Gerdo

I live in Colorado and tow and haul a fair amount in the mountains. I want more towing power. Is there anything that I can do? I have even thought of buying a Tundra, not an option. SC? Turbo? Rebuild/bore it out? These are all pretty expensive. Any other options?

cackalak han

NOS.

Just kidding. I've got an S/C and it tows pretty well. Your options will pretty much all be expensive. Depending on how much you tow and what you tow, I'd opt for a V8 4Runner or Tundra. Perhaps even a turbo diesel?

d0ubledown

V10 TD touareg...haha.

we talking really big & heavy loads? if you want a cheaper option...id go for an older TD from one of the big three..cummins, powerstroke, or duramax. cant beat any of those for towing. yeah..theyre lame domestic trucks..but they can tow. no matter how you cut it, youre not gonna get much serious towing power out of a 3rd gen runner..unless you swap in a sbc 350 or something...

Gerdo

I've got my eye on the new "07" Tundra. Great looking. Towing cap up to #10,000. This might be the way to go.

SLC97SR5

You could go with some 4.56's or 4.88's. I'd say 4.56's if you are going to stay with the 265's and for sure 4.88's if you even think about going to 285's. Gears are great because your not doing anything to the engine except enabling it to pull a heavier load easier. Sure 2,000 for gears and install is expensive but alot cheaper than a 'charger with all the setup and fueling mods. Gears need nearly 0 maintenance...keep clean 90wt on 'em. You are never going to yank what a TD diesel will but you will have improved acceleration and less shifting up steep gades. I sure wish I'd done 4.88's!

tom_mag

You will get worse freeway mileage because you will be reving higher all the time, but it is the best option if you are towing a lot. My other recommendation would be the small block Chevy V8. Imports don't hold a candle to domestics when it comes to towing and torque.

I took my 4cyl on a trip up to Lake Tahoe the other day and I had 800+ lbs of people and cargo onboard. Lake Tahoe is at 7000 ft elevation and that also hurts the power. Zero to 60 took 15 seconds! But it wasn't unbearable considering that the thing gets 24mpg on the freeway and is a lot more versitile than a Camry. 4runners are a good all around vehicles and only stand out from the crowd in terms of reliablity. I figure if I'm towing or carrying a lot of weight I really don't need to go fast.