Hey all,

A friend of mine is selling his '90 4Runner with a bad engine and bad auto tranny. 205k miles. It's a burgandy 4x4 with no rust and almost mint body and interior. It has the nice cloth interior, sunroof, manual hubs, and 31 inch tire package. The only thing I don't like about it is that it has the black bumpers and grill, but that's not a big deal. I know the last 3 owners of the 4Runner have taken good care of it. I can get it for $700, maybe $500.

So, if I got it, I'm leaning towards swaping in a 1uzfe and swaping in a R150 manual tranny using the Dellow's bellhousing.

Here's kinda a rough price list I put together:

4Runner: $700
1uzfe Engine + shipping: $1000
R150 Tranny and Tcase: $150
Dellow's bellhousing from Australia: $600
Clutch: $125
1uzfe ECU: $150
Clutch master cylinder, pedals, and other misc parts: $300
Rear driveshaft: $50

Do the prices sound about right? I found a R150 tranny with tcase locally for $75 with 155k miles on it. I don't know exaclty what parts come with the Dellow's bellhousing, so the price may change on that. My understanding though, is that it comes with everything needed for the 1uz/manual swap.

Maybe I could have a 1uzfe, 5spd< 4x4 4Runner in mint condition for under $3500. What do you all think? I don't have all the cash for it now, but I do have a summer job lined up, and I would have to sell my '90 2wd. Would be sweet!

Your thoughts please!

Thanks,
Daniel

 

I think it sounds like a sweet ride, 2nd gen 4runners have a classic styling that I will never get sick of seeing. That being said I don't think there is anyway you will get that done for $3500 and trust me, i generally see the optimistic side of things and shop around/buy used, etc to keep my cost down.

Can you really get a used running motor with all accessories and wiring and ECU for $1000?

You also have to factor in a new exhaust, miscellaneous fluids (that quickly add up), and other consumables, motor mounts, etc

That being said, it you do the work yourself, shop around, etc I think it can be done on a budget and I think that it would be one AWESOME ride when you were done.

 

DO IT. if you are willing to do most of the work yourself (and have the time/resources) i think it would be sweet!

better engine, better tranny, 4x4! it would definitely be a sweet build up.

 

Thanks guys. The 1uzfe engines are fairly cheap to come by. I guess there isn't much of a demand for used ones since they are such a well built motor. They usually run around $600 or so on ebay, but I factored in shipping too. I've seen them advertised for $1.00.

I would really like to do the work myself. I'm pretty mechanically inclined, but I have never pulled or installed an engine. It would definately be a learning experience.

The major things holding me back is the fact that I live in an appartment and have no garage. That, and I would have to sell my current 4Runner, but I dunno how much I can get out of it.

I forgot to add in the exhaust. Thanks for rememinding me!

If I come in under budget, I may be able to do a rear e=locker or maybe a supercharger off a cobra or lightning.

 

I'm not sure what the dollar figures and variables that affect the dollar figures are that go into that swap, but if you're willing/able to do most of that work yourself I can't see how it could be a bad deal. You'll only have $700 max into the vehicle before getting started -- that's a great deal.

You do have to ask yourself what you're going to drive while you're doing the engine swap. Will you be able to hang on to the current 4Runner until the project is complete? If so, then I see no real down side.

Ed

 

Yeah, I would have to keep my current 4Runner while I do the swap (if I did). I need something as a parts getter. I may have to borrow a grand or two, but I can recoupe that if I sell the current 4Runner.

I have a buddy that owns a shop, so maybe he will let me use the shop. I don't know the guy that good, but worth asking.

More research to do.... I'm waiting on an email back from Dellows to see exactly what the kit comprises of. And the cost to ship it.

 

I reckon you should do it for sure!!! It's deffinetly the best thing I ever done to my 4runner!!!

If I can help out in anyway let me know...

 

Thanks, twisty. I got your PM the other day too. Really appreciate it.

The guy down at Dellow called me the other day (wow, great service--all the way from Australia!), and sent me a packet will a cool sticker and a BUNCH of info. Their company seems really top notch.

Anyhow, the complete kit runs a tad over $1000 + shipping. That comes with everything, even a new slave cylinder. A bit more than I thought, so I'll have to rethink this. I can get just the bellhousing for $400 though.

The auction for the $75 tranny/tcase ended early, so I missed that, and somebody put a bid in on it. :cry: I'm still going to email the guy incase the deal falls through.

Well, more research.

 

No worries....keep us filled in with what you end up doing!!