I want to do a swap and I found a 2wd 3.4 auto pretty cheap, is it worth it or should I find a 4wd 3.4 to do the swap with? which is the best/easiest to do the swap into a 1st gen?

 

I meant, which is the best/easiest year for 3.4 to swap into a 1st generation 4runner.

 

Typically, auto can be converted to manual (that is to work with a manual ECU) or some have had luck tricking the auto ecu to work (check engine light will be on 24/7 though). The auto engine harness will have all the wires you need for the manual transmission. You'll need to source a flywheel and clutch kit (3.4 is preferred but the 3.0 will work; you must use a 3.0 throwout bearing if using the 3.0 transmission), and its recommended that you match the starter to the flywheel, though some have had good luck mixing and matching.

The bigger issue could be the 2wd; you'll either lose the little 4x4 dash light (and ADD, if still there), or you'll need to figure out how to run wires to replace the ones that would normally be in the 4wd engine harness.

2wd or 4wd, you'll still need to do something about the oil pan, pick-up, baffle, and dip stick (only exception is a 4wd 3.4 T100), regardless of auto or manual.

As for years, the earlier ones tended to have less emissions components on them, and were generally "simpler" engines (no drive by wire, no special security ecu looking for a specific key transponder, etc).

I don't really know anything about your specific swap, but that's just some general info that could be useful.

 

Before jumping into this at least read through the sticky`s in the 3.4 swap section.

Then do you have the 2.4 or 3.0 engine in your first generation??

 

havnt bought either yet just trying to plan ahead, the 2wd was a good price with only 73000 miles but it sounds like I will just hold out til I find the right match. Im looking for the easiest way.

 

There is no easy way!!

Depending just what you end up with things are different.