Yesterday I finally installed the 4:88 front diff I've had for many months so today was going to be the maiden voyage for my 4Runner with 4:88's and the elocker. On the drive to Corral Canyon OHV I noticed a slight knock but couldn't narrow down where it was coming from- I was hoping it was my throw out bearing but it started getting worse so I slowed down and once I came to a stop the engine shut off and now it is locked up. 22RE 220,000 original miles
Anybody have any good recommendations for rebuild shops in SoCal? I will pull and reinstall the engine but I have mixed feelings about how I should go about the rebuild. Buy parts from engnbldr.com and try my luck with a machine shop, buy a complete long block from MJM engines or??? This isn't my daily driver so I have time but I want something that is going to last because I've owned this 4Runner for 16 years and can't see myself getting rid of it anytime soon. Thanks, Eric

 

Rebuild it yourself you'll be happy you did. I was in a similar boat a last year and didn't have many options so i decided to locate a block and build my motor myself. That being said i wouldn't have it any other way. Assuming it's the 22r or re they are pretty simple engines to build and plenty of info around here to help you along.

 

CA mini truck salvage in Montclair, the guy has a dedicated motor builder who does excellent work. They use all japanese parts, no chinese crap, they are a little pricey but the motor comes with a 1 year unlimited mileage warranty. They just built me a motor and 600 mi. in still no issue's.

 

A built small block chevy and ditch the toyota axles for a set of rocks

 

Smog crap in CA to deal with

 

I like to keep my Toyota a Toyota. I think I may go with the engnbldr.com kit with big valves and the 268 cam. I'm on the search for a reputable machine shop in San Diego.

 

Ok, then 3ur motor and chromoly axles and treated gears

 

Try pulling the starter. Then turn the engine manually using the bolt on the end of the crank shaft. Just seems weird that it would seize up.

 

Did you get an oil pressure light before it "shut off"?

 

Oil pressure light never came on. I checked the oil before I went on the trip and it is still full right now.

 

K Watanabe in Miramar is a place I've found the old Japanese less than 30,000 mile engines before. Are you sure he motor is siezed? Did you try turning it with a ratchet/breaker?

 

Weird. You shoulda got an OP light long before it seized if it was a bottom end issue. Maybe a broken wrist pin/Piston? In any event, sorry about your motor. I think you should rebuild it yourself if you have the tools and a place 2 do it. Can u get used JDM 22RE's? Anybody know?