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.

Update… Soooo… we got the Wife a 2011 Gx460 with 100k from Tx that she likes.

Got the CV boots replaced on the 2005 V6 and was ready to sell it as the V8 had been mine for 5 years and loved that thing. Went for a tire rotation on the 2005 V6 and saw a small puncture on a tire and tread leading to replacement, ugh. Say there and thought through it all with already 2 cats replaced, all brakes, rotors, pads and both front axles. Now tires. Got some all terrain and sat back down. Dang it! The 2005 V8 will/does need most of those items in the next year or so!

Had to keep the 2005 V6 to help the fam as it’ll last longer with all those items updated and less bank draining.

2003 V8, leveled out with 215k and tons of records going up for sale next week. Sat there and cried in Discount Tire. Favorite and best car I’ve had. Going up on sale in Denver CO this weekend.

I would urge you to reconsider... Toyota will NEVER make another V8 4Runner. The 2UZ is a iconic engine and will last you a long time, I would venture to say longer than the V6, with proper timing belt changes. I think you will have some serious regret down the line letting that vehicle go and will find it will eventually get to be a unicorn as there become less and less of them out there.

Oof, well said. Very well said.