Picked up a beautiful '90 4runner 3.0 auto at an auction yesterday, was being driven home when the crankshaft let loose and blew out the side of the cylinder block (couldn't have just destroyed the oil pan) so now what should I do? I can see 4 options; sell her as is, drop in another engine for $1,200+ labor, buy another '90 auto from a salvage yard for $800 and hope its got a good engine or swap for the engine in my '88 (which isn't doing too well atm) anything I'm not thinking of? This is far beyond what I had in mind for this vehicle and my abilities

 

Pics please?

And I'd recommend a 3.4 swap

 

I see this as an opportunity to swap a v8 in you can get crate engines pretty cheap. or if you want another v6 or even a 4banger, go to a wreck yard find a truck that rolled, or was totaled but the engine is fine and grab it usually cheaper. or check CL theres always deals popping up. also pix would be cool

 

3.4L is pretty much a bolt-in swap these days.

 

unfortunately a 3.4L swap is beyond my finances/abilities, I could potentially sell my '88 to cover it but I don't know that I could do that to my rusty old love

 

3.4's aren't that expensive anymore depending on how much of it you do. Sure, if you take it to a shop, they will tear you a new one on costs. But to do it yourself, you are just out the cost of supplies.

Do you have an engine stand and hoist? Then you have the major tools that you need. Those and a floor jack to hold the transmission in place will do it. The rest of the tools are sockets and screwdrivers and time.

Find a complete donor for the swap and it will be just that much easier. I pieced mine together and it still great.

 

I don't have an engine hoist, stand, floor jack or any real tools.

 

Then Harbor Freight is your friend...

 

pulled these bits a wreckage out of it

 

any ideas as to what caused this to happen?

 

wear and tear can do horrors to an engine. how many miles did it have? also harbor freight, most large tools like lifts and jacks you can get the $13 insurance and you can return it full reimbursement no questions as long as you bring back all packaging and parts (pretty much renting for $13 as long as you want)