[4restGump]

Hello all

I’m looking to buy a 1988 4runner with a 3.0 V6 engine. The truck itself is very clean for the salt belt region where I’m in, the problem is the engine. It has some nasty misfire and stalling in gear.

So I was just wondering how hard would it be to swap a 3.4 engine into it? I had Tacoma and 4runner with the 3.4 and very familiar with it. Any pointer on the subject is greatly appreciated.

[jbtvt]

In the scheme of Harry Homeowner DIY mechanicals? Very hard. In the scheme of engine swaps? Not hard at all. It's all relative. If you're going to do it right, it's definitely a time-consuming undertaking. There's an entire forum section devoted to the subject over at Yotatech. Your 3.0 might just need a valve job anyway.

[4Reak Show]

I did it to mine about 10 yrs ago. Couldn't recommend it enough. IF you're up for the challenge and cost commitment. Took me 2 yrs of prep and $5,000. Of course I was 22 and living at home at didn't make a whole lot of money so it was save save save, buy one piece. Save save save, buy one piece. Over and over until it was all ready. Then I did the entire swap in about 4 days at the shop I worked at using power tools and lift etc.

Check out off road solutions (.com?) anyhow there is a wealth of knowledge. But just be prepared, there's a lot of little things to tackle.

It took me years to finally get it to 100% perfect working order. If you include stuff like cruise control and little odds and ends. Even to this day, my heater valve control doesn't quite exactly go to full cold by 1/8" because I relocated the heater valve a bit and the cable binds slightly when I push it that direction. Open the hood and manually move it 1 millionth of an inch the lever inside is perfect. Little stuff like that. It adds up to time time and more time depending on your OCD.


But I'll tell you what: you get it supercharged and start laying into it going up a mountain pass and it makes all those hours worth it. Turns it into a new vehicle.

[Pappy Jon]

Been done. A whole lot. Two sources to get you started. These two companies are the go to for 5VZ-FE and 3RZ-FE swaps.

Toy Only Swaps | Toyota 3.4 Swap Parts | 5vze Engine Swap Specialists
Toyota Truck Specialists - Off Road Solutions