Swapping an 06 4runner engine for my 06 tacoma engine

Okay... I'm one of the unlucky sods who's head gasket failed in my 06 Taco. Can't afford a head gasket job. Found an 06 4runner being parted out. Price is very fair (favor through a friend) so far all I know is I will have to swap oil pans. I can't really find much info out there about doing the install. It has been over 30 yrs since I did an engine swap in a car. So I'm a bit rusty, and this will be way more invved.... Any advice/tips would be greatly appreciated. Thanks to all in advance.

 

The only guy I would trust answering that question is @Torspd . I think you would need the computer also, but I'm not sure. Good luck.

 

You can swap an engine but not change a head gasket by yourself? Don't get me wrong I'm down with it, but is it really cheaper to buy the engine, adapt it, and put it in than it is to buy a new head gasket and put it in yourself?

 

I was wondering the same But I took a step further and just assumed he meant "he was one of those unlucky sods whose head gasket failed.....[and probably cause a catastrophic failure and internal damage and gummed up stuff so bad it is easier to just swap]". and maybe this is a 4 to 6 conversion but OP didn't state too much other detail.

 

An engine swap is much easier and less technical that the head gasket swap. If this were a push-rod engine, the head gasket swap would be easier.

The swap from the '06 4Runner will be a direct swap. Un-bolt, re-bolt, fill with fluids and drive.

If it were an '03-'04 4Runner, it would be a much more indepth process.

Just make sure you know the quality of the engine. It still fall in line with that year model having a head gasket weakness issue. As long as it has good compression, oil has been changed regularly, it will be good to go.

 

Torspd, you're correct about the head gasket replacement vs engine replacement. My biggest question.... is there any external parts I will need to swap ? Or is it going to be basically, a DROP in, plug in all the electronics and hook up all the other hoses and connections.

Oh I will be taking a handheld to plug into the diagnostic port under the dash..the engine runs, 130k miles, just in a wrecked vehicle

 

It is drop in, and bolt to your attachments. I.E. radiator and electrical connections. The only thing that might be different are the engine mounts.

The only differences between the '03-'04 4Runner 1GR and your '06 Tacoma 1GR, are the intake cam gears, and their sensors. There is a thread which I have gone into great detail on that topic.

Yours in an '06 4Runner, you say, so their won't be any difference between any parts. Minus what I mentioned earlier.

 

What about all the other accessories??? power steering, a/c, etc.... I'm thinking.it will be easier to remove from my engine and then reattach to "new" engine when it's bolted in.

 

As I said before. It all bolts up. Everything. Plug n play. ALL OF IT!