Hello, I have been looking for info for a few days now and found this site. This is my first post and am not sure where to start. Hope some of you here can point me where I need to go.

My 80 series Land Cruiser has a head gasket issue and it must be dealt with soon. Problem is that I know nothing about the newer 4runners. I had a couple of their 85 trucks with the little 4 bannger that was way under power. I use to beat that little truck out in the woods. I am thinking about an 04-08 truck. Tell me about real world driving experiences between the 6 and the v8 truck. I am looking at the 4 Runner is because it is just a few inches smaller them my 80 on interior space. It is now use for kid duty and travel. It must be 4WD. I need to get up to this steep driveway on the side of a hill with good size pot holes and rocks more then a few time throughout the year. Snow in the winter and they don't plow most of the large streets up there. An all wheel drive like envoy or whatever its call is a no go. I yanked him up to the top with my 80 a few times with lots snow on the ground. Tell me which one I need to look for and which to stay away form. I am leaning toward the V8 for the additional power. Is it worth the extra gas it need to get up and go? It has a center lock diff on all of the 4WD models? HOw about rear ends? How does it do off road compare to my 80? Now days, all I see are trails to a campsite. Once in a while, I will get to have some fun with a bunch of large boulders and a few streams and rough trails. Tell me, tell me please. Any suggestion is welcome.

I read on Edmond's last night that these new V8s get 19-20 on the hwy? That's nuts.

Jeff

 

Welcome to YT. I'd fix the LC.

 

welcome to YT!!
x2 on fixing the landcruiser

 

Mind-boggling isn't it? the V8 get better mileage than the 4's.

Another thing I don't understand, the new 4X4's are not 4X4 until you do a bunch of work on them.

Google Tundra and 4Runner 'problems' for the year you are considering....scarry. Do the same for your LC.
I would think HG is part of routine maintenance.
You are more familiar with the LC in sticky situations, fix it, or I will. lol

 

Lemme get this straight...you own a Landcruiser, the overbuilt flagship vehicle of Toyota, and want to downgrade to a 4runner? Fix the Cruiser. If you want more power, V8 swap the Cruiser.

 

1uzfe that cruiser!

 

We live in the same state, you know how difficult swapping motor would be right? Plus, I am done with playing in the dirt. Two kids and a business = no time. It goes on trips. Once every blue moon it get to wet its underside crossing a stream or over a bunch of rocks. I need a 4WD is because we ski and need to go up a steep dirt road with huge holes and good size rocks when ever we head up into the hills. I just don't want to sink anymore money into it. Leaks in the rear sliding windows. faded paint from sitting outside and my blown head gasket. I am just looking at my options. so, any suggestions on the 4 runner? Oh, tax right off also.

 

Yes, the v8 4Runners get 18-20 hwy. v8 4Runners are all AWD as you know. I have heard people say that the v6 4Runner is too under-powered.

Why not look into an '05+ access or crew cab Tacoma? The 4.0L 1GR-FE is an IMPRESSIVE engine. 236 hp, 280 (ish) ft/lbs of torque, and 20-24mpg HWY in 4wd models! Plus, the 5spd automatic is actually really AWESOME. Or, if you prefer, they come in 6spd manuals. Then, if you need covered cargo space, you could get a bed cap. They have better ground clearance than the 4runners. and, are CHEAPER!

 

fix the LC...

 

Don't have kids. The worst thing you can do.

and don't be a part of kalifornia.

 

Keep em' coming guys. I have been out of the loop on cars and trucks. I know nothing about what's out on the market.

 

california has some of the best trails and i think he does have kids...

 

When you say AWD, like some of the Chevys? No low range gears to craw up a steep hill with snow? What an 05+ access? I don't need another truck, have two of them. I am power hungry, but have not driven any of the 4 runners yet. I am leaning toward the V8 if I do buy. How the heck can they get close to 20mpg out of a V8? That's impressive. I am hapy with anything 0ver 16. My other full size trucks drink gas or diesel, fast.

 

2005 and newer access cab Tacoma. Its the newer model of the Tacomas; the access cab is an extended cab but has rear opening doors.

Yes, AWD like Chevys, except the center diff can be locked and I do believe they have a low range.

How do the v8s get 20 mpg? Low friction engine internals, finely tuned computer controlled engine management, variable valve timing, dual overhead cams, 32 valves, MFI and just an efficient design. The 4.7L v8 isnt rated for that much more power than the 4.0L v6 in the Tacomas. the 4.0L is 236/266 and the v8 is 271/306.

Then there is also the 2010+ 4Runner with part-time 4wd or full time AWD, the same 4.0L v6 as in the Tacomas, but with power ratings about the same as the v8 due to the dual Variable Valve Timing (dual VVT), and MPG in the low 20s hwy

If you have trucks and what not, why do you need a v8 4Runner?

 

Access the bed through the rear window or rear doors that open toward the rear?

AWD similar to my the Land Cruiser set up?

236 or 270 hp should be plenty for a little truck.

I am ready for another part time 4WD truck, for better mileage.

I have two full size truck, but they are both two wheel drive work trucks with no passenger in the back. My kids can't ride in it for long trip as a family. Not enough room. They are tough and do not break, but drink lots-o-gas. The Cummins diesel I really like. its an older truck. The 4 runner is really only for getting through the snow up to the cabin during the winter months. Plus, its time to drive something nice and clean for once instead of dirty work trucks. The 80 serve me well in that respect but with CA gas prices and distances, it is such a waste.

 

I just see that you have a few vehicles with 22REs. That has to be one of my favorite engine from Toyota. They just don't break. Do they still build stuff like that?