Will you help a non FWD newbie?

[Treeview]

Hi,

Here's what I have, an '89 Toy Uhaul like this:

http://images.craigslist.org/5Nb5M65J93Ke3F33Hbc5cdcf03855c78416e0.jpg

that I've been converting into a camper. The head gasket blew on the 3L and I'm at the heads/gasket rebuild of the 3L or go convert to a 3.4L swap.

I've done my homework and read many threads. I've engine swapped before but that was small block Ford/Chevy and one into my Class 8 truck. Basically nuts and bolts swaps...no conversions like the 3.0/3.4 requires.

I'm leaning towards the swap but I'd like to talk to someone who has done this and see exactly what it entails. Emails/forums/Internet go so far, I'd like to see and talk in person.

I'm not a mooch either. Any help would be repaid in kind. I'm an arborist and I'd swap work/knowledge for treework.

Any help for a non-FWD lubber?

Tom in Austin

 

[Lake Rat]

You might give Edwin Kincad at Landcruiser Specialist a call, he may be of some assitance 364-9742. He's had a couple of those types of vehicles in his shop before, so he may have an idea.....

 

[Treeview]

Hi LR,

Edwin is the one who put the bug in my ear about the swap! I spent about a half hour in his shop talking with them about my crossroads.

It was nice to meet someone else who has as much passion for what they to as I have for my work!

Tom

 

[davegonz]

How about putting in a diesel like a Mercedes OM617?

 

[Treeview]

DG,

Right out of the box that sounds like an even more complicated swap. I dunno...has someone done that?

The thing with any swap is that it has to function. Would the diesel dash, etc, have to be installed?

Whew....

Tom

 

[FJsnoozer]

I would definitely go diesel if you plan on driving significant distances frequently with your camper. Do research on teh transmission that truck has and its compatibility with a toyota diesel or a 3bt/6bt also.

 

[Treeview]

I'll poke around. But, the chassis already has 240k on it. I'm leary of spending a lot of time/money on a chassis that old.

My long term plan is to get camping and along the way finish off the camper box. Then, find a newer chassis, pull the box and make a flatbed that will come off. The camper would then drop in place of the flatbed.

This blown headgasket has thrown my timeline out of whack. I want to solve this easily and cheap. The diesel is an interesting proposal though, for a newer chassis

Tom

 

[davegonz]

4x4Labs makes adapters for GM transmissions and Toyota transmissions. Take a look.
Diesel Conversion Adapters | 4×4 Labs

Also, Mauricio (Spallets here on MUD) has recently installed an OM617 into a FJ55 using one of 4x4Labs adapters to mate the engine to the stock Toyota H41 transmission.

 

[austintaco]

Shawn at Edwin's shop has contemplated doing the swap and at one point had a 3.4 in the shop. If you didn't get a chance to talk to him, he could fill you in. There are also some good threads on that swap on TTORA.com and yotatech.com. It's going to come down to time and money, and what you are able to find out there.

 

[Treeview]

Austintaco,

I did spend some time talking with Shawn, he and Edwin are nice guys.

In the end I;ve decided to have the head gasket replaced, along with water pump and timing belt at a shop very close to my home.

Tom