I have an opportunity to buy a 3.4 engine out of an '04 Taco w/58k for a great price from a friend. The truck was totaled w/ no insurance. All the damage was on the rear of the truck from the doors back. He wants to part it out instead of selling it as is. Engine runs great.

If I buy it, I intend on using it as a future engine for my '97 4runner (3.4 also). Mine runs good now, but I've always liked the idea of having a back-up that I could tinker on, rebuild it the way I want in my spare time, maybe even supercharge it. Then when I slap it in, I could rebuild my old one and sell it.

My buddy is giving me first dibs on it so I can pick and choose what I want off the truck. The price obviously goes up the more get so I'm looking for some advice from the pros...

Will this engine even bolt up in my truck? What do I NEED to get besides the long block? Do I need all the sensors and ECU for the new motor or can I use the electronics off my '97?

 

Some of the stuff you can reuse and some you can't. The wiring is different. So I don't know if the plugs are different. If I were you I would take all the sensors and the ECU and long block with everything that is under the engine bay. For the simple fact that you can compare the parts when that time comes for the swap. If there is a difference between the parts then you already have it. if they are the same then you can sell the sensors and accessories that you aren't using. Thats my .02

 

Thanks for the good advice. That's exactly what I needed to know. I think I will just get everything like you say and sell off what I don't need. I was hoping to save a little $$, but this will be a safer route.

Are there any other common problems/obstacles that I should know about before I start digging in, or is it as plain and simple as I'm hoping it will be?

 

I believe the 03+ tacos are Throttle by wire, Might have to switch your throttle body onto it and such..

Get the new 3.4 as complete as possible..

 

I don't really know of much else. I think this will be really an easy swap due to the fact that they are the same engine. + or - a few accessories. Good luck with this.

 

Thanks guys. I'm going to buy it and hopefully have it out and in my garage by friday. Thanks for the tip on the throttle by wire scuba.