truck and a 4Runner with a 3.4L, get the 3.4L! The 22RTE only has 135 HP while the 3.4L has 190 HP. The 3.4L will be easier to find. The 22RTE is pretty sluggish (at least with my auto trans).

BMcEL

Name fail.

mightymouse

iTrader: (6)

thought i was the only one that noticed that.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Mention the J word again and we will have to kill you.

:wabbit2:

BMcEL

michael0584

swap gears first, you would want to regear any way with a different motor. So might as well do it first and see if it's enough, might buy you some time to slowly gather the parts for a motor swap.

xxxtreme22r

I don't see a 4.0 straight 6 engine fitting into these trucks. Not with the rad staying in the front end. I say 3.4 as well. More reliable and more power then the 22rte. You can always turbo the 3.4L later on which would put it at dang near 275 HP.

bob200587

3.4 for simplicity's sake.

blake.nemitz

hey if you can fit the 4.0 DO IT! im putting together an engine with a 4.2 crank and a slight bore that i got for free. if it fits with a pusher fan i might have found a replacement for my 92 3.crap. people talk crap about jeeps all day long but the 4.0 is one of the best motors made, better than the 3.0 in my humble opinion, and gobs of torque. and if you do and people talk crap about it just race them at a light and show them how superior you 4.0 is compared to a 3.0 or 3.4 for simplicity

4x4climber

If you want a toyota motor that will blow everyone's doors off... Do the swap I am gonna do when i get the funds.

7MGTE