What I have been up to....

[4RnrRick]

Well as some of you know I started work on my next 4wd (I've nicknamed Project Quasimodo).... Basically it was time for a change and the 4runner was getting too heavy, had too much sheetmetal, the 7M-GE swap wasn't cutting the mustard, plus I wanted to incorporate some new ideas on a fresh chassis.

So I picked up this - manufactured in June of 1985 Toyota 2wd Xtra Cab SR5 Turbo Truck with Automatic and all the options except AC with 167K. The sheetmetal is in near perfect condition and the inside will clean up nicely.



The only down side is the 22RTE spun a #2 Rod bearing.



But thats okay because I planned to install a 2.7L 3RZ from a 2000 Taco.



So the 4runner got stripped and the only main parts I kept was the Tires, Axles and Tranny. EVERYTHING else got sold!



Here it is with a 2wd SAS and the 4wd rear axle installed.



Then I stuffed in the 3rz...



...attached to a W58 bellhousing, W56 Tranny, Marlin dual ulitmate (2.28 X 4.70) 10 degree rotated 23 spline T-cases hung on a custom flat belly crossmember.

[4RnrRick]

Then I added some fiberglass front fenders and a winch bumper.



And I'm still working on finished up the flat bed.



I've had it out 4 times (Snow, Trails, Dunes & Rocks in the last 4 weekends) and I'm lov'n the power and torque of the 3rz plus it weighs about 500 lbs less than the 4runner! I honesty couldn't be happier! But I do have plans to link the rear suspension and I need to finish up a lot of the little stuff.









There are two very detailed build up threads on OT4x4.org and Pirate.com if you want more detailed info.

So thats what I've been up to.....

[CTENG in KS]

Out of curiosity Rick, what happened tot he turbo motor?

[MiniSimp]

Wow, that is one way to put 20 pages of build up on to a couple of posts!
I'm still doing my daily reading on PBB for the quazzi though.

[4RnrRick]

I bought the donor 2wd truck complete 22RTE with spun bearing for $450.
I sold the bad 22RTE, wiring harness and ECU for $350..... Not too bad if you ask me.

As I said - everything that I didn't use, got sold. So right now I'm actually only into the new build cost wise $1500 ish or so once you add everything up that I sold compared to what I bought.

[CTENG in KS]

Nice, I've watched it over on Pirate like Simp...pretty kool.

[BigMike]

Do you mean W59 bellhousing?

So how does the 3RZ lug when you are wheeling it in double low? I know the 7M must have had more power, so how do they compare? I remember you saying that the 7M was a dog below 1200-ish rpm. When my 3RZ was stock, it really didn't come alive until about 2,800 rpm

[4RnrRick]

Opps...Yeah W59 for 3RZ-FE and W58 for the 7M-GE...

Well heres my driving impressions so far of the 3rz-fe swap into a 85 extra cab....

I took the truck to the dunes Saturday and all I can say is WOW! I have a permanent grin on my face. This motor has really nice low end torque and it will rev right up to redline easily. I did almost all my dune running in 1st gear high range! (I couldn't do that even with the 7m -  it didn't have the low end grunt and would stall out very easily.) The 7M has more top end power for say high speed (45+ mph) drifting but the 3rz equals or betters that on everything else! I had no problem climbing some of the bigger dunes where you would be hard pressed to get a 22R/RE up them. and if the motor started to lug down you could downshift and the vehicle would lift up and keep right on going. Highway driving is also nice - where Pete (project_blu) and Tyler (yellow first gen) would have to down shift on the hills I could just stay in 5th and they would just keep up with me. if I downshifted I could pull away fairly easily.

I really don't know what else to say other than if you get a chance to test drive a 3rz swap - do it! but your wallet might hurt afterwards.

I also suspect why the 3rz swap is so nice in the first and second gen trucks is because Taco's are quite a bit heavier so the motor feels more powerfull than if it was in a heavier Taco.

On my drive over to the coast (approx 90 miles), I got 18.5 mpg with a 55-60mph average. Can't complain about that.

So my finaly option is that teh 3rz is WAY better for a trail rig swap than a 7M. teh 7M is just too high strung where the 3rz has tons of grunt with a great midrange power!

[BigMike]

Rick, awesome results dude. I am glad that everything is working out great for you

I also suspect why the 3rz swap is so nice in the first and second gen trucks is because Taco's are quite a bit heavier so the motor feels more powerfull than if it was in a heavier Taco.

I completely agree with you. That is why when people with, for instance, 3rd gen 4Runners with 3.0s want to do a 3RZ conversion, I try to turn them to the 3.4 swap. The 3.0 and 2.7 are equally rated, and despite the fact that I FIRMLY believe that the 3RZ is more powerful, it doesnt seem justified to do the work of an engine conversion just to do something that is "rated the same". If you've got a heavy rig (4000+) then, although it may be better than what you've got now, you'd probably be better off with a 200+ ft-lbs torque engine like the 3.4 instead of the 2.7.

I have no doubt that a 3RZ in a 2WD 2nd gen truck would smoke a 3VZ in the same truck any day up any hill

So my finaly option is that teh 3rz is WAY better for a trail rig swap than a 7M. teh 7M is just too high strung where the 3rz has tons of grunt with a great midrange power!

There you have it kiddies. Words of wisdom. 7M ---> 3RZ

Rick, do you have plans for our round up this Sept? I would love to meet you, you know that-

BigMike

[DTB]

That flatbed is sick. My hats off to you sir  good job A+

[BigMike]

There ya go. Get some rock lights on that bad boy

[DTB]

Now that's some straight

[toyo487]

That is a really nice truck.  I like your tube work it is very clean and original looking

[GrenadedToy]

very sick truck man. im always impressed by your work. good job!

p.s. im very jealous!

[4RnrRick]

I knew I should of editted that lamp post out of that picture....
I currently don't have any plans for the round up - we will see....

[6.72:1]

Interesting. I am in the middle of the 7m swap right now. You were the inspiration for my swap and now you go and do this.

I suppose I will have to copy again! HA!

Well, I will see how I like my Supra motor. I do more street driving than anything, so I will see....

[yotadork83]

love the project saw that you found longer bushings for the bilisteins. where did you foind them everone in town is retaded?