Buying a Tacoma with a replaced engine?

this comment pretty much sums it up. Like others have said if your that worried have the compression checked and a leak down test, then buy it and drive it home.

 

So I did end up trading for it. No it's not a number-matching '71 Hemi Cuda or a brand spanking new truck, but I love it.

 

Good looking truck. I like the color and the stripes. Also the best looking Tacoma grill. Enjoy!

 

And? Did you end up checking the engine for the VIN?
Congrats, that's easily my favorite Tacoma ever made.

 

Nevermind, I see that its an SR5 without the pop-up moonroof, so it's trash.

 

I wasn’t able to see a vin on the engine, but it idles smooth right at 600 and sounded healthy. It is a bit of a dog with the 17” rims and 33s with the stock gearing and all the extra weight in the back though. First order of business will be sourcing some OEM 15” rims. The wheels and rims rub on the frame as-is.

There’s also a bit of a whine from the gearbox in first and second. And it needs an alignment. Took it on a little trail and the front end felt a little sloppy.

It did come with spare axles with 4.88s and lockers already installed though. Locker switch is already installed. Also a spare CV and the original side steps and tailgate. I feel like overall it was a good deal. It does hurt to lose the solid front axle though.

 

I do kind of miss the moonroof on the Cruiser, but at least I don’t have to worry about it leaking I guess.

 

This is very confusing.

Spare axles wouldn't be installed; axles are cv's.

Unless you mean you got an extra differential or 3rd member?

Or spare axle shafts for the rear end?

 

Otherwise, good lucking truck!

 

I meant to say there’s a spare rear axle loaded in the back of the truck which came from a factory rear-locked truck and also has the 4.88 gears in it. There’s also a spare front diff with a Detroit TrueTrac LSD and the 4.88s in the bed of the truck, along with a spare CV. Oh and brand new leaf springs also. Just have to install them.

 

That's awesome

 

Yea thanks, if I had to nitpick the rear seems a little lower than it should be but the new leafs should fix that. And I think it’s look better with some axle spacers for a slightly wider stance since it looks a bit tall and skinny as-is. Might do a manual locking hub conversion as well.
Overall I’m over the moon though!

 

Looks good. Just enjoy it. Are you planning to do any off-roading in NWA?

 

Thanks! Yea I don’t don’t any extreme wheeling usually but I do a lot of exploring in the Ozarks and Ouachitas. A lot fun and scenic trails around here.

 

Ozarks and Ouachita overlander here. Water levels are down right now so go enjoy. As we get into October and the water levels go up, breather extensions and a maybe snorkel will help. During that time of year, I cross the Buffalo and Illinois Bayou. I'm only on 33"s

 

Oh yea it also came with these goodies.

 

Excellent!

 

Go to Toyota dealer give the vin number and perhaps you get the engine number. Compare the number to the engine installed. Goodluck