Swap+towing

[neilluv]

Hi there, I am very much so into 2nd and 1st gen 4runners. I am considering buying a blown up 2nd gen and swapping in a 7m-gte out of a turbo supra and have done a lot of research on that end of my equation.

My question is how much do you guys think this rig would pull control and stop safely if not so limited by power? I have a 27' camper trailer that I think is a bit long for these old rigs to handle so I would eventually be downsizing of course. But also I would irregularly be hauling a vehicle 60-100 miles to the drag strip. My end goal would be to be able to haul my vehicle in a 20-25' enclosed trailer or toy hauler due to my other hobbies, dirtbikes snowmobiles, camping, ect.

Thank you,
Neil

 

[FubarGrn]

well, as with any truck with a more powerful engine swap, it's all about the driver. There are plenty of 4Runners out there sporting lexus V8's, or 350's that do fine towing. If you're going to be hauling a drag car, then you might want to think about airbags, or helper springs.

 

[fourwd1]

That's a lot of trailer for that size vehicle no matter how much HP it has.
At the very least you'd have to have one of those equalizing anti-sway hitch set-ups and trailer brakes. But even then it would be scary.

 

[FubarGrn]

woo, wrong post

 

[neilluv]

I was planning on air struts to help with the sag and for sure trailer brakes. I am curious about freeway driving as well, as far as how much the trailer is going to try and push me around even with anti sway hitch/weight distributing. Obviously I wouldn't try to be speed racer with the setup that would just be foolish.

I just like to be different and who wouldn't be a little surprised at a 4runner pulling/outpulling a 3/4 ton

 

[SV_Dude]

I wouldn't mess with it... The motor may do it but the rest of the driveline isn't designed to withstand that much stress, not to mention a 20-25 year old driveline.

 

[neilluv]

I wouldn't mess with it... The motor may do it but the rest of the driveline isn't designed to withstand that much stress, not to mention a 20-25 year old driveline.

All that would have to be redone as part of the swap anyway...I do see what you are talking about, but I am just curious if it would be too unsafe for the tow

-Neil

 

[Pikeman]

I will try to find the link later but there are "Rules" to towing.

1. Vehicles rated capacity- Power train and Chasis capabilites both equally important

2. Ratio of trailer length in regards to wheel base of vehicle towing it- Shorter wheelbase with long trailer easier to swap ends and have push you around*

3. Distribution of weight on trailer (to include height*)

* I drive commercial big rigs an empty or lightly loaded flat bed pulls nice and smooth in high winds but a empty or lightly loaded box trailer becomes a wind sail and will tip over or spin a vehicle in a heartbeat. So if you are planning on towing a 20' toybox/rv trailer then dont think about it trailer brakes or not, a 20' flat bed car hauler is a different story but still is borderline long for a 105" wb vehicle.

 

[88T4RE]

here is a video you may want to watch on the subject ;P
YouTube - The car that just can't..

 

[88T4RE]

sorry I got jokes...:naughty:

 

[90toytruck.]

sorry I got jokes...:naughty:

holy crap thats good stuff !!!!!:cheers:

 

[90toytruck.]

i have pulled a car trailer with a mitsu track car on it that pulled pretty nice but a twenty foot toyhauler with toys it might be asking for problems

 

[88T4RE]

Yes not something I'd recommend. I doubt it's even legal. Not that legalities have ever stopped me LOL :gun6:

 

[024RunnerSE]

Coming from a Cressida and Supra owner, ditch the 7M, especially if your planning on towing. Unless your going to dish out a ton of cash to do a top notch build with blueprinting, knife edging, forged pistons and rods, don't go anywhere near a old 7M. They are worse than the 3VZ's when it comes to the head gaskets and they love to rod knock.