1985 4x4 (Not exactly a Tacoma)

Hello all,

I am here as an ‘85 4x4 owner with a Tacoma engine (3RZ) and I’m looking to meet some folks who can help me finish the install. Not with physical labor but with pics/knowledge. I’m a Navy guy in the San Diego area. Nice to meet y’all and have a good one! - Gabronius

 

Welcome to TacomaWorld

 

Welcome to TW!

 

There are a lot of friendly TW members in the San Diego area, there's a regional subforum on here for SD might want to try in there, I'm sure some guys will be able to help out

 

Thanks, that’s what I was looking for!

 

Never seen an RZ motor in a pickup. Can you share some pics?

 

I’m not far from putting it in...I need to install a pressure plate/clutch and the header and then the engine is going in. I’ll post some pics when it’s done. I’m definitely not the first one to do it.

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Welcome to TW!

 

Quick update, as promised. Full report (not a how-to, but some info on the swap) will be coming. The 3RZ is in, after a few months of evenings/afternoons interrupted by work and travel. A few road blocks along the way, but nothing insurmountable. It cranks, but doesn't start and no spark from the distributor. I checked the igniter/ignition control module and it seems to fire. I'm thinking the ignition coil in the distributor is the issue. I'll be checking that later today. It gets fuel, it gets air, but no sparky-sparky. I'm really hoping I don't have to replace the distributor because the thought of taking the top end apart to find TDC and getting the distro back in correctly is scary to me. This is only my second swap - so I'm happy that I've gotten this far. The last time I tried this it was to put a Chevy 350 into a '72 FJ40 (21 years ago), which was much, much easier! Anyway, here are a couple of quick pics. Once I get this thing going, I'll post some more info about the swap. Thanks for those who have provided me help along the way.