Looking for all the advice I can get on engine and mods

[chewybtc]

I'm getting a JDM engine swapped in for my 143k blown head in my 1997 Limited 4x4 with factory rear locker. I'm looking for all the advice I can get on things I should do while the engine is out so the labor is less expensive, etc. I am having a mechanic friend do all the labor, soits cheaper than dealer pricing, but still not free. He's charging me 800-1000 for the engine swap at this point.

So here is what i have so far on my rig (installed 01/06 with 100k on the truck - so the parts have about 40k miles):

OME 881 with N91S on front
OME 891 with N86 on rear
Extended brake line rear and front kit all from Wheelers Off-Road
Rear Dif breather extended to gas fill
Amsoil in everything
Michelin Duelers REVO 298/75/16 (about 1/3 tread left)

I have been out of the loop for at least 4 years, and haven't been on the forum, so I am hoping you guys can help me decide what i should be doing to my rig to get back in the game.

I have a Addicted Off-road Plate front bumper coming in a couple weeks. And I plan on doing a rear bumper and sliders in a couple months.

I don't wheel my truck very much and nothing crazy, but i like to know I can. I also don't drive much as I work from home, so less than 7k a year roughly. i also don't haul a trailer on any regular basis, every once in a great while, and nothing real heavy.

So what does everyone suggest (especially since I will have the JDM engine out of the truck)?

Transmission cooler
TB/WP replacement (i posted in that thread asking about the different kits)
Front brake upgrade (not sure what's involved or why everyone is doing it)
Snorkle ( i think they look awesome and seems that there are kits for cheaper than ARB now)


I was also thinking of blacking out the truck. It's black with dark grey limited flares. I was thinking of using bedliner for the new front bumper (and the rear bumper and sliders when i get them). And really cleaning up underneath the truck and spraying that as well to keep any rust at bay.

I really want to get another 10 years out of this truck, so I appreciate all you guys chiming in! Thanks!

 

[JayRolla]

I would fresh up the new motor with a OEM timing belt kit with waterpump and belts. I would also have just redone the headgasket on the old motor.

 

[chewybtc]

I would fresh up the new motor with a OEM timing belt kit with waterpump and belts. I would also have just redone the headgasket on the old motor.

Yeah but i can't do the work myself and the labor and everything to "do it right" with shaving everything, would have been pretty expensive. i got the JDM for $900.

 

[JayRolla]

Yeah but i can't do the work myself and the labor and everything to "do it right" with shaving everything, would have been pretty expensive. i got the JDM for $900.

No problem, many times a motors headgasket can be done without any machine work. But yes your right, sometimes a motor swap can be cheaper. Good thing is now you have spare motor with parts if you ever need them.

 

[chewybtc]

No problem, many times a motors headgasket can be done without any machine work. But yes your right, sometimes a motor swap can be cheaper. Good thing is now you have spare motor with parts if you ever need them.

Yup exactly, and i might even do the head on the original motor down the road and then sell it to recoup the cost, etc. More money for mods then! LOL

Any other recommendations for the JDM engine while its out on the floor?

You would definitely go with that ebay OME kit and not the cheaper one from rock auto or amazon?

 

[gamefreakgc]

Honestly, these engines are pretty solid. There's not really much you need to do to keep it running strong. Sorry to hear you had head gasket issues. I think you might have done the right thing by swapping in a new engine, there might be bigger issues going on such as corroded/blocked coolant passageways causing the failure in the first place.

Transmission cooler is a big one if you want the transmission to last longer, especially if you supercharge it or plan on towing anything. Most newer vehicles come with them, even my wife's Nissan Altima comes with one stock from the factory!

You could always supercharge it... I'm a big advocate of it! Makes it a blast to drive. Although a supercharger w/ a snorkel would be a bad combo, too much air restriction.

 

[chewybtc]

Honestly, these engines are pretty solid. There's not really much you need to do to keep it running strong. Sorry to hear you had head gasket issues. I think you might have done the right thing by swapping in a new engine, there might be bigger issues going on such as corroded/blocked coolant passageways causing the failure in the first place.

Transmission cooler is a big one if you want the transmission to last longer, especially if you supercharge it or plan on towing anything. Most newer vehicles come with them, even my wife's Nissan Altima comes with one stock from the factory!

You could always supercharge it... I'm a big advocate of it! Makes it a blast to drive. Although a supercharger w/ a snorkel would be a bad combo, too much air restriction.

Yeah supercharger would be great, but i don't want to spend that much money.

What transmission cooler does everyone recommend? I think that will be a cheap thing i can do to help the life of the truck.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Maybe save up for a while? Seriously though, it's awesome.

Here's the best writeup I found so far on how to do it. Will be doing it on my rig before it gets too hot, so probably in April.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...oler-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen.html

 

[chewybtc]

Maybe save up for a while? Seriously though, it's awesome.

Here's the best writeup I found so far on how to do it. Will be doing it on my rig before it gets too hot, so probably in April.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...oler-transmission-cooler-install-3rd-gen.html

Thanks for the link, looks like i will be doing that for sure!