Greetings! I’m excited to document my 2RZ engine swap project into my recently acquired 1984 Toyota Pickup. Finding up-to-date information on this specific swap proved challenging, so I hope this detailed guide will be beneficial for others embarking on a similar journey.
While my past projects have largely revolved around motorcycles, my history with Toyotas runs deep. I fondly remember owning a 1986 4Runner, followed by a 2004 Tacoma and then a 2009 Tacoma, before eventually transitioning to a newer Tundra. Despite these upgrades, the ’86 4Runner, with its completely manual features, always held a special place in my heart. Growing up riding in similar trucks with my father instilled a sense of nostalgia and appreciation for these robust vehicles.
The 1984 Pickup I purchased is definitely a project – it’s in need of comprehensive restoration. Here’s a snapshot of its initial condition:
Let’s delve into the key decisions and components of this project:
Engine Selection for the 1984 Toyota Pickup
Originally, this 1984 Toyota Pickup came equipped with a 22R engine. However, I opted against reusing it for several compelling reasons:
- Severe Cylinder Pitting: The truck had been sitting idle in a barn for years, resulting in significant pitting within the cylinder walls.
- Modified and Incomplete Head: The cylinder head had been rebuilt but showed signs of modification and was missing crucial components, including the carburetor.
- Carburetor Aversion: My previous vehicle experience has been primarily with fuel-injected engines. While I considered tackling a carburetor system if the truck had been more complete, the missing parts made it less appealing.
Considering engine replacement options, I narrowed it down to either a 2RZ or 3RZ engine. My positive experience helping a family member purchase a 2000 4Runner (powered by a 3RZ-FE with a 5-speed manual, 2WD) highlighted the smooth and responsive nature of this drivetrain. Given that my pickup was originally designed for a 4-cylinder engine, choosing a 2RZ or 3RZ seemed like a logical approach, potentially simplifying engine mounting and overall compatibility.
I managed to find a 1996 2RZ-FE engine on Facebook Marketplace for $800, which included parts of the wiring harness and the Engine Control Unit (ECU). In retrospect, I learned a valuable lesson. Numerous complete parts trucks were available in the $1000 – $2000 price range, which would have likely provided a more comprehensive set of parts and potentially been more cost-effective in the long run. However, the advantage of purchasing the standalone 2RZ engine was the opportunity to witness it running and revving before removal, ensuring its basic functionality.
Before installing the 2RZ engine into the 1984 Toyota Pickup, I addressed some preventative maintenance and upgrades, including:
- Fuel Filter (RockAuto): Ensuring clean fuel delivery to the new engine.
- OEM Oil Pan Kit (ChillKat): Including pan, block-off plate, dipstick, and pickup tube for optimal oil management.
- Motor Mounts (Chillkat): Specifically designed for 2RZ and 3RZ engine swaps into older Toyota pickups.
- Distributor Cap and Rotor (RockAuto): Replacing standard ignition components for reliable spark delivery.
- Spark Plugs and Wires (RockAuto): Essential for optimal combustion and engine performance.
- Exhaust Header (RockAuto): Initially chosen for cost-effectiveness, but the poor quality led to ordering an OEM header from a later 2/3RZ model (17141-75080).
- Valve Cover Gasket + Grommets (RockAuto): Preventing oil leaks from the valve cover.
- Thermostat + Gaskets (RockAuto): Maintaining proper engine temperature regulation.
- Accessory Belts and Idler Pulleys (RockAuto): Ensuring reliable operation of engine accessories.
- Motor Mount Rubbers (RockAuto): While these felt potentially low quality, they were initially installed.
- 5VZ-FE Airbox (eBay): Upgrading to a larger airbox for improved airflow, sourced affordably from eBay.
- Water Pump (Aisin/RockAuto): Replacing the water pump with a high-quality Aisin unit to ensure reliable coolant circulation.
Pending Engine Components:
- Exhaust Heat Shield: Planning to source an OEM heat shield (17167-75100) from a later model engine for proper heat management.
- Rear Main Seal: The seal is on hand, and replacement will be attempted with the engine in the truck, a task I will be tackling soon.
Transmission Considerations for the 1984 Toyota Pickup
Reinforcing the “basket case” description of this project, the truck came with a manual W56 4WD transmission featuring a “forward shifter case.” According to Marlin Crawler (RIP), the 1984 model year was originally equipped with a G52 transmission. However, with expert help, the existing transmission was identified as the more robust W56. To mate the 2RZ engine to the W56 transmission, I acquired a W59 bellhousing, sourced through online Toyota enthusiast groups, facilitating the engine and transmission connection.
Additional Parts Acquired (Yet to be Installed):
- Clutch Kit: Purchased for a ’96 Tacoma (originally equipped with an R150F), raising concerns about potential incompatibility with the W56 transmission. Further investigation will be needed to confirm compatibility.
- Slave Cylinder: A new slave cylinder for the clutch hydraulic system.
- Flywheel: A new flywheel to ensure proper clutch engagement.
Fuel System Upgrade for EFI Conversion in the 1984 Toyota Pickup
To accommodate the higher fuel pressure requirements of the EFI system on the 2RZ engine, I purchased a “Spectra Premium TO10B” fuel tank designed for a 1987 Toyota Pickup (with a 22R-E engine) from RockAuto. The original 1984 fuel tank and lines were not designed for EFI pressures. This 1987 tank is expected to be compatible with the frame of the 1984 Pickup. This fuel system upgrade, including the tank, pump, and hanger assembly, represented a significant investment in the project. Installation of the new fuel tank and the setup of the fuel lines are tasks yet to be completed.
Electrical Wiring and Harness Integration for the 1984 Toyota Pickup
To simplify the electrical wiring aspect of the 2RZ engine swap, I acquired a parts truck: a single-cab, 1996 Toyota Tacoma 2WD, also equipped with a 2RZ-FE engine (distributor-type). While the parts truck lacked a title and had a severely rusted frame, it was drivable. The primary goal was to harvest the complete wiring harness from this parts truck and transplant it into the 1984 Pickup.
Currently, I am focused on transferring the wiring harness from the parts truck to my project. Having a complete donor harness has proven invaluable, as attempting to merge the wiring of the 1984 Pickup with the 1996 engine harness would have been significantly more complex and time-consuming. While some individuals have successfully utilized wiring diagrams to integrate different harnesses, the “lift and shift” approach with a complete donor harness seemed like the most efficient strategy for this project.
Here is the chosen point for routing the 2RZ wiring harness through the firewall of the 1984 Pickup. This location was selected as the only flat area that avoided interference with the evaporator box (a later addition, as my ’84 originally lacked factory air conditioning).
Firewall penetration point for the 2RZ engine wiring harness in the 1984 Toyota Pickup.
This marks the current stage of the 1984 Toyota Pickup 2RZ engine swap project. Stay tuned for further updates as the build progresses!
