4wd conversion

Hardest part? - Realizing I had a 3RZ and all the existing conversion write-ups dealt with the 5VZ engines. This made for extra work. Scoring the wrong transmission up front was a huge set-back. And not realizing it until the old one was out. Hint: get a transmission jack.
Experience? - 40 years of 'tinkering', plus 6 years as an aircraft mechanic (USAF).

 

Well, crap. I have a 3RZ. I was planning on swapping it out with a 5VZ though. Why was the swap difficult due to the fact that it was a 3RZ? Do you need to modify the wiring harness or get a new ECU?

 

IF (and it's a big IF) you can find the donor parts off a 3RZ, then go for it.

Here is what I ran into - the engine block on the 3RZ sits 2 inches further back than the 5VZ, so everything was off 2". I had to customize the transfer case shift lever, extend some wires, and have the driveshafts modified. Doesn't seem so bad now as I type this out. But they sure gave me headaches as the problems arose. What surprised me was I was able to retain the use of the transmission crossmember. I also ran into issues with an inop speedo which required a new sensor gear...

Ultimately, from start to finish it took me 8 months. Though, I was able to accomplish tasks and keep it driveable during the week.