2.8L 4X4 Toyota Hiace Engine Question...

[aardvark101]

Hi,

New to site and hopefully have the right place on the forum this time!. (moved from the 4x4 section as I realised this was the wrong area).

I am in Sheffield and have a Toyota Hiace 1992 custom camper with an
engine problem (very very long story - smokes like mad with low
compression). My mechanic has given up on it and others won't touch it
("not taking on someone elses problems etc...")

So I am looking for a replacement engine,
the thing is there are so many dodgy companies about (recond engines
etc...) that I have decided to go down the donor vehicle route.

The van is currently a 2.8 Diesel (3L engine), auto gear box and 4X4.

Due to the lack of engines around for a straight swap - I was thinking about getting a 2.4 Diesel (2L engine) - none turbo.

Now for the silly question... I know this has less power, but can it
be done? would it still power the vehicle OK? would the 4X4 aspect still
be usable?

If this can be done - Any body done this convertion before? if so -
anything that needs to be converted for the engine to be 'dropped into
place'.

Any help / advice greatly appreciated.

Many Thanks.

aardvark101.