2UZ Swap Tacoma Long Term Update, Fuel Mileage and Weight

[@spatton7875]

So I owned an 06' tacoma and an 04' 4runner with the 4.7 at the same time and I have come to the conclusion that Toyota absolutely dropped the ball by not building this truck. Had they made the 2uz available in the tacoma they would have absolutely owned the small truck market. More so than they already did. They would not have been able to make them fast enough. I loved me tacoma but I could get better mileage and far better drivability in the 4runner.

[@freecanadaplease]

This is why I own 1st gen tundras

[@humpday2267]

I also have a first gen tundra. Currently in the process of 4wd swapping it with a j shift t case.

[@ImperatorCaesar22]

They didn’t want the Tacoma to compete with the tundra which is why they didn’t give it a V8 primarily. But the thing is, even if they did give it a V8, the tundra is way larger and higher in payload, and when they gave the tundra the 3ur 5.7, they should’ve put the 4.6 1ur in the Tacoma. If they did that, it wouldn’t have competed at all

[@petepeters5630]

My inspiration! I’ve had a 2007 small cab Taco for a few years and wanted more engine. Bought a 2004 Tundra last week for $1,300 and the project Begins!! Thanks for all the great info.

[@RayRay-pg3fx]

Ian, Thank you for stopping by the Power Probe booth at SEMA. It was great to hear how you use our tools.

[@BigTireGarage]

You bet!

[@mschulz55]

Love the 4.7 swap always thought it would be a sensible swap in an FJ. 18 mpg seems very good I’d be happy

[@mitchellsnider4198]

Very comparable to the mileage I get in my V6 manual FJ, so I agree!

[@pyro323]

Bro that Toyota sounds amazing! I watched your show on Spike TV and it's good to see you're still doing the same stuff!

[@BigTireGarage]

More to come!

[@PaulKaiser42]

Great to have you back! Glad the rig is working so very well👍🏻

[@HighDesertRob]

I just can't even with this truck. So much cool in one package of goodness. LOVE IT!

[@BigTireGarage]

You and me both!

[@jeeplife4209]

Super excited for the LS swap for a JK. I’m currently acquiring parts for an LS swap into my 2door JK. I live only 15 minutes from your shop so you might see it around one day.

[@number1yota]

Humm, looking forward to the LS Swap in the JK. That was a sweet ol Chevrolet as you were pulling out onto the road. Its cool to know that this wasn't just another tv project truck that only looked cool for tv, but is functional and pretty much fully (factory like) functional. Great Job.

[@aaronhendrickson7524]

Ian! I watch you all the time on FourWheeler and didn't know you had a KZbin channel. You are one of my favorites on MotorTrend, I love how you explain and show everything your are doing on whatever you are working on and your craftsmanship is amazing! I'm definitely subscribed now!

[@BigTireGarage]

Wow, thanks! Glad you enjoy the shows....hope you enjoy the channel

[@katreniaclark]

Great to see that you are good. Truck is really nice for a toy.

[@R1j0hn]

Planning on doing this swap to my 2019 4Runner TRD O/R and keeping my auto-trans & manual T-case. Just swapping bell housings. EDIT - Paint that grill surround 040 Super White...!

[@TheGoodTheBadTheRowdy]

Nice build! My son did something similar while working at a junkyard a few years ago while he finished nursing. He swapped a newer 6.2L chevy based v8 into his! Now I am kinda getting that itch! I just imported a series 79 for my ranch in mxo and go back and forth between usa and there, but I had been driving a 2018 Tacoma that is hitting nearly 390k, and I think a v8 swap is in its future!

[@BigTireGarage]

That is awesome!

[@paulki8fr]

Only thing about the timp gage adapter you put in the upper hose is. If the thermostat get stuck close then the engine will over heat and the gage will not show it. That is the only set back with that system. I love you videos thanks so much for doing the work for us to see.

[@lennyross2813]

I feel like a ballerina everytime I watch this show😂 spinny camera thing gotta go! Great build! Love it!

[@adambrown7741]

Sequoia guys and tundra guys running 35s behind their 2uz run 4.88 years. Factory 4.10 is what the first gen sequoias came with, granted about 2k more lbs. so for sure 4.10 to 4.56 would be the sweet spot. Ypur mpg is solid as well. Going to a higher gear ratio, it’ll for sure pick up some highway mpgs!

[@penningtonmetalworks283]

I thought this at first too but, it is a manual vs. an auto trans. Toyota always ran lower gears in an auto than a manual.

[@raullasvegas]

amazing swap! Thats just awesome.

[@overloadOverland]

Us hard core Jeep/classsic VW guys can appreciate Toyotas too can’t we? nice work!! lovin the channel and the icing on the cake is the Canadian origin story. thank you for being you!!

[@BigTireGarage]

Agree...but Yota peeps are more brand loyal than most

[@andrewb8548]

OEM constant pressure clamps cost half as much as those worm gear jobbies that heat cycles are cutting their way through your hoses.

[@coryridder1937]

Long time no see! Super cool that you've got the ol girl up and running. Just got my Roguefab tube bender put together today. Time to start modifying the 95 Toyota pickup!

[@BigTireGarage]

Rock on!

[@earlderksen8998]

Ian I think you made a good choice on your engine swap, sounds good, my cousin and I met you at the four-wheel and off-road jamboree, hope you get back to the jamboree again

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah the jamborees used to be so much fun!!!

[@Dieselnm101]

wow 4k lbs at 18 mpg. The 5 speed manual is definitely doing the most for that 2uzfe. I just hand calculated my 03 GX470 on tiny 32’s at 13.5 mpg. AWD problems 😅. My stock 04 sequoia at best gets 16 mpg.

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for the info!

[@skytiger6671]

Glue the seams on headlights on new ones

[@CB10-6]

My 2001 tacoma double cab V6 gets 18 real world combined mpg, so you’re doing well having more torque. By the way, love your music choice!

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks.....and good to hear

[@stevec5657]

I had a 1st Gen Tundra with that 4.7 and that is a very smooth running V8. From a paint and bodywork perspective, if you decide to paint match the fenders and bed sides, I'd also paint the grill surround. I think it would give the truck an overall cool custom look. Great project btw!

[@BigTireGarage]

I think the plan will be to eventually do a full white respray on the truck...

[@dainperrault585]

This thing is sweet! Can’t wait to see more of this thing!

[@benjimann24]

The new tundra has the twin turbo 3.5 V6, 421 hp or something. I wonder if those turbos could be snagged and put on a 3.5 Tacoma. At least that’s what keeps me up at night…..

[@lennyross2813]

If you plan on going with taller tires … 4.56 might be the wat to go depending on tires size choice. I can foreseee a SAS in the future 😉

[@simbanugz2906]

I second that

[@DurantsGarage]

Ian, when i worked at an off road shop we would run the golden rule, 4:10s for 33s and 4:56s for 35. I drove rigs with both(I'm sure you have too) i found the inline six's really like 456s with 35s.

[@Willytwoscoops]

There are a lot of other factors that got into that, it’s a good rule but 4.10’s won’t be as good for this build. 4.56 are the sweet spot for this build between highway RPM’s and good crawl ratio

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah but the v8 and Manual change everything...

[@Willytwoscoops]

@@BigTireGarage I would say 4.56’s would be better as a lot of the 4R/GX470 guys run 4.56 or even 4.88’s with that engine with autos; add that an 3.91 in FJ’s with 6 speed as well as 3.73 with the Tacoma. I think you’d be happy that combo personally without high RPM’s

[@lyndelllyon754]

Awesome on myself I love the FJ

[@Whiteout71]

Once I duct taped a temp probe to an upper radiator hose to get by

[@BlackAndBlueGarage]

Like/LOVE your long-form sir; however, I know it takes time to produce. -grateful

[@oliverohnemus5791]

If you’re gonna stay with the 35” tires the 4-10’s should be perfect

[@ratfarmers]

Such a sweet rig! The front weight difference between driver and passenger would be totally even if measurements were taken with me in the driver's seat! Hehe

[@jaredc5789]

You should do a Ivan Stewart red orange and yellow paint job or wrap like the old baja Toyotas 👌 and your Toyota is already white with Baja fender flares so it would look sweet.

[@BigTireGarage]

Cool idea

[@jaredc5789]

@@BigTireGarage there was a arcade game with his Toyota on it called Ivan Stewarts super off road. When I was a kid I remember playing it at a local pizza place and there were three steering wheels to race other people and you had to pick up little nitrous bottles for boost 😂

[@BigTireGarage]

I own that game!!!

[@mysmic2]

Yes, complete LS swap video with all the details.

[@mysmic2]

…please

[@BigTireGarage]

Will do!

[@killahjeep]

why not run a scanguage? can also keep an eye on trans and coolant temps and also provides you with the ability to read any codes... simple plug and play to the OBDII port..

[@marcochavanne]

I had a 1999 Land Cruiser 100 series that came with a 2UZ. Ran 35"s and when I swapped to 5.29s mileage went up according to the hand calculator. (It did require using an 80 series rear carrier with the 100 series side gears for anyone curious how I managed that). The engine isn't working as hard with that mechanical advantage. Also picked up 1-2mpg by swapping in 12 Hole injectors. Probably best bang for the buck mod on the whole rig. Used it to tow thousands of pounds of shingles a day when I was a roofing contractor. It was the 4 speed trans so at 70mph RPMs were spinning around 3k. If you do a ton of highway 4.88s may be better, but for off-road and around town the 5.29s are excellent. Those gears with the 3:1 low range transfer case gears would make that thing crawl up anything I pointed it at.

[@marcochavanne]

I'll also add it had the weaker 2 pinion front diff and it never blew up. Never broke a CV either despite flogging on it. With all that gearing you aren't stressing the drivetrain as much or spinning the tires really fast like when most people blow up IFS parts.

[@BigTireGarage]

I have driven it with the 4.56 and it is perfect!!

[@bigchrisb59]

Can't wait for all the new content

[@MrRobertSpearsJr]

Looking great

[@BigTireGarage]

Thank you! Cheers!

[@codybesler1026]

Recent subscriber but watched you for years back on Spike. 😄 Anyway you mentioned that you are contemplating where to go with your next trip. I’d love to see you tackle the Alexander Mackenzie Heritage Trail up in BC. I did it and filmed it in 2019 and will be going again this year. It’s an adventure to say the least. Like you I’m originally from Canada but have lived in the western US since the mid 90’s. Love to overland and/or hard off roading at least once a year up to the great white north.

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for the tip!!!

[@shanewright6958]

It’s a great looking truck 👍👍

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks 👍

[@jonathanmorgan3735]

You were actually leaking blinker fluid!! 😂

[@cliff4695]

Only thing that gauge will tell you is the temp of the radiator, not the engine temp. Engine temp could be 30 degrees higher or more. Lower radiator hose would be more suitable if you want to use that to monitor temps

[@ronaldtrombleyjr.2694]

Was gunna say the same, won’t know engine temp is especially if t stat sticks shut

[@rcmike09]

That's the outlet of the engine, be really close to what is in the engine. The bottom radiator is the inlet to the engine.

[@cliff4695]

@@rcmike09 how can you watch this channel and not know how a cooling system works? FYI, you're totally wrong but I won't roast you to bad for it.

[@BigTireGarage]

Yeah I get that...but this is just to keep an eye on things...TBH...more of a precaution if the engine starts to get really hot.. the guage will tell me no matter where it is. Unless the stat sticks...that is true

[@BruceCookfmx]

Looking forward to the JK LS swap 👍🏻

[@beadblaster9508]

Finally a video. Thanks. Are you going tondo your question answering videos again.

[@BigTireGarage]

More to come!

[@Finksta951]

I love seeing this dude wearing those big ole seeing eye glasses that he's got. I feel like someone should get a caricature drawn and sent to him so he can hang it in his shop.

[@BigTireGarage]

It has been done....man I gotta wear those readers to see...getting old has its downside

[@craighuffman5397]

Can you swap an 04 guage cluster to get the coolant temp guage to work?

[@AustinLWright]

Does the harness issue mean you can’t read the temp from the OBDII? Otherwise seems like a Scangauge III is a better, cleaner option, and would allow you to track a bunch of inputs.

[@BigTireGarage]

I could of yes...but the data going into the ecu in 2004 is limited...and the guage was sitting on the shelf

[@chrisluehmann3094]

I'm getting about 11 mpg from my 2019 Tacoma w/35's and 5.29's so 18 mpg is pretty damn good man. I wonder how hard it would be to swap it.

[@JesseGunzo]

I have my 03 4 door Tacoma that desperately needs 2uz swap. 2uz 5 speed to be exact.

[@snadon75]

Is a solid axle swap in the future? Curious as to what you have planned next for it.

[@build2break]

That’s my guess!

[@genoquichocho3492]

It also could be because your suspension isn't at rest. Lift the control arm at the furthest point to keep the suspension compressed as much as possible.

[@stationarynomad1225]

very cool swap.

[@randy6350]

All I have seen was the very start and this one!

[@relarz]

Oddly enough, i have an 05 prerunner with that 2TR 2.7L 4 banger and I get roughly 19mpg. Would be sick to get that kinda mileage on a V8

[@BigTireGarage]

Yes it is!!!

[@ronthompson2366]

Really enjoyed this. I had not been following this particular build. Glad i came across it, because you stuck with Toyota instead of following the trend and swapping in another brand diesel or gas engine. The Toyota V8 has more than enough "power" and "torque " for the truck. However I am curious if there is any aftermarket performance improvements available for this engine ? Lastly you mentioned the gear ratio. Fully understand that and being able to calculate the tire size and rpm range to determine the best gear ratio... however just out of curiosity. You mentioned you have 35's on it. Would 37 's be able to fit and give any advantages over the 35's ? before calculating for the gear ratio running the 35 inch combination. Always enjoy watching your programs. Have watched you since you first started on television years ago. Always entertaining and insightful and just great projects. Continued success always.

[@BigTireGarage]

The 35's fit the truck really well for what I use it for...I think the 4.56 would be good with 37's I honestly think I will end up back at 4.10

[@ronthompson2366]

Thank you for taking the time to answer. I appreciate that and the information. I enjoy your channel and look forward to seeing what's next.

[@michaellauer3397]

For the corner weight disparity…. Drive on the scales. Dropping ifs on the pads side-loads the scales

[@BigTireGarage]

Good info....I was wondering since I dropped this onto the scales side at a time...I normally drop front and rear at the same time.....good call

[@michaellauer3397]

Yeah it might be interesting to see a re-weigh. May not be as much different, but since there wasn’t an appreciable “cross weight” it may be your issue. Anybody who builds from scratch or completely re-configure the vehicle like you do should be using scales. When I was doing the circle track stuff it was obviously an imperative. But I do wonder if you have actual cross/wedge.

[@blackote]

Love this truck! Have an XRunner myself, and wish I didnt live in Cali so I could do a swap just like this!!!

[@macgyver03ga]

Thanks for the update! I wanna swap a 2uz into a 60 series cruiser. Yes an LS would be easier, but the Toyota purist in me wants to do that swap 😂🤣😂. Btw That track while you’re putting in the temp sensor reminds me of Pretty Lights style.

[@BigTireGarage]

Right on! Yes I think the engine package is perfect for any toyota...I wish there were more stand alone ecu options for it.

[@MyJdray]

If the struts are tacoma specific the driver side is set up higher than the passenger because of 'Taco Lean' Make sure you dont have the wrong side on. I made that mistake once.

[@autotek7930]

There's gotta be a conversion module to make the input and output work together.

[@BigTireGarage]

There might be...but honestly I think the guage is a more acurate way to monitor it

[@JohnDoe-ud2cc]

You should have used a 04 4Runner v8 as a parts truck. The 4Runner is the same platform as the Tacoma and so everything would have been a direct fit

[@BigTireGarage]

Have you tried to buy an 04 V8 4 Runner lately? Could of bought like 9 Tundras

[@trd4x429]

Great video! Can you build a first gen tundra with the second gen tundra engine 5.7 L :)

[@alejandroivanrodriguezzuni2991]

I have a 2011 4cil. Single cab. Will the 4runner set up work on it. Witch year would that be, i should i do the tundra as on video...?

[@dogpotter]

thanks for the update

[@BigTireGarage]

Any time!

[@adventuretrails1ato]

I have a 2002 Toyota Sequoia. I'm looking to put a manual transmission in. Of course I'm around just over 6,000 lb with me in it and full tank of gas. That being said are you happy with your 5 speed manual transmission or , do you wish 6-speed transmission❓ what's you're a transfer case ratio and four wheel low? Factory. And now with the 513 gearing?

[@shawnhaffa7516]

What are you going to do about the rotting out frame???

[@yjsaabman]

Great update thanks Ian! All the integration (except for the coolant temp gauge,) so why is the CEL on? 😉

[@BigTireGarage]

I am fighting a fuel tank pressure sensor issue...To fix it I have to drop the fuel tank

[@yjsaabman]

So nothing related to the swap, then. 👍

[@shaunadams3170]

Just wondering, when you hooked up a scan tool, would it show coolant temp in the live data?

[@nvrenuf_k5933]

I really like the truck but do you have any concerns about the 5spd lasting behind the V8? Do you feel the need to baby it so it lasts?

[@BigTireGarage]

Nope...the adapter is used in Supras feeding the same trans...with ceazy drifting and power adders

[@jeffspangler3422]

Do you think a V8 swap would work in a fifth gen 4runner?

[@94DC]

Curious about this as well

[@BigTireGarage]

That I don't know

[@brad-my2xq]

New frame next video forsure!

[@BigTireGarage]

Done and done

[@MrSkinny602]

17-18mpg is the best your going to get in that v8 if I remember right.

[@TheCheerio27]

You should of used a Scangauge for the coolant temps

[@jakewaters5563]

Are Dual transfer cases and a front locker the big change?

[@BigTireGarage]

Nope...bigger

[@MyLilMule]

I don't want to alarm you, but your check engine light is on. 😉 I'm a Jeep guy, too. But if I had the chance to get a Tacoma, I would.

[@BigTireGarage]

I know, I am chasing a fuel tank pressure sensor issue.

[@kelvinelrick807]

If you haven't already, and maybe I'm blind and haven't seen it, could you show us what did to swap that T case and how you mounted that shift lever? I'd like to put an FJ's or 4 Runner's T case in my taco at some point in the future. Since I like manuals for a reason, I like to control the truck exactly how I want to.

[@BigTireGarage]

It was really just a bolt in set up and then I cut a hole in the floor. Added the boot out of the FJ and that was all

[@illegal_straws]

Ever thought about an r2.8 swapped Tacoma? Seems like the perfect motor for it. Would love to see it done!

[@BigTireGarage]

I would love to do an R2.8 in one of toyota motorhomes

[@illegal_straws]

@@BigTireGarage when are we going to see a sunrader in the shop??

[@blondejon83]

Dude awesome v8 manual taco! I need to build a taco on my yt channel down the road !

[@Evolution8R]

do you have a link for that xcale system? Also how do you like it? Are you going to do a corner balance on the Taco?

[@johnmveres897]

What is the name of the website that you used to fined your donor vehicle for the engine swap thanks

[@BigTireGarage]

I bought my donor car from CoPart

[@johnmveres897]

@@BigTireGarage thanks

[@travislangolf7800]

Crazy swap for you. Volvo t5 In a 99 xj....

[@BigTireGarage]

I have had bad luck with Volvo T5's

[@eduardocortes9118]

Would the swap be easier and same steps(parts) with a 2WD Tacoma? My engine blew and idk if I should just upgrade or stick with same 4cyl

[@BigTireGarage]

Would be same amount of work...

[@forrestmarshall8293]

What brand 5.13 gears were you running when you still had the 4 cylinder. I have 2010 regular cab 4wd tacoma and I'm trying to gear it to handle 35s as well

[@BigTireGarage]

I think I mis remembered....they might be 5.29's....they were from Yukon

[@rayjeep]

Thank you for more longer videos. I realize that shorts are probably easier, but I just won't watch any shorts by any content creator.

[@DaveOfAllMasterOfNone]

What company did you use to make the harness conversion?

[@joeygabriele71]

Nice build, what kind of headlights are those?they look cool

[@hoagiesherlin7732]

Love that truck!!!

[@claytonstallings1514]

I hope its a trd blower

[@tatnuts5156]

Is that hair gel?

[@BlueDually4x4]

V8 truck with 35s and under 4k pounds sounds like an awesome package. Not real sure what you could do to make it better.

[@BigTireGarage]

I have a couple of ideas!!

[@geo.gastaneta4122]

Hello Bro. I have an 89 4runner going 1UZ . How did you prime the oil in the engine?

[@BigTireGarage]

Prime how? For initial start up? I don't prime engines unless I rebuild them and they are "dry" just changing the oil pan I don't think needs o be primed....it really is no difference than doing an oil change

[@stevemccollam1805]

For the coolant gauge issue…could you swap in a cluster from an ‘05 Tacoma?

[@BigTireGarage]

They are totally different designs

[@d.collier_8280]

I Would like to have a rig just like it…

[@kevinprice2141]

Could you pull an ‘04 temp gauge and swap it into the Tacoma cluster?

[@BigTireGarage]

Cluster in the 05 is a completely different design than the 04

[@frankthetank7680]

What about a 5.7L Tundra engine swapped in a 14 Tacoma 4x4?

[@BigTireGarage]

I think they 14 may have a few "nanny" settings in the ECU that might make that hard

[@frankthetank7680]

@ dang, that really sucks lol. I’m wanting to drop a V8 in my Tacoma and start playing with it. But, if there are “many” issues as you referenced then, I guess my best option is to turbo the 4.0 that’s in it.

[@digitalgavakie]

Any updates on the Comanche?

[@BigTireGarage]

Its being worked on..we are filming it for a build series that we are working on right now

[@kbakeritsallaboutnobody.5761]

What's up with the check engine light being on? Does it pass inspection?

[@BigTireGarage]

We don't have inspections...I am chasing a bad fual tank pressure sensor issue...but I have to drop the tank, or pull the bed to fix it...so it can wait until my next big job (where the bed will be coming off)

[@kbakeritsallaboutnobody.5761]

@@BigTireGarage Awesome! Here in Texas they're finally doing away with inspections.

[@gregborbidge4058]

What do you have running on your phone while doing the headlights hi from Australia

[@BigTireGarage]

I think at that point it was Street Outlaws

[@gregborbidge4058]

LOL double tasking love your work

[@BigTireGarage]

Its either TV or Podcasts