Hey im not to familiar with the 3.4 but I know the 3.0 usually blows up every 200,000. My question is how reliable is the 3.4 in terms of lifespan? I found a 3.4 donor runner with 290,000km good compression, one owner and maintenance records in order for $1350. there aren't many of these on the market here in BC, but that said is this something better to pass on or do these things have true Toyota reliability up to 400,000?

PS. I live in a small town of Powell River now and this thing wont see 5000km per year and almost only trail use.

Also, are these things halfways decent at pushing 38-40" tires?

 

About 180,000 miles I am betting just about time for a timing belt change.

Something to factor into your swap .

With your low annual mileage it should last quite awhile .

Seems like 300,000 miles is not a number beyond reach with normal maintenance.

I can`t say for any others but mine is still going strong at 182,000 Although I am getting the parts to do the timing belt and pay my school taxes.

 

Thats what i was thinking but just wanted to see if there are any issues I might be in the dark about. I suppose im so used to worrying about my 3.slow

 

That's not a fair generalization, they can last a very long time with few problems. Besides 200k on a rig you say will only be an offroad rig would last you several lifetimes. Sorry people give the 3vze crap all the time and most of the time I'd say it's undeserved. Don't get hung on the mileages. A well maintained motor doesn't magically pop at a certain mileage. You have to consider it's previous maintenance. A leak down test would show you the most accurate condition of the motor.

Any motor in any truck can push that size tire with proper gearing. So, yes?

 

If you're concerned about pushing 38-40" tires consistently, maybe a Toyota swap isn't the best bet.. A 1uz/2uz Lexus V8 will do better, and most American v8s will do better, too. Don't limit your options to Toyota at that large of a tire.

Anyways, my dad's 3vze went 300k miles until the frame rusted through, with nothing but regular maintenance. Mine is at 170,000 now and has never missed a beat with a much harder life. If you're 3vze is still kicking, I say beat on it until it gives.

 

The swap is just so easy that it seems silly to do anything else, besides with tires that big and a huge motor I'd start breaking ˟˟˟˟ left and right. My 3slo sounds like a can of marbles when i start it right now so its either swap in another stock ˟˟˟˟box or do a swap.

About the 3vze, my dad has a "2nd gen toyota" specific wrecking company and he says unless they had the head-gaskets replaced in the recalls they arent seen over 200,000km hardly ever. And yes he checks every single engine he takes in for if/when the recall was done because toyota still honours the warranty and he has gotten several new motors out of the deal.