LS Swapping a Toyota 4Runner (5.3 into a 3rd Gen)

[2nd Gen 4runner, Body-Swapped with a 3rd Gen Pickup]
Unlike anyone elses Videos, I try to explain how to do it all BY YOURSELF.
All while using the Original Factory Harness.
No Stand-Alone, cut-up, 1-wire bullsh*t here.
As always, I answer the questions that no one else even Bothers to ASK.
All costs, Headaches, and Vital information is included.
Total build time: about 6 weeks (because of parts screwups)
It should've taken 1 to 2 weeks at Most.
Full Video. No Parts 1, 2, 3... that kinda crap.
Everything in 1 video, including troubleshooting why it wont start.
I chose the 5.3litre Iron Block for a reason.
I need something that will handle what I plan to do to it in later videos.
So an Aluminum Corvette one simply wouldn't cut it.
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53:57 - Temperature Sensor Notes
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AGearHead4Lifes Video: • LSx Swap Harness How T...
My Transmission Mount Template: syrus54.deviant...
My Engine Mount addition plates: syrus54.deviant...

[@BikingVikingHH]

There are a lot of people clowning this guy, and some of them may be right; but he is still out there doing it and that makes him better than 99% of you.

[@eazhar]

Awesome video. So many keyboard jockeys that think they could get this done in a weekend. Doing this swap definitely adds up. Watched all of it to consider the swap in mine. Lots of missing information back in 2016. LS-style oil pan definitely would have saved a lot of clearance trouble over the truck version. Thank you for posting this, including the frustrating moments.

[@phantavius]

The whole process was a frustrating moment from start to end for him.

[@jordannorth5310]

Why so many negative comments on this video? FINALLY someone who shows how this kind of stuff goes. You have to modify every small thing and nothing ever works right anyways. And so what if he complains? Keep in mind he did this swap BY HIMSELF. I doubt any of you guys have the patience much less the know how to do this project. This video is very well explained and well done. It told me every single thing I wouldve ever needed to ask. And thank you for actually being real with this video rather than saying"oh it was easy oh it was cheap" because ive been working on cars for years and I know nothing is easy or cheap. Very well done man 👍

[@pigtrapper1329]

That truck is a death trap, poor welds, horrible geometry on the cage.... plus he built the cage out of cheap galvanized pipe! He should've got a shallow oil pan and tighter headers first thing. Not to mention what's going to happen when that radiator blows

[@noaht5191]

Bro I get my nerves racked doing a oem engine replacement. You’re the man. I browsed through a billion options for Toyota builds….but I found your video and this is what I’m going to do with my recently acquired 94. Kudos. Nice work.

[@riverbiasi2260]

"Another contender for the Piss Me Off Championship... the fuel tank" Love your videos keep making cool shit for me to watch please. Sincerely, 2nd gen owner

[@phantavius]

"amazing how quickly an educational video can turn into a hunting video."

[@brannonhinkle3494]

You're enthusiasm and full send with the sawzall & hammer is second to none!!!! 2022 and I'm doing this swap and this video has helped my journey!! mostley in the oil pan clearance area and motor mount. Thank You!

[@dannyreid1845]

What flywheel did you use for you swap

[@jordannorth5310]

All in all really proud of this guy. He ran into every problem he couldve had and saw it through to the end. With the proper schooling this guy will go far. He has the patience and perseverance. Most importantly he didn't quit. Almost got hysterical when i saw the engine crank over and idle. Awesome job man.

[@squadronoptics1709]

I am in the middle of almost the same swap. 5.3 LM7 in to a 1989, 4 runner. Im about 1.5 years in to it, but only about $2500 in so far. I have about another $2500 to go. I feel every bit of frustration you feel during this swap. I have had to add a 2 inch body lift, a 1 inch front diff drop and I have swapped the intake for an LS6 intake. After all that extra room from the mods I still have to swap the oil pan for the camaro one because its shorter. Your videos answered a lot of questions for me about the mating of the r150f tranny to the block, fuel, and tach and I thank you for that. Keep up the awesome videos.

[@Syrus54]

I hope my misery hels you get through it. It's definately worth it, at the end.

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

If you are spending 5K on LS swap you must be doing something very wrong you need help bad

[@squadronoptics1709]

64impalaSS complete rebuild of the engine, cam swap, LS6 intake, f body water pump, port and polish heads, body lift, diff drop, and a few other odds and ends, plus the cost of the engine with wiring harness and ECU I think $2500 I'm doing pretty good.

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

Ohh thats definitely different

[@evansautomotive307]

@@squadronoptics1709 you need a front dump pan bro

[@toyota-dx7ff]

the general motors company bought chevrolet may 2, 1918..just because one name is French doesn't make the company French.

[@Syrus54]

History disagrees.

[@thedirtheretic2728]

Chevrolet as a company was founded and formed in Detroit in 1911. As in being started in America. That is the definition of American. Doesn't matter where the founders were born. Tesla motors is an American auto manufacturer. Elon Musk is South African......

[@justinnismo240]

1988toyota I don't think he realizes the origin of the company dictates it's standing, not the origin of the founder

[@soupertrooper3864]

The best part is Louis Chevrolet was Swiss, not French so there's that......

[@ibetrollintheybehatin6857]

I feel the sudden urge to start cleaning my yard.

[@pattyoneill91]

It's three years later, stop putting it off putin

[@mengvaj87]

I love how you speak clearly about step by step. Great video buddy. Greatest job

[@rovon6486]

Peak manhood this guy is the KING

[@weisser30]

The 2 smaller hoses are for the heater core and the larger one next to them are for the water tank

[@blowinkk9396]

A video on what not to do....DONT EVER TOUCH ANOTHER VEHICLE!!!

[@thedirtheretic2728]

Motor mount is an adequate term to mount an engine. A motor is a machine or device that converts any form of energy into mechanical energy, or imparts motion. That is right out of a physics textbook. You can get specific and say engine or electric motor. This is why the term "motor company" is tagged on the end of auto manufacturers. Think motorcycle. Takes potential energy (fuel) and converts it(motor...specifically an internal combustion engine) to mechanical energy.

[@CORNDODGER]

OKIE DOKIE DUMBASS MOTOR IS A ELECTRIC FORM OF POWER SO IF YOUR GOING TO DISS SOMEONE GET YOUR HEAD OUT OF YOUR ASS MORON ENGINE IS YOU PROPER TERM

[@geoffoneida487]

David Reed look it up. Definition of motor is driven by electricity or internal combustion. Hence GENERAL MOTORS. Or Detroit being called MOTOR CITY. Or MOTORCYCLE. Do some research before you call someone a dumbass. Dumbass

[@terriberrymilfin]

@@geoffoneida487 Motor mount is the correct term regardless if it makes sense or not.

[@geoffoneida487]

Terri Allen i never said it wasn’t the correct term.... i was saying it is the correct term

[@yotamann1996]

You built a death trap.

[@RichardThompson-gc1cf]

You are so right love your videos keep them coming YOUR

[@TheRealHaraldurEli]

Step 1: Remove Cab Step 2: Fit engine to chassis Step 3: Fit cab on chassis (make modifications needed) Step 4: Have a cold beer.

[@Syrus54]

To make it sound too easy.. fuck that.

[@jandoe3080]

Have you finished this?

[@408SPLKINGS]

Syrus a little criticism Sir. Pros : You never gave up. You never gave up. You did this project all by yourself. You finished. Cons : Piss poor planning. Piss poor research. Piss poor work space. What a friggin mess of a job site. Definitely NOT a professional job. About 99% of your questions are answered online. LS1Tech, Pirate4x4, & this swap IS VERY COMMON. There is no such thing as a straight forward swap particularly mated 2 different car manufacturers. Good luck on all your new projects.

[@jb-fh2og]

Less than 10000 a year, what do you feed yourself with

[@Syrus54]

Back then? A big bowl of Hopefully, Hopefully, Hopefully.....

[@aztharz5637]

10k per year? Ooof! You are obviously mechanically inclined, get yourself a trade. Welders in the oilfield here in canada make 100k per year.

[@clearminddrone3532]

Nice video bro I’m definitely subscribing and also got this on my bucket list

[@johntaylor1947]

Although Toyota transmissions are tough I don't think it will handle that much horsepower for long. And you will need to beef up your front springs.

[@mufnsgarage8780]

You know they recommend you lift your Toyota to fit this right? But hey cut out your cross member and make sketchy looking mounts to lift your engine and trans up!:D you are cracking me up man!

[@rafaelgramenzi225]

favorite part of this video was the end. Those outtakes were comedic gold. LMAO!!!

[@evansautomotive307]

I did my whole swap and rebuilt the 5.3 for under 1500

[@dannyreid1845]

Was it this year Toyota pickup

[@evansautomotive307]

@@dannyreid1845 It was in my montero, but they are very similar. $700 of that was an engine rebuild. I have an 86 pickup and have no doubt I could do it for under 2k

[@blindabinda1234]

The third radiator hose most likely went to a reservoir to hold coolant that has a pressure cap on it

[@eeper420]

It sure does. I'm actually planning on doing this same swap myself but I have an entire 04 avalanche that runs. But I will be doing the reccomended 4" suspension lift

[@dannyreid1845]

@@eeper420 did you end up doing the swap

[@13focusedst82]

He didn't go through step by step like you did. But he did the stock suspension swap that ppl with 20 years experience said couldn't be done. Hell I give you credit to do the swap like you done it on a budget.

[@justinnismo240]

13FocusedST I don't think it counts when he has the engine pointing at the sky, pretty sure the people with all the experience know what they are talking about since you can't do this swap in a stock truck without modifying the hood

[@kalanirobb54]

What toilet did you swim out of?

[@umbrellau8381]

LOL @ 59:00 WOW I NEVER SAW THAT EVER BEFORE!! I can't believe what car manufacturing has come to nowadays!!

[@stevebower5307]

Change the title of the video. Like you said it's a 2nd gen 4Runner not a 3rd gen.

[@Syrus54]

good catch, but over two years later, I still don't care

[@nicksmiley7236]

Damn, I have a 3rd. That’ll be a whole new set of aggravating bullshit.

[@mariocamacho9449]

His doing on purpose for the views click bait moron

[@carnal5150]

hell yeah keep the vids coming. i enjoyed your turbo instal

[@phantom2488]

I love how everyone is complaining that youre complaining yet most of you can't do any of this shit keep it up bro I feel your pain!!!

[@newfwheels2965]

flip the oil sump 180degree save a lot modification.like the yota original oil sump location. just food for thought

[@stevenminix]

Flexplates are for automatics.. Flywheels for a stick er manual trans..

[@HillBillyBrown]

That is the most out there conclusion I've ever heard but aye whatever floats your boat 😂😂

[@JamesJones-xb8bx]

For the life of me I can't understand why guys use WD40 and like "degreaser" as lubricant. Why would you use a product designed to break down grease and oil as a lubricant. It's just silly.

[@soupertrooper3864]

That's the damn truth

[@jacoblarkin5987]

Isn't WD40 a lubricant. That said, using a degreaser as in this case is one of the eye-catching marvels.

[@miguelguzman3597]

thank you for this video awesome build up man !

[@isaakmclean5271]

why didn't you just get a front sump oil pan or cut a suction out of the oil pan to shorten it and weld it back up?

[@budd2018]

Syrus is a legend

[@Ivan-nt5cd]

They hunt ducks but not birds?! Guy has to be methin around.

[@benblacksmith2555]

that 3rd hose in the begining goes to the radiator overflow tank

[@groomlake51]

There’s this thing called CG center of gravity lol I think it’s AWSOME you put a hell yes one in a Toyota but it sitting up the is just going to kill drivability in corners. Is that as low as you could get it because of the frame width? Because if so I give up on this dream of mine

[@tacleohjoe7577]

Fucking sick bro...I wanna buy that ..seems dependable, sporty but luxurious!

[@royaloreca]

Every time someone tells me to LS swap my truck, I will show them this vid ;-)

[@marshtonk5323]

No don't because if the genius would have taken his time figured it out before hand it wouldn't have cost near as much or taken as long.

[@moonman6154]

This is a joke ? right

[@umbrellau8381]

moonman6154 LOL... Hey Mom look at me ! I'm a mechanic! Haha

[@Enzo-wj6zc]

Thanks for saveing me a lot of money

[@williamelkins7453]

Just commenting for support😎

[@peytonyellott6023]

that flywheel is designed for duel clutch disc

[@Syrus54]

The people at Summit Racing made absolutely no mention of that. They said to use the Clutch disc that you saw in the video. Clearly, they had alot of their Wires, Crossed.

[@SaltyPirate71]

Unless the clutch discs are shooting at one another at ten paces, that would be "dual" (as in "2").

[@krjlcladdagh]

so i actually ride a HarleyDavidson engine cycle?

[@Syrus54]

Technically.. Yes. Doesn't roll off the tongue is easily, but it does make you sound more intelligent.

[@inductionsymphonytrd]

hey syrus . might i suggest a different oil pan? they sell shallow ones and it would solve a ton of problems especially driveshaft/ujoint angles.

[@Syrus54]

No problems with the Driveshafts. I dont like how high up the engine sits, but I cant find a good shallow oil pan. Lots of people certain kinds, but none are what I'm looking for. I need like 3" tall. 4" at the Absolute Most. The stock one is like 8"+

[@ivanolvera9045]

I just come to notice there are some REAL assholes commenting shiet. You Did a hell of a job bro

[@jacobmarriott2567]

its a 4x4. why not put a lift kit on it so the engine and transmission can sit way lower. im doing the ls swap but ill be using a 4L60E auto. so i was confused on why you didnt lift it. even the lift kit for the ifs moves the front axle down

[@Syrus54]

Because, then the Chassis will be up high. As stated, I want a lowered 4wd. A high center of gravity ont work for me.

[@3ziz1981]

In many websites I have seen an LS oil pan custom made for engine swapping on TOYOTA 4x4 might be a good idea to have

[@albert8090]

4.8 4.3 2000 to 2006 flywheel is what you needed cost about 70 bucks brand new

[@Mr.NiceGuy0.1134]

Man I wasn't going to do an LS swap in my yota but now after seeing all this I think I'm just going to stick with the small block Chevy's to make it easier on myself. LS or newe engine's: 5,000 wires and plugs Anything else: probably 7 wire's and maybe one or two plugs

[@HoangNguyen-mo5bt]

What I learned... How to bitch about everything.

[@Sibshnaider4x4]

Hey! good video! I'm also going to swap lm7 for Toyota 4Runner 130 and I think I'm sorry! engine is huge! but I already bought the engine and serviced!)

[@joetrueblood7663]

Great video's, great learning experience.

[@enriquerodriguez1523]

Damn sir I feel your pain. I appreciate your videos

[@toddlinkenmeyer3412]

the engine looks stupid sticking up so high!! lol

[@taurusmonkey8780]

^That was my favorite part!

[@tracydavis8182]

Dont know if you have info on 3rd hose think that is engine water top up bottle and try and look up Holden Commodore LS1 motor for info

[@adamodom8664]

Hey man, not trying to be a dick but you went about this the entirely wrong way. A friend of mine done this swap in his 93 4wd, it absolutely looks factory. I understand your on a budget but he prolly has 10 grand in this swap. If you'd like I'll send you a link to his channel if you'd like. Did you ever think to goto an ls6 intake or use a corvette water pump? An there is also a cable throttle body off of one of the LS series that you could have used. There is also block hugger manifolds you could have used. Jus trying to lend a little help.

[@MagPede]

Syrus54 www.yotatech.com/f199/1991-pickup-5-3-swap-they-said-wouldnt-fit-279310/ Hey, I'm the friend he was referring to. Check my channel for videos of my swap.

[@Syrus54]

See, that's what I'm talking about. It wasnt stock at all. The LS intake, the Body Lift...... I didnt use any of that Stuff. I used the 5.3 in its entirety. No one couldve done a better job with what I had to work with.

[@tuneportblazer]

Obviously you didn't do your research before starting this project. This is one of the easiest swaps out there.

[@Syrus54]

Show me yours then

[@jacobtucker570]

What flywheel did you use on this one I need the part number , I'm doing the same build but I have the wrong flywheel

[@Syrus54]

168 tooth flywheel for LS Crank. No part #.

[@takynegro]

Hi Could you tell me of what model of Flywheel, clutch plate and pressure plate did you used it?

[@Syrus54]

I think it was a basic SBC 168 tooth flywheel, and I bought a clutch kit for a generalized chevy trans. (Using the advance adapters clutch disc)

[@mrtitansfan1000]

I plan to do this to my 95 pickup 2wd, I was wondering if it's possible to use the 4L60E transmission without having to modify the fire wall, I'm sure the mounts will make the build cost more if so I'll just buy a R150 trans.

[@Syrus54]

not without more modifying. The front driveshaft will be on the Drivers side, instead of the passengers. But if you're going 2WD, that wouldnt be a problem. But the Chevy Tranny's gonna be Bigger than the Toyotas, and would still require transmission tunnel modifying.

[@takynegro]

Hi ,which clutch realease bearing did you use? The origal from Toyota?

[@Syrus54]

No, i used the advance adapters one.

[@anthonynocita7434]

could you list all the parts in the description

[@user-fu9bk9fi5d]

If I missed it I apologize....but do you have aa list of the specific parts or part numbers of clutch/pressure plate/pilot bearing/throw out bearing?

[@Syrus54]

Advance Adapters bell & clutch slave kit & clutch. 11" pressure plate for BBC from local parts store.

[@camyota]

Easy fix, run the Chevy transmission and mod everything to fit.

[@DMills-rw3os]

That's a bunch of trouble. I love horse power as well but you can get a 60k or less mileage motor from Japan that just gives you a excellent motor that might not be as fast but will last forever. For about $1500.

[@BUTTERSOCRAZY]

The hose went to the coolant res ,,, u fill the gm trucks with coolant thru the reservoir

[@Syrus54]

yep.

[@daveb1870]

Whew, this was painful to watch, and I know its 4 years old, please tell me you have done this to anything else. I have a spare 5.3 4x4 drive train. My friend has a 95 4tunner. We got together and will swap it. Thanks for showing basically what not to do, and a few things to do. Theres this word in the english language, "research" that should have resolved many of your issues. I did however lose 1:48:49 of my life. I wanted to gouge my eyes out.

[@dannyreid1845]

Did you ever swap it

[@jgfrakes2736]

Are you still using those bolts for your motor mounts , where you modified the plates together? I'm thinking those are a bit small...

[@tomhasnoharley1263]

did you clean up that flywheel or was that mock up?

[@unkocolin8086]

@Syrus54 Question, wanted to do same swap, will I need the same parts if I adapt the LS to a 22r 5 speed? Thanks

[@unkocolin8086]

Saw the other video of the different bell housing, what about the 168 tooth? Will that work?

[@Syrus54]

It's the same diameter. Make sure your starter can work with it.

[@Syrus54]

Presumably yes. The ls will bolt to the bell, just don't know what tranny that is. W56?

[@unkocolin8086]

@@Syrus54 yes it’s the w56 4x4, thanks for the reply. I have a turbo350 trans with Toyota transfer case. But the rebuilding the trans will cost me more than the route you took using the original 5 speed and bell housing adapter. So I’m going to go the same route you did. Mahalo from Hawaii!!

[@davelambardo6464]

I know this is an old vid,but I like your filming style, it shows how it really is a holy bitch somtimes to do these swaps. All this shit you see in these pro shop tv shows and all that where they get a 25000 dollar pallet of cool stuff 1 hour later BAM they are hitting Moab! I tried a swap kinda like this on a friends toyota. Same style as this. The oil pan clearance on IFS front end wouldn't work for him. We could have gotten it with a cowl hood or somthing. The oil pans on ls motors is one thing I do not like

[@phantom2488]

Damn bro 10k a year where do you live I would be more happy to com lend a hand

[@idontcarerealy]

i read that the LS crank shaft is .4" shallower and that you sometimes need an adapter plate anyone hear about that?

[@johnwilkinson6542]

Can you turn cross member up side down and make new mount? For trans.

[@roofertilldeath2071]

I THINK I WILL STICK WITH THE GOOD OLD POINTS SYSTEM!

[@Syrus54]

Not a bad idea...

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

That is going to teach you a lesson expensive one indeed instead going with intended transmission for that particular engine something like T56 or other GM transmissions you decided to go with Toyota transmission

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

Sure just how long will it last behind that LS V8

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

That engine and transmission are way to high

[@Syrus54]

While i agree, i have to point out that it's working perfectly.

[@64impalaSSRealMechanic315]

Im glad good job bro

[@TheGreenNewSteal2025]

Amazing amount of work. I kept hearing a whining noise though, even before you got the MOTOR installed. Very strange. Almost like a human voice.

[@Syrus54]

Words hurt bro..... I dont go around caiing YOU a human....

[@chui272011]

you had problems from the beginning to mount that motor so high detached from the chassis that motor you could lower it to the bases without inventing adding to the point bases

[@Addictedone4609]

$446 bucks for the adapter! Holy shit

[@ClassifiedRecon]

love the guide! nice and detailed.

[@soupertrooper3864]

Maybe for retards....

[@Keenshandymanservices]

The funniest video ever!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@andrewskears6169]

You’re a complete unit haha.. I want to do this swap also but I think I’m ok with lifting mine so I don’t have to deal with all of this bull shit and have half of the engine sticking out of the hood haha

[@Syrus54]

A different intake helps, too.

[@andrewskears6169]

@@Syrus54 seems like a guy on yotatech did it with a 1.5" body lift, Diff drop, car intake and a shallow oil pan. think that will be the route I take

[@TheGreatestGinja]

we need videos of it driving. how fast is it?

[@Syrus54]

Give it time. It took 6 weeks just to do the Swap. Still got some tuning to do, before it's Daily Driveable.

[@TheGreatestGinja]

ahh alright man, nice build tho i just got a 92 3vze pickup and i got it in parts now haha. best of luck to this truck

[@drago7238]

This is the funniest shit Ive ever seen in my life. Casuals watch A&E and Discovery shows where they "finish cars in week" and then find out thats all bullshit

[@robertwilson8915]

im screaming to my self ..vats ....vats ...vats bro

[@Syrus54]

Couldda used your screaming 5+ years ago when i did this.... But vats was the EASIEST part of the whole thing

[@vitocontreras7385]

Is that a 91 Toyota pickup in the background

[@groomlake51]

The intro sounds like a BAE 526 with twin 88s on the 2 step !

[@lindsaymillard2881]

Put a 1uze Lexus V8 in it. Better motor and a whole lot easier.

[@andrewskears6169]

So what fly wheel is this from? Any idea what the part number is?

[@Syrus54]

Junkyard. No part #.

[@andrewskears6169]

@@Syrus54 sheit.

[@andrewskears6169]

@@Syrus54 well do you know what vehicle it came from?

[@Syrus54]

Rare. EXTREMELY rare. It came from a chevy truck with a manual transmission. Hard as hell to find a LS with a manual (the junkyard told me), but he was able to find one for me. Probably easier to google searchba seller

[@andrewskears6169]

interesting. yeah I ended up getting a fly wheel from advanced adapters. I completed my swap. quite stoked @@Syrus54

[@blindabinda1234]

What do you do for work???

[@blazerboiz5996]

blindabinda123 not shit

[@groomlake51]

Your the only person other than me to call a chubby what it real is ... and that’s a french fry

[@crider46]

Do you still have the wheel with cruise controls

[@onestrangeone2499]

1/2 in is the standard equivalent of 13 mm not 9/16