03-04 vvti cam sprockets different than 05 and up??

I have made a score on a 04 toyota 4runner. It needed an engine. I had an engine from a 06 4runner just sitting in the garage. I made quick work of the job. Busted my behind getting it swapped out just to have it not run. It had spark then none. It had fuel. IDK I went through the gauntlet for two weeks before figuring it out. I went into the engine to check timing, thinking It had jumped or had been stretched. This is when I was finally able to put 2 and 2 together. Some thing looked odd.
The photo of the blown original engine. #2 rod came apart and locked up engine.
These are the 06 vvt-I sprockets that could not tell the computer when to put fire in the hole.

Here is the 04 vvt-I cam sprocket on the 06 engine.
I just found this forum in the Tacoma forum. I had posted this problem on there not relaying that it was actually a 4runner I was having trouble with. The other 4runner site I am on has glitches, is slow, and I do not like going there. Maybe I can have this as my 4runner home forum.
The runner runs awesome. It is still dirty inside. I will get some pictures soon.

 

Awesome work. Welcome

 

Hey guys new member here. Hoping to get an answer as to if switching rhe cams would work/did work? I have an 04 t4r, got an engine from a tow yard from a 06 tacoma and have the same issue. Turns over just won't crank have spark fuel ect... it definitely has to do with the cam sensors/ sprockets. Any insight would be greatly appreciated. Thank you so much.

 

Yep, dad still drives to this day. It is his first 4runner and he loves it. It is as simple as doing the timing chain. Just swap the camshaft sprockets and put on a new chain.

 

So don't you also have to swap cam sensor from o4 to the newer engine? The 04 has a 2 wire cam sensor and 06 3 wire.

 

Hi 36 Tacundra. I have an 04 4Runner with the same issues. Can you possibly help me with mine? I need some step by step help…