yodathespian87

I just bought a 90 4Runner 4x4, Manual trans. With a blown 3.0, for $250. I would like to make it into a great trail rig/ rescue rig/ camping rig/ whatever else I want to do. I obviously needs an engine, I'm thinking V8 but I want to keep it Toyota. So that leaves my options as 4.0, 4.7, and 5.7 right? Then SAS is a must. Thinking of Dana 60's or Diamond axle, with Sky's lift kit. Now I live in Colorado and would like to do snow wheeling, hold 4 guys, but go mudding and during the summer be able to strip it down and be mostly open. Now I kinda like the idea of cutting the back SUV part off, or making it be able to clamp back on. So what is your guys suggestions. I like to plan/ save for the build, and have a firm understanding of what I'm going to build. Some other ideas I was throwing around where, dual sun roofs, interior cage (Kind of a must!) Also what tire size you guys thinking? 37, 39? Bigger? Thanks and here are some pics.

(Edit I start building on page 4

85excab

where at in co?
im in grand junction.
ive sas 2 of these 4runners, and my current one runs a 3rz/w56/duals with 4.88's on 36's
ive also gotten good deals on these with blown 3.chokes.

yodathespian87

Colorado Springs. Yeah I figure for $250 I had to buy it. And with a clear title. More money I can put into it. So I'm thinking a Tundra engine to get it moving. Strip one down taking every part I can get my hands on. But I want to plan this all out so I can Build it as good as I can.

toylocost

You will be better off with the 1uz. So much cheaper and easier.

4rnr

You are on the right track.

The only thing I can think of is....dont rule out the 3.4. Once you go around the block with research on the v8's the simple bolt up plug and play 3.4 might look pretty nice. A stock 3.4 is atleast as powerful as junkyard 350. (but yes less than a 1uzfe, 2uzfe, 3urfe)

poolskaterpt

Speaking of Axles... I'm a new toyota guy, formerly 60's mopar street stuff. I'm pulling my hair out trying to put new CV's in my 94... if any of you guys know the little tricks that will make this easier it would be really appreciated, I'm in a wicked time crunch!!!

4rnr

Holy thread hi-jack batman!!

Pull the c-clip, seperate the upper ball joint, disco the shock, loosen the brake line brakets, remove 6 nuts, go nuts with a crow bar....And please search

Hi-jack over.

yodathespian87

The 1uz is that the Lexus engine? Which is that exactly if I'm wrong? I can't remember the correct code for the engines. What are the pros to the engine over the others?

I'm currently doing a 3.4 swap on my other 4Runner so depending on the results I may go that route again seeing as it would be even easier to copy the one I am doing now. The 1uzfe is the Lexus (4.0) right? 2uzfe is the Tundra (4.7) and the 3urfe is the newest tundra (5.7)?



Thanks for getting that taken care of. Cause we weren't talking about axles really.

bigarms23

for motor a 3.4 yota d60s with 513gears and 37s and lockers are your choice but if your set on a v8 than a crate 350 should be fine

ozziesironmanoffroad

the 5.7 is a strong motor, but still, IMO, unproven. it hasnt been out as long as the 3.4, may be better, may be worse than the 3.0. who knows? if ur adventurous, like me, then go with the 5.7 (thats what i would do, just because) .... if u want to do something RAD, drop in the 6.0 that the newer gtos have... god that is a beautiful motor. good luck in whatever you do.

85excab

dana 60's with 37's, what a waste of an axle, my yota axles will handle 37's all day, if u go with 60's at least get some 42's for clearence.

yodathespian87

Not a chevy fan. An yes there are pros to using the engine but not what I'm going to use. The 5.7 would be kinda cool but your right about unproven though I haven't heard anything bad yet. Yeah good point about tire size. Hmmm So what are some problems you guys have ran into with your builds. What do you wish you would have done? Some of your favorite mods? Thanks for all the input guys.

4rnr

Keep it toyota...

You seem to building an unbalanced rig. I suggest picking a "size" and making a vehicle that can survive. If you want a 4.7 or 5.7 you will need/be happier with 1 tons. If you go one tones you need atleast a 40" tire so you arent dragging diffs over the curbs at the mall

Theres no point in all that HP if you cant use it. Bigger isnt always better, balance is better.

yodathespian87

I found a place that has the 4.7 engines. As for price they aren't to bad but as cheap as my 3.4. As for tire sizes I just don't want to be tipping over, especially when its icy here in the winter. So 44" tires... Would that be an appropriate size for 1 tons? A 4.7 would work to move the extra weight. I would also stiffen up the frame. There would be custom fab work to get the engine to fit in there. Has anyone done that swap? Didn't see a whole lot out there. And this isn't going to be a mall queen. Only time it may see the road is in a winter storm, just cause I like pulling people out.

yodathespian87

By the way the 4.7 tundras don't their back windows roll down. Has anyone done that mod on their rigs?

4rnr

large tires dont make you tippy....actually they make you more stable (wider and heavier) suspension design and height makes you tippy. 44's and one tons with a 4.7 is a good setup. I hear great things about that 4.7.

Rear windows? the 1st and 2nd gen runners already do roll down....

yodathespian87

I'm sorry I should have made myself clearier. In the case of those that have chopped the back roof off of a 2nd generation, has anyone used the tundra back, or is it to wide/ not really possible. I was reading how those that have done that cut back when welding the back piece back on they can't get the window to go all the way down due to the wheel wells.

yodathespian87

I have been reading about the 4.7 (2uz) swaps, but haven't found anyone who has finished the swap have any of you? I would have to strip the tundra of everything it has. And build a tundra under my 4Runner.

4rnr

my friend has a supercharged 4.7 in his fj55. But I dont know much about it except I cant keep my foot out of it.

tc

My advice is to trim down your plans a bit, get it done quicker and cheaper. There just are not that many HARD trails that will require 1 tons and 40's in Colorado. I have seen many people build up so much that it's just not a challenge or fun anymore.

Personally, I would not build a 2nd gen - too heavy and too much glass. Not much space for "stuff" - especially with your plan to carry 4 people. But you got it cheap enough to be worth putting some money into.

Forced induction (supercharging/turbocharging) is going to deliver you more power for the $ than displacement here at altitude. V8 swap is going to be pretty fully custom - 3.4 swaps are VERY well documented. All that said, the Lexus V8 (2UZ IIRC) is an aluminum block and SIGNIFICANTLY lighter than the iron block 3.4L.

FYI - my rig is a '93 4Runner, locked front/rear, 33x10.50 BFG A/T, dual cases, armored to hell, stock front suspension, custom double triangulated 4 link in back. It has seen some of the harder trails in CO (including Holy Cross) and Moab (ran Rusty Nail this weekend). My unwillingness to take body/glass damage keeps me off more trails than the capability of the rig.