Need some help 4Runner team! The time has come where my 2005 v6 202k and 2003 v8 210k needs one to be replaced for the wif. We’ll likely get a GX460 or another 5th gen 4Runner.

Here is the prob… Which one do I sell, which one do I keep or do I post both?

Maintenance is meticulous on both with fluids and everything, but the 2005 has had brakes, suspension and 1 cat replaced more recent.

Other item - 2005 has the pesky timing chain cover leak that cost $1200-1500. When they are in there, I’d have them do water pump, belts, idlers and tensioners. So the 2005 would be set for another 200k and I’d get both CV axles replaced as they’ve been torn for 2-3 years.

Ugh… I love my V8, but that dang V6 would be set for another long bit, not sure if I’d recoup the funds selling. The V8 has the iconic 4.7 as well. It has not had the headers done and I hear a small tick when cold and goes away. So either way, each car would eventually need $2000.

So what should I do? Keep 1? Sell both and see who wins? Which would you keep?

I see that you are in CO. I am assuming that these trucks have minimal rust too. I have a V6 with almost 300k that runs amazing. If I had to choose and the undercarriages was in good shape and fuel economy was not an issue, I would keep the V8 just for the uniqueness and power of it.

Btw, this is a debatable topic, but you don't need to replace the timing chains (there are 3 of them) on the V6 if there are no issues. The guides can be measured for wear as opposed to changing them for the sake of doing it. OEM chains, tensioners and guide will cost anywhere between $700 and $1000 for the parts alone depending on where they are bought. In my opinion, going aftermarket on timing components does not make sense especially if there is nothing wrong with them.

Yes, in CO and I have kept up on undercarriage care as these last longer than the frame if ya do!

And yes, agree on the timing chain, only reason I am addressing the V6 is the timing chain cover leak and I am sure there is a leaky water pump. Just gonna do it all at once if we keep it for $1600-2000.

Thanks for the vote on the V8!

Understood. When I read "tensioners", my mind jumped to the timing chain tensioners as opposed to the tensioner on the belt drive system sitting in front of the cover. Sounds like you have a good plan for the V6 if you keep it.