I am going to very soon be in the market for a 2nd Gen 4 runner and im wondering weather to go with a v6 or a 4 banger ?, Ive had ALL 4 cyl all my life, and im reluctant to change BUT change isnt always bad, If ya all could post pros and cons for each engine PLEASE DO !! by the way, Its gonna be a 4x4 stick.
Thanks for all the advice

 

Well, im gonna stick my neck out here.

Choice of powertrain per generation.
1st Gen - 4cyl
2nd Gen - 4cyl
3rd Gen - V6
4th Gen V6

The 22R and the Toyota truck is a proven reliable vehicle. There is a vast amount of engine modifications. Parts are easy to come by. Parts are also relativly cheap. Its not hard to find someone that knows enough about them to assist you should you need it.

One the other hand, the 3.0L V6 can give you a bit more torque that is tiresome to drive with a manual, and is sluggish with an automatic. This engine is in comparison more costly to repair, and there is less knowledge readily available about them. Most all 3.0L's were involved in the infamous headgasket recall which either revived the engine or sent it to a early grave, which all depended upon the dealer/tech performing the repair.

The change comes with the introduction of the 3.4L. This engine combines simplicity with performance, and has redefined the V6 catagory in the toyota market. These have already proven there longevity in the field, and escaped only with a small headgasket recall.

Im gonna have to say as a choice of a 2nd Generation engine, it would most certainly be the 22R 4cyl.

Jay

 

Thank you for your vast amount of knowlegde on this subject ! I guess my 4cyl days are gonna continue ! Ive just always wanted a bit more power with the 4 cylinder but as you said Mods are vast So thanks my friend im sure ill be asking many more questions in time to come.
Thanks Jay !

 

If you are buying a 2nd Gen Runner get one with the 3.0L V-6!!!!! It isn't a powerhouse but it has tons of torque!

 

if you're planning on modifying for more horsepower, go with the 22re. they're easier to work on and they're more reliable. i wish i had made that decision back when i had one. now i have the 3.0 that i've modded considerably and i DO like the extra power, but it cost me an arm and a leg to get there. and for the money i spent, the gains were not enough.

if you're gonna leave it stock, go with the 3.0. but make sure you check into the head gasket recall for that vehicle first.