Well.. Put in a little work on the motor. Nothing serious, but spent a lot of time going over things, and cleaning up the mess as I progressed. I'm apparently messy, because everything I did today somehow seemed to make a mess that required a cleanup afterwords.

I sprayed the motor down and got a lot of the grime off the thing. I suspect the rear main seal is leaking. It had a pretty nasty coat of grime all around it. That's going to get replaced, looks like that will cost me $25 or so.



Pulled off the exhaust manifold to take a peek into the exhaust ports and to see if the manifold was cracked like I hear is so common. It's CAKED with mud, but seems to be crack free. That'll save me having to buy another one, or something like a 2000 year model 3RZ tubular manifold. I think spending some time with my pressure washer will clean it up. I'd like to get a OEM heatshield for it for a cleaner look once I get the motor in so I'm not going to sweat it too much if it doesn't come out perfect. The exhaust ports looked good. Had the usual carbon build-up. Nothing abnormal. Valves aren't bent at a 90* angle Valve seals on the exhaust side seem good. No seepage to mention on the valves.

Pulled the electrical harness from the motor after taking lots of pics of how everything is supposed to go to help me with reassembly. Then I yanked the intake manifold. Holy Cow there was some major build-up in there. Looks like the EGR valve has dumped a metric ton of crap in the intake manifold and coated the walls pretty good. It was a bit of a concern. It was THICK. I couldn't help but think about it as I pressure washed the inside of the intake manifold and blasted out 90% of the gunk. Thankfully the bulk of it came clean with the pressure washer. I then took a trip to AutoZone and got some carb/choke cleaner, and soaked the upper and lower plenums. Got out a brass brush and started scrubbing. I've got it 98% cleaned up. It's definately cleaned up, and good to go for re-assembly.

Next I did the same treatment to the Throttle Body. Little scrapin' and scrubbin' and it's as good to go. Cleaned up all the ports and blew everything out with my compressor just for safe measure. The throttle body wasn't pretty either. Especially on the back side of the throttle blade. But she's good-to-go now.

So concerned with the build-up in the intake port, which was also in the head a bit just up to the injector. I decided to pull the valve cover to inspect. Pulled that off and I was pleased to not find sludge and water, or anything else that would be "bad". It looks like it saw regular oil changes. Not brand new looking, but I wouldn't expect too for a engine with 150K miles. Cam lobes looked good.. So I threw the valve cover back on.

I'll wait to pull the oil pan until I get the T100 pan needed for this swap. After looking at the top end of the motor, I'm sure the bottom end will be squared away as well, minus the rear main seal.

So... Doesn't sound like much, but I literally spent all day fiddling around pulling things and cleaning everything up. I'm a bit concerned with the ammount of what I'm assuming is residue from EGR gasses. It seemed a bit excessive, and maybe it is just due to the mileage. I know most of those that are probably following or interested in my build aren't likely to have a whole lot of 3RZ experience, but I'm debating pulling the head and having it freshened up. I'm pretty sure it could use a valvejob just from the mileage alone. But I'd like to check the cylinders and see their condition too. But the other voice is telling me that all the additional expenses that pulling the head would bring weren't in my budget. I really would like to keep the costs down on this swap, without skimping.. But I part of the reason I'm putting this motor in to begin with (besides the power) is to have unquestionable reliability. I'm just at a toss up with the decision to pull the head..

What are some of your thoughts? Should I pull it and freshen everything up? My 22R is running peachy, so I'm not "truckless" by any means. I'm going to sleep on it.. But I'd love to hear your thoughts.

 

So far so good, man!

Personally, I would go to Big Mike of Marlin and see what he did on "how far to dig in"... Knowing him and others, like Scotty of Addicted.... I'm sure he DUG DEEP as far as the "common issues that come up and should be maintained/POE, etc.!", and then went from there. For all I know, he fully rebuilt it, lol... But I don't think so. It's on the marlin boards and he put one in a first gen truck like yours. As a matter of fact, I KNOW he posted that thread on here.

If you're TOTALLY familiar with that thread, nevermind everything I said! lol.

Personally, I would NO DOUBT do the main seal type things, and I'd do ANYTHING that would require some serious work/tearing out of stuff/ to get to. Make sure the oil pan isn't leaking, ......does this have cam seals? Maybe do things like that while you have it sitting there?

REALLY stoked for ya, ....I'll just shut up and watch now! lol.

 

PS> Maybe just 'torque' the head bolts after backing them out a teeny bit? You're going to have it completely drained, right? Not sure if that's practical/necessary, just thinking of things that you could do to avoid any issues. I know if it was a 7MGTE, I'd be BEGGING you to do the HG while it's out on the ground/stand. But this might not need that at all.

BTW, I'm pretty sure Space Junk will be all over this! lol.

 

The Wrench-Fu is strong with this one! Great read, great pics, great thread... gonna be a great build, too!

Oh, and thanks for the info regarding the dash panel. Can't wait for mine to get here!

 

Can't believe I didn't get on this thread earlier, love your truck. Makes mine look like a rust bucket haha

 

Big Mike's thread is an awesome source.

Rory just started his conversion too-but with his auto-
http://pirate4x4.com/forum/showthread.php?t=996438

When ever I find a deal like you found I am broke. When $$ is available it goes elsewhere...

 

Wow.. Thanks all for the kind words regarding my truck! Very much appriceated!

I've read Big Mike's thread from start to finish and it's a damn good read. I've also read the entire 3RZ Knowledge Database thread on Marlin's site too. Another good thread. I've also read a few swap stories/threads on Pirate and other places as well. I'm pretty read-out! LOL

I think I've got a pretty good grasp as to what I'm getting into. I'm pretty handy both mechanically and electrically. I'm a former car audio/nav/security installer (prior to my military experience) and maxed out both mechanical and electrical portions of the ASVAB. I've spent the last 10+ years hot-rodding DSM's, WRX's, and EVO's specializing in tuning engine management systems. I've tuned a few 600+HP EVO's on AEM Standalone ECU's.. But enough of that..

I think I've decided to drop the 3RZ in the truck as it sits, get it running and see how things go. I really don't want to turn this into a rebuild unless it absolutely needs it. Mainly because I just don't have the funds to commit to a rebuild on top of the swap. I still need to locate a W56 and have my driveshafts modified, among the 100 or so small things I'm going to need, so I'm going to have to keep the cost down, without skimping as I mentioned previously.

Anyone want to trade a complete, running 22R for a W56??

 

I hear ya! lol.... READ OUT, INDEED! BTW, ....OOHRAH!.... possibly HOOAH? lol..... Thanks for your service, man, and now that I know the rest, regarding your tuning/electronic background... WOW, that's a HUGE bonus in cutting down the time down, etc., ya know???

Have you thought about slapping a R151A(??? The trans for the 22re Turbo) in there? Sure, it'd be hard to find... but WOW, quite a lil upgrade from what I've heard, especially for a more torquie lil beast like the 3RZ?

Best wishes, and as I said, ....and IN ADDITION, KNOWING WHAT I KNOW ABOUT YOU NOW, .... I'll be watching! I would LOVE to do this, some day!

Kill it, Sir! lol.

 

Thank you for the support friend! No thanks needed..

I'm not quite sure this swap will be done "tomorrow" in that sense. If I was fortunate to have everything sitting around that I needed for this swap I'd imagine I could do it relatively quick, but I am going to have to drag things out a little bit due to having to source the transmission mostly. Everything else can be bought or located with relative ease.

Part of my original plan was to sell the 22R, the LC Engineering goodies I've got, and the L52 transmission to cover the costs of the W56, fuel system, and other odds and ends. I've also got some other Misc. 22R parts and other "junk" laying around I intend to sell to make space and free up some $. But there's a problem..

My '83 is my only vehicle unfortunately, and while I've pre-coordinated with family to borrow a vehilce while my truck is down for the swap, I can't make this an extended ordeal. I'd love to yank my 22R this evening, but if I can't locate a W56 soon, I'd be causing undue hardship on others borrowing their vehicle. So I've got a tricky situation I've got to finess.

Something I noticed this morning when looking through my thread. I'm almost surprised no one has called me out on it, especially since I've made known my background.. One of the first projects I started with this truck is some custom fiberglass kickpanels. I've never moved forward with those.. I need to, so this will be a reminder

I'd love to go with a R series trans! From what I understand they wont bolt to my W59 bellhousing though. But there has been some talk about the 2TR (2005+ Tacoma 2.7L) bellhousing working. But I've also read that the input shaft on the W155 trans being a bit longer than that on the older R150/151's. So I think I'm just going to stick with the tried and true W56. Might not be as strong but I don't drive my truck like I did my EVO. And my "Weak" L52 has held up to the abuse I put my truck through just find, so I think the W56 will hold up well. But good suggestion!

 

Right on!

Well, from what I know, the W56 and R150 series are MOSTLY only different by the first gear ratio(and maybe the mounting as you're saying).... I Think the W56 is one of the TUFF AS HECK trans' in the books of most trans rebuilders I've spoken to. I don't think the bearings, etc., in the 22RE Turbo Tranny are any 'tougher', ...but I could be wrong. No, I probably am! lol. Jk, but you kwim!

Hey, on the donor car(TEMPORARY)..... you could always grab a Cressida or Corolla for 500$ and sell it later.... but I guess while watching a stringent budget, ....yeah, that might not work, lol.

 

Love the truck, keep the pics coming. (Camping and interior pics)

 

Chilkat 3RZ Swap mounts ordered. I've also got a lead on a W56 transmission. Things should be happening here very soon..

 

Niiiiiiiiiiiiiice! lol. Can't wait

 

Got the mounts in as you can see.. They looks pretty darn good! I'm very pleased with them. For the price you can't beat them.

I'm going to get started pulling the 22R today. Just have to locate a engine hoist. Shouldn't be too much trouble.

 

Off to a great start. Have fun turning wrenches!

 

I really gotta stop checking out these build threads, makes both of my trucks look like crap

Awesome job!!

 

Spent a little time with the wrenches today. I didn't have much "gas in the tank" to do much.. I climbed the "Organ Needle" yesterday and it was a butt kicker. Almost 13 total miles and about 8000ft of elevation gained/lost on the climb, bushwhacking almost the entire time. Hauled up my rappelling equipment and rigged up a nice 40ft rappel to make quick work of the "Class 3 Sections.

So I was pretty spent.. Didn't get a whole lot done but spent 2.5 hours and pulled the Transfer Case and L52 Transmission out. What a messy job. They don't leak per-say, but almost 30 years of seepage mixed with 30 years of dust/dirt makes everything funky!

So now that they're out.. I'll probably yank the 22R out tomorrow after work.

 

Gaining the summit of Organ Needle:


Enjoying lunch on the summit!


A little fun coming off the summit:


After I posted previously, I got bored and decided to finish up what I started...

 

Did you have to bend a new brakeline (the one that connects to the front of the MC) when you upgraded to the 1" master cylinder or is that off another vehicle? I just did the same swap on mine and realized that one original brakeline won't work.

 

I bent a new one. Used a 12" section of pre-flared line with fittings already on.