3B in 4runner

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M

matthias

10 Year
Joined
Jun 19, 2005
Threads
13
Messages
42
I'm toying with the idea of converting my 3early 1989 4runner with the 22RE engine and auto gearbox to a 3B Diesel with a standard tranny. I have a line on a reasonable 3B engine and I'm thinking that would make a nice conversion. I like the 22RE but HATE THE AUTO BOX, plus diesel is the way to go as far as I'm concerned.

Has any one ever done this? If it's possible what all needs to be done? Should I use a 4runner standard transmission with an adapter plate or will the LC tranny and transfer case actually fit my truck.

Thanks for any pointers!
 
That would be a cool conversion! The 3B is heavy though and you would need to beef up the suspension accordingly. I would try and keep the LC tranny and tcase. Should be do-able with some crossmember work and maybe driveshafts. I'm not sure if it would work but a set of LC axels would be nice as well.
 
Wow...big project. Do you have the cash for a JDM Hilux? Do you have fabrication experience and the ability to make engine and transmission mounts?

Also, I've driven the 4runners with the 22R motors and 5-speeds, and I own a 3B in a BJ70...I can tell you that you will be shocked at how much power you're giving up...the 3B is a great motor, but it's a slug.

I'd be interested in watching you do it, but whatever you think it's going to cost, double it.
 
I've converted a land rovera from BMC diesel engine, to a peugeot diesel and back to land rover diesel with some friends over the years. So I realize that a bit of re-engineering has to take place, i,e. mounts, adaptapter plates, exhaust, complete clutch assembly, cooling, electric, etc.

My concerns is will it actually fit in the truck. If the 5 speed 4runner transmission is beafy enough, it might be easiest to make an adpater plate for the bellhousing. I suspect that the bolt pattern on 3B crank would be different from the 22RE, so some machining to adapt a 22RE flywheel would need to be done. I would also need to find out if the current starter would be strong enough.
 
You would(should) also do a solid axle swap. The IFS is not going to handle a 3B . Its is very heavy. Think 1000lbs engine and tranny. And the tranny isn't all that much. I bet 200 plus pounds heavier than a chev 350. or more.

For whats it worth, I would suggest just buying a Land Cruiser. Or going with a JDm Hilux 3L half cut for a conversion to your truck. The 3L engine is a 2.8 liter naturally aspirated engine. So smaller than the cruiser engine and lighter. Actually designed for 4runner..

But if you have the 3b and want to squeeze it in, it would make a nice write up on here.
 
Been wanting to do the same conversion for some time now, either in a mini truck or Runner, but haven't gotten off my ass to have at it. I say its an awesome idea, and i'd certainly do a SAS while at it. Tons of interesting mods to do, with many interesting options.
Good luck and keep us posted
Cheers!
Dan
 
I'd use a 2L-T. They were a Canadian production engine and were used in 'Runners in other aras of the world. The 3B is a big engine.
 
i agree with the rigpig,

cool idea, and some one should do it. i think i have seen something like that... pics on outerlimits4x4 from down under. those crazy aussies do s*** up good. outerlimits has a search function like mud.

for ease of install, use the cruiser trans and case, might as well use some 60 axles and there you go.

i have seen 350's in mini's, no reason a 3b won't fit. it's just a tiny little thang;)

crusty
 
I also like the idea of the 2L-T. Just for fun I called the toyota dealer today, they only want $CDN 4800 for a short block:eek:.

Any idea where you can get a used 2L-T engine in Canada?
 
I think Lowenbrau was looking for a buyer for a 2L-TE:

https://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=98521

Also, look at the toyotadieselmadness.com forum. There's a lot of stuff on there about the 2L-Tx into N/A minis and 4Runners.

Also, check out Jarco (I think the address is www.jarcoinc.com)

You could even bring in a Hilux from Japan for parts and thereby get yourself a solid front axle to boot.
 
I thought is a cool proyect Idea .. 3B is a good very good engine .and in a light truck as 4runner for sure gotta fly .. ! and at low very low rpms .. !

But I'm with BB with S Axle swap .. to handle the 3B weight ..
 
If you an almost indestructable engine go with the 3B or 13B-T and you don't care about the weight( it would about the same weight as a big block V-8) then go with the B motor. If you go with an L series engine go with the 3L they don't seem to have the head problems of a 2L. The L series are light weight and light duty engines, they don't do so well on the highway but are great offroad with low gearing.
 
Talk with Marlin about the 3B adapter and what needs to be done. We talked about this with Marlin some 3 or 4 years ago when I had my 1985 4runner. He said someone else was looking at doing the conversion too but backed out. I decided to go with the 240D engine. But later sold the 4runner and kept the 240D. btw the diesel from the 240D is a perfect fit.
 
I'd have to agree that any time you get into anything custom, take your estimate, and double it, if not triple. If you enjoy this kind of work, have access to a shop, a significant other who is going to stick around while you obsess about every detail for possibly years, you could probably drop that a little bit. I agree with one of the other posters who preceded me. Why not just buy a JDM Surf? Or a 70 series landcruiser? You'd spend less that way and be able to obsess about what to do with your truck while you drive it around, instead of look at in a shop. Just food for thought.
 
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