3B toyota diesel swap? Cool, or wast of time?

fyfer · 06-25-2009, 07:14 PM

I have the ability to get my hands on a toyota 3B diesel engine and was wondering if anybody has ever heard of such a swap. I would use the trans as well but could the transfercase stand up to 159ftlbs, or 220 with a turbo? Also cant find dimensions. Maybe it won't even fit. any help would be great, Thanks!

Billjohn · 06-28-2009, 01:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyfer

I have the ability to get my hands on a toyota 3B diesel engine and was wondering if anybody has ever heard of such a swap. I would use the trans as well but could the transfercase stand up to 159ftlbs, or 220 with a turbo? Also cant find dimensions. Maybe it won't even fit. any help would be great, Thanks!

You would want to put the whole package in - engine/tranny/tcase(s) to make it run with more reliability. But that means clearing out and building new mounts all around. It will give you a better platform for duel transfer cases. Everything involved will be custom, but that can be a good thing if you are picky about strength. I have been told by friends that used a gas toy motor that it was too much work for too little upgrade, but using the diesel may tip the scales the other way...

fyfer · 06-29-2009, 06:46 PM

Ya, thanks. I found it would only be worth doing it if I had a turbo and the kit is like $1500.
i am now looking at a 4L ranger V6 or the 4.3L vortec from GM. The vortec is like 200hp! That would be cool in the old sammy! any body out there done anything like that?

Billjohn · 06-29-2009, 09:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyfer

Ya, thanks. I found it would only be worth doing it if I had a turbo and the kit is like $1500.
i am now looking at a 4L ranger V6 or the 4.3L vortec from GM. The vortec is like 200hp! That would be cool in the old sammy! any body out there done anything like that?

There is a junk yard in Florida that does the 4.3 conversion. I have seen a few they have done and with the exception of the one that was driven by the owner's kid - they were all trash. In other words, don't get ropped in by them, do it all yourself.

There is alot of fabrication, including wrapping the passenger side exhaust around the front of the motor and down the driver side.

fyfer · 07-04-2009, 03:13 PM

Is that place called Lightning Conversions?

Billjohn · 07-05-2009, 12:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyfer

Is that place called Lightning Conversions?

yup.
A crew of us had to help a guy completely rebuild the rear suspension on one of their 'turn-key' rigs one year at ZookiMelt before it was safe enough to hit the trails...
Got to see some of the scariest welds I had ever seen on that rig.

benstero · 07-14-2009, 06:31 AM

it also depends on how much power you want and what you plan to do with the samurai.

i've seen a couple trucks with the 1.9 TD engine and they were pretty good for rocky trails, not bad in mud once you open the fuel pump too.

the 1.6 16V engine from 96+ sidekicks is a very good mud engine, good horsepower and high rpm capabilities.

but if you wish to run anything bigger than 33" tires, the 4.3 chevy is something to look at as it is a cheaper and easier swap than the other 2 swaps. the 1.9 td requires a lot of different parts(although rocky-road.com has them all written down) and the 1.6 16v has a good amount of wiring to do.

as far as your 3B, i dont know the length of the trans and t-case but im pretty sure you would have to lengthen the frame, you can't really have something longer than the stock drivetrain.
hope all goes fine

fyfer · 07-21-2009, 02:32 PM

what do you think about buying the parts and then doing the conversion my self? was it the parts that were poor quality or just poor workmanship? I don't do anything real crazy with my sammy cuz its in such good shape. Plus I'm only running 31's. Thanks for the input!

Billjohn · 07-21-2009, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fyfer

what do you think about buying the parts and then doing the conversion my self? was it the parts that were poor quality or just poor workmanship? I don't do anything real crazy with my sammy cuz its in such good shape. Plus I'm only running 31's. Thanks for the input!

I understand the parts for the conversion were decent, but the overall workmanship of the turn-key rigs they have done don't have such a great reputation. My point is, don't let them talk you into letting them do the job.

fyfer · 07-27-2009, 03:43 PM

Hey, thanks! I would feel beter doing it myselfe anyways.