I think the reason that most Toyota/V8 conversions go bad is because the builders are unprepared for the realities of the swap. They install a V8 while leaving in the Toyota geartrain; pieces that were designed to work with the 105 hp 22R or the 150 hp 3vze V6. Then as soon as they get it running they start shredding transmissions and axles.

On the front cover of Advance Adapters Toyota conversion catalog they show a lifted third generation truck that appears to be running a Dana 44 front axle. That's what I'm talking about! If you're gonna do this, do it right from the beginning, or be prepared to do it later after you've sunk money into the undersized Toyota axles and transmission. If I was you, I'd swap an LS1 aluminum V8 with a 700R4 or 4L60 overdrive automatic, Atlas transfer case and custom Dana 60 Axles. This would be the right drivetrain for a V8 powered Toyota. You probably could get the drivetrain part of you truck done like that for less than $15,000. Then just add suspension and tires and you'll have something that should run reliably. -- Matt