Well I've decided to keep my 95 4Runner that I royally jacked up... forgot to check the oil on several occasions and ran it into the ground (locked up the engine) at 173000... neighborhood auto shop said they would replace the engine for $3500 incl labor. Im just curious what the chances of them nickel and diming me for other stuff that isnt really messed up ... what else might I have damaged outside the block besides the locked up engine ... ive seriously thought about buying the engine and replacing it myself... i can follow directions and can figure things out, but im not that mechanically inclined.... any advice???

 

for that price, look into a 3.4..
same motor mounts and it'll bolt to the 3.slow's 5 speed all you need it the motor, the ecu, and the kit from ORS
the kits got everything you need for like $1700
read up and find a buddy whos willing to help, itll be a good learning experience
just a thought

 

If you ran it out of oil, odds are you just spun a couple of rod bearings. Pull the motor, buy some fresh pistons, rings, and send your crank off. See what the machine shop says and then order the rod and main bearings and slap that ลลลล in there. Not easy but the least expensive route.

I have a 3VZ-E motor with a bent #1 rod. I have a replacement rod and piston to go along with it as well. PM me if you are interested int he motor. It had 118,000 miles on it before I hydrolocked it.