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Just in case my 4 cyl proves to be more hassle than it's worth. I was wondering how much work I would have to put into a v8 swap. I've searched the threads, but most of the talks talk about 2wd and I want to keep the 4wd for off-roading. Even a V6 would work, something with more power, easier to find parts, but as few modifications as possible.
Thanks.

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Richard Barnes Salt Lake, Utah
1980 Luv Mikado 4X4
http://geocities.com/luvtruck2004/

u r not going 2 b able 2 find an easy swap. they all require a bit of work.

Well if you look back at some of the post about v8 or v6 swaps there are a few reguired tools. Most important being a midget in a too-too. lol

Hooker has headers and mounts for a V8 swap for 4 wheel drive. Adapater plates are out there.

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I want to be different like everybody else.

Id personally say the 4.3L v6 is a good motor for 4wd. Enough power to get ya goin, and enough torque to keep grabbin those boulders. We are currently putting one in a '75 luv. We actually took it from an Astro and it seems to want to fit pretty well.... Unfortunately we are too broke to buy all that good stuff, so we are making the mounts from scrap metal, and using "basic" tools to build it. But in all actuallity, it wont be an "easy" swap, but with the correct tools, it is easier. Maybe give a lil thinking to a Toyota 22r out of a 4x4, this would give you pretty much what you need to do the job, the 20r that was in my luv originally had a custom made housing with the starter moved to the other side of the motor than usual, and in order for me to get that thing to die, I ran with without an oil pump (didnt kill it), then eventually drained the oil and started doin donuts in the middle of town when it blew (like 317 miles after the oil pump went out) those toyos are one tuff s.o.b. not to mention you can make em have enough power and the right amount of torque to crawl

Search some of the older threads again, I know the 4x4 V-8 discussion has happened quite a bit. As a quick summary though, the swap is very possible but it takes quite a bit of work. You said you want as few mods as possible, which basically means keeping as much stock as you possibly can. I'll try and outline a VERY basic 350 V-8 4x4 swap like that.

Lets say you keep your stock rear and front end (which is a questionable thing to do)... here are the parts you'll need to get: the engine, 350 trans, transfer case, radiator, headers. Here are the parts you'll need to make or modify: tranny and motor mounts, possibly firewall, driveshafts, tranny linkages.

Like I said, thats VERY basic, I can guarentee theres a whole bunch of stuff that I missed. Not to mention the fact that keeping your current front and rear end with a V-8 isn't going to be the smartest thing to do after spending the time and effort. So you're looking at a large expense and a lot of time invested. If you have it, go for it and let me know how it goes! If not, join me and most of the other 4x4 LUVers in dreamland about having a V-8 powered LUV. Hope that helped, sorry if I dashed your hopes, just trying to be realistic.

There are companies out there that make any kind of adapter you want. You can drop a V8 in your 4X4 Luv. Hooker makes the front motor mounts and the headers, so don't be discouraged. It's been done before. I know they make engine adapters for Jeeps and Isuzu for the V8 conversion. If you go around at full throtle all the time you are sure to break something. Going fourwheeling a lot of times breaks things anyway. Probably a better way to go about it is to buy engine, trans, and transfer case out of a older Blazer that's all rusted out. If you wanted to go all out, just put your truck body on it. Bottom line do it. research it, the parts are out there.

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I want to be different like everybody else.

I also like the idea of a Toyota engine I had a 22 R, or RE I can't remember which, but the truck was great, and had plenty of power. Trouble is I don't know how much more trouble it would be to put in the V8. I'm guessing not that much. I also don't know if the toyota bolted up.

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I want to be different like everybody else.