1st Gen Tacoma Resurrection

Death of my motor documented here:

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...rown-rod-repair-options-or-sell-as-is.773571/

Thought I would document the resurrection of my truck here. Note I'm a car guy, but don't have much experience with these trucks. So while much if not all of the content has been documented elsewhere this will be bits and pieces from the other how-tos as it applies to my Tacoma.
TRUCK:
2002 3.4 5VZ-FE, 82k miles, Calfornia truck 2wd.

Project goal is to purchase a rebuilt motor from one of the two major Toyota specialists. Will I be paying a premium vs the Jaspers of the world, YES. Am I Ok knowing that I am getting an engine from a respected specialists. YES.
Truck is a California truck and with how BAT auction prices have been going for low mileage 1st GEN Toyota trucks I have decided to throw some coin at this one and do a 'What if Toyota had built it'

Milestones/objectives:
-swap in rebuilt motor
-retrofit e-locker, electronic optional electronic rear locker.
-do a 5 speed swap. Toyota never offered a 5 speed in the double cab 1st gen trucks.
-2wd to 4wd conversion.
-TRD/Eaton supercharger

I have yet decided what order to do things in after the motor swap. I think the path will be to get the new engine in, get it broken in and then look at doing the other conversions. I don't want to chase multiple issues at one time. In order to properly do the 5 speed and 4wd swap engine harnesses, ECUs, etc need to be swapped.
So without further adieu here she goes:

09/05/2022 As she sits prior to starting work:
Still have yet to decide to pull transmission and then engine or as a unit. Toyota FSM says to pull as a unit. As a one man band I'm not sure I'm that is 100% feasible. But we shall see!!!

Work begins with pulling interior pieces and shifter:


One of the cool things is that 4 plugs can be undone at the ECU and you can pull the engine with almost all electrics attached.

Harness goes through this point on firewall:

She's dirty plan on fully detailing engine bay while things are apart. Have also taken LOTS of photos and videos for future reference,

Engine harness pulled pulled up out of the way, and starting to disconnect throttle, cruise, etc cables.

Where we stopped after an hour or so. Started to clean up the bay as I go. Will be pulling most items from engine bay also to clean them up. I have the luxury to do this over the course of the winter so plenty of time to do it right and make it better than she was prior to the rod being thrown.

 

That’s an ambitious build list! Looking forward to seeing the progress on it. Looks good so far.

 

Thanks - fortunately I bought a Tundra that is able to fill in for truck duties and we can spend the next 6-9 mos or more doing the build. I originally planned to take it somewhere BUT the engine replacement doesn't seem that bad and shops just won't take the same care as you do on your own car/truck. Haven't gotten into pulling motors since I was a teenager. My closest project was a automatic to 5 speed swap on my RHD Eunos Roadster (Miata).

 

I also have the issue to multiple parallel projects - as the RHD Eunos is still not completed (finishing up interior) and I also have two BMWs that are in progress and yet to be completed. But I tend to like to juggle when it comes to these types of things.

 

I love these things. The Miata is very cool, and a car that I will get someday. They seem like a good car to build, and clean up. Speaking of cleaning up that's my style too. Doing a complete job while cleaning everything as I go. Looking foreward to coming home from work and checking in

 

Who are you getting the motor from, and who is the other builder? I've been looking for a 1GRFE to stash away.

 

From this post (thread referenced in OP's original post) looks like maybe either Yotashop or Yota1.

 

I know a guy that has a lot of those parts available as he was planning on doing the same with his double cab! GL!

 

Yeah I enjoy these types of projects. This thread coversy 1993 Limited edition as I prepped it for auction on BAT in 2017.

Nothing like making them look better than they have in years.

 

And, if you are bored, my RHD Eunos Roadster build that still isn't done :/

 

I'm leaning towards Yota1 - cheaper of the two and from everything I can find they are a reputable shop.

 

yeah I checked out both in OP's other thread, neither advertises 1GRs. I might call and ask.

 

Pulled the underbelly pan. Lookie lookie what I found!!!

 

Got the radiator pulled and exhaust cat off from the header back. Being a California truck it has come apart without a hitch so far, knock on wood.

 

Envious on many levels.
lol

 

Parts list for knuckle conversion to 4wd w/ ADD hubs.

• PART Vendor Part Number Price
• Dust seal left Toyota OEM 90312-95001 $30.89
• Dust seal right Toyota OEM 90312-95001 $30.89
• wheel hub left Durago 29596049 $74.79
• wheel hub right Durago 29596049 $74.79
• oil seal outer right Toyota OEM 90316-69001 $73.90
• oil seal outer left Toyota OEM 90316-69001 $73.90
• bearing spacer left Toyota OEM 43524-35010 $33.19
• bearing spacer right Toyota OEM 43524-35010 $33.19
• cv axle left Cardone 665134 $57.79
• cv axle right Cardone 665134 $57.79
• ball joint upper left Toyota OEM
  $65 43310-39016 Genuine Toyota Parts - Joint Assy,Fr UPR Ba (43310-39016)
  43310-39016 $65.56
• ball joint upper right Toyota OEM 43310-39016 $65.56
• lower ball joint lower right Toyota OEM
  $165 43330-39556 Suspension Ball Joint
  43330-39556 $182.96
• lower ball joint lower left Toyota OEM
  $136 43340-39436 Ball Joint Assembly
  43340-39436 $146.47

 

Haven't messed with the truck much but did buy a salvage titled 182k mile 2004 TRD Double Cab 4wd w/ e locker this past week. Truck is being dropped off on Sunday. At minimum I plan on swapping over the e-locker and harvesting the transfer case and front differential. Has the push button 4wd which I'm ok with. The J shifter would be simplier but this is what I have.

Truck is a crusty turd but runs and drives and having the parts on the truck, next to mine to swap over is a bonus vs sourcing them piece by piece. Paid $2500 for the truck - not the cheapest thing in the world but considering the e-locker is pretty pricey on it's own I'm not too upset about it.

 

Trying to keep this thing moving forward - found a deal on a 5 speed w/ transfer case, plus a better front differential. Last minute decision to drive the 5 hours to Ada, Michigan from Cincinnati. 12 hrs total roundtrip. I'm running fumes today!

 

Subbed as a local-ish 1st gen enthusiast.

if you plan on keeping stock tires, the Hino 5th gear swap makes modern highway speeds more sufferable!

 

First time my boy refused to give me the thumbs up!!!