So, I'm a little new to the Toyota 4runner/truck area and I still have A lot to learn about these trucks and engines which is why I am on here

Anyways, I bought a rather decent (not a whole lot of rust on the body) 88' 4runner with the 22re engine in it knocking. The guy was selling it cheap so I decided to buy it as a summer project to get her going before winter.

So, I have half the motor pulled and still waiting on getting an engine hoist to pull the block. But my original idea was to just rebuild the bottom end replace the timing belt and guides for metal ones, new oil pump/water pump etc.. However I've been thinking -Wouldn't it be cheaper to just buy a used and working/running 22re engine and just drop it in? I've been seeing these engines go for like $400-$600 running! Which just made my jaw drop. I don't exactly have a whole lot of time as there's only 5 more months until she needs to be running and really all I have now to spend on it is about $1100 throughout that time.

Any opinions? I've never done a bottom end rebuild before in my life. Just top and usual maintenance and minor modifications (mostly bolt ons) to my other vehicles. Unless someone can direct me to a bunch of running, decent mileaged, used 22re engines that go for a good price.

I decided not to spend a whole lot on it yet as I would like to finish my winter project (my current vehicle I daily drive in the summer) since it means more to me but requires a lot more $$$. Maybe next year I'll buy a performance engine for my 4runner and swap the trans/diffs. Or attempt a 7mge swap.

 

Don't get ahead of yourself, especially if you've never built a motor before. I just finished building my third one for about 800 bucks. Bring the block to a machine shop, have it cleaned and machined up. They will tell you what size bearings and pistons you need. Order your parts from ted at ENDNBLDR.com. Great parts quality and you won't find cheaper easily. Putting a 22re together is surprisingly simple, it's like legos for big kids . I did mine lying on an old towel in my dorm room. You could always go with a used engine, it might be cheaper, but probably won't last as long and you never know how it's been maintained. As long as you're doing all the work to remove and install the motor, you might as well spend a few hundred bucks extra, have the adventure of building a motor, and have it running like new.

 

I agree with the above post.

 

Just sent them a request on all the parts i'll need. Hopefully shipping isn't ridiculous to Canada Do they carry crankshafts and rods?

Would I need new rods and a crank since the engine had rod knock? It kind of sounded like two rods were knocking and I still gotta get the block out to see how bad it is.

 

you wont know all the parts you need until the machine shop gets through with it, at that time they will give you exact details about which bearings you need, condition of your crank, over bore size so you can order pistons and rings, then you take your parts to the machine shop, they will install any valve components, mount the pistons on your rods, and install freeze plugs, toss em a can of engine enamel and they will probably shoot the block for ya too, when youre done you will have an assembled head and an empty block and a big box of parts.... then like stated earlier, its lego time,
machine work costs a bit but thats the difference between a running engine of unknown history and a freshy
costs may vary but ill give you and idea of what you are lookin at
basic machining-surface head/block bore and hone cylinders 250
crank grind n polish - 80
stock valve job 50.
rebuild kit 250.
random incidentals say another 150.
when you start replacing external bits and hardware is when it gets costly, but for about 800 you are far better off than with an old mystery motor for 600