3.4 differance to a 3.0 thats knocking

[landcrusiergod1]

Hey, I just bought an 88 4 runner with a 3.0 that has a rod knock for 700.00 dollars, body is great and has power everything. I m just curious if the 3.4 will bolt up to everything in the engine bay for the 3.0. I have checked on ebay and some engine sites and they all want 1200.00 to 3000.00 for a rebuilt one. any body got some cheap alternatives? I own a 71 FJ40 for a couple years now and know my way around a wrench. THe plan is make this a daliy driver with lite four wheeling in mind. Thanks for the help. Ray

 

[Gumby]

I have a 92 in my shop right now that's undergoing the 3.4 swap. It is no bolt in. You will need a 3.4 trans if you go auto, but not for a manual. the auto will then require a transfer case adapter to go back to a passenger side drop transfer.
You will need a $500 wiring harness. It adapts the 3.4 harness to the 2nd gen truck, you will need the 3.4 harness as well.
You will need the kit from Off Road Solutions
You will also need a lot of time and patience.
You need a bunch of stuff from a later model Runner. You really need a donor vehicle.

If it were my truck, i would stuff a 7M-GTE in there.

 

[calamaridog]

My buddy got the entire drivetrain and wiring harness with 40,000 miles on it for $2000. 3.4, 5spd, and transfer case. He is going to swap it into an 86 runner when he has time.

There ARE deals out there if you are patient.

 

[Eric Winkworth]

put 2 bottle of lucas in it, and drive it till it dies! Unless you plan to rebuild it, or the rod knock is annoying!

 

[landcrusiergod1]

thanks for the info

I was just wondering - (MIBS) Snydrome. The 4 runner still needs a fuel pump - and some other little minor stuff done to it. Typical cruiser head that i am looking for the easiest way to get it running and for the cheapest too. Any body got a lead on some 3.0? some where? I will post a pic of the 4 runner so all can give opinon on it. thanks ray

 

[Gumby]

Got one with a blown head gasket in my shop.

Not worth shipping from the WC.

 

[bkg]

I have a 92 in my shop right now that's undergoing the 3.4 swap. It is no bolt in. You will need a 3.4 trans if you go auto, but not for a manual. the auto will then require a transfer case adapter to go back to a passenger side drop transfer.

Actually, that's not true. you can use the A340H automatic as well. TeamShiftPoint over at 4x4wire has done half a dozen or so of these swaps with the a340H. They pull the tranny apart and do some internal upgrades... but other than that, it's basic, from what I've read.

 

[calamaridog]

lcgod1,

Check the local machine shops/engine rebuilders for a price on the rebuild. There is probably someone local who will do it cheap if you pull the longblock and bring it to them. Preferably someone who has done it before.

Good luck

 

[OneMoreTime]

Actually, that's not true. you can use the A340H automatic as well. TeamShiftPoint over at 4x4wire has done half a dozen or so of these swaps with the a340H. They pull the tranny apart and do some internal upgrades... but other than that, it's basic, from what I've read.

TeamShiftPoint are the only ones that have used the a340H as far as I know. According to them the tranny needs to be completely rebuilt and then some extensive modifictions and upgrades need to be made to be able to handle the extra power since they are running their's with superchargers. By no means are these modifications and upgeades basic or cheap.
It seems that the easiest way is to use the 5speed, otherwise your stuck with installing the auto tranny off a 3rd Gen Runner or Taco and the top shift gear driven t-case from an early 4 cylinder Toy 4X4.

 

[Tigerstripe40]

I myself am looking at getting a 1991 with a rod knock.
I want somethign reliable that isn't going to be a kludge.

I am weighing the differences between having the bottom half of the engine rebuilt (ground crank, new main bearings, new rod bearings, new rods, new pistons, new oil pump, honed cylinders, etc). vs going with a low mileage 3VZ replacement.

I've heard you can replace the main and rod bearings, but I wonder how good of a solution this is?

What is the cause of the rod knock on the 3.SLOW motors?

I know the 3.4 is a better motor. But doing the work to swap it out, and then having somethign with custom wiring, etc doens't apeal to me when I intend to take this rig on long excursions.

Just interested in knowing what it will take to make the 3.0 'right'

Thanks!

 

[Tools R Us]

22RE maybe an easier swap?

 

[landcrusiergod1]

still looking- maybe 4.3

I keep doing the ebay search for a toyota engine - 1600.00$. Its a little too much for a $700.00 4 runner. Was reading up on swaping motors with a chevy 4.3 vortec. The vortec engine - low miles with tranny can be found for less than a grand on ebay. But my friends say the toyota engine will last longer. What does the board say?
And yes i did call a machine shop 1500.00 rebuild w/new crank. no savings there! thanks Ray

 

[Jetboy]

I's say go 4.3, they may be somwhat less reliable, but how reliable is another 3.0? plus if your 4.3 takes a s*** you can find a replacement cheap and easy.
my .02
when I have the time my fj will get a 4.3 or a diesel depending on the fuel markets.

 

[calamaridog]

Plenty of people have done the 4.3 swap before. Advanced Adapters may even have something for that application. It is certainly an option if you can score a GOOD motor for cheap.