1998 tacoma 3rz 4x4 fix or not

Ok taco world, need some advice. My current situation is this:

1. December, 2015; more or less my clutch went on my truck. 4th and 5th gear barely do anything, 3rd gear works half way and was using 1 and 2 as much as I could. Got a clutch kit, fly wheel, master and clave cylinder from rock auto to bring my truck whole again.

2. While waiting the week for the parts to show up to fix my clutch from rock auto, my harmonic balancer when in the truck too. Long story short, I guess the massive bolt (at 194ft/lbs) came loss, allowed the balancer to come loss and it broke the wood drift key in half that helps hold it into place. I managed to get it off the truck and there appears to be no damage to the shaft it sits on. I have the balance currently.

3. I have a power steering leak, that I found. it is part of that molded piece in the front part of the truck. Was just going to replace this with an aftermarket kit from rock auto.

4. I have been leaking oil and wasn't sure from where. This situation allowed me a close look at the truck and the oil pan is leaking from welded joints on the bottom part. Probable from all the salt from NJ/MD over the past 14 years.

So, I never got around to the fixing the truck. Parents where getting a new car and gave me their old better, that now is starting to have issues (don't get me started on this sedan)! I was either going to junk or sell the truck. I really wanted to fix it, but didn't have the money at the time. I was just thinking of putting a new engine in and didn't have the time or money for that. The truck has 222K miles on it. not rust on the frame, besides around the back leaf springs, etc. But this looks more like the paint peeling than anything else. fast forward to today and my dilemma is this......

Do I open up the valve cover and see how the engine looks on the top and try to get a look at the chains and guides for were... If everything looks good, then drop the front diff as much as I can without taking totally off, take off the timing chain cover, replace the oil pump and water pump (maybe even the timing chain cover depending on things), replace the oil pan, and depending how the sprockets, guides, and chains look them shelves too. While I am at it, going to do the thermostat too. put all back together, make sure truck runs, timing is good, then do the clutch.......

So am I just going down a path of no return, with an engine that has 222k on it? Am I crazy and should a new engine be installed and not worry about this. All I have bought so far is the clutch stuff and the balancer. Not invested to much yet. Also, how much time would I be looking at to do this ( I am mechanically inclined and have rebuilt small engines before.) Want to keep truck for a few reasons if I can and it makes sense. I can post pics if need too. Any thoughts and advice is welcomed. Thanks.

Gimp

 

3rz is a fantastic motor, right in line with 22r and its brother the 22re. That being said it sounds like you have quite the project in front of you, not including the clutch. Thats a fun job with a 4x4. As far as the top end, replace all wear parts. plus all the other work to be done your looking at a few days of work. I bet you could find a used 3rz with lower miles for cheaper. the way i look at it why spend all that time and money on the top end when the lower has 200k+ on it. Not super common to throw a lower bearing but it does happen.

 

Looked for an engine. Around here the junk yards want an army and a leg for them. I would be better off buying a new or rebuilt. But didn't want to put that kind of money into the old lady. So, what do you define as wear parts ? Depends who you ask is the answer you get. I agree with the project, but that is what I'm looking forward to if it's for the right price. Right now, with the basics I stated above I'm around 500 without doing major replacing. Thanks for the feedback.

 

I rebuilt my 3rz on a budget. Sourced out good prices on quality parts, had a shop resurface some parts and did the assembly myself. I had a completely rebuilt 3rz for <$1000. Definitely cheaper if you find a used long block on craigslist. Here in California they can be had for 700-1000. Used JDM motors on ebay might be a good option for 1500+. I would be careful with rebuilt motors because they can be rebuilt with cheap parts. The warranty on rebuilds are bad considering an OEM engine with toyota internals are nearly bullet proof.

 

x2 on JDM. Used them before in Toyota and Subaru. Work great. Look like new. All OEM.

Than keep your 3RZ as a builder! Delete the balancer shafts and stroke that baby!

 

This sounds bad, but I'm on a budget and spending 1500 plus xxxx for misc was more then I can do. Just had my 3 kid and we'll stuff gets tight for a year with them lol. That being said, if I had to take off the upper half and rebuild it, that is where I was drawing the line. I would love to do this as a project. Just not much time right now and I need the space in the garage pretty bad. The truck means a lot and it's served me well. I would love to bring the old girl back. Besides what I stated the engine has run sound for me for the last 135k. Before that I didn't own her. Ugh, decisions decisions. Thanks for engine feedback on the rebuilds. Helps me keep perspective

Gimp