4runner dude

so ive had the 4runner for 2 years now. it has a new 22re engine with 10,000 miles ive put on it since install.

im currently working at a mechanic shop and had a 1997 ford powerstroke come in. body completely mangled from getting tboned. truck is considered totaled. but engine runs like a champ still. offered the guy 2000 for it. and got it.

my question is. how hard would it be to take the 7.3 and put it into an 87 4runner? how much chopping ect ect. would be needed. its complete from computer to tranny. and would give the 4runner more power then it could handle.

any ideas?
and if not possible. i am willing to see the engine. but i want to put a diesel into the runner. what would be the best and easiest engine that has power to put into it?

1981 yota

i would love to see someone put a 7.3 in at 4runner

4runner dude

any idea what it would take tho? probably have to build an adapter plate for the axles. unfortunately they got messed up in the tbone.

otherwise tranny and all that is there.

1981 yota

well the 7.3 is alot bigger than a 22re you might have to extend the frame a bit but im not completly sure about that

Elton

id just get a early 90s ? f-250-350 with the none powerstroke engine do a swap and u got one hell of a truck for under 5 grand

4runner dude

extension of frame wouldnt be a problem. and definately reinforce the frame. wonder how much the body would change. if i would need to build some custom fenders or something. its alot of power but would be sick. worry about torquin the frame tho

4runner dude

so dont get the turboed diesel then?

Matt16

I'd sell the 4Runner and get a FJ60/62 Landcruiser. Way more room in the engine bay, shouter drivetrain with a factory solid front axle and its plain and simple "more truck".

4runner dude

well the other problem would be how heavy the 7.3 is. it would completely drop my front end. even with a heavy duty leaf kit and some good shocks

T_F_E

Yeah the 7.3 weighs about 800 pounds wet.

tried4x2signN

Ok, if guys are running 35's with gears...

What kind of tire could a guy run with a 7.3 in the truck?

56's?

Ok, 56" tires on a SWB compact truck...

I'd say the 7.3 is overkill, but to each his own...

I'd run a Merc MO617...

Heck, me a few buddies are contemplating 4 cylinder 3.9ish Liter box truck Diesel engines in lifted and tired 80 series Cruisers...

7.3 in a Mini truck?

camo31_10.50

i believe you're telling yourself that it's not feasible....without you even knowing it.

it's way too big (2.4 liters....to 7.3....wow)


it's way too heavy...duh..it's a diesel.

i think you'd be okay with the torque and HP..toyota frames are fully boxed i believe.

you could part the Ford out..and use that money to buy a Cummins 4BT

still heavy..but not AS heavy..and some pretty darn decent numbers

tried4x2signN

Don't spoil this! At least it'll bolt to a Toyota transmission!



Wait, what? You mean you have to think a build through?

T_F_E

Sorry haha, I even made a typo its around 800 dry for the old idi non turbo, for a 7.3 powerstroke wet your well over 1000


And your truck would drive around with the ass end in the air.

tried4x2signN

The 4BT is crazy heavy, shakes like a paint mixer, weighs as much or more as the 7.3 and has a crazy narrow powerband...


Low to no powerbands make driving a real chore... I.e not fun, and you'll not want to drive it a lot...

Go with an automotive Diesel, one meant for driving.

Look at powerbands and you'll see two different kinds.

Basically those below 2,000rpm... And those above it.

Rarely you'll find one that like to go over 4k.

And you'll notice the higher they rev, the lower the torque numbers will be.

But, they'll be way more driver friendly and you can spread the gearing out b/c low gears on a 2k redline motor will not be going fast. Then if you gear it high, you won't have any low range off road.


Line up all your Diesels. Like the Toyota L, KZ, H, HD and Merc car Diesel motors. Compare those to old-school truck Diesel powerbands/ torque curves and you'll see it.

4runner dude

ok so not a 4bt or a 7.3 powerstroke. then what?

i know i can sell the powerstroke on craigslist for probably 4 grand plus. what would be a decent diesel motor with good power. but not to much weight that would fit into a 4runner? ive heard detroit deisel would work. but not sure on the specs. its a 6.2

Matt16

Sell the Ford, buy a Merc OM617 diesel. Probably the most reliable engine EVER build and very well suited to the 4RUnner IMO.

T_F_E

6.2s are the best if you want to know anything about them send me a pm i have been working with them for years.

camo31_10.50

yes the 4BT is heavy..i believe around 800lbs..

theres actually a lot of them being put into cruisers.

Profittscruisers.com i believe..something close to that..maybe proffitscruisers.com

you know that most of the old bread vans, UPS trucks(to this day....) run the 4bt.

i've been blown off by a UPS box van before...at a stop light...he looks at me..looks back..light turns green..and HE TAKES OFF...NO WAY i could keep up with him in my '86 toyota...and he was still accelerating past 60mph..fairly swiftly too.

and YES it did have a 4BT in it..he told me at the next light that that's what all the trucks run around these parts..i thought it was cool

but yes a smaller diesel would be better.

heck even the 1.9L VW TDI motors (from like 03-05 or something) are best...lightweight nice power..and the ECU can be flashed to produce like 165hp and over 250lb ft of torque very easily.

tried4x2signN

What size tires do you wanna run, and what do you want to set the truck up for?

There's play truck don't-give-a-...

And there's something like Expedition/DD.

Worlds apart on how you'd build them...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEgl5P-Ooew

Here's a VW that should get KILLER MPG with a more conservative lift and tire...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zC8ZICmFKTw

4x4labs has a Merc kit, and I believe Acme has the VW... Not sure.