3.4- My first project truck.

Ok I have purchased a 1998 4runner with a bad motor (But a supercharger that is going on my tacoma!). The previous owner was a good friend and he didn't have the time or the money to fix it.
4runner Specs:
supercharged
factory rear locker
auto trans
toytec ultimate lift
savage offroad front and rear bumpers
retrofit headlights

Heres the story:

He was driving on the interstate when the oil light came on. He CONTINUEd to drive it to wall mart to refill with oil. He refilled and he said the engine is now seized. won't turn over.

I am not a trained mechanic or a motor guy but I have always wanted to learn and this is my opportunity.

question: What are the first steps I should do to see if the motor is salvageable?
If I pull the motor should I do motor and trans together or separate?
Anybody want to help? lol

 

buy a donor for like 1500 bucks and drop it in. many sites offer warranties on donor engines. i dont think you'll have to do motor and trans if he says the trans was fine before.

how many miles on the thing?
could it be something simple like timing belt/water pump?

 

thanks for the reply!

Its got about 260ooo on it. its so clean I think its worth saving.

Normally I would say it could be that but he already took it to a shop and they said its seized. Im pretty sure I'm going to be pulling the motor for a used one.

 

Do you have an LKQ or an import motor place? I bought a long block jap take out with 50k miles for $1200. These are the motors strait from Japan. Don't bother with the trans it's not worth the hassle. The best advice I can give you would be, label EVERY part. Buy ziplok bags, tupper ware, masking tape,and sharpes. Also, take pics of the parts so you can go back reference the pics if you forget something.

 

Where are you located? I have a 3.4 in a wrecked truck

 

I have been looking on eBay and i found some good candidates shipped for 1200 with about 50K also. I will definiatly take your advise on labeling. it has a 1 inch body lift so hopefully that will add some clearance for taking out.

I am in Norfolk, Virginia. thanks for looking out.

 

If you weren't so far away I'd come help you, but feel free to pm me if you have a question.

 

Thanks man I really appreciate it. its only a few thousand miles

 

No prob, I have pulled and/or helped pulled lots of motors and I developed a system for keeping track of stuff. Another helpful thing I do is, I keep the parts in a row in the order I pull them. That way when you put it back together you can just start on the end and it's all in order.

 

Thats an awesome idea.

So maybe I should just swap a JDM Turbo diesel in there and make it interesting. that will be so easy right?

 

haha this sounds like a good project. the truck looks great, and for ~$1500 and a weekend or two of work, i think it's worth it.

 

Man I loving picking up deals like this. You really get to know the rig when putting it back on the road. Pick up a basic engine stand for the JDM motor. Get a service manual. Get a good look and freshen up all the consumables while they're all within easy reach. I would also take this opportunity to do the timing belt.

 

That's exactly what I had in mind. All the other work is done. It's so clean I couldn't let it get parted out. Thanks

Yeah I was thinking about getting a JDM and all the literature. The best part is it is almost the same as my 2002 Tacoma. And i basically get a free supercharger that came with the rebuild kit.

I'm really excited because the bumpers are powder coated and there's a rear tire swing out that hasn't been installed yet. The bumpers are about 2 months old.

Such a good deal I think

 

if i lived in virginia i'd love to come help and figure stuff out with you. i just sold my tacoma and bought a 2000 4runner a couple weeks ago. love this thing.

 

That's awesome! It's pretty cool having both options for me right now. I love my Tacoma but this 4Runner is growing on me.

 

Update!

Got everything torn down and the motor is about to come out. Couple questions for guys who have done this.

What's the best way to remove the a/c lines or should I just take the whole compressor off?

Can't wait to get this thing out and start finding a replacement. Thinking a JDM from eBay will work out for 1g.

Any other suggestions for pulling the engine??

 

Nice rig ....

 

Unbolt the ac compressor from the engine and secure it in the engine bay. Don't remove the lines, leave the system sealed. I purchased my 04 tacoma trd 4x4 with a blown 3.4 because the po ignored a oil leak. He ran it low and seized/broke a camshaft. I purchased a complete 69k mile motor out of a totaled 03 pre-runner off of eBay. $1400 shipped from a salvage yard in Az. to Md. I replaced all the maintance items while the motor was on the engine stand. I also replaced the clutch while the motor was out. I removed my engine without removing the bumper, grill or hood. You'll find that these trucks are easy to work on. You've got yourself a nice project there. I also have a lifted 3rd gen runner. I hope i never have to choose between my tacoma or 4runner, i love both of them. Keep us posted.

 

I like your bumpers! I'm about to order that same rear bumper from Savage. I just installed the front. Here's a pic of my runner.