I haven't been on this site as much this past year as I used to, but some of you may remember my 4Runner from past conversations. What I remember most are all the problems I've had with the POS 3.0 3VZE engines I've dealt with -- and am still dealing with.

I retired it from daily driving after it last broke down and left me stranded nearly two years ago, and it has been an occasional off-road toy since then. The last time out I noticed that it was making dieseling noises under load and I had nearly zero oil pressure. I haven't taken it wheeling since and have driven it very infrequently in the mean time, but every time I've noticed the "dieseling" getting worse. The oil pressure starts out fine for about five minutes and then drops like a rock. Based on the experience and feedback I've received I'm pretty sure I have a bad bearing or two.

So here's my dilemma -- it is a very capable off road toy for an IFS vehicle. Over the last five years I have sunk nearly $20,000 into it in mods and repairs. This is my 3rd freakin engine. Aside from that you can see a few of the mods listed in my signature, but in short, I'm locked in back, limited slip up front, re-geared to 4.88, ceramic Downey headers, manual locking hubs, ball joint spacers, and HD coil springs and spacers in the rear. Among other stuff.

I'm done with this beeotch. I'm not sinking another penny into her. I'm pretty sure I'm going to part it out, but I'm wondering -- as a last ditch effort -- if there's anyone who has had similar symptoms and found bad bearings who was able to do a successful repair without replacing the whole lower 1/2 of the engine. The vehicle has about 135,000 on the body, but only about 25,000 on this latest "rebuilt" engine.

Thoughts, comments, and suggestions welcomed.

Ed

 

I dont really have any advice interested in the front locker and bj spacers if you part it out please let me know

 

Ed, if it's a low mileage motor, you could pull the crank, have it turned, new bearings and reassemble... That'd solve the bearing issue.

Why your bearings failed early is still a very valid concern... Got any ideas?

 

No idea, really. I guess you really never know the quality of the remanufactured engine unless you've put the parts together yourself.

Anyone know how much of a project it is to inspect the lower engine? What parts need to come off so I can check the bearings?

Ed

 

3.4l swap

 

I like the way he thinks.

You can unbolt the engine from its mounts then lift it slightsly and remove the oil pan to access bottom.

 

I want the TJM!!

Could it be a valve issue? Maybe a bad oil pump?

I think a bottom end overhaul with the engine in place will cause lots of swear words. Going through and swapping out parts may be a total gamble that will get real expensive real quick.

It sounds like total catastrophic engine failure is impending.

From the sounds of it the 3.sl0 Karma gods hate you....real bad.

Seriously look at the 3.4, you would have your DD back and a wheeling rig. I'll volunteer some time to help if you need, I want to see a 3.4 swap so I can do it on mine down the road.
I don't want the problems you have/had.

I bet you hate hearing the 3.4 thing, but you would have a DD and a wheeling rig with more power and MPG.

Hats off to not letting the 3.0 die, I bet when it is all said and done you will be out another 1K to have the crank turned, new bearings, yada yada.

Auto or 5spd?

 

x2

Not only do you get rid of your problems, but actually see a power AND gas mileage benefit.

 

Ditch the 3.0 and find a 3.4L...seriously.

You won't get anything for that 3.0 and you'll be lucky to get back $0.10 on the dollar of what you have invested in the rest.

The question is "Can you afford to get rid of it now?"

 

sell the piece of crap..........just kidding. I would look for a 3.4 and be done with the 3.slow.

 

Automatic tranny. Believe me, I've considered it. The cost is just prohibitive unless something has dramatically changed in the last year to make it cheaper.