As my 4runner approaches the 140k mile mark on the 2.7L, I find myself entertaining the thought of possibly "upgrading" to a newer 4runner/Taco with the 3.4 and possibly less miles. My 2.7L hasn't failed me yet nor is it on the brink but I have constantly found myself looking for more in terms of power and "fun" in terms of driving experience. I have the automatic which can leave a bit to be desired in terms of the "fun" aspect as well as power.

My question is, what have been your experiences with the 3.4?

Would I notice a worth-while gain in the upgrade?

I don't usually tow much (on occasion though), but do find myself hitting the 4wd lever as often as possible along with going on trips through hilly/mountainous regions. I understand its a personal preference thing and has to do with my lifestyle but again being that I've never owned a 3.4 or really had the chance to drive the 3.4, I'd appreciate your experiences and insight in regards to this...!

Do share...

Thanks!

 

i enjoy driving my 3.4 around. find one to test drive

 

I don't think it'd be worth upgrading to the 3.4, it's a bit of a turd. Going to the new 4.0 would be a worthy upgrade.

 

I don't have 3.4L experience, but the obvious advantage is around 40 more ponies for your driving pleasure

Rob

 

I have been looking around for one to test drive but they seem to be a bit hard to find, at least around here. I've driven the 4.0 and it was an improvement but lacked the 3rd gen off-road ability and the stout look...

 

3.4 a turd?

You either have never driven a 22re, or forgotten what it was like.

To the OP: the 3.4 is pretty sweet. Its not a race car motor, but it will have more pep than the 2.7.

 

3.4 a turd????? what? its not a testosterone dripping v8 but its got some get up and go with a 5 speed

 

i have the 3.4L now and i used to have a 2nd gen with the 3.0, all i can say is that there is significant improvement with the 3.4L

 

My friend's got a 2.7L in his Taco, my 4Runner is a ton faster...

 

I raced a friend in my 4runner 2wd auto against his FJ 2wd auto and it made my engine look like the 3.slow. We were on the interstate going about 70 and I put a car lengths on him then he pulled on me at about 80 putting about 8 cars on me. The 3.4 has givien me no problems what so ever. It also makes good power for what it is.

 

Coming from someone that use to own a 98 4wd tacoma with the 3rz and 5speed, The 5vz with Auto in stock form is a marked improvement in usable power/torque.

 

Really...I'm assuming this is quite noticeable throughout the power band as well?

Sounds like I need to look a little harder for one at the dealership so I can take a test drive.

Heres a pic of my current rig just for measure...and cause everyone likes pictures!



Keep the responses coming...

 

clean runner. looks good. i dont think you should even be thinking about the 3.4 yet. that 2.7 is MAYBE halfway through its life. take care of it, and it will last for a long time. plus the bigger tires may be contributing to it being a dog. my 4:10's 5spd 2.7 is super peppy. when i drove the same truck with 33's, i really didnt like it.

 

I drove a 22re for 6 years then got my 3.4L. I thought I was going to crap myself.

 

if you find a 5spd 3.4 i would say go for it. it will have plenty of power to get up and move. my mom has the 3.4 auto however and i prefer it much less. the engine/tranny mix is loud compared to my 5spd and the power isnt there. if you want an upgrade, i would have to agree with some others on here and go straight to the 4.0. good luck hunting

 

ive got a 3.4 in my 94 pickup and a 2002 4 runner. and i love how much power they have but the 02 witch is auto and gutless. i would say if you get a veichle with 3.4 go manual much more fun. and i can spin 35s with 410s very easy.

 

When I got my 85 22RE 5-speed with 33x12.5's on it, it wouldn't even cruise down the hwy in 5th gear, I dropped to 31's and it drove great, good pickup and no real gutless feelings at all.....but it had a header and torqer cam in it and weighs about half what my Taco weighs.

My Taco, with 3.4 5-speed cruises all day long in 5th with the 33x12.5s on it. To put it simply......it rocks!

 

I went backwards....I had a 3.4 and now a 3.slo and i would give anything to have my 3.4 back....a great motor...5 spd is the way to go.....2nd gear in that truck was a blast

 

without a lot of work, the 3.4L is not turd I'd say...but maybe a real shiny turd . It's decent with a 5spd, but I've driven both and the auto just seems sluggish naturally aspirated and stock. Now with forced induction that's a whole different story. I've beaten up my motor for about 150k miles (got it with about 30k as a fleet vehicle from the $tealership) and it's running friggin beautiful. With the setup I have now it's much much faster than a 4.0 (in a 4runner, taco, or FJ), not to mention many other vehicles, but still civil if you wanna drive it like stock. I'd go for it if you can find a good deal. If you were close I'd offer up a joyride and get you hooked .

 

Turbo 3RZ is the way to go. Better and easier than any V6, and second only to a 1KZ-TE. These engines make 1200HP+ in import drag racing. Very capable with enough aftermarket support if you know where to look.

I wanted a 2.7L badly when I was looking for a 4Runner, but it's tough to find them with an e-locker.