I recently acquired a free 1990 extended cab, 4x4, v6, with the R150 (I think). The truck is grey in color and needs a motor. The body and frame are in great shape.

Now, I would like to make it a budget trail/mud truck on the cheap that I can still use for street driving and truck chores. I just like driving a truck, I used to have a 98 tacoma regular cab but it got bought back for the frame rot dealio.

I was thinking about the advance adapters bellhousing adapter for a GM smallblock or a 4.3 v6. I think it would be really cool to put a warmed up 350 in there, and I know that the manual tranny behind the toy v6 is a great tranny. The bellhousing adapter is $469 plus the cost of a carbed 350 and misc accessories. I can make motor mounts...

I would do a mild lift and some 35's with a welded rear and just beat on it.

Do you guys think I should tackle another project or just pop a 3vze in and call it good. They are just hard to find... I would do headers on the 3vze because of that weird problem with one of the cylinders getting too hot and popping the headgasket.

Sorry for the long winded rambling post.

What do you guys think I should do?

 

im sure some one will recomend the 3.4 swap. You know me, Im all for the Carb'd 4.3

 

3.4 or 4.3.
Some are happy with one, some with the other.
Its all your preference.
3.4 is easier install. 4.3 has more torque. They both have ups and downs. But IMO they are pretty equal swaps.