cdre
Need a Spot
Reged: 01/15/06
Posts: 5
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So here's the plan. I currently live in Japan (US Navy), and I just started exporting diesel Hilux Surfs (4runners) and diesel engines to my Dad in Belize (Central America) to sell. Since I can get the Surf's all day long but pickups are rare, I came up with a new project truck to drive when I get there in December. In Phoenix, I want to buy a 2wd '90-'95 pickup with a good or bad 22re (makes no difference). I'll tow the project truck down to Belize, where I will do the work. I can get all the parts I need for a swap from donors here in Japan. The idea is to swap in the complete 3L drivetrain. That info has been pretty well covered in other forums and threads, but I need to know what parts will be needed for the 4x4 conversion? I assume I should be able to cut the hangers off the rear springs (of the donor) to ensure all rear-end components are included.
On the front end, should it be a bolt on affair? I am thinking I will just cut the frame of the donor and ship everything, but when it comes to the actual swap, will I need to do any welding, or will wrenches handle the job?
Anyone know of any trucks in Phoenix that are good candidates for this project? Obviously I would prefer 4wd with a bad engine. Body condition is irrelevant as I can get all replacement parts here in Japan cheap.
Thanks!
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RatLabGuy
Rock Warrior
Reged: 09/26/05
Posts: 970
Loc: Winston-Salem NC
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I am curious - why not just ain to start with a 4wd truck bought in Phoneix? At least around here, 4x4s are more common than 4x2s and can be bought anywhere.
Also curious - how long does it take to drive/tow to Beleze?
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With 200+ Billion electrical parts, the world most complicated machine is inside your own skull.
Question Reality.
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'89 Rnr DLX "SR4.5", 32s w/ 5.29 locked f/r blah blah
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trythis
Mudrunner
Reged: 12/18/05
Posts: 297
Loc: St Louis
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and why arent you shipping us these nice diesel clips?
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Sold Truck: 89 DLX extra cab 4x4 22re Automatic/ New truck 97 T100 4x4 auto Sr5
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Staceman
Body Damage is Cool
Reged: 09/30/03
Posts: 1684
Loc: Phoenix, Az
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Or just do a body swap. Put the pickup body/bed on the 4x4 frame and be done with it???
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85 4Runner - With NEW Marlin 4.7 Gears!! It's a whole new beast!
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Andy87
Wheeler
Reged: 04/10/05
Posts: 107
Loc: Kings Beach, CA
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It is much much easier to find a 4cyl 2wd than a 4wd (especially Xtra cab), and the diesel will bolt right in to the 4cyl frame. If one wants to do a SAS eventually anyway, it's probably easier just to start with the 2wd (not speaking for cdre, but an educated guess). My truck is mostly for on-road snow driving, and I found a 4wd V6 truck with a weak engine, so I'm going through all the motor mount and driveline hassles to get the diesel in, because I want the IFS. Otherwise, I would've just found a 2wd 4cyl as well.
I second the motion about importing the diesels to the states. If you can do nothing more than import 3L engines and associated bellhousings, there'd be plenty of people wanting to convert. In fact, I'd commit to a 3L right now... I have a bell already, and my '87 would love to get a diesel along with the '92. At least stick a couple in the bed of your converted truck when you drive back up to the states!
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'87 Xtra Cab, 4wd, 22r, 5spd
'92 Xtra Cab, 4wd, 2L-TE diesel swap, 5spd
http://toyotadiesel.com/forums/showthread.php?t=2502
Edited by Andy87 (08/31/06 02:31 PM)
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Brian894X4
Trail Leader
Reged: 05/14/01
Posts: 6767
Loc: Gresham, Oregon
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I'm a little bit confused about what you're doing, but it sounds interesting. Diesel Toyota pick-ups are sold in Belize, so I guess I'm not sure why you can't find one. In fact, you can get a lot better EFI diesel with more power and effeciency than the 3L down there.
While you're in Japan, you may want to look at the Land Cruisers also. Espeically the 4 door prados and 70 series. Lots of good stuff and drivetrains over there.
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My Toyota/Expedition Website
Foreign & Military Toyotas - Expedition 4x4s
Our historical explorations & much more
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cdre
Need a Spot
Reged: 01/15/06
Posts: 5
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The Hilux sold down in Belize is incredibly expensive. This is why it is cost effective for me to export trucks from Japan to sell in Belize. It would be much more cost effective for me to buy an engine-less truck in the states and install a diesel drivetrain that will cost me around $1200. Since I am already shipping engines and such, doesnt cost me to throw an extra in for my own project. Same for the front & rear susp. Shipping a whole frame would take a bit more space than I am willing to give up to profitable inventory. Hence my desire to convert using shipped suspension parts.
Reason I am thinking of doing the 2 to 4 conversion is because my buddy has a 2WD I can pretty much have for free. If I can find a very cheap 4x4, I would probably jump on that.
From Phoenix, its about 5 days drive to get to Belize including time spent at N & S borders of Mexico.
If I had a facility where I could unload/store/crate engines in the US, I could definitely ship a 20' container of engines... Unfortunately, being in Japan I would not be able to manage such a facility and the associated overhead.
Keep the suggestions coming!
Edited by cdre (09/01/06 03:54 AM)
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10_35lookoutbelow
Getting the Wheeling Fever
Reged: 04/26/06
Posts: 55
Loc: Ontario, Canada
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Sounds like a cool idea!
Your right about the price of trucks in central america! Its rediculous, but still I cant believe all the beautiful trucks on the road down there, where does the money to buy these rigs come from?
I feel bad for you boys south of the border looking at the diesel toys. Going about the swap seems to be expensive and time consuming. If its 15 yrs or older and can comply with cdn standards your ok to import a complete vehicle here!!
In your case cdre if you were living in Japan for more than 6 months and owned the vehicle for 6 months (and it complied with standards) you could import any JDM vehicle to Canada.
I guess that your gov't dosent like the RHD idea. or the ***** one for that matter, everybody should just buy a big 2 (-daimler) brand, be done with all this crackerjack box diesel business, and keep on keepin on OPEC.
Its right on that some dudes are going about the swap though! Way to find a loop hole in the system!
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Theresa the Toyota Terror-89 Toyota P/U (3.0L SR5, 5sp swapped in from auto, 3"B.L., 32X11.5X15 MT/R, 2.5" stainless magnaflow catback exhaust, leaky floor with cold draft @feet, FUBAR comptron now in glovebox)
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bloodbath4runner
Mudrunner
Reged: 08/05/05
Posts: 479
Loc: Tokyo, Japan
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Man, I was just 2 weeks ago searching boneyards around Tokyo for hilux and surf parts. As I guess you know, you gotta get them before they make it to the salvage yard.
I was considering doing the same thing, but only being in Japan part-time, I don't really have the time. I know people 'round here would love to get clinometers.
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You know you're in for a rough night at sea when the barometer does this:
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