Topic: build a v6 truck, convert to 4cy?

[m21]

been looking around at everything! if i were to build up a v6 model, is swapping in a 22re a good way to go? i've heard the trannys are good in the v6's, but i need to get older gear-driven t-cases. marlin makes an adaptor from the v6 trans, to the older t-cases. are the 1st gears lower in those boxes? also, do i need to get another bellhousing to mate to the 4cyl?
those v6's are cheap. more so than the 80's 4cyls. they are way down in price, and the bodies can be in great shape. just a thought. thanks

[crazykooter]

To convert a v6 truck to a 4 banger is a lot of work.  Swapping the complete wiring harness,  moving the engine mounts ect ect.  Its not hard work but it takes time.  If its a 3.0 v6 then the best swap to do would be a 3rz or a 3.4 v6.  22RE is a great engine but imo its not worth the work.  The 3.4 is great engine compared to a 3.0.  The 3rz is even better engine due to mpg and power to weight ratio.

[m21 [OP]]

cool, thanks.

the 3.4 ive got in my 4runner is a good motor. i'm not as familiar with the other motor. what do you get them out of?
the thing about the v6, it's already got the stronger 3rd, and steering box, the only other area is the tranny. if it can be used with the
earlier t-cases, that sounds like the way to go. the motor in my runner is getting tired at 271xxx. but it still runs great. v6 power would be a good thing.
chevy springs in the rear, or marlin's?
thanks again.

[bigarms23]

build a 3.4 v6 is your best choice

[patches]

ive seen a lot of 3.0's come into the auto shop i work at with problems.  Imo i try to steer clear of them

[Snowtoy]

In general, if the 3.0 has been cared for regularly or has been repaird correctly, it is a durable engine.  Other than 2 burnt valves on my '90 it has been trouble free for the last 21yrs, and almost 200k miles.  Granted not as durable as the 22r series, but no other motor out there is.

As you have seen, you can find the 3.0's dirt cheap lately, often needing valve work.  If you can turn a wrench w/confidence, I wouldn't pass on a V6 w/a 5-spd to use as a platform to builod on.  You could either rebuild the 3.0, or if the funds are available swap in a 3.4.

If you are going to carry a lot of gear and drive through the mountains to get to the trail, I would opt for the 3.0 over the 22re.  Having both engines in the same gen X-cab, the 3.0 makes for a much nicer drive, of course on its best day on the open highway I can only get 21-22mpg, the '91 averages that even when wheeling.

You can find the gear ratios of the different transmssions here at Marlin's Transmission gear chart.

[m21 [OP]]

thanks.
that v6 is definately got some advantages. i had a 1990 4runnner and put 170xxx miles on it. it had good driveability. my current 4runner has the 3.4, and it has a bit more that the prior, but for some reason the 3.0 seemed to be more low-end oriented. was the cam/motor designed for lower end than the later 3.4? thanks for the tranny breakdown. with an adapter, and gear driven 4cyl cases sounds like the v6 tranny  setup would be stronger than the 21 spline 4cyl w56's. still looking, but i did find a first gen for next to nothing. all stock, long-bed, and runs pretty well.

[Snowtoy]

If you fit in the 1st gen standard cab, that would be a fine platform to build off of.  You can swap out the 20r for a 22r or re, find an R151 transmision(has a lower 1st gear), and the transfer case from them is a 23 spline.  The 22r(e) can be built to about 145hp that keeps the engine as reliable as stock.  It definitely should be on the top of your list.