After viewing many helpful posts here and elsewhere, I decided to take a simple approach to the often-reported problem of bucking/misfires at low RPMs on the 5VZ-FE 3.4 V6.

The problem was:
* When attempting a soft acceleration/launch (throttle just a bit open)
* at fairly low RPM (below 1750 RPM or so)
* most noticeably in lower gears 1st, 2nd, 3rd
* engine seemed to intermittently cut out - causing the 4runner to stumble/buck wildly.
* no check engine light

The fix: fresh set of NGK BKR5EKB-11 plugs, dielectric grease, etc.

There is plenty of wisdom out there regarding the problem being caused by TPS, MAF, ground problems, etc. There are also plenty of posts where folks have part-swapped around these issues - never to have solved the problem.

My problem was BOSCH platinum. I guess I'll keep the platinum in the catalytic converter and out of the spark plugs.

Thanks to the many other users who have posted on this issue.

I should have used the NGKs at my last swap - but was sold on the idea of better electrode life out of the platinum plugs.

2000 4 Runner SR5
3.4 V6
Manual Transmission
131,500 miles