bocephas70

I am about to purchase a new '04 4Runner but can't decide which engine to go with. I want to add a 2.5 inch lift and 265-70s.

I am concerned that the larger tires with the V6 will bring the gas mileage down close to the V8. There's only a 2MPG difference anyway.

Any advise on which package and/or options to get would be most appreciated too.

Thanks,
Barry Dickson

AndroT100

I wrangled with this question for some time also. I had the opportunity to put a few thousand miles on 2003 V8 LTD 4x4 before buying mine, and was going to purchase the same but with the V6. The V6 is louder, you don't have as much torque and the mileage is not that much better. Also, the driving experience is different as in general driving, the V6 is in 2 wheel drive while the V8 is full-time 4 wheel drive. Lastly, with the V8, you get the 5 speed transmission with artificial intelligence. It actually mimics a standard transmission at times and this I appreciate. It is incredibly smooth and the total experience is quiet and powerful.

An option I would not pass-up is the XREAS suspension. This is the mechanical system that keeps your body roll in check. The LTD I drove didn't have it. Due to the 1.9% financing that Toyota has offered until today, the 30th, and some negotiating, and because I didn't want to go for the larger payment, I purchased a 2003 Sport V8 4x4. It comes with the XREAS stock. This vehicle rocks. It is fast. Power delivery is so smooth and it handles very well. Almost too much as I am concerned about pushing it too much around corners. Also, I am getting 18.3 mpg around town!

Good luch with your selection.

Good Times

If you plan to tow, then go for the v8. If not, then the v6 should be fine. If and when you plan to lift the 4runner, keep in mind that the v8 mpg will go down as well just as much as the v6. So the difference will still be the same. You really can't go wrong with either one so it's pretty much a toss up. I would say that the v8 will have a higher resale value only because it's a v8. Other than that, if you want to save $$ just get the v6.

Since you plan to lift it, make sure you don't waste your money on the X-Reas and the Rear Height System as they'll end up being removed when you lift it.

Good luck

Lance

jgs9455

This seems to be THE question lately....one I currently have myself. The advice seems to be the same- choose V8 to tow or hotrod. V6 otherwise. The V8 is a proven engine with a new transmission and the V6 is a new engine with a proven transmission.

The V8 is heavier, costs about 1,000 more and only comes with full time 4 wheel drive. The V8 right now makes 10 less horsepower, 40 more torque, uses 2-3mpg more, doesn't have a timing chain, and the oil filter can be hard to get to. It does have more mods for it currently available like exhaust and a TRD supercharger. "Might" have a higher resale.

The V6 is lighter, costs less, and can switch to 2wd only mode. It makes more horsepower but less torque. It makes better gas milage and has a timing chain. I'm sure mods for it are coming.

So where does all this get us? Age old advice - test drive both and go with the one you like best!!

jgs9455

Not that anyone cares, but I think I am still leaning towards the V6. I'll drive both and decide after that ...but I still think upgrading from a 123hp 4 banger to a 245hp V6 will make me piss my shorts.

Also I've seen advice warning people not to get the XREAS system if they plan on lifting. While this is sound advice to consider, there is a member on here (and a poll) that is going to try and do just that with the coil spacers when available. Some think it might be possible and do the lift with the XREAS so I guess the best advice is wait and see. Otherwise you could be wasting your money.

Good Times

jgs is right on the upgrading from 4 banger to the v6!!! That will definitely make you piss in your shorts! But I'm sure that if you got the v8, you'll definitely **** in your shorts! (hehe)

As for lifiting the xreas system, my thoughts are it will be highly unlikely. The system is very touchy in that the pressurized lines are linked to the shocks. If you remove the shocks and disconnect the lines, you pretty much FUBAR'd the system and need to replace the entire unit (one cross link). This means that if you want to install the spacers, you must install it while the shock is in place in it's original location. This means it will be very difficult to install the spacer. If you have played with your suspension or have lifted/lowered any vehicle, attempting to do something like this by keeping the shock intact is a tall order to ask.

Lets all hope that this works out.

nrgetic99

Amen brother

Not looked back since picking up my 03 Sport V8

FirstToy

V6 is awesome. Lighter, faster and better mpg's (check some real world #'s and not the EPA estimates- .7 liters, 2 cylinders and fulltime 4wd are going to be only a couple mpg's less? I think not). You can use the 4wd full-time on the V6 too.

I don't care about the engine being brand new. It's ALL brand new! None of it is "proven" in it's current configuration.
All I know is it works, it's fun, I love it and don't have any complaints.

V6 rocks- it's a great powertrain for the truck.

The V8 is obviously the way to go for towing. Toy clearly had towing in mind with the US market, air suspension option and full time 4wd.

I'm not big on towing so the V6 is the ticket!

There's the "V6 side" in this comparison!

Oh yeah, the XREAS is awesome! I would really go for this option, it transforms the truck. XREAS is on point!

jharris2

Funny that this same debate rages on, yet the answers remain the same.....

EDGE

My vote goes to the V8

bocephas70

Anyone got any real world MPG on the V6? If the V8 is getting 18MPG in city, that sounds like the way to go to me.

I currently own a Dodge Ram 2500 with a 5.8L. When I upsized to 33s, I saw very little decrease in MPG. I used to own a Ford Bronco with a smaller V8 and I saw a decrease in MPG when I went to larger tires. This makes me think the V8 would handle larger tires better than the V6.

The point is this: If upsizing tires on the V6 will bring it within 1MPG of the V8, what is the point of going with the V6? To me the price difference is not an issue when you are already talking about a $30K vehicle. I think the 5-speed transmission, all wheel drive, and quieter ride are worth a loss of 1MPG, maybe even 2MPG.

What do yall think?

Good Times

First off...

v8 will not get 18mpg in the city. it's more like 15mpg.

and if you upgrade your tires on the v6, you'll prob only see a 1mpg diff. same goes if you upgrade your tires on the v8 as well, expect a 1mpg drop respectively.

Stealth TDI

Hi,

I've seen a few references to a timing chain on the V6. Why is the timing chain preferred? Is it because the V6 has a metal chain that doesn't need replacing and the V8 has rubber? Or is the V8 gear driven? Please share? I have NO IDEA!

Thanks,

Scott