Outer Limits 4x4 Board

I just bought a 1990 2.8lt 4Runner for my son.
It sounds like someone with a big hammer is inside it trying to get out.
It's ok because we knew that when we bought it.
My question is – which way do I go now?

If I shop around I can probably get a reasonable pulled out motor to put in it just to get it going (it has 4 months rego) then do up the one that came with it as time allows.
The motor in it is a 3L but I'm told a 5L will drop straight in - no mods.
I think a 3L will be easier to find but just weighing up my options.

Maybe it would be easier to do the crank bearings (which I think will be the problem) than change the motor?
But I'm not keen on replacing just the broken parts as I'm told the motor was rebuilt 30,000 ago with a second hand crank.
If going to go that way I might as well do the whole bottom end (head was done up 20,000 ago)

Anyone got a 3L lying around?
I’m in Brisbane but can freight.

All opinions appreciated - thanks

Dave ><>

If it was rebuilt 30k ago i would be wary, if your handy with motors it may be a cheaper and better option to replacing the motor. If your sure its big end which i would assume it would be i would replace the big ends etc, providing everything is in order inside the motor. A 2nd hand crank shouldn't be a problem providing it was machined within tolerances and the correct bearings fitted, i wouldn't buy a new crank to rebuild a motor.

If the car isn't needed at the moment, cash in the remaining rego and fix/replace the motor use the money to re register/fund new motor

For the price of a 5l i don't think there worth the money that you'll pay for one.

A 3l is expensive enough, around the 700-1200 dollar mark.