Am I crazy: 1993 4Runner with a 5VZE-FE 3.4L + A340F swap

[djm68]

I've been looking for a new rig that I'd eventually take to Baja, and use for trips to the mountains hiking and camping. Came across a 1993 4Runner that is exceptionally clean and has a professionally done
swap (from a 1999 4Runner) 5VZE-FE 3.4L + A340F Auto. General thoughts on these swaps? It looks to be a great setup, reliable, durable and good power with better mileage than the original 3.0 V6. Appreciate any insights.

Thanks,
DJM

 

[qton]

I have a 3.0L in my pickup and have had a few 3.4L's. I absolutely love the 3.4L. it's tough as nails and in my 100% stock 4wd 4runner it gets ~22 mpg on the highway at 70-75 consistently. If my pickup didn't only have 90,000 miles on it I'd swap it for a 3.4 in a heartbeat. From everything I've read it seems fairly easy (for an engine swap) and many of the parts are interchangeable. http://www.offroadsolutions.com/tech-info/3-4l-5vz-fe-conversion/ This place has alot of good information. With it being so simple of a swap, hopefully the person who did it was smart about it. If it runs good with no squeaks, leaks or rattles I'd say go for it! Good luck!

 

[4runnerteq]

For me, not just no, but heck no. I don't care how professionally it was done. If you want a 3.4 then buy a 3.4 truck or runner. One mod always leads to another and Id rather my drivetrain be what its supposed to be. Really, again, for me, if any mods are going to be done I want to be the one who did them. Not necessarily by me personally, but at least during my ownership so that I know exactly who and how it was done.

 

[Mattm94]

The 3.4 5vz is definitely one of the best engines Toyota ever put in small trucks. It soundly stomps the 3.0, which is an EPA emissions pig, common from many manufacturers during the very late 80s to early 90s. I've owned and driven 22r, 22re, 3vz, 5vz, and 2uz vehicles long term. 5vz and 2uz are simply neat pieces of macinery that work VERY well.

I've done more than a few swaps, over the last couple decades, including 22re into carbed trucks, and 5vz in place of 3vz. The 5vz swap into a 3.0 3vz truck is so simple and makes so much sense, in my opinion only a fool would put a 3.0 back in, much less try to rebuild one. All of mine looked factory, were as reliable as if they came installed from the factory, and were great improvements in the recipirnt vehicle. All connections were re-pins on existing connectors if possible, if not solder and sealant type heat shrink. I made notes on copies of the wiring diagrams for each so I and the next owner had it. Attempting any swap wihout correct EWD for donor and recipient vehicles is a fools game if a guy values his time much anyway.

If you're saavy, go look at it, and drive it. If you see butt connectors, dont walk away, RUN.

 

[DaveInDenver]

If the truck was originally a 3.0L then the 3.4L swap didn't take much wrestling to fit. The concern I'd have would be wiring and the ECU, this can be done well or it can be done poorly and is IMHO really the crux of reliability. To me the reason not to swap an engine is that you have a non-standard car that might confuse a mechanic (be that you or someone you hire).

But in this case the swap itself is very low risk, makes a lot of sense and isn't so uncommon as to be too tough to troubleshoot. The upside here is that the 3.0 -> 3.4L is well known and you are arguably improving the truck, the 5VZ is a better engine without a doubt, and isn't inappropriate for the chassis and drivetrain at all.

I'd have very little issue with this, if it's working, or doing it myself. Be careful not to buy someone's project that never worked right, though.

 

[djm68]

I appreciate everyone's perspective and input -- thank you. I understand the concerns about wiring, the swap was done using this: http://www.offroadsolutions.com/products/ors-3-4l-conversion-harness-for-3vz-e-and-22r-e-vehicles/ which is a big deal as the harness is professionally made, for this exact application.

Still leaning towards buying, will update folks with what I decide.

Cheers,
DJM

 

[red EOD veteran]

If they used the new harness then there goes the biggest concern. I'd go for it.

 

[djm68]

Well, lost the auction! Cool rig: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Toyota-4Runner-SR5-/371823786832

 

[Clutch]

See a lot of 3.4 swaps done in this neck of the woods...Idaho, Oregon, Washington. Come across them quite a bit on CL...might be the "ultimate" gas Toyota truck/4runner setup...

https://portland.craigslist.org/nco/cto/5904600583.html

pics for when the link dies:

Guy wants $8500 for this...seems like a good deal to me.

another:

$4500

https://boise.craigslist.org/cto/5918937911.html

 

[Arktikos]

Well, lost the auction! Cool rig: http://www.ebay.com/itm/1993-Toyota-4Runner-SR5-/371823786832

12 grand! I wouldn't be too broken up about losing out on that. Yes, a very nice combo IMO.

Best looking sheet metal 4Runner, no silly rack and pinion steering, but with the better engine. Mileage difference is there, but it's not that great in my experience. About 21 in the 3.4 for highway compared to 18 for the 3.0. On the other hand power difference is significant.

You may be able to find another one, for a more moderate price.

 

[Renegade_Medic]

If the power difference is significant between the 3.0 and a 3.4, I'm glad I don't have a 3.0. The 3.4 is a complete slug. It's totally gutless. And that much for a 4runner? Damn, I got my 99 limited 4x4 for $3500...

 

[AxleIke]

If the power difference is significant between the 3.0 and a 3.4, I'm glad I don't have a 3.0. The 3.4 is a complete slug. It's totally gutless. And that much for a 4runner? Damn, I got my 99 limited 4x4 for $3500...

With the Auto. 5 speeds are pretty peppy. Quick fix is supercharging. Mine gets up out of its own way now.

 

[Arktikos]

If the power difference is significant between the 3.0 and a 3.4, I'm glad I don't have a 3.0. The 3.4 is a complete slug. It's totally gutless. And that much for a 4runner? Damn, I got my 99 limited 4x4 for $3500...

They don't call it the 3.slow for nothing. But it's all relative to what you're used to. The 3.4 is by far the peppiest engine I've had in any truck or SUV.

Try driving an old Toyota pickup or 4runner with the 22RE. Even with stock tires, which most people could get by with but just don't want to, they're incredible dogs!

The ultimate slow motion machine is an 80's diesel Land Cruiser with big tires. :Wow1: