New member, 4runner taco combo plan, need opinions

[Combatman]

Hey everyone, I'm a new member here and I read the rules, but if I'm breaking any I'm very sorry.

I suppose I'll get right to my plan:

So I live in South Dakota, and I've been looking for a 3rd gen 4runner 4x4 5 speed for a long time and I finally found one at a dealership. Compared to nada and kbb it's a little overpriced though, but they're so hard to get I'll still consider it.

So first off the 4runner:
1998 SR5
5 speed
Runs and shifts fine
4x4
160000
Some rust in the lower part of the body

The dealer is asking $5500

The second part of my plan involves a shop that is selling a running 2002 tacoma 4x4 manual with 70000 miles on it that is missing a lot of the body panels but has a engine and transmission that both work.

I would hope to get this for under $2000

Now I was wondering how hard it would be to swap the 2002 3.4 engine and transmission into my 98 4runner? Would wiring be a problem or could I just keep the wiring from my current 4runner?

Also would suspension parts or anything else from the tacoma match up with the 4runner?

Pretty much my plan is to have a 4runner with 70000 miles for about $7000 (doing the work myself)

Also I was thinking about sanding off the rust on the bottom and juts spraying it with POR, the just doing like a bed liner material that goes about 3/4' up the side of the SUV to cover up signs of the previous rust. Do you think that would work?

But again my main question is concerning the comparability and ease of installation of the 2002 tacoma 3.4 drivetrain 4x4 with the 1998 4runner 3.4 4x4 drivetrain?

 

[GrampsT4R]

Why are you wanting to out the same engine into the 4runner? Just because it has low miles?

 

[Zbaldo]

160000 is not that much
That tacoma sounds like A deal though

 

[Slow_T4R]

Does the 4Runner have engine problems?

 

[Combatman]

Yeah I'd just be swapping for the low miles, because the 4runner I'm looking at doesn't have service records which scares me, but the engine seems to run fine an it seems to shift fine.

Do you think I wouldn't really need to worry about it though with this engine?

Also I live up in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, so I'm going to go back an check the frame for rust, because I don't want to get stuck replacing a frame, is there a certain amount of surface rust that would be ok, or should I call it off at any sign of frame rust?

The tacoma would also pretty much be just engine and transmission and interior, looks like the guy already picked the rims and tires off and the radiator but it might still have suspension components.

Also the ABS light is on in the 4runner I'm looking at, is that something to fear? (I'm not a huge fan of ABS anyway)

Thanks for the replies so far!

 

[Cow_doc.308]

160k? Man look at the mileage on some of these motors……160k is nearly new. :cheers:

As long as it runs good. have a mechanic check it out good. And if no service records be ready to drop some cash for timing belt and water pump and other maintenance.

I may be wrong but I think all the suspension will swap between the two. For the price you could buy the taco for parts if needed.

My 2 cents. There are ALOT smarter people on here than me though.

Also, welcome to the forum

 

[Christiantdoug]

If it were me with the 2k, instead of buying the taco I would put it directly into maintenance on the 4runner making it super reliable and knowing it like the back of your hand If anything were to go wrong and then use the rest for lift tires skids and a long list of things

 

[Combatman]

How much would a timing belt/water pump cost me?
Also how hard would it be for me to do that myself?

I figure I'll do those and the do spark plugs/wires/rotor, maybe put new transmission fluid in it, and change it over to synth oil, and final maybe a radiator flush and fill just so I can feel good about it for a while; is there anything else I should do for a tune up?

Also it seems to ride a bit rough (you can feel every bump) I was thinking of getting new shocks and/or struts to help fix that and maybe get another 1-1.5" of ground clearance. Any suspension parts you guys might recommend?

Also thanks again for all the help, I think I'll pass on the taco, It always seemed like these 3.4's ran forever, but it's great to get te reassurance from you guys!

 

[Scotth324]

Do all the preventative maintenance. Check all fluids. Might as well drain and fill the diffs and t-case as well. Check all the brakes out and set up the drums if they are out. I bought a 99 limited auto 2 years ago for $5900 with 199k miles. Next to no rust. Front diff had no oil. That just went out a month ago so I rebuilt it. I've also replaced the rad and had the tranny flushed changed plugs and wires with factory ones and did most maintenance I felt was needed including all new brakes. I don't think $5900 was bad for mine. They usually go for around $8500 in worse shape. My motor and tranny work great. Everything works as new really. Spend some time taking care of the truck and it will take care of you.