Seeking advice on an engine transplant

I have two 3rd gens. An '01 and an '02, both 2wd. My daughter recently wrecked the '01, and although it's not totaled, the damage to the front is extensive. I love the truck and I'm going back and forth on whether to fix it. I have a good body guy who says he can put it back together, but I'm afraid to sink money into it. Anyways, while looking for used parts, I found a '97 4wd for sale. I haven't seen it but it sounds pretty good and the pics look ok. The guy drove it for years and a spark plug fell into the cylinder and ruined the motor. I can get it for around $1000. Since I know and trust the 3.4l in my '01, I'm thinking of buying the '97 and putting my motor in it. I think I can get that done for $500. Between the two vehicles, I'm thinking I can have a decent 4wd, which are hard to find and worth considerably more. Any advice on this would be appreciated!!!

 

I say go fit it. It sounds cheaper than getting the body work done and at the end of the day you would still have a 2wd.

 

Too late...the guy already sold it. I should have jumped right on it. Thx for the response.