I know I know. Sell it and get a V6..
Here's the scoop. I have a 97 SR5 V6 4x4 with a salvage title, leaky sunroof, and just all around rust-a-fied POS. It's been smoked in, smells like ˟˟˟˟˟, and I just feel bad for it.
So, I got a hold of 97 Base model 4cyl 2WD body wrecked in the front end very mildly. - just the body- $225
Pulled the fenders and hood off, pulled the spot welds on the core support and now it sits ready for something new.

I've got another 99 Limited V6 4x4 Engine, Tranny, Tcase, front diff, and drive shafts sitting, waiting for a home. - No wiring harness, Have ECU - $500

My original plan was to put 99 engine and tranny in 4cyl body, my 97 SR5 wiring harness, and 99 Limited ECU - Then add front 4x4 Hubs off my 97, as well as matching front and rear diffs.
Concern: Don't the 99's have the push button AWD Tcase and sensors that I won't have? And will it run and operate without all of that?
Should I run my 97 Trans and/or Tcase?

Other concerns: 4cyl fuel lines - I've heard they're different. I have yet to get under both and verify.
Are the fuel pumps/pressure the same for 4cyl and 6cyl? 3RZ and 5VZ?
Planning to move the motor mounts in a few days.

I know it seems confusing, but believe it or not, it's the cheapest route and option I've got available.
Any feedback or sugestions? I'll keep everyone updated... Here's the first round of pics.

 

Almost done with the swap and here are a few things and details.

Motor Mounts, need to be moved back about 1/2 inch.
Transmission Crossmember needs to be moved forward about 6 inches
Dash Harness is the same except 1 plug. You can either splice or swap harnesses. I just swapped.
Engine Harness and ECU for that harness obviously need to be changed. I used the one off my other 97 donor.
The fuel lines are the same, there isn't an inline fuel filter though. I'm sure you can add one.

I'll post some updated pictures here shortly.

 

I guess this is a 3.4 swap?

edit: 4 cyl is 3RZ, not 3VZ

 

Yeah.. Sorry.
Started as a 3RZ (1997 4 cyl) I did a 3.4 swap out of a 1999 4Runner Limited.

Just now getting through the little things.

BTW 1997 Injectors will not work on a 1999 Motor.
Throws MisFire codes all day long...


I do also have a 1997 4Runner SR5 to part out now.. any interest?

 

4Runner body - $225
Engine/Tranny/Xfer case - $500
Windshield - $118
Radiator Support - $50
Pulled wiring harnesses from donor 97 Runner
So far I'm about $900 into it

Might do FJ80 springs for the rear and 99 struts in the front. Not sure if that will get me very level. I suppose I could just put a 1.5" spacer in the front.