genmarks

Just wanted a place to record my build so I can always come back to it for future reference.
Started with 2 rusty 1st gens (a 1980 & 1979). 1 I used the frame and body, the other I used to rebuilt the 20r, as everything else was rotten.
Being my first major rebuild/overhaul/engine swap its a valuable one to me.

In the pictures you can see what I started with, eventually I would rebuild the 20r from a bare block, build an aluminum front bumper and flatbed, and grind/bondo/weld and grind some more before painting it. I also threw on a temporary cheap 3" rough country suspension. As for wheels I had some 15x12 alcoas with 32x11.5 ko2s that I planned on getting rid of eventually.

I always knew that this would be the 1st phase of the build and I would very quickly become less and less enthused by the gutless 20r, even with the weber 32/36, LC pro torquer Cam, headers etc. It was never enough...

Engine donor

body and frame donor - prepping for many hours of bodywork and paint

rebuilt 20r


flatbed build - all aluminum

made a bumper - full tigged aluminum

finished product

genmarks

Eventually I decided I had enough of the 20r. I sold it. I started the hunt for a 3.4

I also gathered enough funds to purchase a 5" front and rear Trail gear suspension with hi steer and knuckle rebuild kit.

Trail gear lift: shock hoops, 14" bilstiens, hi steer etc.

after the lift

Melrose 4r

So cool! I love the front bumper and flatbed. Are you going with larger tires?

genmarks

Thanks man appreciate it!

Yes eventually 35s but that wont be until I can at least regear to 4.88s. I also plan on getting narrower wheels, preferably 15x10, something a little more functional

genmarks

Then came the day I found a wrecked 03 tacoma with 137k and a running 3.4. I was able to buy the tacoma for what I sold the 20r. It had some front end damage and what not but the engine bay was in perfect condition still.

I also found a nice 3.0 5speed on craigslist which was necessary in order for my t-case and front diff to line up.

I did a little refreshen of the 3.4: timing belt & water pump, all new seals/gaskets down to the valve covers, clutch, spark plugs/wires etc..
Had to make a custom shorter alternator bracket so the alternator could clear the frame in the pickup.
Got a driver side crossover exhaust from Yotatech as well as the straight axle oil pan kit with dipstick relocation.
I removed the AC compressor to make for more room, and just circulated the Heater hoses back into each other.

After a lot of research it seemed like the majority of people who did these swaps into a 1st gen used a body lifts to clear the hood because the motor mounts were close to the stock location. My goal was to use absolutely no body lift, so I cut the tacoma mounts out and started some fabrication to drop them in the pickup just low enough for the engine to clear the hood (pictures to come)


my broken taco sitting pretty

timing belt waterpump stuff





3.4 all freshened up, before the dipstick reloctation

3.4 with the 3.0 5speed! bolted up ready to go

jakey poo

NIce build! Definitely going to follow along

swampedout

Very cool. Youre trucks gonna feel like a rocket ship now compared to the 4 cyl