BombprufToy31

Hey I just pulled out the leaky 3.0 along with the 5speed and tcase. What is the best auto tranny to use with the 4.3.? And is it worth buying the $300 wiring harness? I can get a 2k4 s10 2wd as a donor what would I need from that as far as vaccum, fuel, ect... oh and is there a good swap manuel out there I'm hearing the downey one isn't very good.

86toylet

Use the tranny out of the pickup (4l60). If your not good at wiring or schematics, buy the harness. You need all the engine management, vacuum, ect.

BombprufToy31

So what do I need to keep from under the hood of my toy, like fuse box ect.. or will I be using most of the 4.3 system.? This my first swap so I'm trying to get as much info as possiblee so anythin will be a great help.

ToyRunner1

I agree that the GM auto is the way to go. Just be aware that you're going to have to convert the output shaft even to use a GM t-case if you use the 2wd version. I converted mine to 27 spline and use a V6 t-case for now. A Marlin box is in the future so I wanted the larger spline the first time. We used the GM wiring harness on mine and I really wish we'd spent the $ for a ready to use harness like a Howell or the like. Another thing to think about is spending the money for a good set of motor mounts. I snapped both my motor mounts at the same time and ended up pinching my alternator loom between the header and frame rail. Did a lot of not nice things to my electrical...

86toylet

A new output shaft comes with the adapter, it will have to be installed by a qualified person.

Keep the Toy fuse box and the wires that run from it, into the cab. I disagree on using a howell harness, but it does make it easier. I wanted no problems in my swap so I reworked the stock GM harness. I live in Cali, and I wanted mine to be smogged so I wanted to retain the VSS, and have heard horror stories about Howell and VSS.

If your using the electronic GM transmission I advise retaining your VSS.

Most 4.3 conversion motor mounts are crap, I fabbed my own, so I could use the in-exspensive GM mounts.

fillsrunner4

search pirate4x4 they have a dedicated 4.3FAQ. and downey offroad is out of buisness.

BombprufToy31

Well I ran into a small prob the truck I was getting never came thru so I back looking for another. What is better getting another donor or just going to a junkyard. How much easier is the conversion is what I'm trying to say. Where can get a conversion manual or ne one willing to help me out.,?

CappyKD

if you don't have the donor rig, why not do a 3.4 yota swap.. It'd be WAY easier. In fact I just saw a thread on here about that very thing. Good luck with your project.

BombprufToy31

3.4 Is not enough power for me... that's why I'm going with the 4.3.. I found engine and a tranny at the junk yard for 1k should that be a good buy or do I continue with trying to find a donor.? If I don't use a donor what will I need to run the engine?

86toylet

You need a donor wiring harness, for the engine management and the computer. Get a TPI 4.3 if you want the power your looking for. I would run a GM tranny behind that 4.3, I run a 700R4 and its a great crawler.

BombprufToy31

I'm probably gonna buy a custom wire harness I'm not that good with wire config. What kind of radiator will work best for cooling it gets really hot here in NM.. I'm in the process of putting on a 2in bodybodylift it already has 5in susp lift. What kind of fitting problems will I run into? Is there anything that I can do to get the truck ready before putting the eng/tran in? I have already taken the wireharness out.

BombprufToy31

I'm probably gonna buy a custom wire harness I'm not that good with wire config. What kind of radiator will work best for cooling it gets really hot here in NM.. I'm in the process of putting on a 2in bodybodylift it already has 5in susp lift. What kind of fitting problems will I run into? Is there anything that I can do to get the truck ready before putting the eng/tran in? I have already taken the wireharness out.

86toylet

I would find an aftermarket 4 core, although I run a stock s-10 radiator. You will need to also cool the PS fluid and auto trans fluid (if thats the route you go). What tranny did you decide or are you waiting for a donor?

If you want to get started early, remove your dash enough to get at the back of the check engine light, your gonna want this. There may also be other attachment in this area.

Since you had a manual, and if you go auto, you will have to put a switch at the brake that is normally closed, for the torque converter to unlock during braking. This can also be done with a simple relay. You can also spend money on a kit for manual lock and unlock.

You will need fuel adapters and fuel line. I would go with aluminum (the f easily formed stuff) 3/8" and 5/16".

I have the Downey Manual for this swap (or very clear pics of the book), which is 70% helpfull.

Get on Pirate and read the 4.3 FAQ start to finish, then twice more. Lots of info and personal experience.

BombprufToy31

Still not sure what tranny I was hoping to find it and the engine togethor. I'm going for the 2k and newer for the engine so im thinking the 4L60E.
I also took apart the dash and took out the check engine light out. Am I still going to be using the toyota cpu? What else can I do for right now that's not going to cost a whole lot. Oh ya and on that downey manuel r u willing to sell it or just send some pics? Thanks for all the help I'm hoping to learn as much as possiblbefore I buy everything.

BombprufToy31

Still not sure what tranny I was hoping to find it and the engine togethor. I'm going for the 2k and newer for the engine so im thinking the 4L60E.
I also took apart the dash and took out the check engine light out. Am I still going to be using the toyota cpu? What else can I do for right now that's not going to cost a whole lot. Oh ya and on that downey manuel r u willing to sell it or just send some pics? Thanks for all the help I'm hoping to learn as much as possible before I buy everything.

86toylet

First leave the check engine light in. You will need access to its wire, so you can connect the new CPU to it. That should answer you second question. You will need the matching CPU from the 4.3. If your going aftermarket wiring then I am unsure what you will need, till you get the wiring kit.