So about a week ago I purchased a 95 4runner that was sas'd,35's,dual t-case,air locker amongst other goodies. However the 3vz-e in it has a cylinder with very low compression(25psi) . So I hit the forums and decided to do the 5vzfe swap. So yesterday I picked up a 99 4runner that was crashed pretty bad but had a perfectly running 5vz with no CEL.

So now the fun begins, I've done some hunting on the forums and found out that the biggest headaches I will be running into is the wiring and exhaust crossover manifold.
Since time is of the essence and money is limited I'm opting to do both myself. I plan on stripping the donor vehicle tonight and having this project complete by next weekend.

I've never done this swap before so any pointers or advice is greatly appreciated. I've got a pretty good idea from the write-ups, I just hope it goes as smoothly and easily as they claim it is

 

The 4runner the way I bought it(I know it needs a paintjob) lol

 

Ok got it to upload this time

 

Backing the 5vz donor 4runner in the garage

 

Stripped the front off today and soaked the whole drivetrain with penetrating oil
I'm planning on starting again first thing tomorrow morning.
My goal is to have the 3vz and 5vz both sitting on engine stands by tomorrow night. =]

 

Holy moly that should be a cool swap, good luck!

 

im looking to make the same swap my self. thought my truck is a bit older. i hope it goes well for you!

 

Good luck, take pictures!

 

Got hungup a bit on the dowel pins around the bell housing. Nothing a few pry bars couldn't handle

 

Stripped the tranny and driveshaft out of it as well as the engine, always good to have backup parts!

 

Unfortunately the oem tranny bolts weren't long enough to make it through this snap on stand and bolt it into the block. So I ended up cutting a piece of threaded rod up that was just small enough to fit through the threaded bel housing bolts.

Looking at the wires that had to be cut out of the car I'm not too excited about the amount of wiring that needs to be done, however it will get done one wire at a time

 

Okay so I didn't get both motors out and on stands but the 5vz is sitting on her perch and tomorrow the 3vz should be sitting right next to it.
I was looking at the headers on the 5vz and noticed that all the nuts and threads look extremely rusty so I'm probably going to put all new studs,nuts and exhaust gaskets
I've learned from experience that anything that's difficult to do inside the engine bay and can be done extremely easy when its sitting on a stand is definitely a good investment in money and future spared time and busted knuckles.
Does anybody have a good link to a DIY exhaust crossover pipe?

 

Lights out for the night
Back at it again tomorrow bright and early!

 

Im in for updates

 

Thanks bro!

 

What year is your truck?
If its 1990-1995 the wiring should be identical.
I plan on taking an excessive amount of pictures of exactly how I do the wiring conversion wire by wire.

 

Motor is out!

 

Had to cut the exhaust so I could get a socket on the inside nut

 

Pulling the engine out

 

I'm slowing the pace down a bit, there's some rough ends to touch up. There's 2 missing bolts in the aftermarket double transfer case skid guard/mount as well as substantial rust all over the frame of this thing, and all the rusted brake lines and fuel lines so I'm going to pull all the old lines as well as the old ebrake cables( it has a driveshaft parking brake now).
So I borrowed a needler to knock all the rust off and got a gallon of por-15, to undercoat this entire thing jet black. Pretty sure the body is going to end up painted a matte black with a gloss black vinyl scheme over top. Oh and I'm doing all new brakes and rotors/drums.
This guy that I bought it from has a moroso reducing valve on the rear brake line would anybody be able to tell me why you'd want less rear brakes in their rig??