Advantages of the 3.4
#1
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Advantages of the 3.4
As my 4runner approaches the 140k mile mark on the 2.7L, I find myself entertaining the thought of possibly "upgrading" to a newer 4runner/Taco with the 3.4 and possibly less miles. My 2.7L hasn't failed me yet nor is it on the brink but I have constantly found myself looking for more in terms of power and "fun" in terms of driving experience. I have the automatic which can leave a bit to be desired in terms of the "fun" aspect as well as power.
My question is, what have been your experiences with the 3.4?
Would I notice a worth-while gain in the upgrade?
I don't usually tow much (on occasion though), but do find myself hitting the 4wd lever as often as possible along with going on trips through hilly/mountainous regions. I understand its a personal preference thing and has to do with my lifestyle but again being that I've never owned a 3.4 or really had the chance to drive the 3.4, I'd appreciate your experiences and insight in regards to this...!
Do share...
Thanks!
My question is, what have been your experiences with the 3.4?
Would I notice a worth-while gain in the upgrade?
I don't usually tow much (on occasion though), but do find myself hitting the 4wd lever as often as possible along with going on trips through hilly/mountainous regions. I understand its a personal preference thing and has to do with my lifestyle but again being that I've never owned a 3.4 or really had the chance to drive the 3.4, I'd appreciate your experiences and insight in regards to this...!
Do share...
Thanks!
#5
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Thread Starter
I have been looking around for one to test drive but they seem to be a bit hard to find, at least around here. I've driven the 4.0 and it was an improvement but lacked the 3rd gen off-road ability and the stout look...
#6
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You either have never driven a 22re, or forgotten what it was like.
To the OP: the 3.4 is pretty sweet. Its not a race car motor, but it will have more pep than the 2.7.
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#10
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Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Newnan, GA - Stillwater, OK
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I raced a friend in my 4runner 2wd auto against his FJ 2wd auto and it made my engine look like the 3.slow. We were on the interstate going about 70 and I put a car lengths on him then he pulled on me at about 80 putting about 8 cars on me. The 3.4 has givien me no problems what so ever. It also makes good power for what it is.
#12
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Thread Starter
Sounds like I need to look a little harder for one at the dealership so I can take a test drive.
Heres a pic of my current rig just for measure...and cause everyone likes pictures!
Keep the responses coming...
#13
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clean runner. looks good. i dont think you should even be thinking about the 3.4 yet. that 2.7 is MAYBE halfway through its life. take care of it, and it will last for a long time. plus the bigger tires may be contributing to it being a dog. my 4:10's 5spd 2.7 is super peppy. when i drove the same truck with 33's, i really didnt like it.
#15
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if you find a 5spd 3.4 i would say go for it. it will have plenty of power to get up and move. my mom has the 3.4 auto however and i prefer it much less. the engine/tranny mix is loud compared to my 5spd and the power isnt there. if you want an upgrade, i would have to agree with some others on here and go straight to the 4.0. good luck hunting
#16
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ive got a 3.4 in my 94 pickup and a 2002 4 runner. and i love how much power they have but the 02 witch is auto and gutless. i would say if you get a veichle with 3.4 go manual much more fun. and i can spin 35s with 410s very easy.
#17
When I got my 85 22RE 5-speed with 33x12.5's on it, it wouldn't even cruise down the hwy in 5th gear, I dropped to 31's and it drove great, good pickup and no real gutless feelings at all.....but it had a header and torqer cam in it and weighs about half what my Taco weighs.
My Taco, with 3.4 5-speed cruises all day long in 5th with the 33x12.5s on it. To put it simply......it rocks!
My Taco, with 3.4 5-speed cruises all day long in 5th with the 33x12.5s on it. To put it simply......it rocks!
#18
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I went backwards....I had a 3.4 and now a 3.slo and i would give anything to have my 3.4 back....a great motor...5 spd is the way to go.....2nd gear in that truck was a blast
#19
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without a lot of work, the 3.4L is not turd I'd say...but maybe a real shiny turd . It's decent with a 5spd, but I've driven both and the auto just seems sluggish naturally aspirated and stock. Now with forced induction that's a whole different story. I've beaten up my motor for about 150k miles (got it with about 30k as a fleet vehicle from the $tealership) and it's running friggin beautiful. With the setup I have now it's much much faster than a 4.0 (in a 4runner, taco, or FJ), not to mention many other vehicles, but still civil if you wanna drive it like stock. I'd go for it if you can find a good deal. If you were close I'd offer up a joyride and get you hooked .
#20
Turbo 3RZ is the way to go. Better and easier than any V6, and second only to a 1KZ-TE. These engines make 1200HP+ in import drag racing. Very capable with enough aftermarket support if you know where to look.
I wanted a 2.7L badly when I was looking for a 4Runner, but it's tough to find them with an e-locker.
I wanted a 2.7L badly when I was looking for a 4Runner, but it's tough to find them with an e-locker.