Did a search, but didn't come up with much.

Just bought a '94 4Runner with 275k miles, the engine has low oil pressure and a slight knock.

Here's my question, of my three options (rebuild, used or swap) which is going to best in the long run? I plan to keep this truck for awhile. Any help is much appreciated!

 

In the long run, a brand new crate motor would be the best, definitely. A rebuild done properly would also be a very good option. Both these options are good if you have cash to spend on it, although a rebuild can be done less expensively by yourself. The cheapest method would be a used/junkyard engine, but then you donno what the conditon of that motor is.

 

Called a few local salvages, none of them seem to have a good used one. So that's out.

I guess the option becomes buy a rebuilt engine or rebuild it myself. What's a ballpark figure on the prices of these two options?

 

search ebay, there are plenty of options for rebuilt motors and it'll give you a good ballpark figure. Not too sure what a shop charges for a rebuild nowadays, anybody have a ballpark figure?

 

I'd say go for a crate. I've been battling the "save money, rebuild it myself" thing and I've got htis knock that won't go away. It isn't worth the headache and frustration. Get a crate motor

 

Looking at eBay they are anywhere from $1,500 to $2,000, but that brought up the question. What about a JDM import engine? Not much cheaper and there isn't much of a warranty. Maybe I answered my own question there...

 

i would say swap in a 3.4. if you are going to go through that much work to swap a 3.0 back in you might as well just throw in a 3.4. if cost is an issue you can find low milage gm 4.3 for practially nothing anywhere.

 

3.4 swap FTW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

more power and better gas mileage..cant beat that with a damn piece of DOM tubing..

 

3.4 x3

 

I read up on the 3.4 swap. Sounds like more work than I want to get involved in. Removing and installing an engine is a piece of cake compared to custom mounts and wiring. Just want a driver/trail truck...