ovrrdrive

From what I've seen of the job you're about to embark into, I think you'd be better off to grab a remanufactured engine and just swap it out.

Search for some of the threads where guys have changed the head gaskets and look at what you're getting yourself in to.

Unless you need to cut corners it's better to swap it out.

If you're keeping the rig for yourself and giving him the Z71, do a 3.4L swap.

texsurfer

best advice i can give is don't listen to a 15 year old or your wife when it comes to these things .

Seriously, I'd make your son helpy you rebuild it. Correction, you should help your son rebuild it.

littlerunner

he is helping.so far i have to pat myself on the back.haven't yelled at him one time.jus have to show him what to do & let him take his time.

964runnerKY

Probably the runner if I go, it is suppose to be in the 20's no so will more than likely go another weekend. I was on clarkline cutting through from southside and I think I saw your runners on it near old mayfield rd?

thook

Well, I say if you and he rebuild it will a valuable learning experience for him...if he seems really into doing it. Something about a child valueing what belongs to him/her makes him/her think differently about it...like taking care of it..hopefully. I know that sounds old-school and all, but it seems to be universal with humans no matter what age. And if he wrecks it, it will be a bigger disappointment and make a greater impression in the future. Then, when you get it up and running, let him pay for the gas. When he speeds, and he probably will, he'll quickly see how fast it drains the pocket book. That'll make him slow down. On the other hand, first time he gets a ticket, make him drive the truck and you drive the 4runner. Enjoy the fruits of your labor! You see, there's two ends in my thinking here. Teach him something at the same time you build a good vehicle. In the end, if you just want the whole ordeal to be out of your hair, put in a reman. I think a 3.4 is more power than an inexperienced driver needs. Just my opinion, though.
My personal experience...rebuilding a 3.0 wasn't all that bad. Sure, I ran into mistakes and problems. But, it was the first time I'd ever done anything like that. And engbldr is a good way to go.

littlerunner

964ruunerky,thats me.thook,thanks for the encouragement,i think your totally right.i've rebuilt a few engines in my day.still makes me nervous though-seem to always 2nd guess something-i'm still on the fence between rebuilding & putting in a reman.i like the idea of having someone else carry the warranty but that warr costs about an xtra $1000.i'm not sure its actually worth it.

4Rocker

After having my dad give me the chance to rebuild my 84 22r, i would totally recommend doing the rebuild together. He will learn alot from it and hopefully the skills learned will stick with him forever. I didnt know much about about auto mechanics back when i was 16 but now (20) i feel comfortable doing ANY kind of work on my truck. Speaking from experience i would recommend keeping the 3.0 in there for safetys sake. My 22r (i think) has pretty decent power, and im pretty sure if i had my dads 3.4 5spd i would have gotten myself into alot more trouble (that thing feels like a rocket to me). Despite what many people around here say the 3.0 is not a bad motor so dont let that discourage you. I question how many of the people suggesting a swap have actually attempted one themselves. There is a LOT of work involved.

littlerunner

intake came off today.gotta climb under tomorrow maybe & gey to the exhaust crossover nuts.started taking some pics.have to go buy a kreeper to stay off the cold concrete.bought new overhead lights today.only have 4 single bulb fluorescents now-can't see crap.hopefully get the heads off then next weekend get the block out.thinkin of havin it bored 20 over while the heads are being rebuilt.any opinions on 20 over pistons from engnbldr

littlerunner

2 new overhead lamps installed today.got right side head off.valves sucked up on 1 & 3.took pics but can't find cd for camera after buying new computer for christmas.cylinders are pretty slick.feel confident about pulling block & having it cut 20 over

1stgenrnrdude

3.4 swap

littlerunner

i can rebuild it a lot cheaper than a swap

littlerunner

got the left head off tonight.all looks ok on it.going to rpl valves anyway.rounded off nut on downpipe to manifold.ended up taking manifold loose from head.going to try to snake manifold & pipe out when get block out to drill & retap manifold stud.start ordering parts next week hopefully

964runnerKY

Good luck, littlerunner!!

littlerunner

engine came out & torn down today.block,heads & flywheel go to machine shop tomorrow.japanese engines are incredible!!!this rig a 303,000 miles & the bearings look like they just came out of the box.

wontonrunner

Cudos on atempting to rebuild the motor!!! I highly doubt that i will ever attempt such a feat.

I have a spare for if mine ever goes. Mines been kinda knocking for a year and i have been waiting for it to go....but it just wont. I really like these motors and I really like these A340 auto tranny...except when the tps crapps out.

However i have a 4.3 waiting to go in as well....someday.

Anyways....you stole my name!!! I have been using Littlerunner on every forum that I belong to for several years now. All the canadian forums and Pirate....grrrr...Jj. My runners no longer little anymore so you can have it.

Good luck with the rebuild!!!!

littlerunner

sorry about the name.brought it home & justed started calling it the littlerunner.have 97 4runner also.wife drives it-don't even say off-road when around it-finally got some pics of progress.adjusting valves now.both cam cam bolts on #1 pulled the threads.-that stinks-will put heli-coils in.

littlerunner

da** it,just noticed i got the heads reversed.luckily only have valves adjusted on one side.thanks to pics on here was able to make sure.stud on front of right head for pwr strng.also could still see marks of t.belt tensioner.

thook

Hey! Do what you like, but you can just put longer bolts in the cam caps. Just might have to use a spacer or two. I did it and so have others. It works and saves having to do the helicoil.

CyMoN

when I have the funds I plan on buying a 3.0 to rebuild just for the experience


and I have a answer for the speeding teens
in high school a buddy of mine and his dad restored a 67 nova and it was fast so his dad as a extra step to prevent him from speeding welded a piece on 1/4" steel to the bottom of the gas pedal so he could not go over 55 mph.
when he turned 18 his dad removed the steel.
funny thing was about 2 months after he turned 18 he sold the nova and got a escort

misterzee

Good Luck with that rebuild!! You're brave! :-)