Remove the mods that would change over and then replace them on the 3.4 runner.

It's only my opinion, but even if you were able to get the 3.4 with only 30k into your runner and had it running, I think you would still have more trouble down the road with it than you would a factory 3.4 with over 100k.

I've seen too many engine swaps that didn't end up as sweet as they were planned to be. Numerous electrical problems in addition to the mechanical headaches of an engine or transmission that has been sitting on a shelf for what may be years. Dried seals that need to be replaced, oil that has begun to sludge from all the light hydrocarbons totally evaporating, etc...

It's good that you are instigating a good discussion, but just remember, it's your money and your $8k+ 4Runner that will suffer if you don't get the swap PERFECTLY right.

I just think that for all the headaches, the "best" way is the trade up to a 3.4 instead of doing the engine swap.

Another option would be for you to find a lightly rolled 3.4 and just fix it up if you are going to end up leaving it behind (I think I understood that correctly). You won't get much for a used car south of the border since they are already cheap and it may be hard for them to get parts for the US version. If you took one with a salvage title, you'd be much more likely to recover your investment.

Either way, best of luck and take PLENTY of pics on your trip!

 

I see what you mean.

I appreciate all the feedback.
That makes me think 100 times about this already.

By the way, if I leave my 4Runner in Brazil. I will still keep it. Our family live there. We would use it for our trips while visiting, LOTS to do. We try to get there once a year, last year my wife was there 3 times.

You would be surprised to see how many Toyota highlux (like 4Runner and Tacomas) 3.0 turbo diesel, land rovers, Mitsubishi, and others are there these days. Lots of mods. Just crazy!

They are much more expensive than here. Lots of taxes from the the government.

Thanks,
-JACK

 

I have checked into alot of this also(engine swaps) If I was going to do it, it would have to be a diesel to be worth all the aggrevation!!! If I really want the 6cyl I will do just what someone mentioned....trade it in, save the headaches, keep my hands clean!! Way too many things can go wrong.... A weekend swap can turn into a month and a half=no truck.

And as for Gas mileage... I get approx. 500 km/tank or 294 miles and thats pushing it pretty hard 120-130 kmh.. So within reason to you guys. What a pig compared to my VW Jetta.... 700km to a 40 litre tank.

Buy a Diesel Hilux and bring it back.....and if you really want to make me happy....take me for a ride!


Steve: here is what my door code shows:
RZN185L-GKPSKA 4.556 With P265/70R16

So what are the next steps for regearing? I think someone mentioned you have to do both front and back? How much will I loose off my top end speed/rpms? I do allot of Highway driving and can't afford to loose to much.

 

Jack,

If I recall from my buddy, the trans mounts will have to be fabbed and if you can only get the auto trans. Hook up for the transfer case is simple bolt on to the existing crossmember. Those are the major highlights. He bought a wrecked 3.4L 4x4 Tacoma (rest its soul) and for 2 months worked on and off on his project. The engine swap itself was the most time consuming and he is what I would call an intermediate-plus mechanic. Unfortunately my buddy is currently deployed in Okinawa so I can't refer you his phone number.

If your gonna embark on this project get the Mitchell Collision Estimating Guide. It helps a bundle as well as the Chilton manuals.

 

Thanks,
Does you buddy has access to e-mail. Usually they have.

Let me clarify something here. I will not do this alone. I will work with a shop, ProTrux in San Marcos, CA. I am mechanically limited. I am a EE guy. Well I should say they will do the work not me.

ProTrux is interested in doing the swap so they can get it as part of their standard services. They have done other swaps but not this.

I wish I could bring a Toyota diesel or a Defender. California is way toooo picky. I heard you have to pay big bucks to import trucks to US anyway. Comments?

-JACK

 

Jack, I am going to have to go with bamachem on this and suggest just getting another 4Runner (96-98) 4x4 and they should be about the price bamachem mentioned. If you were doing something novel like adding quad turbos or something then I would say go for it but to recreate something that already exists, that just sounds like some serious unecessary headache to me. All the mods from your vehicle can be easily swapped over to the new one before you sell yours. I agree that it is a no brainer in my book but it is also your money. Best of luck either way.

 

Jack,

I'm going to agree w/ some of the other board members and suggest you go w/ the gear change or purchase a used 4wd 'Runner. Its simpler, probably cheaper and better yet if you buy it certified you may get a limited warranty to boot. My buddy only did his conversion because he's a bigger Toyota freak than most of us. He jumped on the wrecked Tacoma only because his buddy was parting it out and couldn't pass up a good deal. $0! When he realized how difficult the project was going to be, he was committed. Check out Downey, Northwest and LC engineering for 2.7L build kits. If you still want to pursue your project let me know and maybe I can get my friend to do a write up on Yotatech.

 

My bad, I meant a "used 3.4L 4wd 'Runner."

 

Hello,

I really appreciate all the replies.

I did not get one single e-mail supporting the idea.

People were very honest and the experience tells me that I should listen when I ask for opinions.

I am putting a stop on this project. Way too many risks now. If one day I can leave the 4Runner down for months until I can work the bugs out of it, then I may revisit the idea.

- The Tacoma parts I had in mind were from and automatic trans. I would need to get way too many parts and extra too much work to make my 4Runner Auto.

- ProTrux would not be able to work on my truck until Feb / March.

Now it is all stopped.
Time to move to other projects.

Thanks again.
I hope that this discussion will help other people one day.

-JACK

 

Stupid question....what do you mean by build kits.....>rebuild kits?

Do you think this would help? What about boring out the cylinders?

I am checking into the regearing right now so if there are any other suggestions or advice regarding this. Please let me know....I am in the same boat as Jack....I need more power out of this 4cyl and if I can get it a reasonable cost and not sparing the reliability....I am all for it...

 

Darn,

Just lost my previous reply.

--
Today I stopped by ProTrux to change a CV booth. While discussing solutions we talked about the manual hubs deal.

It can bring you some power at highway and improve reliability.
$ 1,100 in parts and $500.00 in labor.

Steve has a similar setup. It looks good.
I believe when he reported his miles p/ gallon he was referring to the "wheel free" option. Therefore, the gear alone will not bring you the GAS consumption improvements Steve described nor his perception of power.

So if you have the $$ (~ $3K) for both mods you should be able to see power improvement.

-JACK

 

Steve,

Can you give us more details on the re-gearing.
I am considering going back to 285 / 75 / R 16.

I would like to have just a bit more torque than stock but not suffer in the highway.
I have 4.556

Is 5.29 the way to go?

What is in the new kit?

Where did you make it?
Any word of advise on the quality of the gears and kit?

I rate to swap out a Toyota part to put something else.

Thanks,
-JACK

 

What about a 3.4 in a 93 ext cab. has a 3.0 in now. seems like it should be straight forward. painless wiring could do a whole front harness if there wasn't a donor. anyone tried this one yet. my 93 is currently disassembled and am trying to figure out the best power plant to put in. s/c is out. 3gs canadian is too much.

 

I agree. Throw a header and exhaust system on it and get a TRD super charger. You now have as many ponies (if not more) as a 3.4 .

 

I have the header and the exhaust already.
I liked the new response and sound of the engine.

I rather spend money on the swap than on the super charger.
That way I would get a newer engine.
For now this is on hold.
Maybe when I get another truck, I will be able to afford to play with this.
Reliability is very important to me. My family safety depend on this truck. We do some long drive at night and Baja Trips on back roads.

-JACK

 

As far as CARB is conserned, As long as the Engine/Tranny combo that you will be putting in was available Stock from the factory. it should be legal. You will also need to make sure the engine is from the same year or newer, and transfer all SMOG equipment from the donor car, or make sure your's has the same equipment.

Once the swap is complete, you will have to take it to the BAR Referee to get it legal. and all the Ref does is make sure all of the emissions equipment is there and functioning.


Wouldn't it be easier to sell the truck you have and buy a V6? It'd probably be cheaper and easier in the end. plus if you ever decide to sell it, you won't have to deal with telling the people about it's shady past. The BAR may require you to put a salvage title on it, or some kind of note on the title.

 

I looked into swapping a ford 5.0 into a '91 4runner. According to Advance Adapters the engine mounts for the 4 and 6 cyl. engines where in different locations. I know the 3.0 & 3.4l engines share the same engine mount setup and I recall reading that the 2.7 block is similar to the 22RE. That's why I think you should take a close look at the engine mounts before you start.
Just a heads up.

Arjan