howdy guys just wondering if a 97 4runner 4x4at 3.4 work in a 96 4runner 4x4 3.4at? im getting mixed results searching online and calling Toyota well there no help at all thanks guys!

 

As long as the numbers match on the units that is really what one goes by if you just want a plug and play

So get the number off the one you have that is the one you want.

 

Doesn't look like they are the same numbers. These should be the ECM p/n's involved:

89661-3D150 (11/1995 - 07/1996)
89661-3D320 (08/1996 - 11/1996)
89661-3D321 (12/1996 - 07/1997)

As you can see, there was a switch four months into MY '97. I have no idea why.

This doesn't mean it won't work. It means it is not plug-and-play (or probably not.)

What you need to do is buy yourself a $15 2-day pass on TIS and download the wiring diagrams for Starting and Ignition and Engine Control and ETC (A/T) for '96 and '97, and then compare plug-by-plug, pin-by-pin, wire-by-wire what each ECM connects to. Maybe the plugs are the same but they need a few repins. Maybe the changes are minor spec changes internal to the box and it will work fine. Maybe the plugs are different but you can transplant a donor plug or two and repin.

Unless you can find someone who has done the exact same p/n swap, there is no way to know unless you do the homework.

If you get the diagrams, I'll try to help. I think I have '96, but it doesn't help, you need both.

 

What is your ecm part number?

I assume yours is a 96 and someone gave you a good deal on a 97 ecm.

My guess would be it will be fine. Little change from 96 > 97 but only an exact ecm swap would be ideal. What was posted above is sound advice and I can send some diagrams if you pm me your email address.