I may go look at a 1998 Tacoma 4x4 with the 2.7 and an auto transmission that's for sale nearby. How is the 2.7 for reliability? Is it in the same class as the 22R, or more like the 3.0? What things should I watch out for in general on a 98 Tacoma? Thanks!

 

The 2.7 is I think the best of Toyotas engines. I have 2350,00 on mine and it still runs strong.

 

2.7 is a really good engine. You just don't hear about it as much as the 22RE because the 3.4 came out and was reliable and had some power to go with it.

 

It is an evolution of the 22R. Very very stout engine. It is nothing like the 3.slow.

I'm still glad I sold my 2.7 tacoma for a 3.4 though.

 

I love my 2.7! rock solid! never had a problem with it. and the milage is excellent. here at high altitude I can get 22mpg with a light foot! (Ive got a 5spd though) and it sure has a lot of power for a 4banger! I can get my tires to smoke... but dont anymore cuz my new tires cost an arm and a leg.

 

I agree, the 2.7 is an excellant engine, I have an auto and it really isn't too bad. I can outrun my girlfriends 4cyl Wrangler 5spd that weighs at least 500 lbs less, but it is a Jeep so ya know....

The only problems they're really prone to having are cracked exhaust manifolds, which if you just replace with an OEM is about $100 fix, and the install isn't bad. Or you could go with a header from LCE...but that'll set you back about $400.

Sometimes I wish I had the 3.4 but the 2.7 has been extremely reliable and is more maint. free (no timing belt). The 2.7 isn't as well known as the 22r or the 3.0 but is every bit as reliable and has more power. I doubt you'll be dissapointed if you've done your homework.

Keep us posted...

 

I agree with the above statements. My 2.7 has 144K on it and it probably is just getting broken in. Had to replace the exhaust manifold and the starter. (Starter had bad contacts, but the used car dept at my dealership paid for a new one, since it went out shortly after i bought it)

On a side note, I flushed the transmission somewhere around 100-115K. The fluid that came out of it was a darker shade of crap. That was 30K+ miles ago. I drained the fluid at 135K and it looked brand new still.

So my only recommendation would be the make sure the trans fluid looks good, and maybe have it flushed, if it isnt horrible.

I towed a riding mower home from the mountains of PA back to delaware and didn't run into a problem. I wouldn't race it against a Tundra or Hemi Dodge while towing, but you could probably tow 1000lbs or so, fairly easily.

 

leaf springs tend to break

 

When I bought my truck they were shot! so I just bought Alcans with a 3" lift!

Check the t-case. I dont think our '98s were part of the recall but some earlier tacos had a weak gasket that would leak it dry in a week.

 

He's looking at a 98, which got the updated rear springs, unlike the stupid short 3 leaf springs on 95-96 and marginally less stupid but still prone to breaking 4 leaf springs on 97s.

 

2.7L is a good engine but lack the power. not sure how it is on a taco but sure as hell its not great on a 4runner. theres no extra power when you needed at WOT.

17-19mpg on mine. Auto tranny

 

They're Great!

 

Love mine and it has plenty of power for running around these mountains that I have to drive everyday. Off road is great too! Place in low range 4x4 and it will climb a wall just like the old Willy's jeeps. High 4x4 and you can run the mud holes and greasy roads all day and I'm hauling around a bed tool box with about 300# of gear in it and I weigh 200#, Mike

 

Just curious, what gears do you have? Someone was telling me the other day that they've never seen a stepside without 4.56 gears in it. Were they all automatic?

 

Mine is 4.56 and auto but I can't say if all step sides are that way. So far I have been very happy with this setup. I'm just now about to hit 90,000 and it still purrs like a kitten. I have changed plugs twice now and the PCV , just because I wanted to and I did have to replace the A/F sensor on the manifold. Gas mileage is about 21-22 on the highway and 18-19 off and on road in these hill-billy mountains Mike

 

Were all stepsides 2.7s? I've been keeping an eye out for one - I keep thinking a stepside with a 2.7/5spd would be so kewl! Also keeping a eye out for a 90-91 2dr runner --- talk about rare and capable - that shorter wheel base would be perfect off road.

 

i love my 2.7 and drive at 6000 ft altitude every day with no problems. drop into fourth and that thing will climb anything. cant beat 22mpg either.

 

Just wanted to ad something here. I live on top of a mountain and driving to town requires that I cross three mountains that are really steep and my 2.7 has no problem at all. The biggest place that I miss a larger engine is on a real long gradual slope that goes on for miles. It seems to loose a little power there unless you put your foot in it. Other than that it does real well for me. Mike

 

everything that everyone wrote here is accurate IMO. I love my truck. it is superior to my previous trucks in all ways, for how I use it.

if you plan to tow loads, get a 3.4L. The 2.7L will tow, just not the way you want it to. I rarely load down that much, so it does not affect me much. But I do feel the limitations when loaded down.

follow the maintenance plan to the letter, and watch the years go by. I can't believe I've been in this truck for 7 years now...

 

I have the same truck you're thinking on getting except mine is a 5 speed manual tranny. As for the 2.7, I have 131,000 miles on mine and have only ever had to do general maintainence to it (plugs, belts, oil changes) How many miles does this '98 model have? This is my take on this truck:

pros: single row timing chain that is stronger than the 22RE dual timing chain set. (not timing belt like the 3.4 that need replaced every 90k) If you can't put a timing belt in yourself, that can be a costly job money-wise.

Cons: cracking exhaust manifold after 100k...this is due to a poor design, and can also be caused by overheating. However, it happened to some, and not to others. Mine for example has 131,000 miles and my exhaust manifold is fine with no cracks. The good side to this is that if you're into performance mods, this will give you a good reason to switch to a performance header!