Guys, I really need your help in deciding what is the best option for me.

I currently have a 4cyl 4runner with 340k on it and the Truck is still MINT(engine and body). I just traded in my 3k lb boat for one that weighs almost 5k with trailer.
Obviously I need to get adequate towing for the new boat and I am undecided which route to go.

1) Keep the Runner and do an engine swap?? But to what engine, how much $$, how many headaches, ease of finding the right engine etc..

2) Give mine to the wife and buy another vehicle in the range of $10-16k cdn.
a)There is a 1991 RHD 80 series Cruiser near me that is for sale and has my drool all over the windows, bumpers you name it. But the guy wants $20k plus for it. I know they are being bought for under $10k US and only costs a few thou to bring here. I am still hoping he won't be able to sell it and I will get it for a good deal.
b) Can find another 4runner within $10k-$16k but at max, a 6cyl is all you can get.
c) Buy a domestic truck such as a Dodge 1500 or 2500 pick-up that has quite a bit more towing capacity.

3) Upgrade my 4cyl for more power???? Not sure this will be sufficient no matter how much $$$ I spend.

What would you do and why?

 

Well, you could do a 3.4 swap and have plenty of power for now - but, as with all boaters, when are you going to get an even heavier boat? Eventually, you will want/need a big truck, perhaps dually, to handle the size boat we all seem to end up with...(that is, if it's even trailerable - I have drool all over a Formula 31PC...)

Is selling the wife's car and adding that to the funds pool an option?

Why not a Tundra or Titan?

 

You will need a V8 to tow 5000lbs. A Tundra would do. The v6 toyotas max out at 5000lbs towing so you would really be pushing it.

 

Well , this is actually where I am coming up with the $10-16. We are selling her 2 cars, one winter beater (VW Jetta) and her summer car (VW Cabriolet) I figure we will get somewhere in this area for the 2.

My preference is not to have any balance on the vehicle seeing as I have one on the Boat. So a Tundra or Titan is out of the question, too bad though....I really do like the Titan and the Tundra is a good truck.

In regards to the next boat. Your probably right, it won't be trailerable so not thinking of that right now. Also, it won't be for at least 3-5years away.

 

I really would like to know if this actually feels that way when driving. I know they are rated for this but then again so is my 4cyl. and I couldn't imagine trying to tow 5k up a hill..... good bye Tranny.

 

maybe a v6 and some new gears, and air shocks if needed

 

As a lifelong boater here's what I think.
If all you are doing is towing to the lake (short trips) - tuff it out with the rig you have.
5000 lbs is too much even for the newer ones, though the newer ones are rated for it, to go very far very often. You can do it on occasion, but it's not a great idea regularly.
I towed a 23 foot travel trailer (est weight 9000 lbs) about 50 miles once with a 85 4Runner (22re) and it wasn't too bad as long as I didn't have to stop... but I SURE wouldn't do it on a regular basis - arrogance and Murphy's Law... I did tow a 22 sailboat (est weight all up 3000 lbs) with that same rig all over Oregon, never worried, did fine. But, I wouldn't have liked any more weight on the mountains...

If you have very far to go ad do it often, a newer Yota with a bigger engine still won't control the weight, you can pull it but you have to control it ("picture for a moment if you will" hitting your brakes on a curve, or just cruising the freeway in heavy crosswinds.) Get a bigger tow rig. That's the only reason I keep the F150 around.

 

Get an '06 4Runner with a V8 (if you can afford the $36,000 price tag). If not, Id try to find a good used Tundra. Id bet you could find a good used '00 Tundra for under $10,000.
I would NOT buy a domestic. Ive got a '99 F-150 right now and it leaks so much oil that Im thinking about replacing the Ford emblems with Harley-Davidson emblems.

 

Thx. I appreciate the comments and suggestions. It is a tough decision, one that I didn't think would be.

I am not sure the 4cyl could handle the 5k lbs, especially going up the hill. I don't want to lose the tranny. Maybe I will ask if I can just try towing it around for a bit, near the Sales center and see how it feels.

I really don't want a domestic, but their prices are so inviting.

PS. the trailer has surge brakes on it, double axle too.

 

The 4 cylinder models are rated at 3500lbs and the V6 is 5,000. FYI

 

Find nice FJ60 or FJ62 and drop a SBC 350 in it. Seriously.

 

What about an early 90's Land Cruiser. Get a Diesel if the option is there, then you should have no problems controlling a 5K lb boat.

 

I've towed that much w/ a Gen2 V6-5speed 4Runner (Gen1 on trailer). NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER NEVER again. It was the most dangerous, dumb thing I've ever done. Even w/ electric brakes it was a handful. I can't even imagine w/ surge..

The issue isn't so much the engine, it's the weight of the tow vehicle and teh brakes. The boat weighs more than your 4Runner and you are simply not setup to pull it around *SAFELY.*

Since a FST isn't an option, I agree on searching for an FJ/FZJ-80. Pricey, but might be worth it. A used regular cab Tundra w/ the V6 might also come in at your price range.

 

swap 4 this http://proformanceunlimited.com/spec...350dropAL.html

 

buy mine... https://www.yotatech.com/forums/showthread.php?t=76637

 

Dont take the bait. Believe me, I was in the market for a Tacoma in '99 but went with a Ranger because it was $2000 cheaper. Long story short: big mistake.