The Toyota 4Runner of the late 1980s is a very lovable truck…they were light enough, peppy enough, and could play in the dirt just fine. They also had Toyota reliability going for them, and that was very good indeed. In 1988 you would be doing yourself a solid to purchase one. But keep in mind that this is in the time of the 65mph speed limit and the 222hp Ford Mustang GT, so even when equipped with the 3.0L V6, power was a modest 150hp. Not exactly powerful, is it?
One gentleman in California remedied this power deficit by replacing the stock engine in this 1988 4Runner 2-door with the 4.0L V8 from a 1992 Lexus. Little information is given about the swap, but the one thing to note is the California smog tag on the truck, making this swap perfectly legal in the state. That means that all of the stock emissions control equipment from the Lexus has been incorporated into the 4Runner to the satisfaction of California’s smog police…not an easy task to accomplish when you’re busy stuffing ten pounds into a five pound bag.
The remainder of the truck is beautiful. The red paint looks near-flawless from the pictures, the interior is in decent condition, and even the engine bay could pass for stock, provided you ignored the great big Lexus logo on the intake. The truck has received a mild 2″ lift and is packing 4.88 gears in both ends with lockers. One way or another, this Toyota is sure to put a smile on someone’s face…provided they have the $12,500 asking price ready.
CLICK HERE to see the 4Runner’s Craigslist ad!
(Courtesy: Bring A Trailer)
Cool. If someone really wanted a 4Runner this could be the one to have. $12.5k is a lot of money to not write more than two lines about though. Never understood that about CL ads. Wonder if the A/C works.
Sweet rig.
I’ve seen a few 1UZ-FE swaps into first gen 4 runners before, as well as 5VZ-FE swaps. The old 3.slow is a decent engine, but takes a bit of polishing to make it really shine. Partially due to the banning of asbestos in head gaskets prior to engine roll-out and largely due to the VF series transfer cases that were driven by fluid coupling instead of direct gearing. Those t-cases were a major power suck.
Also worth mentioning: it has an OEM SR5 dash inclinometer with the 4-Runner illustration and not the 4×4 Tercel Wagon. Serious unobtanium right there!
Very neat (and I’m not even into Toyotas)! Those all rotted away here in the Midwest years ago. Its cool to see such a nice example.
Have to agree, its a pretty clean ride and swap. Double kudo’s for even making it emissions legal.
I don’t understand the appeal of the 1UZ beyond brand loyalty but nice swap. Looks clean.
Because putting a Chevy engine into a perfectly good Toyota is a one-way ticket to hell. It’s in the bible.
Realistically, it’s because it’s a good engine that makes good power, weighs very little and is incredibly economical. The 1Uz is a really good motor.