The time has come, swap or rebuild

[Eugene13]

I have an 84 4runner with a 22r that, sadly, has started burning a lot of oil. Don't know when it started, but I checked the other day and was about 2 quarts low :sobbing:
So now I'm looking at options on how to fix this. Open to any fix (rebuild current engine, buy a new long block, 3rz, etc.) Also trying to keep this as cheap as possible cause I'm a college student. I've done research on a 3rz swap but the wiring scares me. Rebuilding the original block seems like the best bet but this truck already lacks and power and I would want more. Thanks for any input guys!

 

[T4R2014]

The college budget isn’t inspiring.

 

[Cali 4runner]

Is this your daily driver? If so I would wait to do an engine swap till you have another car. I'd look for a 22r on craigslist, build it up, then install it in the truck in a weekend. That way downtime is minimal.

 

[Eugene13]

Is this your daily driver? If so I would wait to do an engine swap till you have another car. I'd look for a 22r on craigslist, build it up, then install it in the truck in a weekend. That way downtime is minimal.

Yeah this is my daily driver. That sounds like a good idea to me, but why buy a another 22r. Could I just build my current one? Would there be advantages or disadvantages? my current engine has 206k btw

 

[Cali 4runner]

You could totally build yours, except when you do you couldn't drive your 4runner obviously. If you find another one you could then have an engine ready to drop in.

 

[89T4runner]

1984 4runner + 3rz = friggin bad ass daily. But my buddy recently put a brand new 22r in his pick up and it runs like a bat outa hell.

 

[Eugene13]

You could totally build yours, except when you do you couldn't drive your 4runner obviously. If you find another one you could then have an engine ready to drop in.

Thanks! This sounds like the best idea for me. Do you recommend a specific rebuild kit? Was looking at some from LCE but I'm not sure of even the basics of rebuilding an engine, will probably leave that to a shop. I would love to learn and do it myself though!

 

[Eugene13]

1984 4runner + 3rz = friggin bad ass daily. But my buddy recently put a brand new 22r in his pick up and it runs like a bat outa hell.

3rz would be the dream man! And do you know what your buddy did to his 22r or where he had it built from?

 

[Cali 4runner]

There's a ton of info on different forums. Check yotatech, great info there. I've heard LCE is pretty good but some people don't like them too. Personally I'd mix and match from different venders like 22reperformance and maybe some parts from LCE. I have't rebuilt an engine myself yet, but I think if you can find one to rebuild and have the time it would be an awesome learning experience.

 

[Eugene13]

There's a ton of info on different forums. Check yotatech, great info there. I've heard LCE is pretty good but some people don't like them too. Personally I'd mix and match from different venders like 22reperformance and maybe some parts from LCE. I have't rebuilt an engine myself yet, but I think if you can find one to rebuild and have the time it would be an awesome learning experience.

Yes I've been doing research throughout the week. Found some good information thats been pretty inspiring. I think I could do it during my summer break as I would have a lot of time to do it slow and correctly. Ill just limp my current 22r along as I gather parts. I'll make a build thread and keep you guys updated as I get parts! Thanks for the help!

 

[89T4runner]

I sent my buddy a message, he told me he bought it fully rebuilt top to bottom from some local guy. He has 35s and 4.10s and it moves pretty darn good for such high gearing and tall tires

 

[Muskrat14]

Don’t be afraid to rebuild it yourself. Although not a Toyota, i rebuilt the 302 in my ‘74 bronco. Lots of YouTube vids, help from forum and and old timer that would swing over if I got stuck. U can do it. I had next to no experience and did it. Have fun w it.


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[Eugene13]

Don’t be afraid to rebuild it yourself. Although not a Toyota, i rebuilt the 302 in my ‘74 bronco. Lots of YouTube vids, help from forum and and old timer that would swing over if I got stuck. U can do it. I had next to no experience and did it. Have fun w it.


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Thanks! I'm looking forward to it!

 

[Eugene13]

I sent my buddy a message, he told me he bought it fully rebuilt top to bottom from some local guy. He has 35s and 4.10s and it moves pretty darn good for such high gearing and tall tires

4.10s, 35s, moves pretty good? I've never heard those 3 things in the same sentence :rofl:
I only have 33s and the stock 4.10s and my truck is a pig at best! 0-60 time? eventually

 

[Eugene13]

might not rebuild

Well, found these guys. whole new long block for 1000$. this isn't too much more than I would be spending to rebuild it anyway. Thoughts?