3.4l v6 Gen 1 Taco Horsepower Boost

Hey Guys as you can tell I'm pretty new to this forum but recently purchased a Toyota Tacoma 2002 3.4l v6 Automatic Crew Cab with 197,000 miles with a camper on the back. I just lifted it with a 3"lift since it was bottoming out on easy rocks off road. I soon realized that although I'm not pressing the gas down all the way I still can hear the engine really struggling especially up some hills( not too steep) and really don't know how to increase the horsepower or if it's even worth it. I do a lot of off-roading in Nevada B.L.M. Land and need something that can take some shock. I also was wondering if it would be a bad idea to do a v8 4.7l engine swap?
Thanks!

 

You might be best to do a gearing swap. That would be a fairly economical way to get your power back.

Im not very up to speed on the first get tacomas, i owned one once but never did any mods to it. I know that engine swaps for it have been done and as far as i know its easier to do than in a 2nd gen. Search around the forum there is a couple swaps on here i think.

 

A few people have done LS swaps. I think there is a bit of aftermarket for it as well.

 

Gears help.

Also, maintenance goes a long way. Clean your intake, TB, IAC, change your plugs, change your fuel filter, check your injectors, etc...

You can also do forced induction.