It's certainly neither cheaper or easier to put in a 3.4.
It is nowhere near a drop-in replacement.
It's certainly a more desirable engine than the 3.0.
Check out Oregon Engine Builders (or maybe it's Rebuilders).
I've never dealt with them but I have seen many good comments about them all over the web.
The most cost-effective solution to having a blown-3.0 2nd gen - is to buy a 3.4 3rd gen. In my area, they're consistently priced $3000-5000 these days for the 90's models.
For me the tail gate makes a real truck
Look in the yellow pages.... I guarantee there are so many motor shops that your head will spin.
I haven't lived there for years, so I dont know who is still there or who is the best. but l
I'll ask my buddy & see if he knows of any.
On a similar note, anyone here ever done a ford 5.0 in a Toyota? had a local guy that swares it was the best bang for your buck. Easier, cheaper,lighter, more hpthan the Toyota 3.4. Said the same bad about the Chevy motors. Any truth, or juts some delusional ramblings of a ford lover?
The '88 cost less than $1000. Its clean and straight. Auto (I know) pretty sure its just a head gasket. But, I figured if I was going to fix that, might as well throw a new engine in there. I know the 3.0 gets a lot of poor performance reviews. I have a couple friends that swear by them. 250k+ after the heads were fixed. I looked into doing the 3.4 swap but its around double the price of a new 3.0 factoring in the wiring and adjustments as well as a used 80k+ engine. That was from a company recommended from others on this site. Someone has to know a good machine/ remanumacture shop around the Seattle area.
Really none?
I talked to Oregon Engine Builders, but is that the only one close?