[AEmedic]

I just got offered a 92 Ext Cab 4X4 with a blown engine for $1500. I've been told that a mechanic said it threw a rod but I haven't looked at it myself. I'm not sure I want to do it yet and not sure of the costs to get back on the road. What are the best options for reliability and cost? Is this truck even a good purchase everything else being equal?

Chris

 

[ToyTec]

The 3.0L engine made the older trucks not very desireable. They were only rated at 150 HP, and they feel like they have less power than the 2.7L in the Tacomas. That combined with the IFS Torsion bar front suspension makes the truck not a good canidate for mods, unless you want to take on a major engine swap! Then you will still have the suspension to deal with......

 

[AEmedic]

Thanks for the response, I am not a heavy wheeler so the suspension isn't really an issue to me but the engine is either going to have to be replaced with another like it (short block) or a complete engine swap if there is another alternative for the same cost.

Chris

 

[98 Taco]

a friend of mine just got a 90 something pickup with a blown engine in our Chicagoland area for $100, has the same problem, rns, but real bad, has to replace engine as well, rebuilts cost about $1800
I wouldn't pay more than $500 if the body is good and you can part it out

 

[98 Taco]

any updates?
my buddy jst called a shop that will rework the heads and install new gaskets for $500
He was quoted $1800 for a rebuilt motor

 

[AEmedic]

any updates?
my buddy jst called a shop that will rework the heads and install new gaskets for $500
He was quoted $1800 for a rebuilt motor

I am still trying to decide if it is the right "project" for me, and if I can get it cheaper. I should know later tonight.

Chris

 

[equin]

You should be able to get a junkyard 3.0 installed for about $1000-$1500 (what I was quoted 6 years ago in the Dallas area). Just call the local junkyards and ask them if they install engines (many do) and how much they charge to do it. The frames on the pre-Tacomas are thicker than Tacoma frames. Although the front suspension has torsion bars, you can still lift it. The torsion bars allowed for bigger, beefier front CV axles than the Tacoma CV axles.

Hope this helps.

 

[prerunner2k]

me thinks the older trucks, read bt or before tacoma are fantastic for suspension mods. an easy solid axel swap. almost bolt in using 85 and earlier parts. imho these are what made a name for toyota in trucks.

the 3.0 v6 is a dog- not worth spending any $ for mods. but it is a engine that should last.

 

[speedfreak237]

Just get the adapter plate for a Chevy 350 and put a crate motor in it. 350 power with a Toy trans. don't worry the axels can take it. You would be the man then.:xrocker:

 

[dorm]

Better yet, 4.3 V6 the bitch. The funnest trucks on earth have 225 h.p. Chevys (not enough to thrash the drivetrain), and a long travel IFS system that kicks ass and taskes names in the desert. Yes, a solid axle conversion is also a good option for rock pounders.

 

[thefatkid]

Holy Crap, this thread is over 2 years old.

3.4l swap!