96 engine swap

[bootheel]

Hey guys, wanted some advice before I pull the trigger on this. My 96 SR5 just recently developed head gasket issues at 260k so I'm seriously considering buying a lower mileage replacement 125k to swap in for now so I can take my time and rebuild the original. My question is, the donor vehicle is a 99 so are these direct swap or is there a write-up showing what externals need to be swapped over to make this work correctly? Both engines are 5vzfe. Thanks in advance.

 

[Bigmd]

I'm sure there is a write up somewhere. I recently had this done. I spun a bearing and lost oil pressure. I got a JDM motor local here in Jersey. My mechanic said it might have been from something other than 4runner because he had to swap a lot over. I'm thinking if donor is from a 4runner you should be ok. Not sure of year to year changes on them though.

 

[TheDurk]

Should be straightforward, if you keep the '96 wiring harness and swap it over to the new engine. Usually much easier than adapting the wrong year harness to work on a different year truck. Many gremlins lie there. There were major changes to the throttle body in '01-'02, but '99 should be ok.

 

[bootheel]

Thanks for the info guys. I have experience doing swaps on the 2nd gens, but this will be my first time with the 3rds. Just wanted to check things out before I got started so hopefully I can avoid running into issues.

 

[Guyver192]

I figure as long as the engine exterior parts are reused from your engine in the truck currently you should be fine. I used a 1997 into my 1998 the manifold had a covered up 02 sensor plate that was the only difference I noticed when I just did my swap. If you have it out look at resealing it if you have the time and funds. I am sure glad I decide to made the process of not worry about leaks and issues down the road. Oil pan is a big one, and I don't recommend using a cork gasket FIPG is the way to go.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Thanks for the info guys. I have experience doing swaps on the 2nd gens, but this will be my first time with the 3rds. Just wanted to check things out before I got started so hopefully I can avoid running into issues.

It'll be easier than a 2nd Gen, that's for sure! I hated working on that maze of hoses and wiring, what a nightmare. The first time I saw the 5VZ-FE engine bay I almost cried at how simple it was.

Are you thinking of swapping in the motor, just to rebuild the old one and swap that one back in? That's seems like a lot of work. Or are you going to sell the higher mileage one once repaired?

 

[bootheel]

It'll be easier than a 2nd Gen, that's for sure! I hated working on that maze of hoses and wiring, what a nightmare. The first time I saw the 5VZ-FE engine bay I almost cried at how simple it was.

Are you thinking of swapping in the motor, just to rebuild the old one and swap that one back in? That's seems like a lot of work. Or are you going to sell the higher mileage one once repaired?

No doubt that 2nd gen was like a friggin spiderweb. My plan is to do a complete maintenance to the newer engine being swapped in with the intentions of it staying in the 96 for the rest of its days. The one being pulled will be rebuilt by myself and a mechanic friend of mine then swapped into his 94. I picked up the wiring harness and ecu along with the engine for the 94 project. That's where the real fun will begin haha.

 

[bootheel]

I figure as long as the engine exterior parts are reused from your engine in the truck currently you should be fine. I used a 1997 into my 1998 the manifold had a covered up 02 sensor plate that was the only difference I noticed when I just did my swap. If you have it out look at resealing it if you have the time and funds. I am sure glad I decide to made the process of not worry about leaks and issues down the road. Oil pan is a big one, and I don't recommend using a cork gasket FIPG is the way to go.

Yes sir that's the plan to reseal, timing set, water pump, radiator etc. Thanks for the heads up on the oil pan gasket.

 

[4Runnermex]

It's not a direct swap. I believe your motor mounts are different and AC Bracket. Swap original harness of the 96 and that's about it. Manifolds are the same from 96-2000 they changed in 01-02
Did you mention rear main seal while you're there at the oil pan?


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[bootheel]

It's not a direct swap. I believe your motor mounts are different and AC Bracket. Swap original harness of the 96 and that's about it. Manifolds are the same from 96-2000 they changed in 01-02
Did you mention rear main seal while you're there at the oil pan?


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Are you saying that the harness from the 96 won't work? No, I didn't mention the rear main seal, but it's on the list. Thanks

 

[4Runnermex]

Harness has to stay with the truck.. Put it on the donor engine. And you'll have to swap motor mounts and AC bracket


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[bootheel]

Harness has to stay with the truck.. Put it on the donor engine. And you'll have to swap motor mounts and AC bracket


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Ok, I understand what you meant now. Yes, the harness will be staying with the truck. Thanks for the heads up on the motor mounts and ac bracket