okay, well after 4 different rigs I finally have the one I want to build. I bought a 1988 v6 4runner with a 5 speed trans. I plan on swapping the 3.0 motor out with a 3.4. I was under the impresion that the stock v6 tranny would hold up to the tourque of the 3.4. but after looking on a couple of sites I noticed that very few dual case cross members are offered for the v6. Is there a reason for this? and as far as the transfer case, is it the same as the 4 cylinder case or are there suttle changes that can be reasonably compensated for? As I have very little v6 experience any info on the best route would be helpfull. THANKS

V6 cases are 23 spline chain drive, t-cases behind 4cyl manual transmission equipped trucks are either 21 or 23 spline gear drive. You can easily swap out the weaker V6 case for the stronger 4cyl case with an adapter for about $375. The only catch is you will either need a t-case out of a turbo 4cyl which is already 23 spline, or convert the non-turbo standard 21 spline to 23 with a turbo input shaft, a bolt in modification for about $200.

thanks for the info! how about the tranny? is it any different compared to the 4 cylinder other than the 21 or 23 spline output shaft. is the v6 tranny any stronger than the 4 cylinder or is it more benificial to swap to a different tranny, and if so which one is best to run behind the 3.4 or I have considered the 4.3 chevy swap also. I am sure there are a thousand different ways to go but I am looking for the best combo for the price and the easiest with the most aftermarket parts available.

thanks for the info! how about the tranny? is it any different compared to the 4 cylinder other than the 21 or 23 spline output shaft. is the v6 tranny any stronger than the 4 cylinder or is it more benificial to swap to a different tranny, and if so which one is best to run behind the 3.4 or I have considered the 4.3 chevy swap also. I am sure there are a thousand different ways to go but I am looking for the best combo for the price and the easiest with the most aftermarket parts available.
V6 tranny is an R150, 23 spline, very strong, but a better swap would be the R151F out of the Turbo 4cyl, will bolt straight up to the R150 bellhousing, has the same 23 spline setup, the t-case behind it is a 23 spline gear drive case, and the trans itself has a lower 4.31 first gear compared to the R150 versions 3.95 1st.