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95 4runner blown head gasket and possible engine swap questions

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Old 05-31-2007, 11:01 AM
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95 4runner blown head gasket and possible engine swap questions

Ok i've got a 95 4-runner 4x4 with the 3.0 and the head gaskets are toast. This thing has more water in the oil than oil it's self. So would it be easier to just rebuild the engine, just try to replace the head gaskets and drive the crap out of it until it blows up or do an engine swap? It's just a play toy so i'm not wanting to spend a ton of money and if it blows it blows. But what would you suggest? I'd be down for an engine swap if that would be easier but what would work best? I've heard 350's dont' fit because of the firewall but a 302 ford will. I'd like to keep it fuel injected but whatever is the easiest, cheapest, and easiest to maintain would be best. Just give me some suggestions and who i need to get the adaptors from. Any help is appreciated.
Old 05-31-2007, 12:00 PM
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Your best bet for a swap would be the toyota 3.4. It's been done many times (search the forum) and it's relatively easy. But expensive. I think you'd be better off repairing the 3.0. I repaired my blown HG for about 300 bucks. But if you have to take it to a shop for the work, expect to pay between 1-2 grand.

By the way, welcome to YT!
Old 05-31-2007, 12:13 PM
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Since you have run with water mixed in the oil I'd definantly swap that motor out and skip the whole rebuilding and polishing a pig thing. I think another 3VZ would be the cheapest way to go.

If you want to switch to a different engine, search around and you'll see the 3.4 5VZFE is the most supported swap. If you go that route Mike @ ORS will be your best friend:http://www.offroadsolutions.com/technicalarticles.htm
Old 06-01-2007, 03:04 PM
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I really don't feel like dropping a ton of money into this thing at this point to do a 3.4 swap. Basically i just use the truck to get drunk and go fourwheelin on my farm with. If i hit a tree no big deal. Does anyone make an adaptor to drop a 302 in it? And what would i have to do to make the tranmission work with a 302? 1 to 2 grand just isn't an option to replace some head gaskets, i'll buy another toy before i drop that kind of money to fix this one.
Old 06-01-2007, 03:04 PM
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And thanks for the welcome!!!
Old 06-01-2007, 04:22 PM
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Since you seem to be set on swapping in a another brand of engine besides Toyota, take a look at the Downey catalog:
http://www.downeyoff-road.com/Engine...ents/index.htm
Old 06-02-2007, 06:28 AM
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Well i did think about going to a 22re with a carb.
Old 06-05-2007, 06:01 PM
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Well i think i've decided to go another direction and try to find a cj7 jeep or something. So would anybody be interested in a 95 toyota 4runner, limited, sunroof, all power windows, a little beat up from offroading and then the head gasket problem. But the tranmission and 4wheel drive unit works like a champ.
Old 06-05-2007, 06:25 PM
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Where are you located? 5speed or Auto?
Old 06-06-2007, 03:46 AM
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It's an automatic. And i'm located in central ky.
Old 06-06-2007, 06:31 AM
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Kyle95sr5 can tell you all about blown head gaskets on a '95 4 runner with the 3.0 V6. From what I've seen, it's a time consuming and costly headache, especially if you don't have the right mechanic!
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