Well, I've excepted the fact that my 85 runner is gone. Stolen last month and no sightings. SO.....

Everyone knows how hard they are to find in decent shape. I had to drive 500 miles for my last one that happened to be advertised as a 1986 in autotrader.

There are however plenty of 86-89s some with automatics some with v6. Can they readily be converted to MAKE an 85 ish????

SAS jobs are now dime a dozen as far as kits and technique no problem there. But I really don't want an automatic nor do I want the "worst engine Toyota made" as my mech stated. I'll never be able to afford the maint. Not to mention I've had 22RE's for 8 years now. I'm too far into that learning curve to start on a new engine o problems.

SO, how easy is it (or possible) to make an original automatic into a 5spd?
AND
Can a original V6 be swapped for a 22re without outragous cost and parts hunts?

Anyway, any input would be great. Thanks.

 

Yes I'm almost sure it's possible.......I can't see that it would be that hard to do. A 22re and W56 tranny w/ tcase can't be too hard to find. I don't have anything about actually doing the swap but I can't imagine it being impossible.

 

Check your local laws... there *may* be an issue with swapping out an engine with less power output.

 

That's interesting about the law. I've never heard of anything like that.

And ya, I know finding an 22RE and matching 5spd or bellhousing depending on the truck config I end up getting (V6/5spd, 22/auto, V6/auto.....) but it's the process, what needs to be done and what parts are required is what I'm looking for.

No matter what I find 85-89 I want to end up with a 22re/5spd. Then just SAS it. And if 85 add an 86-89 rear (wider). Can't beat that config. Just need to know if all the conversions, engine and tranny are A: possible and B: at least halfway affordable.

 

your talking about a 3.0 with a auto right?

 

 

ya, the 3.slow as I've heard many call it. It seams like I can find tons of 1st gens but non with a 22re AND 5spd AND within 300 miles from home AND in good body and interior condition. I find beautiful trucks but they either have the v6 or are automatic or both. So, I figured if I can get one of those I can just swap a v6 for a 22re and a auto for a 5spd if I had to cause that's what I can find. Just want to know if it's possible without impossible to find parts, endless cashflow, and never seen before fabrication? Does anyone know how to do this? Thanks.

 

patience!!!! I know you just lost your Rig, but don't be in to much of a rush, take your time and make sure your getting a good solid rig, not just the 1st one you can find.

 

I know I know but I'm naked without my truck. Just got the insurance and sitting at about 5,500 for a new one. Think I'll just bit my tounge and hold out for an actual 85 sr5 just like I lost and start all over again. I know. It's just hard.

 

I checked the CA Vehicle Code and didn't find anything against a lower-powered motor swap. Not sure where I found that originally but sorry for passing on bad info.