Bringing a Taco Back from the Dead

I recently stumbled across a deal I couldn’t pass up on an 07 DCLB 4x4. The catch was that the owner had driven through some standing water going too fast and hydro locked the engine. It most likely bent a rod (or more). With the spark plugs pulled, the engine stops rotating at a certain point.

I’ll be pulling the engine soon, but still debating if I should swap it out or try to repair it. It has 230k miles on it already.

The rest of the truck is in decent shape. Dirty and stinky, but fairly straight with no rust.

I couldn’t stand the dirt and smell of the interior, so I gutted it as soon as I made it home and started power washing the carpet.

However, I’m now planning on refreshing the interior with the OEM all-weather flooring and a set of Clazzios too.

 

Looks like a good project for the right $. Any electrical issues that you can tell? Starting fresh with the interior is smart. Good luck

 

No electrical issues as far as I can tell. Everything works fine besides the engine.
There was no water inside or any mold.

The only electrical stuff I may need to address is the stereo. It looks like someone used to have an aftermarket system in it, but has removed most of it.

It appears someone tapped into the OEM JBL sub input because are a handful of wires dangling where the sub should be.

 

JB weld is awesome, but I don’t think it will work in this situation.

 

Nice project! I would just throw brand new carpet in there it’s fairly cheap. How much did you pick it up for?

 

I didn’t pay a whole lot for it. I’m looking at dropping $4k for an engine and $1k on the interior. I think I’ll still be well under the market value when I have it on the road again.

I’m hoping it will be worth $15k once I have it cleaned up and on the road, but I don’t really know with this crazy market.

 

Looks like a great project and congrats! I'm in the process in removing the interior carpet and replacing it as well. How hard was it for you to do? How long of a time frame do you think it would take as well?

Do you have any issues I should expect or look out for? Thanks in advance and good luck with the project.

 

The interior is very easy to take out. I may have spent 30 minutes total gutting it out.

There’s really nothing to watch out for. Find a YouTube video and you’ll see how it all comes apart.

 

^Exactly what I wanted to hear. Ty so much!

 

install sound deadening mats to the floor and back wall then go with all weather flooring. Swapping a another used motor would be my choice. You can usually find tacoma/FJ 4.0 engines on eBay. Very difficult to find them locally.

 

I think I’ve decided rather than gamble $3k on a junkyard 100k+ mile engine, that I would buy a brand new short block from Toyota for $3k and have the heads rebuilt.

 

While it wasn't hard, it surely wasn't 30 minutes. I took my time to make sure I didn't break nor scratch anything as I'm OCD. Thanks as it's been a fun and productive project.

 

YMMV if you’re working with hand tools. It’s less than 25 bolts/screws for the seats and center console.

Glad to hear you got it done.

 

Find an engine from a 2007 to 2009 FJ with a VIN that start with J. Those were made in JAPAN. I have 2009 J-VIN in mine right now, great engine! DO NOT get an engine from a 2005-2006 Tacoma or 2004-2006 4Runner, those have defective head gaskets!

 

Is there any trick to getting this engine out?

Have it all disconnected and I can see a lot of daylight between the flex plate and torque converter, but for the life of me I can’t get it pulled forward and it’s getting hung up as I try to lift it up.

Do the exhaust manifold need to come off to be able to be pulled out?

 

Santa Claus came a little early.

 

Shiny

 

What's the status with the head bolts?

 

I just ordered the special sockets, and they should show up tomorrow.

Does anyone know if the Toyota part # for a cylinder head is a fully assembled head with valves and springs? Or is it just the head casting?

 

Dodged a bullet. Stripped bolts were removed and head is now off.

looks like a couple valves are stuck open too.