Which engine to swap into 1st gen 4runner?

Keith Tanner said:

I’d look into the Toyota 3.4 out of a Taco. I know they’re a popular replacement for the 3.0. 

This. You will have to engineer nothing. Completely scienced out and documented. There are swap kits for all if it.

I'd do a VW 1.9 TDI with a big turbo and tune.  How would you like 300 lb/ft and 30mpg?

Adaptor plate is available from a few sources. 

For serious?  Links please!

Acme Adapters

6bt. Pull stumps. 

In reply to Sonic :

I had a 4.3 vortec swap in my 89 hilux, now I'm in the process of doin an (turbo) ls swap. The 4.3 was crap, nothing made it fast, it sounded gross and when you tried to make real power the crank broke. 

Im going to try to make a r150 hold together with 500whp, we'll see. 

In reply to Appleseed :

Either ACME adapters or Diesel Conversion Specialists. There might be another company out there making the adapters, but I can't remember the name.

https://www.dieselconversion.com/parts/adapter-plate-kits-39.html?makeoftruck=11

In reply to mw :

Did you install the 1uz here?

Uzi swap the world

What about the 22reI turbo that came in those in 85/86.  My brother had one and was actually a reall fun truck.  Might be a low buck random choice for you.

Just put a 4.3 in there. It'll have more power while still being a badass 4x4 rig.