BlueBirdRunner

I am a proud owner of a 1991 4runner sr5 4x4 5-speed

(By Previous Owner)
191,xxx abused 3.0 motor with heavy lifter tap and no power
5 inch ??Rough country IFS lift??
18in KMC RockStar wheels (looks good but limited tire choices)
Toyo Open Country 35/12.5/R18
Ghetto-Rig stereo system










This being a build thread let me inform you about what is to come. Having a past in both welding, electrical engineering and auto mechanics I can't help but dive into some of the more involved tasks. My first project will be to perform a 3.4l SWAP to replace my recently compromised engine. It seems pretty straight forward and the wiring never scared me; below is the progress so far.

Future plans include:
New exhaust (crossover pipe elimination)
In depth interior cleaning and TLC
CB trail radio
Front and rear bumpers
Solid Axle Swap (probably land cruiser axles)
lockers (Electric or Air)

rattlewagon

Neat look with the 18s. What LC axle are you thinking about using?

BlueBirdRunner

Not sure yet, i was told some have factory e-lockers. This is great for me because I'm working on a small budget. any suggestions? thanks in advance

BlueBirdRunner

update:

yesterday i successfully yanked the 3.0, battery box and and engine harness

need:
new motor mounts and clutch... burnt bad
fix some funky wiring

Also i was able to clean everything up with a bit of de-greaser (always love that). found some rust... but not bad.. wire wheel and rattle can for that. starting to research the wiring diagrams. because i bought the engine from a junkyard i wasn't given the year... this is giving me some grief when looking for the wiring diagram.

I have used the "dipstick plug" to identify a ballpark for the year, 1995.5 to 1999

Off road solutions.com says
"1999 and earlier models have a machined hole with a removable plug, where the dipstick is installed."

can anyone confirm this? any other year indications?

Other than that, when i get the year i will be looking for the engine harness diagram.. probably do a search..




Here is some pics


up, up, annnnnddd up!


Dirty, dirty, dirty


pressure washing!

battery box removed... need some attention


two broken mounts.... wasn't me...

1998-ish 4runner 3.4l 115,xxx miles

3.0 vs. 3.4

julsruls

Having a background like yours should make stuff a lot easier. May i suggest you ditch the wheels. Not enough sidewall in my opinion and your gonna be real upset first time you ding em up on the trail. Id sell em now when there in good condition and use money to get something more practical for wheeling.

Keep it up.

julsruls

Oh and as far as cruiser axles i like the 80 series. Can get em factory locked and there beef.

BlueBirdRunner

Yeah kinda planned on that as soon as i saw them... they work great for the drive way though

BlueBirdRunner

Update:

Some parts came in!

New 3.0 Engine mounts $46
1997 5vz-fe M/T Engine computer $75 (What a score)

I'm getting close to the swap! I still need a T-100 dipstick and i think i will have to go dealer for that. Also i noticed i am missing a plug for the engine computer, research says that it is only a dash and obd2 connection. Ill try to get some pictures to show what i mean.

BlueBirdRunner

here is a picture to help explain

BlueBirdRunner

update:

hey guys

I have been super busy with life and haven't got too much done on the runner lately. yesterday i was able to tear down the old engine, for donor oil pan/ oil pickup, and baffle plate. While i was in there i found some interesting stuff.... so it was a rod knock.... I had a number of people tell me it was just the valves and to rebuild the heads. glad I didn't listen!

ordered and waiting
- timing belt/ water pump kit
- clutch slave cylinder

next step

- swap oil pan/pickup tube/baffle plate
- tap and plug original dipstick hole
- install timing belt kit
- mod/install A/C mount
- start on custom cross over pipe

here are some update pics

what do you get when you flip a 3vz?.... a 2AE of course









Also I was able to prep and paint the passenger inner fender today... need one more coat.