Swapping a Jeep Motor into a Toyota Pickup!

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Join me as I take on the wildest engine swap ever: Together with Off Road TV Host Ian Johnson from ‪@BigTireGarage‬ we swapped the most hated Jeep motor, the 3.8L V6 from a 2008 Wrangler JK, into my beloved 1981 Toyota Pickup named Sushi!
Will it be a disaster or a masterpiece? Find out in this epic adventure!
#toyotapickup4x4 #JeepEngineSwap #WorstEngineSwap #OffRoad #CarMods
Thumbnail Jeep photo by Quadratec

[@MischiefMakerTV]

Considering Marvin also has a very unpopular Hemi in the Jeepster, this move makes perfect sense 😂. That said, I think the 3.8l is perfect for this rig and while forced induction seems to be a disaster with the 3.6, the 3.8 seems to be fine with it - so that’s always an option. Overall, I think it’s a good choice and more Toyota owners ships do the same 😝.

[@thomasleonard9685]

215 horse in that toy will feel like a rocket ship. Probably $10 per horse, not counting shop time. That’s not a bad upgrade plan. And for the ones that don’t like it? Oh well. Marvin also has the option to squeezed a charger in to really kick the ponies up. But any upgrade over the 17 hp the 20r has will make it great

[@max7143]

The 3.8L is not a Pentastar.

[@RedRabbit4230]

​@max7143 a lot of ppl I know here in the south are either going with 4.3's or ful v8 350 or larger.

[@RedRabbit4230]

I just wished I was able to get help getting my 86 Yota up and going. I'm a veteran that became disabled 3.5 years ago.. I'm on a limited income and have limited mobility. I've only asked to get help getting it up and going like I'd want it. I'd let WHOM EVER HELPED ME GET IT UP AND GOING PROPERLY PUT THERE LOGO STICKES ON THE WINDOWS OR I CAN PUT THEM ON ATFER THE PAINT JOB IS COMPLETE. MY BROTHER IN TX IS GOING TO DO MY 1 OFF PAINT JOB. MY BROTHER, PAUL HARRIS MILLER. LOVE YOU MY BROTHER...

[@97_shitbox_tj]

I felt like I woke up early to watch PowerBlock again! Looks good guy’s!

[@SanshokuCustoms]

Ian Johnson made a part of my life I think I’ve watch all episodes of extreme 4x4 in early 2000s

[@BigTireGarage]

Thanks for watching

[@SanshokuCustoms]

@@BigTireGarage big time bro

[@cesargonzalez-ey4ci]

There is so many engines that could have replaced the 20R to consider how reliable they are, really disappointed on seeing them use a 3.8 jeep trash engine on a Toyota. Toyota has really good alternatives that could have gone in this truck and made more power like the 2JZ. Even if a 4.0 straight 6 from a jeep I would kinda be ok since they seem to be reliable but not this 3.8. Won’t surprise me if they have to swap again later on.

[@VTOffRoadAdventures]

Basically anything but a jeep engine would be a better option.

[@ryurc3033]

Agree completely. Underpowered, and sadly unreliable. If it's not head gaskets that go bad, it will be knocking in no time.

[@ivanfromtheeast4709]

@@ryurc3033underpowered yet it has 3x the power of the old engine?

[@84yoda4x4]

I'm a toyota guy and not upset at all. I'd rather see unique engine swaps than the played out LS swap any day.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Great to hear bud! We need to link up again and wheel once this thing is dialed in

[@RedRabbit4230]

@84yoda4x4 I'm a Yota/Chevy person as well. What would you think of a Yota and a 383 or 318 crossover. Both being Chrysler motors???

[@Scottydoing]

Same always wanna see what fits

[@caseyh7826]

I'm just glad it's not another LS swap lol.

[@BigTireGarage]

That was on Marvin's list...I said no!!

[@TheAndrewBailey]

I had such a great time hanging with you guys and I still think you are crazy for this swap I knew with Ian on the job it would be done and actually work. Can't wait to hit the trails with you again soon.

[@christopherjb274]

I know im in the minority here, but i dont think the 3.8 is a bad engine. If the early jeep jks had a better transmission then i doubt the 3.8 would have half the hate it gets. I had a 2 door rubicon on 37s. With 5.13s it was more than adequate. Proper gearing goes a long way. I hope this swap works out. I think the 3.8 deserves more credit

[@dustinadams6336]

Agree, I’d take the 3.8 over the 3.6

[@dualsportrider3221]

3.8 over 3.6 any day

[@DownNDirty_OffRoad]

Great to see Ian and Andrew again!! This is probably going to piss a lot of people off!!🤣 Can’t wait to go wheeling with you and sushi!!😃

[@joshuajohnson4800]

Ian Johnson just makes everything look so effortless. I dig the odd ball swap.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

No joke! He really does

[@Grandpa1422]

Ian is such a great person. I think you should get Bleepin Jeep and a bunch of your buddies to get together and help Ian finally finish his Comanche

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

That would be cool but I can’t imagine we’d be of much help. That’s a personal project for him. He wouldn’t want someone else’s work on it.

[@RedRabbit4230]

@FlexRocksRollovers I got a little confused as 2 weather you were speaking of me.I actually WOULD LOVE 4 SOMEONE LIKE YOU BUNCH OF GUYS TO DO SOMETHING LIKE THAT 4 ME. THE SUSPENSION/DRIVETRAIN GIVING BODY A SLIGHT LIFT I GUESS. Do an S.A.S. WITH 6-8" OR MORE LIFT. The ONLY thing I won't let anyone else do is the paint job. My brother asked if I'd bring the truck to him in TX. FROM AL. And I told him MY BROTHER THE PAINT JOB IS YOURS. BESIDES I love watching you guys with your builds and stuff on the videos...

[@billjcanada]

Ian is a genius when building rigs. If I could afford it, I would hand him the keys to my JK and tell him to have fun.

[@RedRabbit4230]

@@billjcanada WHO WOULDN'T

[@markdavenport8202]

I’m sorry about the loss of your family members brother! Prayers for you guys!

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Thank you 🙏

[@TheSlothJK]

If you make a Toyota Jeep truck with the 3.8 engine shirt. Count me in for one 😎

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Haha good idea 😂🤘

[@danielirias7515]

Sushi is going to be sashimi over rocks now! Bad as build🔥🔥🔥🔥

[@UrbanOpsOffRoad]

Hell yeah dude! Keep up the good work.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Thanks bud!!! 🤘

[@JRs-Garage]

Marvin it’s your truck you do exactly whatever you want! I’ve always liked LC engineering stuff for my yota’s but it’s expensive , sooooo i totally agree with your reasoning because your swap is dirt cheap and anything else would have cost a fortune 🤷🏼‍♂️ Great job! I’m excited to see how it does off road!👍🏻😁

[@4wdtennessee459]

Glad to see you have a new video out.

[@daughertypb3663]

Sorry about your grandmothers. This video has me seeing Ian in a better light...very knowledgeable, helpful, and chill. Keep up the good work. 😎👍

[@LebMotorsports]

I am happy with my 3.8 on 37s. Reliable engine

[@StormbornJKU]

I love my 3.8 in my JK. Idk why people hate it. Because it’s underpowered? Ok, but it’s reliable. Much better then dealing with the electrical issues and oil cooler issues and rockers and lifters issues the 3.6 has. Super cool to see it in the Toyota. Look forward to seeing it actually get finished!

[@bryanomicioli3301]

They’re slugs, I’d definitely keep fixing a 3.6 over an underpowered 3.8

[@ryurc3033]

Reliable? As a mechanic, I have to disagree. Maybe yours was assembled on Wednesday.....but I've dealt with several turd 3.8s....one specifically that soured me on 3.8 for good. 2008 jeep Wrangler, customer bought it, and it blew up (rod knock)on the way home. Dealership agreed to pay for the motor since he just bought it, but he wanted our shop to install it. Rebuilt motor from a "reputable" engine supplier. Valve spring broke in 200 miles, valve hit piston, another ruined motor. Sent us a warranty motor, rebuilt and fresh, and the head gasket leaking within a month. Less than 3000 miles, got money back, bought another engine from another supplier, didn't make it 6 months. I don't know what happened after that because I was done trying to get a good motor.

[@Stuka87]

@@ryurc3033 I bought an '08 Wrangler new, daily drove it for 9 years and the only issue was a small crack in one of the exhaust manifolds that took me about an hour to fix. I still know people that drive them with over 200k miles, and they still run fine, they are just so very underpowered for a 4dr.

[@StormbornJKU]

@@bryanomicioli3301 to each their own.

[@StormbornJKU]

@@ryurc3033 sounds like a lot of bad luck.i haven’t had any issues whatsoever and hope to continue to have none.

[@OntarioFreshwaterFishing]

I’ve heard good things about the 3.8. It’s gutless and burns oil but lasts. That’s what the common consensus about it is. The 3.6 is the hated one, it’s the one everyone blows up.. which funny enough my 2012 jk just hit 200k and is only 40k short of having the same mileage as my 03 TJ on tons.

[@dualsportrider3221]

Most hated? It's like 2000x better than a 3.6l. They don't fall apart, or throw rods when ur buddy next to u drive through a puddle and some mist goes in ur air filter.

[@abnpthfdr2934]

A few minutes into the video and already know I'm loving this video. I drive a '09 JK, so I've got one of those "shitty engines" too!!! It has treated me fairly good so far...

[@harryamesserschmidtjr3986]

Awesome episode can't wait to see to it hit the trails

[@jackstandjeeper]

Been waiting for this video!

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Let’s upset the internet in 3. 2. 1. 🤣

[@jackstandjeeper]

@@FlexRocksRollovers lol I call mine a 3.great, not enough power for my 43s but I can't kill it. I may throw a turbo at it soon 👀

[@cadilakisrodcustom]

I love seeing sushi back on the channel, and you have the greatest 4x4 builder helping you out.. this is such a cool project!

[@BigTireGarage]

It really is such a great engine in the yota...couple odds and ends...but its gonna be awesome!!!

[@cadilakisrodcustom]

@BigTireGarage im excited to see how it does! As a toyota owner I'm always curious as to what motor swaps people are doing that are outside the norm.

[@esti5506]

That wheel/tire combo looks perfect on ur truck.

[@harryamesserschmidtjr3986]

Good Morning Flex Rocks and Roll Over family

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Good morning bud! Great to see you on here right away🤘🤘

[@AmethystZJ]

at least its a power upgrade

[@firstwordcar]

This is actually a good choice, although not the cheapest or most popular. Every parts store is going to have parts for the motor and plenty of aftermarket support. The 3.8 is actually a pretty good motor if maintained well with a good cooling system. No TIPM issues and camshaft/rocker issues like a 3.6 to deal with either. And in my opinion they sound great compared to the 3.6 that sounds like a 350Z haha Excited to see what you do with it on the trails. 🎉 RIP to your grandma’s, my condolences

[@BigTireGarage]

It really is a pretty cheap engine...I have 3 "in stock"

[@firstwordcar]

@@BigTireGarage I’ve only ever swapped them into JKs that needed new ones haha I just assume the harness, gauges, fabrication materials/time would add up compared to a more common swap. Either way swaps have a way of eating more money than you expect in areas you didn’t expect haha

[@BigTireGarage]

True...everyone forgets about the "real" cost of a swap

[@zomic5438]

What a dope video, seeing my favorite offroad youtuber and an icon that inspired me growing up. Dale yeah, Sushi looking good.

[@Trump2024M]

Love the new jeep😅😊😊

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

😂

[@TheMrhick92]

Well you have outdone me just putting a jeep badge and a jeep banner on my 4runner

[@blakemcdowell5986]

That’s an awesome swap. Can’t wait to see sushi on the trails. Sorry for your loss. I hope your trip to Germany goes well.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Thanks bud!

[@merlinsopenroadtherapy2641]

Love the new Jeeyota..

[@Dayforitaus]

Awesome, what unique rig! Kinda sounds like a Toyota with that V6 anyway.

[@Overlander4wd]

Sickk!!! 🔥🔥🤘

[@law1143]

sorry bout you and Courtney's loss. one of the best things about off-roading is the community. Good to have friends to help out with builds and loaner rides and such!

[@angelmvniz]

I love it! On a Sunday morning….. 😊 blessings Marv

[@TomSmith-nx3hx]

Very cool swap. That should get rid of those stumbles. Thank you for sharing, and above all, sorry for your loss.

[@allanalvarez4520]

Hell yeah dude 🤟🏼 sushi is coming to CR

[@Rockrat426]

Sorry for the loss,safe travels

[@MooreFabWorks]

Love stuff like this!! Their was a toyota with the jeep 4.0 in it. Did amazing!

[@NoClucksGiven]

I want to take my OG 3.8 07 wrangler wheeling with Shushi when y'all go!!! I'm just around the corner from Ian's shop.

[@Rockrat426]

Hello Ian and Andrew,Marvin it's great to see a new post man

[@ozboy8144]

Awesome to see sushi getting some well-needed upgrades. Question with all that added torque is it common to run an anti-rap bar?

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Absolutely! That’s going to be added next.

[@PonkyKong]

Would have used an inline 6 BMW motor with ITBs. Naturally aspirated.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Great engine for sure

[@hendrixherrin4187]

Sweet upgrades, you should defiantly throw 35s/37s on it now

[@jamesloughran7278]

Sorry for your loss Marvin.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Thank you 🙏

[@ronnycox27]

As an owner of an 85 Toyota 4x4 I want to be offended, but I think it’s a great choice 😅

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Yay! Someone is with me on this 😂🤘

[@donniehunter309]

Great idea, paing homage in a way to the OGs. 3.8 swaps in Toys were all the rage at one time, only they were GM motors then. You are gonna enjoy it.😎

[@trailbandit_]

Honestly for the placement of the bellhousing bolts on the 3.8L up top on my 09 JK, you will appreciate later having some space towards the firewall as well in the future 😂👍

[@Uk-tj]

Whole lotta salt in here 😂

[@glennhobbs59]

That’s cool good luck with that 3.8L 😬

[@Daniel-vw3vr]

This hurts my heart...but at the same time different is good😂

[@errickson_adventures]

So awesome to see this process and watch it come to life

[@GonzoOffRoad]

Since I am a Jeep Guy, I approve this Swap - Love the Toyota Marvin. Keep up the great work sir....

[@notoriousthelj]

Rotha, more important, Sorry about your's and Courtney's loss! Much prayer's brotha! Looking forward to seeing Sushi out on the trails!! Will Sushi be at Trail Hero? Safe travels!

[@coltbuildsit]

Because this motor destroys every vehicle purists heart..I definitely approve!! Bwahahaha

[@christopherthompson4359]

I have always loved those old Toyotas and so glad you all went away from the norm and didn't small block chevy/ LS swap . Sushi is gonna be a really fun little truck now.

[@squxshyy]

i daily a 2007 jeep jku with the 3.8l v6. It is really reliable 134k miles no leaks no engine issues. A pedal commander takes out the throttle lag.

[@max7143]

134k, Toyota, “Hold my beer.”

[@donaldhalls2189]

I have a Toyota twin cab 89 model, with a GM Holden 4.2L ,(253) V8 with leaf springs all round, went well, thanks for sharing, all the best to yous and your loved ones

[@HardcountsAdventures]

I have an old Toyota that I need a new motor for so these videos are good for inspiration, thanks.

[@kirksoutdooradventures]

I have a 93 toyota with blown motor and a 99 jeep xj with rust problems. It has been on my mind for over a year that I want to drop the 4.0 in the toyota. This was interesting for me to see the jeep motor swap. Just wish it was the 4.0 you had put in yours. Can't wait to see it in action!

[@bushjeeps]

Sorry for both of your families losses. Really dig the engine swap. It's different so why not.

[@Scottydoing]

As a Toyota guy this is blasphemy... But as a shitdisturber this is perfection 😂

[@yjsaabman]

I love this! And far better the 3.8L that makes some low end torque vs the 3.6L. The 3.8L is dirt cheap, reliable, narrower than the OHC engine, etc.

[@joshtoth2541]

Gonna have to rename it Susheep.

[@user-rf1vn6se5q]

Power is adequate in a 2 door jk with 37s and 4.88 gears. Its also easy to maintain and its reliable. I dont understand why people hate on it so much.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

And now imagine it in a 3000 lbs truck with a 6 speed and a 4:1 case ✅

[@gwood69]

Honestly in the taco platform I think that engine works out well. Just make sure to keep oil in it. Like literally carry 2 qts at all times lol she’ll go empty outta no where

[@matty86suk]

Once you fix all the oil leaks the 3.8 isnt horrible, the JK is just heavy AF, should do well in a lighter rig.

[@JBarnes917]

Toyota guys pissed off… Jeep guys pissed off…. Everyone pissed off

[@keithcrum2310]

IT'S a great move installing the 3.8 especially the way you guys are doing it. The down fall on the 3.8 is that it uses oil and burns oil so watch your oil level. Great job again Marvin.

[@thomasleonard9685]

Marvin is probably decent about maintaining and watching his rig - he’ll notice a spot on the floor or a dry dipstick

[@tom_marning]

If you put the rear leaf springs in the front with 2” extended shackles will give you 2” more of diffpush on top of what you have very common modification in Australia

[@sherylryan7038]

In Australia 3.8 lt chev v6 swap into early hilux,s very popular thousand been done at least nice power best conversion I have been in a 3lt nissan straight 6 into identical truck to yours twin lockers and very capable😊

[@robertwood7208]

Simple, cheap, and easy to maintain. While it does suck in auto form on a JKU with 37s, I imagine it would be much more fun in a lightweight rig.

[@lesheath6216]

Ive been contemplating this swap into my Isuzu Rodeo. After seeing y'all do the swap i think its the right way to go

[@BigTireGarage]

Asside from the oil pan issue...it was easy peasy

[@ToyotaWorldRunners]

She's a real California Roll now!

[@RustyJeepHole]

Love it

[@MrMrsregor]

So, does it drive like a jeep or drive like a Toyota Or, drive like a jee-yota or drive like a toy-jeep ?

[@Gunmetalbluejeeptjs]

🔥🔥🔥

[@chris1293]

I have the 3.8L, manual with a Ripp SC and it’s been great in my JKUR

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Once I got this setup all figured out and working and I got some seat time in it, I’m definitely consider supercharging it too

[@LebMotorsports]

Did u upgrade the engine internals?

[@chris1293]

@@LebMotorsports my engine is all stock.

[@thehouseman81]

Most hated?! Never heard of the 2.4L? Dauntless V6? Renox motors? Or just no one know of anything before the internet?

[@covewater]

I loved my 4.0 straight 6 in my xj

[@bobbymenefee7591]

Like Gas Monkey Garage when the cameras turn off, the car fairys come out of the woodwork to finish their projects.

[@MooreFabWorks]

Kinda want to donit now. Lol

[@leokarasinski4217]

The 3.8 in everything but the jk was as reliable as the most reliable. That's a heavy ass vehicle to move around.. the jk that is. It's under powered in the jk. In this case, it should be perfect.

[@joshslackslack8115]

Everything you take out of the truck should rebuild it and build a one-seater Rock crawler buggy like a sxs but Toyota axles motor transmission and transfer case you can get a crawler box and more for the buggy it would be a cool project and a very small rig

[@johnhollis2565]

Marvin, I couldn’t tell what name the paint is. Can I get a link or where to buy it. Also what’s the name again? Thanks

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Seymour Paint “Big Rig” 🤘

[@RJayRabbit]

So use a Jeep engine in a Yota and piss off all the Yota heads? Love it lol😂 Use the worst engine Jeep ever made and have Jeep people like wutttttt lol😂 Yep love it. Let’s see how she go!

[@phillipredfern6461]

Throw a 1" body lift under it to fit everything without cutting the cab up. Later replace the body lift with new fabricated body mounts. Just my opinion.

[@BIGFOOTJEEPER92]

I built 4 Comanche’s before you finished yours come on dude lol am in the middle of a ls swap and crewmanche build am working on now lol

[@BigTireGarage]

Love it...in my defense I have built 10 other off road vehicles..

[@BIGFOOTJEEPER92]

@@BigTireGarage yea I know I have watched a few always wondered about the Mj but it’s ok I do the same thing lol

[@TheSlothJK]

Here I’ll say it… the 3.8 is a reliable engine and strong enough for rock crawling 🍻

[@scottmorgan2239]

That’s a good swap for that truck. Not that there’s anything wrong with a toy 20 engine but when they tore out they’re toast. Same as any engine but I think those were underpowered to begin with. I can’t wait to see how everything works when you take it off road.

[@BigTireGarage]

The real problem area in this truck was the trans

[@scottmorgan2239]

@@BigTireGarage I wouldn’t know. I’ve never owned a ‘Yota.

[@402YEEP]

No hate on the 3.8. Give it a little boost later :)

[@patrickstubbs9437]

The Jeep Bed looks awesome. Flat bed not nearly as cool.

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

That’s the Toyota bed. Just a bit shorter than stock.

[@titusmoschkau7631]

I almost put a 4.0 in my 1st gen 4 runner when it blew up. Decided to be even more stupid and build a turbo 22re

[@baldhead7705]

To be honest building something most people don't live in reality that is never done it but is only watching

[@SanshokuCustoms]

Nice 3.8 engines doesn’t have a lot of power but they hard as a rock Ripp supercharger will be a great upgrade

[@FlexRocksRollovers]

Bro honestly - in this super light weight truck this thing has PLENTY of power. Almost 3x the stock power to be exact 😂 but yes, a supercharger has been discussed already.

[@SanshokuCustoms]

@@FlexRocksRollovers yeah