1UZ swap in a 3rd gen 4Runner
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1UZ swap in a 3rd gen 4Runner
Bought a 2001 4Runner last year that had a 3.4 with a rod knock. I took a couple months to swap in a 1UZ from a '91 LS400, as well as Tundra front brakes, rear air bags and ARB front bumper. Thought I would share since I have gotten so much info from forums but never contributed.
I used the a341 transmission from the Lexus, which I disassembled to install the tailshaft from the 4Runner a340. I also used the deeper pan and shift shaft. Of course the TC bolted right up, but the rear driveshaft was shortened 2.5 and front lengthened.
I had to fabricate custom headers and motor mounts. I taught myself to weld a year before, can't believe I waited so long to buy a MIG! Anything is possible...
Here's the rear transmission mount. The secret number is 2.5 inches back from the original position, and a 2" body lift for the engine to fit
Now we need some cooling
And some Tundra brakes, wow so easy and what a difference! I think it took 1/2 hour to install them
So that was the easy stuff, the real trick was wiring. I spent 50 hours studying wiring diagrams and drawing my own schematics, with the goal of every button, warning light and cruise control to work. It all did except the factory tach was off by 2/3 rpm
Power steering bolted right up. I moved the stock radiator lower and made custom hoses. I attached the Lexus MAF to the 4Runner airbox. The oil pan needed some minor mods to clear the front crossmember, but fitment was pretty simple. 2.5" exhaust to a stock muffler, I like quiet.
Fuel economy improved, but the extra 100hp is great for towing and getting on the freeway :-)
I used the a341 transmission from the Lexus, which I disassembled to install the tailshaft from the 4Runner a340. I also used the deeper pan and shift shaft. Of course the TC bolted right up, but the rear driveshaft was shortened 2.5 and front lengthened.
I had to fabricate custom headers and motor mounts. I taught myself to weld a year before, can't believe I waited so long to buy a MIG! Anything is possible...
Here's the rear transmission mount. The secret number is 2.5 inches back from the original position, and a 2" body lift for the engine to fit
Now we need some cooling
And some Tundra brakes, wow so easy and what a difference! I think it took 1/2 hour to install them
So that was the easy stuff, the real trick was wiring. I spent 50 hours studying wiring diagrams and drawing my own schematics, with the goal of every button, warning light and cruise control to work. It all did except the factory tach was off by 2/3 rpm
Power steering bolted right up. I moved the stock radiator lower and made custom hoses. I attached the Lexus MAF to the 4Runner airbox. The oil pan needed some minor mods to clear the front crossmember, but fitment was pretty simple. 2.5" exhaust to a stock muffler, I like quiet.
Fuel economy improved, but the extra 100hp is great for towing and getting on the freeway :-)
#2
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Nice work, thanks for sharing all the pics and a few useful tidbits.
#5
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Wow, impressive! Looks like clean work!
Question: How do you get that to pass emissions, in California, with a non-OBDII engine that's ten years older than the vehicle??
Question: How do you get that to pass emissions, in California, with a non-OBDII engine that's ten years older than the vehicle??
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I am, however I am about to replace the 3.4 in my '96 limited with a 2001 LS400 with the VVTI and 5 speed auto, and make it smog legal. Then I will upgrade the 2001's 1UZ with the 3UZ and 6 speed auto. Now that I have the fabrication figured out it's really easy.
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I'm sure you know what you're doing, but if you need any wiring diagrams, or have any fitment questions, let me know. Just got my JDM 3UZ this morning, so beautiful!