Hi All,
First post, hope it's in the correct forum.
I have a 1977 Toyota Chinook with the 20R engine and 4-speed 2WD. It's in great shape, but it's gutless. When the time is right I'd like to swap the engine and drive train so that I end up with a more powerful 4WD. I'm not looking to build a rock-crawler, I want mainly to get around reliably in snow, sand, and mud. Looking to the experts here to suggest a sensible and cost-conscious path for a build. I've been following this thread at YotaTech: https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f120/78-toyota-4x4-question-233173, and of course I am inspired to emulate this build: http://www.toyotamotorhomes.com/nolan's_76_chinook.htm




Welcoming suggestions. Here are photos of my rig:

http://www.flickr.com/photos/myhouseinpanama/sets/72157626591189616

 

Well;

I figure the LS400 w/trans swap from a lexus is your best choice for power since that thing is not light. Gives you plenty of power for hill climbing. Unless you really plan on getting into the dirt stick with 2wd.

Pull the rear axle off and put a disk brake conversion on it. While you are at it an overhaul of the rear pumpkin would be in order with a notch lower gears like 4:30 maybe 4:56. Plan on using a 30" tall tire or so, just do not go nuts.

A two inch body lift would help clear the larger tires and engine. An automatic solves clutch and shifter issues, just get a racing quality trans-cooler with an attached fan. You can use braided hose over hard line to save heart burn.

If you are going to get a little muddy, put an oversized winch on it along with a doubling pulley & tree saver.

OME for rear springs and larger torsion bars 23.4mm minimum.

 

thats a sweet rig. good luck the swap.

 

I want to see more of this...

 

please dont ruin it with a chevy motor swap

 

X2 stay all Toyota/Lexus!

 

Will stay all Toyota/Lexus

 

Toyota 3.4L would be a great swap .. + a supercharger , would net close to 300 HP .. this is what I have in my trekker
when I started my build , there was absolutly NO info in installing one of these units into an /83 .. i believe I was one of the first .. but my build has taken so long , now there are others .. ANYWAY ..
I dont remember ever seeing a thread on a 3.4L into that GEN of truck ..

thats my vote !!


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Subscribed: Just cus I want to see more pics of this beast.

 

You have a great looking rig, good luck on the swap! Welcome to YT.

 

Thank you YT'ers for the advices & welcome. Currently roadblocked. Looking for a shop in SE FL (Deerfield) that can do this work and finding no leads. Any suggestions please would be appreciated.

In the meantime, I discovered a great build on a similar vehicle. I bow to this dude - he is going for the full tilt: 4x4 Chinook Project Pop Top

He has link to a complete photo gallery, and slideshow at YouTube.