Alright folks, I pulled the engine/ trans from the donor vehicle (1993 LS400) today. I'm officially marking it as the start of my 1UZ swap. It's going into my 1989 standard cab pickup, which once upon a time served as my DD. I'm posting my first pic of this process. To all those who are OCD about manual transmissions, don't worry, that automatic won't go anywhere near my truck. It will remain manual, like all my other vehicles. This swap will be a lengthy process as I have the following projects also:
EFI DIS 331 stroker for my 67 Mustang
A frame off restomod of my 67 FJ40
A 2WD/3VZ/auto to SAS 4WD/5VZ/manual 95 4Runner

 

Congrats!

 

Finally looked up rear differential info on my pickup. Glad to find out I have the 8" diff (G code). That will handle the 1UZ nicely. It's a 3.07 open diff. No wonder I got such good fuel mileage when I swapped in the 5 speed from my 87 pickup.

 

Finally starting to diassemble engine. So many connectors just crumble when touched. Heat and age sure work their magic on plastic. Then there is this...a broken eye on the lower intake. My guess is probably some careless "technician" pried up on the intake when replacing the starter. Back to pull-a-part where I got the SC400 exhaust manifolds. Ugh. More running and work just cuz some idiot doesn't do a thorough job.

 

So after a few months of complete inactivity with this project (as well as funds now going to my dad's FJ40 restoration) I actually did something. Well not much. I cleaned the engine. That's it. I haven't seen this much caked on crud since I yanked the 289 from my Mustang. I hate cleaning parts, but I love clean stuff.

 

keep up posted on your build....i know how things can easily derail projects

 

This will expedite my project somewhat. Bought this 91 pickup for $500. The guy's son apparently doesn't think oil changes are all that necessary. Rod punched out of the block, left front. Body is in good shape, frame and underside rust free. AC, PS, 5 speed. This will receive the 22R from my 89, then sold. Great way to fund a project.
The 91 has the silver grille.

 

Great find! that will help the funding for the project for sure....

 

Please keep this thread full of info! I am just about to begin a 1989 Xtracab transformation and I'm juggling a few engines in my head, including a 1UZ.

 

Right now the priority is getting the 91 running. 22R is out of the 89 and now rests in the engine bay of the 91. Trans, engine harness out of 89. Need to clean engine compartment, remove exhaust. Now I don't think I want to sell this 91 after getting it running.

 

I'll need to get a forward mount shifter for the W55 in my 89 - which was from an 87 I had in college. 89 had a G40 when I bought it. Need a shifter like the 91 (non greasy trans). I'm assuming I have to remove tailshaft housing, loosen set screw, and reverse shifter thing. (sorry term escapes me now). They look like the same part. I need to start looking at for sale section on this site. Haven't seen any shifters on eBay. If anyone has one they are selling, let me know.

 

If you need some measurements or something my W55 is sitting in my truck right out front.

 

Thanks. I'll let you know if I need some specs.

 

Over a year since the last post and I have zero progress due to chasing too many rabbits. Fortunately my buddy is letting me keep my pickup in a shed on his property.
I bought a W59 from a 99 Tacoma, $100. 180k miles. I actually bought it for the bellhousing, as I am doing a 3RZ swap in my 85 4Runner. Need the W59 bellhousing for the W56.
So my question is this? Is the W59 any stronger than a W55? I was leaning towards getting an R150 for the 1UZ, but am tempted to use the W59. I can't find any definitive info on using a W59 behind a stock 1UZ.