ok, so have a stripped #5 spark plug hole in drivers side head in my 2002 lx470. Does anyone know of an 06 4runner with the same 2uz-fe will be a compatible donor? I know the 2uz-fe motors changed specs sometime after 04 i think, the cams on the front look different but just wondering if the head itself would be compatible. I have found a donor motor with similar mileage i could get for less money that rebuilding the existing head.
2002 lx Cyl Head vs 2006 4runner head compatibility
- Thread starter Rokketz
- Start date
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The 2006 4Runner head is a VVTI head. Find an older non VVTI 2UZ 100, 4runner, GX470 or Tundra head. You do not want a VVTI head on a non VVTI motor.
Better yet, search the forum for ideas on how to repair the sparkplug hole without removing the head. There are a few options.
Better yet, search the forum for ideas on how to repair the sparkplug hole without removing the head. There are a few options.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thanks. Yeah we tried a helicoil and that failed so only option is to remove it and have it repaired or source a used head and have it surfaced and prepped. I pretty much knew the answer on the 4-runner vvti but was hoping the head structure itself might be the same and we could rebuild it ( the head shop) with the non vvti cams and valves. I found a pair of used heads close by for less than what it would take to try that route so headed to pick them up tomorrow then off to the head shop for prep the other one will be up for sale if anyone needs a passenger side head. 173k miles from the donor vehicle. This one of mine ( 1 of three) has around 260k
Rokketz, there are several specialist shops here in SoCal that work only on LX and TLCs.. The place where I've taken my vehicles for over 10 years (James Ederer at SD Truck Shop) has a better system and they can do the work without removing the head. They use something called a Time-Sert and it actually is a very specialized sort of 'in place machining' where an oversized hole replaces the old thread and an oversize insert goes in forever. There's a post somewhere here on the forum about how threads on heads need attention (avoiding antisieze, correct torque, etc.). There is hope and unless you have a good background in both automotive mech-tech and actual machining, it's best to pay someone who does this regularly. Not the sort of thing where a guy will use your car for learning how-to.
When I had an issue and could not find a camshaft (that a shop broke) that was NLA during Covid, I reached out to a Toyota engine rebuilder in Florida. I looked, and cannot figure out what their name was, unfortunately, but they had stock of heads from all models of Toyotas. It was the only option at the time in the world and it just took a nice email explaining my plight, and the sold me the part. This can be an option for any future people that have the same issues.
