I have been a Landcrusier guy for the last ten years. Have had a 98 and currently driving a 2003. I am looking at getting into a 4runner. Looking at like a 2007-2009. Wanted to know what the pros and cons of both engines are. Thanks guys.

 

the v8 takes up more room in the engine bay, makes a little more horsepower than the v6, sounds better, but less MPGs.

Also, theres been a few people to do 6 speed swaps in the v6 4Runners, but its not cheap.

 

I prefer the V8.

Pro's
More low end Torque
Similar Fuel Economy to 4.0
Better Towing
Iron Block
Over 207Kmi and still going strong on my 03' w\out a problem.

Con
Timing Belt

V6 is a great motor but given the choice I will pick the 4.7 every time.

 

Get the V8.

 

get a v8...watch the v6 in the rear view mirror...
i have a 2006 4r ltd 4x4 v8and a 2006 trd sc taco 4x4..both are great vehicles, but the 4r build is far superior. even with the sc, the taco is no v8...my 4r gas mileage is 12-15 city 17-23 hwy, taco is 12-13 city, 15 hwy...the sc and 2657017 10 ply (e)bfgatko's take 2-4 mpg off the top.

 

IMO the difference lies in the use you'll give it. Towing, v8, otherwise, get the one in the best shape, bang for the buck and color. You'll like either.

 

I'm looking at a 2005 V8 with 85,000 miles. What interval does the timing belt need to be changed at??

 

90K miles.

 

Excellent thanks! I'm crossing my fingers that my offer will be accepted.

 

nevermind...old thread....

good luck on the buy!

 

I have a 2009 4wd w/ a V6 and can't imagine needing a V8 (and I am a V8 guy). The V6 has the perfect amount of power for a 4Runner. If you want to spend more money on gas that is your choice.

 

Really?? Up to 8 mpg better on the highway with the v8?



Sombody should tell the government their wrong uh?

 

Can anyone comment about off road capabilities? The V8 appears to be more of an AWD model. Can it be locked into Hi 4?

 

V8s of the 4wd variant are all "full time" AWD. The T-case can be locked by way of a center lock switch on the dash and low 4 selected for gearing reduction. V6 models (of the 4wd variant) are "part time" where they run 2wd unless you lock them into 4wd -"4 hi". They of course also have low range like the limited but to my knowledge, lack the "AWD" function where the center differential is unlocked.

 

Thanks, Do you know if either of them have E lockers anymore?

I am on a search for a replacement. My 98 ltd has 425k on it now and is now starting to cost me in repair bills. $2k this year, $1.5k last year and $2.3k the year before. Prior to that, I never spent a cent on it outside of the regualr maintenance. But times are different now, I can not afford to buy new like last time, so I am pretty sure that a 2005 or up would keep me happy for a long time to come. Of all the ones I have looked at so far, about 90% of them are black! Must be a popular colour for 4th Gen's. I am leaning to the V8. Seems like fuel consumption is just about the same as the V6 and I would love to have the extra ponies on tap for highway driving and towing.

 

Unless you are towing real heavy loads, the 6 is fine and IS more economical over all. I would go for the best deal overall and not feel limited to the 8. The six is excellent !!! There are no lockers but the off road version, atrac is excellent too. I have the sr5 v6. IMO, you will be equally happy with either.

 

Dragosa speaks truth. I required a V8 because I tow my car to the track from time to time. V6 could have done it, but the tow package/hitch is a heavier duty design on the V8 and is set up to tow heavy trailers better.

 

My boat is about 3000 lbs. My 3.4l pulls it fine, but I have to watch temperature. Usually, A/C on as well will not cut it. There are some pretty steep hills I have to pull it up on the way to the cottage and I definitely need a run at them or I can't make it. Even in 4wd. They are stone roads and if I am going to slow with that load, they start to spin. Stopping was more of the problem. I did the Tundra swap nad used cross drilled rotors to stop the fade.

Thanks for the input. The good ones are hard to find. I have missed a bunch already. They sell so fast and I am a big procrastonator when it comes to parting with that much money!

 

Always feels like you are missing the deals when you are searching. Don't get in a hurry and that will allow you to learn a lot about different features and options and compare rigs and prices more accurately. Im assuming boat season is about over in your neck of the woods. I am surprised a 3k lb boat gave you that much of an issue with a 3rd gen, but the 4th gen is a lot more rig.

 

The hills are pretty steep. A few years back I was towing my sons supra in on a car dolly with about 1" of snow on the ground and did not make it up the first hill. The truck started sliding backwards even in 4wd and I almost lost truck, trailer and car over the edge of the embankment. At the last minute, I just hit the gas hard and the tires dugg down and stopped it all. Trailer and car were hanging over the edge by this time. We ran into the bush, grabbed logs and blocked the wheels.No tow truck would come there to help as they could not get around us to get higher and winch us out. I hiked into the cottage and 9" of snow fell that night. The next day, a friendly local business man I knew, drove his bull dowxer 5 miles through the bush and pulled us out. Apparently it is not good for the tracks to drive that far. I gave him $250 for his troubles. He pulled us to the top of the hill and we pushed the car off the dolly and into the bush where it sat until spring. Unlatched the trailer, turned the truck around, hooked up the trailer and drove out. What a weekend! I learned my lesson. no towing there during snow season.

Well tomorrow, the last boat is coming out. We have a pontoon boat as well ( arecent present from an aging relative whio didnt want to deal with it any more). The temperature has been cold up here for the last month and boating season is ending early. Not like last year. I cycled all winter long last year. It was great!