98 4runner manual swap, 3in Toytech, head gaskets, 35s

[J.Rapozo]

Good Morning, my wife has a 98 4runner. I finally acquired the parts to do a 5 speed swap. Wondering if anyone would be interested in progress updates and feed as this project comes along?

Work to be done:

Head gaskets
Truck has had a small leak for about a year and keeps on going! Finally got some spare heads that are being redone as I’m typing.

3in suspension lift 1in body lift
Courtesy of bilsteinlifts.com I have a kit with diff drop and everything necessary to fit 35s with minimal cutting (hopefully)

5 speed manual swap
Wife wants a manual so I have been collecting parts. I have everything finally! I will update this thread as I work on this on the weekends.

High clearance winch bumper
Coastal off road had a good looking do it yourself bumper kit, I’m excited!

Please let me know if you have any tips, do’s and don’t s

 

[RandyBobandy]

I'd be interested to hear how it drives with 35s, I have a 97 on 33s and it was quite sluggish with the auto, but since doing a 5 speed swap it's been much better, I'd still probably want to regear for 35s

 

[J.Rapozo]

I’m very curious to see how it will drive also. The 35s were on my 05 Tacoma, I was advised to regear that but it drove very well. Pretty sure it had 4.58s, could still spin both rear wheels without an excessive amount of effort. I just didn’t want to waste the wheels and tires. Tacoma will be for sale after I clean it up. Will update as I work on it.

 

[RandyBobandy]

do you have 4.10 in your 4runner now? you could probably regear to 4.30 with used oem parts and it would drive pretty nice.

also install that body lift before doing your 5 speed swap, I have a 1" body lift and it makes reaching everything around the transmission so much easier

 

[J.Rapozo]

Thank you for the tip! I’ve replaced a trans once already and it was not a fun job. I’m not sure what it has in it for gears. Got my garage organized and the runner up on jacks.

 

[J.Rapozo]

Heads are off, rear lift is done

Dropping the trans next, wheels and tires fit nicely. Waiting on upper control arms for the front. Don’t bother with the rear shocks, what a pain!!!

 

[J.Rapozo]

Pictures

Sorry for the sideways pictures, I cannot figure out why that keeps happening