Any suggestions on crate engines?

[OrToy]

I've got a '95 pickup. Currently, it has the 22RE engine in it with 194 thousand miles on it. I'm the second owner and have put about 14 thousand on it myself. It's getting old and I know the current engine can run forever if I maintain it well, but I drive it quite hard. I don't want to destroy it even though I take great care of it. I'm going to replace the engine, but I don't know where to start.

Requirements:
-Decent gas milage
-Good power
-Durable and long-lasting

Thanks.

[ECVcrawltoy711]

run it til it dies then think about a new motor. i drive my truck hard like 6000 rpm clutch dumps out wheelin and a daily driver with 37s and i live in the mountains. i have the same amount of miles u do.

[OrToy]

Originally Posted by ECVcrawltoy711

run it til it dies then think about a new motor. i drive my truck hard like 6000 rpm clutch dumps out wheelin and a daily driver with 37s and i live in the mountains. i have the same amount of miles u do.

It is dying, very slowly.

[ECVcrawltoy711]

mine is too. i am takin it easy on it when i drive around and still hammer on it when i wheel. when i get a new motor its goin to be a v8 maybe a toyota v6 i dont know yet ill worry about it when the time comes. i dont think its worth gettin a crate motor for a toyota. if u really want one look at LC engineering. othert wise i would look for a decent used motor

DRew

[OrToy]

True, it probably isn't worth it. However, I love my truck and currently, being a student and all, I'm right between being able to buy a new vehicle and upgrading this one.

[ECVcrawltoy711]

it sucks being a student i am one also. luckly i have a motorcycle that i can ride when the weather is decent. but so far the bike has been in my grandmas barn for a few months already

Drew

[OrToy]

Yeah, I thought about getting a motorcycle, but if I don't have the money to get a new vehicle, I don't have the money to insure both. So, I just figure on building up my truck and making it my project.

[OrToy]

For anyone reading this thread already, do any of you know how hard it is to install a suspension lift kit. What kind of tools do you need (besides the basics), and how much experience do you need to have to get it right? I know it'll take at least a day, considering I've never done it before, and it depends upon the kit. Which, brings me to my next question. What is a good suspension kit to put on the 95 pickup?

[KimMG]

First find out what's wrong with your motor. Are you burning oil? Is it the rings or does it need a valve job? Do a compression check. Cam shafts can wear and prevent the valves from opening, restricting power (a replacement cam shaft is cheaper and easier to install). Are the fuel injectors clean? What do the spark plugs look like?

I have found replacement used motors from Japan (Japanese emissions laws usually require motor replacement between 30 and 40 thousand miles) to be the better deal if a motor needs replacing. I got one (22R) with about 35,000 miles on it for $250-. It came with a 12 month or 12 thousand mile warranty. Check classified ads available at many auto parts stores for importers.

As far as what tools you may need to install a suspension kit.
Spring compressor?
Vise for pressing in bushings?
Read a Hayne's manual or some other repair manual and see what tools are required for doing suspension work and what is involved in replacing suspension parts.

[yotawithchevypower]

I have an 87 toyota pickup with a chevy v6 4.3L vortec. It's plenty of power with 35" swampers. Also, I've heard tons of good things about the 22R and would almost rather have the stock engine. I bought the truck with the conversion already done and it can be a pain in the butt fixing things that were carelessly done. If you're conserned about gas mileage then i'd stick with the 22re.