Putting a 302 in my 1995 4Runner

[nevada]

Set the engine in today to see how everything lined up. Think I will need to get the factory Ford exhaust manifolds that are straight. Also going to try to get to a u-pull-it tomorrow to get the smaller water pump and everything off an Explorer. Where it sits right now a radiator has no chance of fitting.

mine is using the stock manifolds, there are no clearance issues. lots of room.

The trip to the junkyard was a success today. :becky:

Got brackets, pulleys, power steering pump, and a working alternator from a 1999 Explorer. Ran into some trouble getting the timing cover off, so I decided to order a new timing cover and water pump. A new water pump sounds like a better choice anyways.

nice! that's the route I need to go. I think I will do that when I swap it into my 4runner. btw, what is the timing cover needed for? does the old one stick out further or something?

 

[Lokesh]

btw, what is the timing cover needed for? does the old one stick out further or something?

The timing cover from the Explorer is shorter because it doesn't have a fuel pump adding to the depth. That's what I read anyways, and it did seem like it was shorter when looking at the junkyard. I will post some picks comparing the two when I get mine in the mail.

 

[Lokesh]

Got the water pump today. It is much smaller than the old one, and because of the way the impeller sticks out it doesn't work with the current timing cover at all.

 

[Marc P]

Looks fun...I recently picked up a 1st gen 4runner with a 87 5.0 from a mustang mated to a C4. Has Advanced adapters plate to stock Toyota tcase.

The PO used accessories from a 94 engine for better clearance.

It is a blast to drive

 

[Lokesh]

Made a lot of progress today. Got the engine mounts working and seated the engine, also figured out what to do about the radiator.

As promised here is a size comparison between the two timing covers, they are the same thickness.

Water pump from the Explorer left some room to mess around with the radiator, and after taking the stock mounting brackets off we were able to shove the radiator further forward. Used some L brackets to mount it to the stock mounting locations. Still need to mount it on the bottom though.

 

[Lokesh]

Got some new toys today. Mainly just a body lift kit so the hood can shut.

 

[Troutsrunner]

Got some new toys today. Mainly just a body lift kit so the hood can shut.

Nice. Im so ready to see more!!! This thing is turning out awesome.

 

[Lokesh]

Got the 3 inch body lift installed now, and everything fits under the hood. Looking at it after everything was installed, I think I could of got by with a 2 inch lift. I forgot to get a picture of the steering extension while it was daylight out, but it wasn't too hard to install.

The stock bumper fit in place nicely with the included bumper brackets.

Need to do something about the fuel filler hose, and I want to find something to cover the gap on each side. Was thinking that I should find a way to lift the tank up.

 

[Lokesh]

Added a custom dipstick tube today. The stock location for the dipstick on a front sump oil pan is in the timing cover, but the Explorer timing cover does not have that.

To fix this problem we got EMPI 8932 T3 Dipstick Adapter from Amazon, and bolted it up to the side of the oil pan. A stock Ford dipstick fit perfect after shortening it.

 

[Lokesh]

Got a lot done this weekend. Engine is back in place and not coming out again. Ran into a problem with the clutch pressure plate. I had found an older 10.5" coil spring type pressure plate. Well it was too tall and pushed against the fork hard enough that the engine could not turn. Had to switch to an 11" diaphragm pressure plate that was much shorter. Engine can turn without a problem now. I'm hoping that using an 11" pressure plate won't be an issue with a 10.5" clutch.

Had to reposition the radiator after installing the serpentine setup. The way it was mounted before put the top hose out where the alternator is, and it wasn't going to work. So we put the stock mounting brackets back on to hold the radiator up higher and then used some small plates to hold it back at an angle from the bottom. Now the hose comes out just above the alternator.

Also got the power steering pump all hooked up to the stock location on the ABS actuator. Had a shop build a hose using the connection from the old power steering hose.

 

[Lokesh]

Got some shiny things today. It's starting to look like this engine might actually be running soon. :bigok:

 

[nevada]

Added a custom dipstick tube today. The stock location for the dipstick on a front sump oil pan is in the timing cover, but the Explorer timing cover does not have that.

To fix this problem we got EMPI 8932 T3 Dipstick Adapter from Amazon, and bolted it up to the side of the oil pan. A stock Ford dipstick fit perfect after shortening it.

nice work.

mine actually has 2 dipsticks. the original one mounted up front on the passenger side. then I swapped in a rear sump oil pan, and it had a stick also. its on the drivers side, just about where you put yours.. I use that one, I figure its more accurate, as its designed for that pan.


what are you going to do for a fan? I thought/hoped the serpentine belt would give you more room, enough for a pull fan. but it doesn't look like it will fit.

also, that looks like a small radiator, hopefully you wont have cooling issues.

 

[Lokesh]

nice work.

mine actually has 2 dipsticks. the original one mounted up front on the passenger side. then I swapped in a rear sump oil pan, and it had a stick also. its on the drivers side, just about where you put yours.. I use that one, I figure its more accurate, as its designed for that pan.

what are you going to do for a fan? I thought/hoped the serpentine belt would give you more room, enough for a pull fan. but it doesn't look like it will fit.

also, that looks like a small radiator, hopefully you wont have cooling issues.

I'm happy with the way the dipstick turned out, it was much cheaper/easier then trying to get a dual sump oil pan. The engine block I have has the hole on the drivers side in the back for a dual sump pan. My dipstick probably isn't going to be the most accurate though. ound:

For cooling I got a couple 7 inch fans to mount where the A/C condenser used to be, and I'm looking into getting a cowl, or some vents. I'm hoping the stock 4Runner radiator will be enough, found a couple other builds where people said that it was, but if it isn't I can fit a thicker radiator in that same space. I'm thinking they're right about it being enough because Broncos have some small radiators IIRC.

 

[nevada]

I'm happy with the way the dipstick turned out, it was much cheaper/easier then trying to get a dual sump oil pan. The engine block I have has the hole on the drivers side in the back for a dual sump pan. My dipstick probably isn't going to be the most accurate though. ound:

For cooling I got a couple 7 inch fans to mount where the A/C condenser used to be, and I'm looking into getting a cowl, or some vents. I'm hoping the stock 4Runner radiator will be enough, found a couple other builds where people said that it was, but if it isn't I can fit a thicker radiator in that same space. I'm thinking they're right about it being enough because Broncos have some small radiators IIRC.

im running an unknown brand, 16" fan with a complete shroud, as a pusher fan. with a dual 1" core full aluminum, late model mustang radiator. I still get hot at times.
I think if I had a quality fan, I would be OK. but as it is my cooling is JUST sufficient.

I have considered trying to mount in a couple smaller fans on the back side also, as pullers. but I just don't think there is room.

I don't think a pair of 7" fans will move enough air. im curious to hear how it turns out.

 

[Lokesh]

I'm not sure I got this alternator wiring right.

I'm going off of this GM wiring guide that told me what the Toyota wires do, and the Explorer alternator wiring here.

I think after looking at the above info that I want

Green Explorer Wire -> Yellow Toyota Wire
Yellow Explorer Wire -> White Toyota Wire
Nothing -> Red Toyota Wire

 

[Lokesh]

Got to start it today! :whoo: :whoo: :whoo:

Still needs exhaust, and the power steering hose I had someone make leaks, but the fact it started feels like a small taste of victory. :biggrin1:

 

[Lokesh]

Tore apart my dash to install a fan switch, and adjusted the tach today.

Had to remove the speedometer to gain access to that little white screw. Connected everything back up temporarily without the speedo in place and adjusted it until it worked with a V8.

I didn't get any pictures of the switch I installed, but it was this model. Wired it in with this thermostatic control and made it so that when the fan is on, the top light on the switch lights up. The bottom light on the switch is tied to my dash lights so that it comes on when my headlights are on. So I have automatic electric fans with a manual override. Idling in the driveway the two fans I purchased seem to be keeping it cool.

 

[Squirt]

LCE performance may be able to help you with that pressure plate

 

[88Toy]

Got to start it today!

Congrats!!! It's a huge deal hearing it run for the first time after all that work! Just wait 'til you drive it!

 

[Rodnic]

Congratulations! That has to feel good. I may be doing this swap down the road and your success gives me some confidence! I have never had problems using a 10.5 clutch on an 11" pressure plate. Hope it goes well.

Rod