I have searched through the archives, but there are only a couple threads dealing with this engine.
I am just hoping for some constructive criticism and knowledgeable opinions about the feasibility of doing this swap.
The idea as of now is to swap out the stock 1978 2F and drop in a low mileage 3.4 with the stock R150 Tacoma tranny (similar to the one used in the older V6 pickups). From there, mating it up to the stock 4-sp cruiser t-case with a modified Marlin 4.7 tacobox/toybox. I will be using the stock 4:10 gears in the axles with 33” tires.
The major issues I have read about or personally have concern over are as follows:
Vehicle weights:
FJ – 3,300
4x4 Tacoma – 3,800 with an additional payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. Trailer load is rated at 5,000 lbs.
I don’t see the FJ exceeding any parameters originally set forth by the Tacoma engineers. The vehicle will be similar weight when the winch/bumper and misc. accessories have been installed on the FJ. I don’t plan to tow, so the overall FJ weight will be much lower than a Taco with a full trailer.
The engine has plenty of power I would think. Definitely not as much torque down low, but gearing should take care of this. It seems to work fine for guys on 38’s with Marlin tacoboxes and SAS’s.
Worst case scenario one could drop on a TRD supercharger.
Strength/breakage:
I am sure the Tacoma tranny is not as strong as the cruiser, but the Taco/Mini guys routinely run big tires and SAS kits without grenading the trannies. Not to mention, Toyota ran the TRD supercharger on the engine which bumped it up to 260 HP, which also did not void the OEM warranty. To me that says volumes about the strength of the stock Tacoma drivetrain. It does have its limitations, but I think with the condition it will be used it will not be stressed beyond its limitations.
Not worried about the Taco/Toybox - proven reliable.
Gas mileage:
I get between 22-23 mpg in my 2001 Taco on the hwy, with about 18 around town. I am sure a brick like the FJ will reduce the mileage, but I am thinking high teens on the hwy.
Reliability:
Obviously getting a good engine and doing a good install are paramount, but the 3.4L has proven itself as a solid engine. I know I know, not as solid as a 2F, but what is right?
Drivetrain length:
I will triple check my measurements, but it looks like it is about 13” longer than the FJ drivetrain, fan to t-case (included the taco/toybox). But since the engine is so much shorter (10”), you can push the whole engine forward to make up that 10” difference (lets call it 8”). So the back of the t-case will be 5” further back than stock. Shifter location will be about 3” further back than stock with plenty of firewall clearance.
Wiring:
This is the big curve ball in the equation. I know for a fact it is possible, but I don’t know if it something I could personally do with confidence. ORS offers a standalone wiring harness for the engine making it adaptable to just about any vehicle, but it is $800+ that I would not like to have to spend.
Conclusion:
I really thought about doing a 350, but power is not my major concern. I would rather keep it all Toyota, reliable drivetrain and easy parts sourcing.
Am I nuts? Any thoughts?
I am just hoping for some constructive criticism and knowledgeable opinions about the feasibility of doing this swap.
The idea as of now is to swap out the stock 1978 2F and drop in a low mileage 3.4 with the stock R150 Tacoma tranny (similar to the one used in the older V6 pickups). From there, mating it up to the stock 4-sp cruiser t-case with a modified Marlin 4.7 tacobox/toybox. I will be using the stock 4:10 gears in the axles with 33” tires.
The major issues I have read about or personally have concern over are as follows:
Vehicle weights:
FJ – 3,300
4x4 Tacoma – 3,800 with an additional payload capacity of 1,500 lbs. Trailer load is rated at 5,000 lbs.
I don’t see the FJ exceeding any parameters originally set forth by the Tacoma engineers. The vehicle will be similar weight when the winch/bumper and misc. accessories have been installed on the FJ. I don’t plan to tow, so the overall FJ weight will be much lower than a Taco with a full trailer.
The engine has plenty of power I would think. Definitely not as much torque down low, but gearing should take care of this. It seems to work fine for guys on 38’s with Marlin tacoboxes and SAS’s.
Worst case scenario one could drop on a TRD supercharger.
Strength/breakage:
I am sure the Tacoma tranny is not as strong as the cruiser, but the Taco/Mini guys routinely run big tires and SAS kits without grenading the trannies. Not to mention, Toyota ran the TRD supercharger on the engine which bumped it up to 260 HP, which also did not void the OEM warranty. To me that says volumes about the strength of the stock Tacoma drivetrain. It does have its limitations, but I think with the condition it will be used it will not be stressed beyond its limitations.
Not worried about the Taco/Toybox - proven reliable.
Gas mileage:
I get between 22-23 mpg in my 2001 Taco on the hwy, with about 18 around town. I am sure a brick like the FJ will reduce the mileage, but I am thinking high teens on the hwy.
Reliability:
Obviously getting a good engine and doing a good install are paramount, but the 3.4L has proven itself as a solid engine. I know I know, not as solid as a 2F, but what is right?
Drivetrain length:
I will triple check my measurements, but it looks like it is about 13” longer than the FJ drivetrain, fan to t-case (included the taco/toybox). But since the engine is so much shorter (10”), you can push the whole engine forward to make up that 10” difference (lets call it 8”). So the back of the t-case will be 5” further back than stock. Shifter location will be about 3” further back than stock with plenty of firewall clearance.
Wiring:
This is the big curve ball in the equation. I know for a fact it is possible, but I don’t know if it something I could personally do with confidence. ORS offers a standalone wiring harness for the engine making it adaptable to just about any vehicle, but it is $800+ that I would not like to have to spend.
Conclusion:
I really thought about doing a 350, but power is not my major concern. I would rather keep it all Toyota, reliable drivetrain and easy parts sourcing.
Am I nuts? Any thoughts?