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I have a red 4-Runner that has been my baby since I went off to college (gifted to me brand new) now with 289 thousand well driven, fun miles on her. The body is in good shape but due to environmental circumstances she’s going to need a paint job. The head gaskets quit on me twice, the first time under the Toyota recall, and the second time was on my dime. Other than these few things… no major issues whatsoever.
Since it was so awesome, I’ve decided to redo the engine so I can keep it as a second vehicle. After all, a girl needs something to “play” with and cart her toys around.
After looking at my options, reading up on the 1UZ swap and seeing how readily available this engine is, it seemed like a no brainer. The V6 is underpowered and the cost is outside of my budget so I thought why not give this a go.
I took some time and did my reading on forums to find what was needed to complete this swap efficiently. I found that it made sense to just purchase an entire car so I eventually started searching and found a rear-ended SC400 with 84,000 miles- scored it for $450 bucks.
One little unfortunate momentary setback.. It seems that, from reading on different forums, the SC400 oil pan will not work with my front suspension. Looks like I will need a LS400 oil pan for proper clearance. Anyone have an extra LS400 oil pan sitting around?
For the transfer case I needed to find something economical as the $750 adapter, that some have used, was monetarily out of the question. After reading that the T-100 transfer case would bolt up to the Lexus transmission with minimal modification (1 bolt drilled and tapped) I began my search and with a little help found one for $50 bucks!
With a technical background in telecom switch networks, Eagle Audio, and Digital witness products, I’ve become pretty proficient in wiring. I already had the wiring manual for the 4-Runner and purchased a wiring manual for the 1993 Lexus SC400. After looking at and studying the schematics of the two manuals I created my guide to the required merging of the two harnesses.
With the help of a couple of friends, the engines were pulled last weekend.
Bit by bit it’s coming along..
I will post some pictures soon………
Last edited by WoodNymph; 02-12-2014 at 07:40 PM.
Reason: font was to diff. to read
I believe that the Tundra pulley doesn't have the studs for the fan on it like the LS400 has that attaches the viscous fan as well as the pulley itself.
correct?he studs
edit I stand corrected, the tundra also has the same studs, oh well. just something else to overcome.
I am trying to maximize clearance for the radiator and cooling fan, the studs on the idler pulley have shoulders that wont allow the nuts to tighten down to secure the pulley.
I am trying to maximize clearance for the radiator and cooling fan, the studs on the idler pulley have shoulders that wont allow the nuts to tighten down to secure the pulley.
Take the studs out and use bolts. That's what I did.
I know this is an old post but wondering how this turned out. I'm thinking about doing the same transfer case setup but have been wondering about the long term strength after cutting down the output shaft.
This thread may be dead, but it was worth the minute or two it took me read through it if just for this shot. A thing of beauty and the look I'm aspiring to for my 93 Xtra Cab.
02-04-2014, 08:51 PM
