I Did An Engine Swap Here Is My Write Up (auto trans)

This is for any 2nd gen tacoma 05 to 2015


I recently did an engine swap on my 2007 Tacoma, here is my write-up on the experience in hopes of helping others.

DO THIS AT YOUR OWN RISK. I AM NOT A MECHANIC AND I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE IF YOU BREAK SOMETHING. DISPOSE ON ALL WASTE IN ACCORDANCE WITH LOCAL LAW.

The most important thing I would say is TAKE YOUR TIME seriously don't rush it. do your research and read some forums, if you find yourself stuck ask a forum google it. Take lots of pictures of everything it could come in handy in the future.


Let me start off by saying this swap was a lot easier than I had expected. It took me roughly five days working on it from 4 to 7 and two 8 hour days. I did it all on my own (was a bit of a pain with some things) I very strongly recommend having a second person when removing the old motor and dropping in the new one.

For my swap, I decided not to remove the transmission but it would make things go a lot faster if you did. If you don't remove the trans you need to support it when putting the new motor in.

Tools used that I can remember:
2 large socket sets.
a lot of extensions 3/4 inch is what I used. These extensions are used to remove and rebolt the transmission to the motor. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP00caN7q0s This video helped me tons.
Impact 1/4 1/2 3/4 will save you a ton of time
Variety of Philips and flat head screwdrivers.
Some plyers, needlenose, vice grips, and some regular ones. Having a few pairs was helpful.
Prybar for helping separate the trans from the motor, be gentle!
Variety of Torx sockets.
flashlight/headlamp for looking in tight spots underneath.
gloves and lots of rags it got dirty.
If anyone has suggestions let me know ill add them.

Pro-tip I learned the hard way you can leave the wiring harness on the motor and just disconnect it from the trans and ECU.

First, drain all fluids.

Second off, disconnect everything from the motor and put any bolts you take out back in the same hole will make life so much easier down the line.
I drained the radiator first so I wouldn't spill coolant.
Remove all hoses connecting to the motor. disconnect the wiring harness from trans, then disconnect from ECU behind glove box pull it through the fire wall into the engine bay.
Unbolt transmission from the motor.
Unbolt engine mounts.
Remove serpentine belt then remove the power steering pump from the engine, leave it hanging on hardlines do the same for the ac compressor.
Remove alternator completely. remove exhaust manifolds and downpipes.
The engine doesn't have any good places for lifting that I could find, I put two straps around the engine and that worked, make sure you don't pinch anything between the engine and the straps. before you start jacking it up and out double-check all around that you got everything disconnected. Slowly jack it up and don't break anything.

Now that you have the old motor off it's time to remove the torque converter.
If you seized your engine go buy a metric crows foot/offset wrench set and bend them with heat until they can fit behind the flywheel and loosen the bolts.
If it's not seized that's awesome just rotate the crank and take each bolt off.
Make a mark on the flywheel and torque converter because some of them are balanced together and need to be aligned.
Next put the torque converter onto the trans until its seated. Google what that sounds and looks like. If it doesn't seat properly It can and probably will sheer off the trans shaft.

Now for the install process. Follow these torque specs;

https://share.qclt.com/丰田Toyota RAV4 Repair Manual/Service Specifications/2GR-FE Engine Mechanical/003001.pdf


Take the wiring harness from the old engine and swap it to the new one. If it's a different year some plugs are different for the ECU on newer years and different models.


Before you swap your new motor in do the rear main seal it's right there and it's easy to do, google it. Put some fresh plugs in that motor. Also, check both motors over side by side and make sure nothing is missing/broken from the new one.

Now bolt the flywheel on the new motor and drop it in SLOWLY. align the trans with the motor and put a few bolts in to hold them in place. the torque converter should be able to spin freely behind the flywheel, use the starter hole to inspect reinstall bolts and spin the torque converter.

Next reinstall engine mount bolts, trans bolts, and wiring to the trans. reinstall Powersteering pump, alternator, and AC compressor. Reconnect hoses to the motor. Reconnect ECU, exhaust manifold, and everything else. reinstall radiator last. Don't forget to refill all fluids with new stuff.
Double triple and quadruple check everything.

Dont be and idiot like me and accidentally connect both battery terminals to the starter.
(not fun) Go easy on me guys first write up lemme know if i missed anything and enjoy!

 

Excellent write up

 

I did this many times throughout the 80s. There were no forums or YouTube videos to help me. All I had normally was a case of beer and a radio playing classic rock. The last one I did in the early 90s was an '84 Dodge van with a slant six. After my shift ended at work (tool and die shop) I pulled the truck in, changed motors and cleaned up in time for next morning shift. I worked my shift again and then went golfing after work. Long day. I was in my 20s then... couldn't or wouldn't do it today. I expect it would be a bit harder on modern vehicles what with all the technology and crap that has to be removed first to even see the engine. Good job!

 

Haha yeah lots of plastic bullshit and poorly made parts.