So, Brian, you are backing away from a 5VZ swap and would rather build an 'easier' RTE??? Or, to solve your quest for better economy, use a FZJ80 (admittedly a luxo liner, but at $4/gal... eek)?

The only thing somewhat difficult about the 5VZ swap would be relocating the motor mounts and mating the body harness to the 5VZ computer frankly - ORS can solve the latter problem if you are patient. Use the 5VZ's tranny, a V6 adapter plate from Marlin for your tcase, and hang it from a hoist long enough to position the motor mounts/ FRORF crossmember about 3" forward of its present location.

The Red Chili has gone before ya through Mike Caskey's grist mill, to sort out some details. I promise you, you will never go back... <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />

BTW... Mr. Mike has replicated. Little boy, doing well.

<img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" /> No, no, the FZJ80 would not be to solve my quest for better economy. Believe me, I'm under no illusion that I'd get any better than about 14mpg (if I was extremely lucky, they usually get even less) on even a slightly modified 80, which is significantly less than what I get now in my overweight, overtall brick. The 80 would solve other issues. Mainly comfort on long trips, passenger carriability, dust free storage area, better handling and more power just to name a few things. But fuel economy, especially in light of today's and the likely future cost of gas is definately a factor in me shying away from the 80s for now.



Don't forget the cost of ORS's kit, plus a motor, plus in my case, a tranny and t-case, since there's no way to adapt my W56/geared T-case. It would be quite an expensive proprosition and in the end, I would spent about half or more than what I could have bought a comproable 80 for, but only have solved one of several issues with my truck, that being power. Believe me, I'd love nothing more than 5VZ in my truck and if I lived in Colorado, I probably would have already had ORS do the swap for me a long time ago.

I was only considering the RTE because I could get more ponies in a stock unmolested motor that would literally bolt up and plug in with few mods.

At this point, I'm leaning towards just running my motor into the ground, which should last another year or two and then going with a new project, such as likely a Land Cruiser. Otherwise probably just a stock 22RE EB rebuild to keep things economical and reliable, if gas prices continue into the stratosphere.

I'm picking up the 33s today, but already I'm starting to feel a little buyer's remorse. I won't know until they're install, but I might miss my 35s. Good thing I'll at least have them on hand in the garage.

If you take your rig to a shop to have this done the only difficult part is paying for it!

Brian for what you do I think that the 80 is a much better fit, and after your funds recoup from buying the Cruiser you could have Proffitt's Cruisers swap in a 4BT diesel and make your own fuel at home. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" /> This is my plan/dream down the road for my next project vehicle.

That they are, and yes they are s step down or two from the luxury of the 80's, but it would still be a step or two up in convienence over what you have now. For power problem with the 60's engine, a supra 7mgte should fix the power problem, and you can find those for under $500.

Of course the cheaper way would probably be to pick up a 3rd gen Runner or an X-cab Taco and SAS it if you needed to. You couldn't haul as much inside as you could with a 60 or an 80, but it would solve your power issue and keep the mpg's up for your extended adventures. You could remove the rear seats and build storage space similar to waht you have done with your '89, run a roof rack for all of your camping gear, and a rear rack for the tire/gas/water/high-lift.

I don't think a GTE is going to do much for a 6000+ lb rig... and adapting it to work will be expensive. A mild 350 would be cheaper and more fuel efficient at that point.


I concur.

I got the 33s on and while the tires are definately smaller, my truck is coming together much better for its intended use. I briefly drove it and the tire swap was worth it just for the much better gearing alone.

60 gps mph equals 2900 rpm. I can live with that. The inch I lost in ride hieght also allowed me to use a bigger roof rack that I originally bought for our Subi. (but the wife didn't like, so it's been gathering dust in the garage) The truck has to stay under 7' feet tall to fit in the garage and with the rack, it just barely clears.

Handling is much better to the point now that I really see no point or need for a sway bar. It's much more pleasent to drive.

Frame to ground is now about 23". The truck isn't going to go any lower than that and I think that's just about right, anyaway.

I think in reality, the smaller tires aren't going to affect off roadability in the least. I just can't imagine where half worn 35" MTRs could take me that these new 33" MTRs could not. I think I'd have to go up to 37s, which would fit, to see any real advantage, but that's just not the type of rig I need right now.

Pics coming later.

Ya know Brian I was thinking about this thread and I have to admit there really is something admirable about you being happy with what you have. What you have built is pretty much exactly what I would want to do and would pretty much be a waste of $ if you sold it now.

I really like your truck. Perfict for hunting, camping and still small enough to drive and park easily. Not gonna win any fuel efficiency awards but not gonna break the bank either.

Good Job on the lowest SAS possible! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

I triple double concur. Or... I mean...
Yeah. What he said.
3rd gen 4Runner is darn close to an 80 in my book, minus the bad things about the 80... once you put an axle on it.

Regarding a 5VZ and the pain to which Harry refers... I know it too well. I just wish I had had a place to do it and the time to do it myself. I couldn't match Mike's quality, but now that he has the bugs worked out, it is much more conceivable to do a 5VZ swap in place of a 22RE than it was at the time... I did get to see it in all stages though, and the hard parts are not too hard with a few of Mike's parts.

RE: cost, I would not do Mike's whole kit, so that really is not a factor. The wiring harness would probably be worth it, but with patience that could be $800 saved or so. Tranny can be had with motor for not much more really, if you hunt it down. More reasonable every day. The V6 adapter ain't too cheap, and I think you already have a 3-row radiator... so I really don't think its much more than a RE->RTE by the time its all said and done.

A 5VZ swap is just bolt on too... you just move where the bolts go first. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/notooth.gif" alt="" />

As someone who now owns a built 3rd Gen and just sold an 80 I would have to disagree with you. The 80 is way more stout in every regard, and the real beauty of it is that you really don't need to do much to an 80 in order to set it up for Brian's uses.

Well, OK, can't gainsay that. But a 4Runner for all practical purposes is darn useful for the kinds of uses Brian puts it to, and gets much better mileage than an 80.