3rd gen 4runner Engine and Manual Swap Questions

[NicNac]

Sadly my 97 Limited has developed a head gasket leak and my overall history with the vehicle has led me to lean more towards swapping engines instead of fixing the leak. I have the opportunity to buy a beat up 99 4runner with the v6 and a 5 speed manual and would really like to go ahead and swap the engine as well as the transmission into mine. I've read several threads on swapping the tranny but I haven't seen one where someone was swapping the engine AND trans from a DIFFERENT year truck. Many people say you need the manual ECU from the same year truck to do the swap but am I correct in assuming that the 99 ECU would work since I am swapping the engine as well? I would have all the necessary parts since I am buying the entire truck but the ECU and wiring is what concerns me. Any hiccups I might encounter or advice in general would be greatly appreciated.

 

[phattyduck]

I have a '99 and swapped in the 4WD system from a '97, so I have a bit of experience here...

The plugs between the engine harness and body are different between those years, but it wouldn't be too hard to swap things around if as long as you understand what you are getting into. If you are serious about this, get the diagrams for both trucks (either printed or downloaded from the Toyota TIS system) and start studying. Mechanically, the swap should be very doable (maybe the trans crossmember moves, and the shifter holes are different).

You also have the added question of how you will handle the 4WD system side, since you can choose between keeping your push-button 4WD system and the j-shift 4WD system from the manual transmission truck...

-Charlie

 

[NicNac]

I have a '99 and swapped in the 4WD system from a '97, so I have a bit of experience here...

The plugs between the engine harness and body are different between those years, but it wouldn't be too hard to swap things around if as long as you understand what you are getting into. If you are serious about this, get the diagrams for both trucks (either printed or downloaded from the Toyota TIS system) and start studying. Mechanically, the swap should be very doable (maybe the trans crossmember moves, and the shifter holes are different).

You also have the added question of how you will handle the 4WD system side, since you can choose between keeping your push-button 4WD system and the j-shift 4WD system from the manual transmission truck...

-Charlie

I appreciate the response. Someone already swapped a j-shifter into mine, something I didn't realize wasn't stock until after I bought it. I knew the 99 manual and 97 auto ecus were different but I didn't know if it would mainly be plug n play save for a a couple connectors since I was taking everything from the 99 and ditching all the 97. I'll prolly go ahead and find the diagrams and see if I can't figure it out myself. I'm not too concerned with the bolting together, mainly the electrical that makes me hesitant.