Aren't you here because yours is having trouble running? Yes it will, in exactly the manner you're describing.

https://www.google.com/search?q=3vze+distributor+off+a+tooth&oq=

Takes 10 mins to check air gaps, ohms, and placement and half of that is getting out the tools. Any diagnostic is a flow chart process, even with a vehicle in front of the tech but this is step one of the flow chart, a really easy check, and usually the problem.

 

Finally got around to do more troubleshooting and found that 2 cylinders had zero compression and all the others were low. Apparently there are some issues that I'd rather not deal with on this 3.0l. Here are a couple of piston pics.



Now seeing this, I have made my mind up and going to ditch this motor. What would be the easiest and cheapest swap to replace this? I've been all over searching swaps and just can't seem to get clear info.

 

Quite the update

Wonder how that happened...

I would suggest browsing on a couple builds here by fellow members on that engine or the upgrade to 3.4 and either contact or post on their thread...might help get you started.

 

Not sure what happened in there but it went south in a hurry! Thanks, I'll keep searching swaps done by members here

 

3.4 if it were me. I love those motors. Not the most powerful or most anything just a solid japanese engine you could drop in.
You need to swap exhaust lines to other side and get the new harness. but i think engine mounts and trans r bolt on.
A buddy of mine put one in his 1st gen four runner. They are way easier to work on than the 3.0