landozion

Found a 98 with a 2.7 4cyl. But its to far away to test drive without a major commitment. I would like to hear from others with 3rd gens and 4cylinders. How is the power? Do any towing? My current 85 22r is adequate, would that be about the same as a heavier runner with a 2.7? I like the idea of chain instead of belt, and 3 to 4 better mpg, but should I be looking for a V6? Was the elocker ever available on the 4cyl? Thanks.

4RunnerBuddha

I'd opt for the 6 cylinder; I feel underpowered going up hills as is with the V6, and I can only imagine it would be worse with a 4cyl.

MLiebal

I never drove a truck with the 22.
I had a 3.0 1990 4runner, am driving a 96 with the 3.4 and got a 97 with the 2.7 as a second family vehicle.

The 2.7 is better then the 3.0 for power/gas milage and is better in gas milage then the 3.4.
If you are towing anything much, the 2.7 will feel weak, but can do the job.

The 3.4 is the best option but even with some mods, is no power house. Pulling the popup camper plus gear takes it toll on the 3.4.

There are numerous threads on the power thing here.

RacerX

I have a 4cyl auto I use pretty often, the only issues I have regarding power are the initial jump of getting it moving, which isn't horrible but its noticeable in situations and passing up hill from 70mph+ which just takes patience.

I have driven a manual 2.7 and it makes a noticeable difference in those areas due to the gearing advantage, I simply chose the automatic to have one vehicle that wasn't a manual. I picked the 2.7 for the same reasons you are looking into it, but if it was my only vehicle I would have went with the v6.

jdog19

i Have a 1998 2.7 4runner 4wd, it pulls my 17.5' boat no problem. i can do 70mph in 5th gear on the flat highway with the A/C on. My 1995 pickup V6 3.0 actually was a dog pulling my boat and it had no A/C. probally cause it had 220,000 on the motor.

crolison

Find out what gears are in it, that will help alot. Is it manual?

I have a 97 2.7 manual with 4.56 gears and it rocks with those gears (running 265/75/r16).

I get a constant 22-23 mpg. Lowest tank i have gotten so far is 20.5 but that was with a few hours of offroading. I can run 70mph ac on uphill all day long.

Another good thing is i dont have abs

pfbmgd

I have a 97 with a 2.7 and I love it .I don`t do towing so I can`t comment on that .But the mileage is around 25mpg with a 30mpg high for highway only.The only time I wish I had more power is when trying to pass quickly .The 2.7 has no problems keeping the pace once up to speed.

Embfixer

I have a Tacoma with the 2.7 4x4 with a 4 spd auto. I live in a mostly flat area (Indiana) and it gets around fine. Before I installed a K&N highflow air filter it would shift out of overdrive on some highway overpasses. I do pull a 17ft 1300lb bass boat with it down to southern Indiana which has some hills and I do sometimes hold up traffic. Example: On day last week it was about 95 with about 80% humidity. We were stopped at the base of the one of the higher peeks in S. Indiana. With the boat (1300lbs), all our gear (approx 200lbs) and my wife and I with the AC on from a dead stop. The truck would only best 50mph in 2nd gear at close to 5000rpm. I took a brow beating from a couple of the guys behind me with the diesel trucks when we got on the 2 lane roads. When beating around town or trails in a flat area the 2.7 is fine. but hauling in hill country it will need some mods.

sschaefer3

2.7 and Dana 44

http://www.sonoransteel.com/

Lots of pictures.

Kintore

We got over 283 thousand miles on my parents. We pull a 600 pound trailer, and 2 3wheelers, so there about 300 each plus about 100+ of gear. So around 1300 or so, give or take i bet.

We find the 2.7 still gets great mileage, but the hills are a little but of a challenge to her. Gotta downshift or put the hammer down before you hit the hill and really get some momentum and you are alright. Its a great rig if you are not towing, awesome mileage, 4x4...

And the 2.7 4 cyl does come with a E locker in some, I have it on mine.

OH yes, both are 5speed...

tofarout

I have a 98 with 2.7 and 143k and I love it. I use it for my daily driving so I like the better mpg vs the V6. I can't comment on towing, have not tried that yet.

ewong

Wha???

Oh - Canada = Imperial Gallons = 5liters per gallon...

300miles at 30mpg = 10 imperial gallons = 12.5 USA gallons = 24mpg

Still thats GOOD.

(dunno is a 22RE to 3RZ swap is worth it for the MPG alone as I get 21mpg regularly)

Skrillah

The 2.7 is a great, solid engine. It'll run a long time and may only give you one problem: exhaust manifold. They tend to crack on these engines but it isn't hard to replace and it gives you a perfect excuse for a header.

I love my 4runner, sometimes I do wish I had the 3.4 but for the price I got this one for and the reliability its given me over the last 2 years, its awesome!

Adam F

Yes...it was optional on all 4Runners.