Well, if I were thinking that way - I would get engine and tranny - it is much easier for a shop to machine up motor mounts to fit, and custom make a driveshaft for you than getting and tranny adapter. Youw ould need to make sure you get all the engine management electronics as well. This will not be a cake walk. Also, make sure you get the dimensions of the engine and tranny to make sure you can fit it into your truck. ON the FJ - not only did we have to relocate the engine mounts, but, we needed to modify the rad mounting to get clearance. These are the types of things that can drive you up the wall.
Personally, I would find a good off road customization shop and talk to them about your ideas. They have tons of experience in working all sorts of mods like engine swaps, so that would be my first resource of information.
If I ever do this, it’ll be in 2010 or beyond. I’m headed to school in 3 months. Honestly, I’d make it as easy as possible- use the same brand and model of truck, same or close year, etc.
Part of the reason I sold my Jeep was because I was tired of having to wrench on it. Anything you build up seems to need constant tinkering. I’d rather buy it as a whole vehicle, manufactured to the specs I’m after. Since nothing on that want list is exotic, and its been in use in other countries, why not here? If we all quit buying inefficient shit we’d be better off as a country in 3-5 years. The manufacturers’ hand would be forced. Oh well…
How about buying a totalled late model toyota pu in the us, take the plates and registration to Mexico and buy a lightly used diesel toyota, put the plates on and registration in the glove box and head for the border.
What are my chances of getting caught and how much cash should I have on hand to bribe my way out?
Not sure on the milage of this, but it isn’t bad. We have a 2006 Honda Ridgeline. Awsome truck. Three people over 6’ can sit comfortably in the back. Tons of power. Lots of space, comfortable and quiet.
We can go to our cottage and back on a tank of gas $60 to $80 depending on price. Just over 350 miles (not kilometers) round trip. Pulling a bass boat. The roads are mixed from flat paved, twisty, hilly, and don’t even bother driving your car on the road!
In the city milage is not that great with start stop, but it’s not that bad either. If a 4/8 split engine came out I would be all over it.
I have found that uping the air pressure in the tires to 36-40 psi gets better milage and control of the vehicle. The stated 32 is just too soft.
Nothing I say can do justice for this truck. I’ve talked to a few people about it they then took one for a drive, then bought it. Coming back to me saying “it’s better than you said”
This truck has been in some nasty places and never let us down. It’s never been stuck, or short on power.