Hey everyone,

I have a red 4-Runner that has been my baby since I went off to college (gifted to me brand new) now with 289 thousand well driven, fun miles on her. The body is in good shape but due to environmental circumstances she’s going to need a paint job. The head gaskets quit on me twice, the first time under the Toyota recall, and the second time was on my dime. Other than these few things… no major issues whatsoever.

Since it was so awesome, I’ve decided to redo the engine so I can keep it as a second vehicle. After all, a girl needs something to “play” with and cart her toys around.

After looking at my options, reading up on the 1UZ swap and seeing how readily available this engine is, it seemed like a no brainer. The V6 is underpowered and the cost is outside of my budget so I thought why not give this a go.

I took some time and did my reading on forums to find what was needed to complete this swap efficiently. I found that it made sense to just purchase an entire car so I eventually started searching and found a rear-ended SC400 with 84,000 miles- scored it for $450 bucks.

One little unfortunate momentary setback.. It seems that, from reading on different forums, the SC400 oil pan will not work with my front suspension. Looks like I will need a LS400 oil pan for proper clearance. Anyone have an extra LS400 oil pan sitting around?

For the transfer case I needed to find something economical as the $750 adapter, that some have used, was monetarily out of the question. After reading that the T-100 transfer case would bolt up to the Lexus transmission with minimal modification (1 bolt drilled and tapped) I began my search and with a little help found one for $50 bucks!

With a technical background in telecom switch networks, Eagle Audio, and Digital witness products, I’ve become pretty proficient in wiring. I already had the wiring manual for the 4-Runner and purchased a wiring manual for the 1993 Lexus SC400. After looking at and studying the schematics of the two manuals I created my guide to the required merging of the two harnesses.

With the help of a couple of friends, the engines were pulled last weekend.

Bit by bit it’s coming along..



I will post some pictures soon………

 

Good stuff!! I'll keep an eye on your progress.

 

Thanks!!


I apparently need to set up a photobucket account- Will post pict soon..

 

Just installed the body lift in these picts. with a couple friends. Front bumper not yet permanently attached.

Engine is out and we are getting the 4.0 ready to go in. Will put up some engine picts next.

 

If you have Googled it you probably found this already, but if not:

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=196821

 

If you need any help let me know. I have studied this for two years before I even started.

 

Rear output shaft of the Lexus transmission cut to length,drilled and tapping the additional bolt hole for the T100 transfer case adapter.

 

Engine set into place and beginning to wire into 4runner. I am considering using the SC400 air filter box, seeing how everything fits together.

 

I need to remove the hydraulic fan pump from the engine and replace with a tundra idler pulley.

 

You can use the LS400 pulley as well.

 

I believe that the Tundra pulley doesn't have the studs for the fan on it like the LS400 has that attaches the viscous fan as well as the pulley itself.
correct?he studs
edit I stand corrected, the tundra also has the same studs, oh well. just something else to overcome.

I am trying to maximize clearance for the radiator and cooling fan, the studs on the idler pulley have shoulders that wont allow the nuts to tighten down to secure the pulley.

 

Take the studs out and use bolts. That's what I did.

 

Subscribed. Keep up the good work

 

Just use bolts. I do believe the center threaded part for the fan is taller anyway! But keep up the good work. Mine is stuck from lack of funds.

 

How did this turn out?

 

I know this is an old post but wondering how this turned out. I'm thinking about doing the same transfer case setup but have been wondering about the long term strength after cutting down the output shaft.

 

This thread may be dead, but it was worth the minute or two it took me read through it if just for this shot. A thing of beauty and the look I'm aspiring to for my 93 Xtra Cab.

 

It does look like it belongs there!

 

also check out 85toyman's 94 4runner build, his install looks factory, have seen this truck in person
https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f199...thread-225636/
not sure what page it starts on