4.0 developed rod knock, opinions on next steps

2013 double cab, TRD sport 4x4, 252k miles. Finally have it set up how I like it, with stance / tires / bumper all that.

The other day the motor developed a knock. Sounds like a rod to me as well as the mechanic I took it to, and a couple other wrenching buddies. I was gonna offload it and get another ride, but, I won't get much of anything for it like it is. I have found another motor with 89k miles, and out the door I'll be at $4300 installed on it. Doesn't sound too bad to me. Yes I could pull the old one and install the new one myself but for the money it isn't worth it to do it myself (to me).

The truck needs new strut mounts (potentially struts, haven't pulled it apart to look), a carrier bearing, and has weak brakes which I need to diagnose and fix. So. If it were yours, what would you do? I really hate to get rid of it, as I love this truck, but it might be time. At the same time, I don't think I'll get much more than 5k for it with a knocking motor.

 

Can you get a better (more desirable for you) truck than this one with a new motor and the other fixes for $5500? If not, fix it and drive what you like

 

how bad is the knock? What was your maintenance schedule like? The 1gr is a mechanically loud motor to begin with and rarely has issues so im surprised at 250k you are having issues so long as proper OCI's were observed.

 

I'd keep it. I love my "old" truck. If I got that much use out of it. And a new motor installed out of the door was less than 5k, it's a no brainer to me

 

Knocking bad enough that it needs attention. Maintenance schedule has always been good. Changed oil every 5k because that little bit of money every 5k is worth the peace of mind to me. Always taken care of. Not sure what the cause was, but it is what it is. Could always pull motor and see what's up, but I'm told you can't bore these 4.0s so if I find cylinders out of spec it's not worth the $ anyway. Might just need a bearing but I don't know. If I keep the truck I'll throw new motor in it and keep old motor for when I get time to fool with it.


Y'all are probably right and what you've said is in line with what I was thinking. Hard to justify spending $50+k on a new tundra (which is what I'd like to check out) when I can get this one back running pretty easy

 

Yeah sounds like swapping for a quiet good running motor would be the best course of action for you. Replace the rear main seal on the new motor while you have it out! (and id probably do the front main too)

 

Cheaper to keep her if the rust isn’t too bad.