aykalper's 2000 Limited build

[aykalper]

Me too, I have a ton of documentation I will share as I go through it too.

One struggle point so far was finding an adapter from the A650E (Lexus LS400, 97-00, 5at, VVT) to the transfer case - but seems like there is a guy in South Africa makes adapters that I can buy.

Just as reference, cause I haven't seen this grouped together:

Transmissions:
A340E - Lexus LS400 4at (pre VVTi)
A340F - 3rd Gen 4Runner, Tundra/Sequoia (pre VVTi)
A343F - Land Cruiser Prado 90 series
A650E - Lexus LS400 5at (VVTi)
A750E/F - Tundra/Sequoia 5at (VVTi) | 4th Gen 4Runners (V8/V6 (after 04)

*A340e/F and A343F have the same transmission case part number.
*A650E and A750E/F do not have the same case part number.

Transfer Cases:
VF2AM - 3rd Gen 4Runner J Shift
VF2BM - 3rd Gen 4Runner Limited (96-98, with electric button)
VF3AM - 3rd Gen 4Runner Limited (98-02, Multimode) (maybe also the SR5 00-02), Land Cruiser Prado 90 series, Hilux Surf VZN185
VF4AM - 4th Gen 4Runner V6 (Multimode)
VF4BM - 4th Gen 4Runner V8 (Full Time 4WD)

All of the 3rd gen transfer cases are interchangeable with the R150 5mt and the A340F (and thus, any A34x transmission (if you use the A340F rear tail stock)

The A34x series has 23 spline output shafts.
The A650E and A750E/F have 26 spline output shafts.

 

[phattyduck]

One of the ideas that was kicking around in my head (along with motor swaps) was figuring out a way to do the full-time TC from the manual transmission FJ Cruiser... that one is fully manually shifted, gets you a torsen center diff and is manually locked and range shifted. Not sure of compatibility (shaft splines), but I believe it has been swapped into 2nd gen Tacomas?

That would solve multiple issues: traction (you'll be spinning a rear tire in 2WD ALL THE TIME) and might help solve your adapter issue...

I assume the Lexus A650E has a guibo output flange that can just be removed? How are you handling the 5th gear that kinda sits 'outside' the case in what would be the transfer case adapter on the A340's?

-Charlie

 

[meeceboy78]

this should be interesting.

 

[aykalper]

One of the ideas that was kicking around in my head (along with motor swaps) was figuring out a way to do the full-time TC from the manual transmission FJ Cruiser... that one is fully manually shifted, gets you a torsen center diff and is manually locked and range shifted. Not sure of compatibility (shaft splines), but I believe it has been swapped into 2nd gen Tacomas?

That would solve multiple issues: traction (you'll be spinning a rear tire in 2WD ALL THE TIME) and might help solve your adapter issue...

I assume the Lexus A650E has a guibo output flange that can just be removed? How are you handling the 5th gear that kinda sits 'outside' the case in what would be the transfer case adapter on the A340's?

-Charlie

Actually I know people put the FJ box into the V8 4th gen with the A750f, so I assume that's a 26 spline case. The 4.0 4th gen and FJ also use the same trans, so I'd assume the same 26 spline.

To be honest, I really want 2wd. I enjoy working my way through trails in 2WD. I know it'll probably overwhelm the rear axle, but I'm perfectly fine with that. I also want to make 2WD low range....

Yes it does have the removable output shaft adapter...and the adapter plate that is going to be made replaces the rear section that holds 5th gear. So, it's like a new section of the rear of the trans.

 

[aykalper]

Man I'm really bad at this. I'll try to be better.

But, some updates: a few weeks ago a buddy and I successfully got the engine, trans and t case out. T case came off first, and the trans was pulled with the engine.

https://imgur.com/PSdj4Oo

VF3AM multimode transfer case from a 2000 Limited. Still manual shift, but has the center diff and the push button AWD engagement.

https://imgur.com/PCd4gb9

Back side of an A340F transmission. You can see the adapter plate to attach the trans to the transfer. I did have some slight trans oil drip out when I took the transfer case off...I think that's just from hitting the seal with the transfer case input shaft.

https://imgur.com/b7uZfR1

Engine and trans came out pretty smoothly. Did snack the AC Comp bracket on the AC condenser, luckily I was going to replace that condenser anyway.

https://imgur.com/hzZs0sW

I was limited by the height of my garage, so I had to take a wheel off of the 4r to be able to clear the front end with the trans.

 

[aykalper]

Alright...let's give this a go again. Maybe I can actually keep up.

The past few months have been progress! I decided that I definitely want the 1UZ VVTi, 5AT, and the multimode transfer.

In December, a buddy and I pulled the 5VZ out of the 4Runner. It wasn't too hard, but definitely took a little longer than I thought it would. We had to take a wheel off and lower the 4Runner since my garage isn't high enough to hoist the engine up higher.

I definitely wanted the 5VZ to die...you can tell how well I cared for it (covered in mud). We had to take the transfer case off first before we pulled the engine and trans out of the bay.

The rear of the transmission is shown here, the mighty A340F.

Then, I bought a 1UZ VVT with about 55,000 miles on it from a JDM engine depot. I thought it was going to be from an LS400, turns out it's from a GS400. No big change really, except that the crank fan is removed and a hydraulic fan is put in its place. So, my engine has a hydraulic pump on it.

Because the VF2AM transfer doesn't mount to the A650e (Lexus 5 speed auto) or the A750e (4th gen 5 speed auto), I had to have a custom adapter plate made. After literally weeks of searching, I found one place in South Africa that can makes it (they have cars with the A650e and trucks with the VF2AM). This shop specializes in making adapters for Toyota engines and transmissions. Super cool place and the owner is really awesome and accommodating. It's currently getting loaded on a place coming to me in Ohio from South Africa.

In the mean time, I figured I'd take care of the maintenance on the 1U. Timing belt, water pump, pulleys... The originial timing belt looked basically brand new...which confirms that the engine only had ~55,000 miles on it.

Also, the heads looked really good! No sign of sludge at all. I put new plugs in, the old ones looked fine. I can tell this engine wasn't pushed hard at all.

Sadly, it's absolutely freezing in the midwest so I'm limited to in-garage work. Hopefully this week, I can pressure wash the frame and engine bay and POR15 the frame to prevent rust (It's a Texas truck, no rust yet). Also, I'm gathering parts like a Panhard Bar correction kit, electric fans.

Also, I'm writing an Arduino program to control my electric fans. The engine ECU will by default be able to turn the fans on and off, but I'm wiring in an override for Fan Off (water crossing) or Fan On (idling on a hot day). Then, I'm also going to have the fan kick on with AC compressor if the vehicle speed is less than 10 mph.

The adapter should be in soon so the engine will get mounted soon. Hopefully I can get it up and running soon! My goal is April 27.

 

[zoombyu86]

Where in Ohio are you?

 

[raKnizek]

Great progress and it looks like you have a well thought out plan to get it done! Were you able to sell the 5vz? Also, just curious how the new engine physically delivered.

Good idea to have an electric fan override for water crossing. I made that mistake once... Just make sure there is some fail safe/timer so that you cant accidentally leave the fans on indefinitely after you shut the truck down.

Good luck!

 

[aykalper]

Where in Ohio are you?

Columbus! Well, right outside to be exact. Where are you? Are you in the Ohio 4Runner facebook page?


Considering the fan...yeah, I've definitely considered a lot about this. The Arduino will reset every time the key gets cycled, so I actually can't leave the fan on when the ignition is off (unless a relay fails).

It's also going to control a solenoid for the front diff, so I can have 2WD Low.

I'm also debating a screen and having it read out the coolant and trans temp.

 

[zoombyu86]

I am up in Toledo, not TOO far away. I am social media sober aside from LinkedIn. Haha. I miss it, mainly IG, but with my addictive personality, I cant get stuff done if I have them! I'd spend more time looking at 4runners than actually tinkering with mine.

 

[aykalper]

I am up in Toledo, not TOO far away. I am social media sober aside from LinkedIn. Haha. I miss it, mainly IG, but with my addictive personality, I cant get stuff done if I have them! I'd spend more time looking at 4runners than actually tinkering with mine.

Hey very cool! You definitely should get back on Facebook and join the group. We try to do somewhat regular dinners, and I'm working on making the wheeling trips more frequent. Of course...I have to finish mine first.

Update: I got the adapter plate and coupler in, and was able to do some work.

First, I cut the exhaust pipe off the 4runner. I plan on doing a crossover by the headers, then a single 3" pipe all the way back with a high flow cat, resonator and a muffler.

Second, I was able to fit the adapter plate to the transfer case. Most of it lines up, but there was one bolt that was just completely not in the right spot. Also, I had to pull off the original coupler that was on the input shaft to the transfer case (VF3AM). A bit of work with a grinder to make 3 spots to attach a puller, and I was off to the races. Coupler pulled right off with minimal effort.

Now,I'm just in need of a 30 mm deep socket to pull the output yoke off the transmission (A650E) to make sure the plate fits. I'm fairly confident it will, but I also think I'll have to cut the output shaft a little.

Pics will come later

 

[cyfi66]

Then, I bought a 1UZ VVT with about 55,000 miles on it from a JDM engine depot. I thought it was going to be from an LS400, turns out it's from a GS400. No big change really, except that the crank fan is removed and a hydraulic fan is put in its place. So, my engine has a hydraulic pump on it.

Hey I sent you a PM about the hydraulic pump. If you are swapping in electric fans or dont need the pump let me know. I really need one for my project and its been next to impossible for me to find once since they were mostly just used in Japan. I think they came on US SC400's only, and the VVTI version is slightly different.

Sweet build by the way!

Thanks
Cy