96 Xcab 4WD Tacoma w/OM617 swapped in?

[RisingSunLCS]

Hi,

I have recently acquired a Manual 96 xcab tacoma with a 3.4 and 4WD setup. I have done a bit of searching online as to seeing what diesels people are swapping into these things. I can only seem to find tacos with Toyota's D4's swapped into them or 1Kz's. I have also seen a few 4BD1T into a couple of them but, weight seems to be the issue there @ about 750lbs and much needed frame reinforcement.

I know there have been lots of Gen 1& 2 toyota pickups and 4runners with the Mercedes 5cyl Turbo OM617 series diesels put in them. Them seem to work very well in them. OM617's came in 4000lb sedans and was even offered in 5000lb Euro G wagons so, i think in terms of vehicle weight. I dont think one in a 3000lb tacoma wouldnt do too bad.

Has anyone ever attempted this swap?? If not....curious as too why? There are adapters out there made for toyota trans setups. Is the fact that you would need to do a SAS setup and that just makes it that much more expensive mod?

Thanks,
Phil

 

[RisingSunLCS]

Is this the wrong forum for this type of inquiry ?

 

[Hanz]

Is this the wrong forum for this type of inquiry ?

I'm guessing that no one here has completed the swap using the engine you ask about in your original post in the thread.

It's sounds like your research indicated it has been done and is a decent way to go. If you like the idea and your wallet is up to it give it a go, take lots and lots of photos and post about it here. I'd love to read about it.

 

[Combat Chuck]

That's been done to a first-gen 4x4.
Luke's adapter between OM and a W56.

In the 'States, 96 is a good year for the diesel swap, because it's before all the emissions regulation crap ('98+).
You will also need to check with your province's change of motive power guidelines, as well.

I don't know what all it would take, but likely converting to all mechanical gauges (speedo especially) You'd have to come up with a conversion harness, but the older Merc IDI engines were pretty much a one-wire deal anyway.

A diesel conversion is something to be reserved for someone who truly loves diesel for the sake of diesel. You will never recoup the cost of a conversion if that's your angle, but diesel motors are great offroad, and can take a load better than a gasser.

 

[RisingSunLCS]

I have seen quite a few Gen 1 Toyota p/ups and 4Runners with the OM swapped in but......just online. Nothing in person.

So, in terms of trans Xcase setups. Is a W56 more desirable then the factory equipped R150? In terms of it being a '96 and it emissions regs dont matter. Where it will get sticky is when I take it for a tailpipe sniffer test. They run the vin and it says gasser but, meanwhile theres a diesel burning clackety clackety in the engine compartment. I will have to look into that situation before I ultimately do anything.

In terms of gauges...the speedo already is mechanical but, it would probably need some sort of alteration. The rest of the gauges wouldn't be a problem....where there will theres a way. Conversion harness I dont think would be to intense as you already mentioned. OM is IDI and super simplistic and a 3 wire special.

This project would in no way be driven by the ability to recoup the swap through savings in fuel. Its more driven by my love of diesels and Toyota's. Also, my desire to have one of the worlds most renown, simplistic, yet efficient Merc motors. Plopped into a Tacoma which I have always dreamed of owning a diesel version of.

The Toymercs I have watched on You Tube seem to work so well. I just cant see how this wouldnt be a decent swap. Anymore known expertise is very much welcomed here. In the meantime I will look into the DOT legalities.

 

[Combat Chuck]

The legality is simple. You have to re-register the vehicle as a diesel. In California, you have to fill out a "Change of Motive Power" form, and have it inspected to verify that it is a diesel, and that you're not trying to dodge the smog check. Then it never gets the sniffer again.

A 96 taco has an electronic EFI speedo that has a sender off the t-case, goes to the ECU and out, but a W56 will have the RF1A T-case with a mechanical out for the speedo.
The W56 is the easiest way to go because of the 4X4 Labs adapter, but if you're a machinist, or know one, you can fab up the adapter plate for a R150 pretty easy.