02 Tacoma Engine Swap

Hello out there !

Great Board, Hopefully I can get a little guidance...

My 02 216,000 Lost oil pressure on blustery Stormy eve commuting on the Outer Banks of NC. Lost power, truck died, restarted to a rattling lower end and almost zero power under load. After getting it home and onto a trusted mech, it clearly has some main bearing noise, or worse. It does start with almost no issue, besides the first initial rattle and a total loss of power when under load.

Newer/used engine time, not worrying about rebuilding anything with 216,000.

I have a couple options as far as mechanics, the guy down the street, found a junk spare, 1,900 110,000 he'll install with all bells/whistles 2,000. 3900 total not bad .

Waiting on another quote, where I source the engine, this is where I'm stuck. Online seems like a lemon trap, tons of middle man type outfits looking to unload junk for a fast buck.

So my question to this lively group is:

Who are the reputable "used" engine dealers, and are there any on the East Coast close to Virginia Beach, VA? I'd prefer to lay my eyes on it before buying it, unless there is a known reliable outfit that could deliver with out to much fuss with warranty/reshipping etc.

Thanks before hand for any advice. Its been a rough 2 months without her. lol

 

Just today, I have found locally a used 4 runner, rusty but trusty: 3.4 liter Automatic, 130,000 miles runs strong no leaks.

From what ?i can see, same engine?

TY!

 

the differences are rear wheel drive or front wheel drive so 3.4 from any rear wheel drive Toyota should work

 

So a 96 4wd 4runner with a 3.4 L Auto, Would Bolt up to a 02 Tacoma 4 door 3.4L Auto.

Sorry sound so dunce, but ready to pull trigger this afternoon, if this engines a go, Meeting him at 4.

 

The 02 Taco is 4wd

 

http://www.tacomaworld.com/forum/1st-gen-tacomas/136818-3-4l-engine-99-same-02-tacoma.html

Answered TY

 

Personally I would stick with the same engine type you already have

example: ( you had a 2.4 liter I would stick with a 2.4 liter)
you get my drift
This could also be an opportunity to get a engine with more power if you want it your choice

 

Both engines are the 3.4L Automatic. Assuming the trade out is without to many complications.

What mods could be done easily to the donor engine while it is out of the 4 runner before putting in the Taco?

 

I would not do any mods, but it would be a good time to do a timing belt, water pump, pulleys and tensioner.

 

See my thread I'm posting to regarding the motor swap in a 2000 Tacoma. It will answer a lot of your questions. It's best to do the maintenance on the motor and gaskets before sticking a used motor into the truck. In addition if you need any work done to like the steering rack, etc - now would be a good time to do it since access is super easy with the motor out.

Don't cheap out on crap parts and don't be cheap and cut corners. $1,900 is a lot for a used 3.4L. I got mine for $1300 including all accessories. I've spent more on parts for it than I did on the motor itself, such as new clutch, timing belt, water pump, gaskets, hoses, radiator, etc. The 2000 Tacoma I'm working with has 228k miles on it.

 

Thanks guys! I'll check your thread and study up.

So the good news so far: This 96 4 runner sat under a second home beach home here in obc / nc. The surface rust, is horrendous. The surfaces on the frame, drive train are pitted, and flaking, rust out around the windshield, mirrors, rear bumper etc. Interior; is spotless, all windows including rear works perfect. Dash, seats, etc is pretty cherry.

When you hit the brake, the left turn signal was solid, let off brake the left signal flashed/hit brakes solid..... The tranny was a little effected when you turned on the left signal at 55. thought that was related to a short in the trailer lights...

Huge exhaust leak turned out to be downflow 02 sensor bolts gone, 02 sensor was sitting on transfer case the tip touching the rear driveshaft. After I bolted this back on the left signal problem was gone. No more exhaust leak, no more electrical problem...

Drove on the beach tonight, NP with transfer case....

Pretty good beater for a 1000 bucks. Might get a few miles out of it before making the swap.

 

Thanks @CEP89. I was mostly referring to reg maintenance. Not really affording mods ha

 

You will need to tranfer your 02 engine harness onto the 96 motor. The 96 uses a different maf sensor, cruise, etc.