I'm a long time 'guest' lurker, finally got an account and this is my first thread start here.

I bought a 1995 3.0 4x4 4Runner with a rod knocking and I wanted to share my experiences getting it going first, then getting it how I want it. I've had a 1994 standard cab 4cyl, a 1989 4Runner, and worked a lot on my wife's 1995 2wd 4runner she had when we got married. Also in the line of Toyota's I've had 2 FJ40s, 2FJ60s(one V8) and 2 FJ80s.

Project plans:
Initially buy a used engine to install to get it driveable
Rebuild original engine and reinstall
1.5 ball joint spacers and cruiser coils
33x10.5x15 BFG KM2s on factory rims
Rear drawer storage system
onboard air
lockers
custom build front and rear bumpers
custom build sliders
Finally enjoy many light weight trail / expedition trips and use it as my daily driver.

I just sold my old truck so I have to get it going to have something to drive which is why I'm going for the quick install of a used engine. I want to take my time on the rebuild.

So far, I tried to do the ultra cheap @$$ fix and just drop the pan and replace rod bearing which only lasted about 10 miles even though everything spec'd perfect and sounded great at first. I either did something wrong (likely) or there was more damage than I could see originally. I have my new(used, 135K miles) engine delivered Friday of last week and hope to have it installed soon.

Progress will be slow on updates here so please bear with me, I've never started a thread on any of my projects for that reason but figured this was one with enough technical info to come out of it that I thought it would be a good one.

Couple pictures to see what I'm starting with. (original bad bearing found next to a new one, donor (temporary engine), and trailered when I bought it.)

 

Good to hear from a fellow Texan. Sounds and looks like your helping with the yota population. Good luck with the newest member of the family. Keep us posted!

 

Welcome to YT... The 3.0. eveytime I even look at mine.

 

Thanks! The project took a slight detour... I bought another one (1995 3.0 again, white one this time)... Really wanted the manual trans when I found the green automatic but couldn't pass up the deal. Then couldn't pass this one up either that has the manual trans... I really have to stay off craigslist.

New one has a few issues of her own, leaks from just about every possible location and needs front brakes and wheel bearings, but she drives which is a step ahead of the first one. So now I have 2 runners and a spare engine.

Current plan is to go ahead and get the green one going with the good used engine and then alternate driving both and see which one I want to keep.

Tough problems to have I know, believe me I'm not complaining.

Which ever I decide to keep will get the rebuilt engine. I'll keep updates as progress happens.