Broke a rod and drive it there? They are tougher then i though!
I've seen crazier things out of the F Series motors.
Have her give me a ring tomorrow, I'd be happy to chat with her about it and might have a line or two on used 3FE's if she wants to go that route.
Rebuilding a 3FE (or 2F for that matter) is somewhat expensive. Figure the machine work and complete engine overhaul kit are going to be in the $1500-1800 range, freshen up the ignition (plugs, cap, rotor) and rubber (belts and hoses) along with a trans drain/fill and your easily $2200+ in parts only. Labor should be in the $1200 - $1600 range, depending on what all is being done, who is assembling the motor, etc. $4k doesn't sound too out of wack, expensive yes, but isn't not cheap work and swapping a motor in an FJ80 is a 16-20 hour job, paying $65/hr (below what most shops charge) and you can see how the labor racks up.