06-07 V8 vs V6 Drivetrains

[klennop]

Hey Everyone,

I am new here so bear with me a bit. My background is 32ys old, owned fast cars, lifted jeep, other misc trucks, faster motorcycles, etc. I searched for some answers but without luck. I have always liked the 4Runner so I am really trying to narrow down what I am looking to get but I have some questions. I currently have a Tahoe which sucks gas but it has decent power, I have had the 4.0 V6 in a Ranger, 4.0 Inline in a Cherokee but I am thinking with the size of the 4Runner, the V8 is the way to go. Everyone says that you don't need the V8 unless you are towing but I do tow a trailer every once in a while that can hold 2000lbs, then you add 3 full size guys and a full load of motorcycle gear in the truck. This all adds up to a lot of weight really fast.

I have test drove an 05 V8 and was impressed with how smooth it drove, shifted, etc. and it had 155K on it. I really couldn't believe it. Now I live in WI and also go in the woods quite a bit so I want 4wd, it would be nice to have the 2wd for the screwing off sessions but I can deal with the all the time 4wd. Now my main question is when I was test driving the v8, the dealer told me that the V8 had a beefier drive train vs a v6, it makes sense but in my searches I haven't found anything. I know the old v6 wasn't a 5 speed but in the 06-07 years how different is the drive train. I know the v8 has a smaller first gear which is great but not a big deal to me because if I wanted to really wheel, I would have a dedicated wheeler. I am just looking for a great all rounder that will last me a long time. So I am thinking a V8 especially if it is beefier down below but I guess I need to drive a V6 to see if I would be happy with it or not. I am also thinking limited trim heated leather etc. but I like the hood scoop on the Sport so.....

Another question how can you tell if the 06-07 have that XREAS suspension because from the sounds of it, they seem a little problematic. Can the truck have the auto leveling without the XREAS, and if so how can you tell?

Also what advantages would an 07 have over an 06?

I am sure I will have some other questions, I appreciate the help.

Keith

 

[CJ3Flyr]

Hey Everyone,

I am new here so bear with me a bit. My background is 32ys old, owned fast cars, lifted jeep, other misc trucks, faster motorcycles, etc. I searched for some answers but without luck. I have always liked the 4Runner so I am really trying to narrow down what I am looking to get but I have some questions. I currently have a Tahoe which sucks gas but it has decent power, I have had the 4.0 V6 in a Ranger, 4.0 Inline in a Cherokee but I am thinking with the size of the 4Runner, the V8 is the way to go. Everyone says that you don't need the V8 unless you are towing but I do tow a trailer every once in a while that can hold 2000lbs, then you add 3 full size guys and a full load of motorcycle gear in the truck. This all adds up to a lot of weight really fast.

I have test drove an 05 V8 and was impressed with how smooth it drove, shifted, etc. and it had 155K on it. I really couldn't believe it. Now I live in WI and also go in the woods quite a bit so I want 4wd, it would be nice to have the 2wd for the screwing off sessions but I can deal with the all the time 4wd. Now my main question is when I was test driving the v8, the dealer told me that the V8 had a beefier drive train vs a v6, it makes sense but in my searches I haven't found anything. I know the old v6 wasn't a 5 speed but in the 06-07 years how different is the drive train. It's not any different. The V8 comes with the fulltime 4wd and an external trans cooler from the factory. With the exception of the 2wd mode of the t-case all other driveline parts are the same. I know the v8 has a smaller first gear which is great but not a big deal to me because if I wanted to really wheel, I would have a dedicated wheeler. I am just looking for a great all rounder that will last me a long time. So I am thinking a V8 especially if it is beefier down below but I guess I need to drive a V6 to see if I would be happy with it or not. I am also thinking limited trim heated leather etc. but I like the hood scoop on the Sport so..... The V6 isn't bad. It's features a "no service" timing chain vs a timing belt with a 90k interval. Oil changes are super-easy too. MPG is approx. 1-2mpg better (if that).

Another question how can you tell if the 06-07 have that XREAS suspension because from the sounds of it, they seem a little problematic. Can the truck have the auto leveling without the XREAS, and if so how can you tell? You can see hydraulic lines hooked up to top of the front shocks. Don't know about auto-level without XREAS. When XREAS fails it's easy to remove. The only "hassle" is that you must replace all 4 shocks on the same day.

Also what advantages would an 07 have over an 06? None that I know of...

I am sure I will have some other questions, I appreciate the help.

Keith

Have you played here? It's a great read and year-by-year breakdowns with brochures.
:cheers:

 

[klennop]

have you played here? it's a great read and year-by-year breakdowns with brochures.
:cheers:

doh!!!!

 

[truckmike26]

A V6 4Runner is a better way to go; no timing belt. That's major money savings (other things are often replaced during a belt change -- pulleys and water pump, etc.) and fewer related hassles. Lighter with fewer parts, the all-aluminium V6 nearly makes up for the less torque and horsepower. My 4Runner is also a base SR5 4x4 with zero options -- no XREAS, sunroof, spoiler or roof rack and 16" wheels so it's the lightest, most aerodynamic V6 4Runner four-by I could get.

I do miss not having the off-the-line torque and V8 sound, though. It's a compromise.

 

[M1911]

A V6 4Runner is a better way to go; no timing belt. That's major money savings (other things are often replaced during a belt change -- pulleys and water pump, etc.) and fewer related hassles.

You change it once every 80,000 miles. Not a big deal.

 

[colombo]

I have both V6 and V8. I like V8 better as it feels more like a car oppose to V6feels like you drive a truck. I agree, with V6 you do not need to worry about timing belt. But V8 more responsive, quiter engine. So, it you are ready to pay toll for timing belt in exchange to better ride quality go for V8. If you want completely maintenance free ride go with V6. IMHO.

 

[djj1973]

You change it once every 80,000 miles. Not a big deal.

It IS a big deal when they charge $600+ to do it. I had a '00 Tundra and the dealer wanted $1200 for the 90k service which included the timing belt replacement. That's a lot of money !

I'm perfectly happy with my V6.

Derek

 

[colombo]

It IS a big deal when they charge $600+ to do it. I had a '00 Tundra and the dealer wanted $1200 for the 90k service which included the timing belt replacement. That's a lot of money !

I'm perfectly happy with my V6.

Derek

You pay what you drive. On any good perfomance vehicle you pay 1200 for timing belt. To save money, you need to drive cavalier or V6 4Runner. Or just do not drive it for more then 3 years. But ride quality will suffer.

 

[90scman]

a note on towing

I have NOT driven the v8 but my 08 v6 tows my boat great, i have a boat that weights in at about 3500 fully loaded. no issues what so ever, i think you dont have to worry about the v6/v8 delema when your towing your 2000lb trailer. if you do a lot of hills then install a external trans cooler on the v6

 

[Koz]

Both engines are great. Both engines have their pros and cons (As listed above). If you do not plan to tow over 4K lbs the V6 will be more then enough to satisfy your needs. Other then the tow rating these two engines are VERY close in performance. The drive trains and suspensions are identical (Other then the 2wd option on the V6). There was a hp increase for the V8 in 05.

Koz

 

[M1911]

It IS a big deal when they charge $600+ to do it.

Every 80,000 miles. If you drive 12,000 miles per year, that means you get it changed every 6.6 years, so it isn't a big expense.

 

[klennop]

I really appreciate the responses everyone.

I will not be towing over 4k as of right now but this is a vehicle I want to keep for a pretty long time so for me, right now I am into motorcycles. However once I have a family would I possibly buy a boat so we could all have "fun". I guess that is another reason why I was thinking about the V8.

The last couple of vehicles I have had have had decent torque off the line so I may miss that with the V6, which in turn I would be putting the pedal down more, which would that ruin the extra gas savings I get out of the V6?

It is also really hard to tell how much better the V6 is on gas, everyone seems to have different MPG, which I understand due to driving habits, tires, elevation. However I am thinking if I am not stomping on it as much with a V8 vs the V6, then maybe gas mileage would equal out.

So you guys are saying about a $1200 fix every 80-90K for the timing belt. Is it a hard one to not do yourself or just better off taking it in? It does come into play as an expense when you may be buying one used with 50K on it but....you have to pay to play!!

Thanks again for the responses!

Keith

 

[4Runner8]

im at 110k miles and still havent changed my timing belt, kinda need to do that

as far as what to buy... whatever you get you will most likely be happy with these trucks are very capable and very reliable vehicles

 

[Koz]

I really appreciate the responses everyone.

I will not be towing over 4k as of right now but this is a vehicle I want to keep for a pretty long time so for me, right now I am into motorcycles. However once I have a family would I possibly buy a boat so we could all have "fun". I guess that is another reason why I was thinking about the V8.

The last couple of vehicles I have had have had decent torque off the line so I may miss that with the V6, which in turn I would be putting the pedal down more, which would that ruin the extra gas savings I get out of the V6?

It is also really hard to tell how much better the V6 is on gas, everyone seems to have different MPG, which I understand due to driving habits, tires, elevation. However I am thinking if I am not stomping on it as much with a V8 vs the V6, then maybe gas mileage would equal out.

So you guys are saying about a $1200 fix every 80-90K for the timing belt. Is it a hard one to not do yourself or just better off taking it in? It does come into play as an expense when you may be buying one used with 50K on it but....you have to pay to play!!

Thanks again for the responses!

Keith

Sounds like you may need a V8 in the future and you seem to want one. The V6 gets only 1 to 2 mpg more, FACT!

Koz

 

[klennop]

Sounds like you may need a V8 in the future and you seem to want one. The V6 gets only 1 to 2 mpg more, FACT!

Koz

Yeah I had my eye on the V8 but always thought...could I deal with a V6. The v8's seem harder to find near me, I guess that is another reason why I am contemplating a v6. You rarely ever hear anyone say they have too much power but you always hear people wanting more. I guess that is why I don't want to make a mistake with the v6 and then after the purchase say could have...should have...

Now I know the older v8's seemed smoother than the v6 but in the 06-07 range since the drive trains are the same is that still the case?

I am possibly going to look at a v6 limited this weekend to test drive it.

 

[12guns]

I have an 05' Sport 4x4 V8. I LOVE the smooth transmission and drivetrain. I had a 96' 4x4 Tacoma with mud tires before, so most anything would have been an improvement! My wife drives an 08' Accord EX-L. Really nice car, but not as smooth shifting/driving as my 4runner. Not to mention the road noise in the car.
As for V6 vs. V8, that's a tough one. If the V6 is not as smooth, I'd stick w/ the V8, but I'll admit I would like to get a couple more MPG's that I do now.
I've also towed a 5000lb tandom axle ski boat w/ my V8 and WOW. Even my buddies can't believe how smooth it pulls.
I'm sure you'll be happy with either, but if a few hundred dollars in extra gas per year isn't a big deal, get the V8! You'll LOVE it!!!

 

[4Runnewbie]

I test drove a V6 and a V8 when I was looking to buy. They both drove great. I decided on the V8 because It had the 3rd row seats and the price was cheaper than the V6 I looked at.

 

[klennop]

So how can you tell if it has the auto leveling in the rear?

 

[Koz]

So how can you tell if it has the auto leveling in the rear?

There is a switch on the center console to adjust the height and there is a visual display on dash display that indicates if the system is on and what position it is set at.

If I'm not mistaken you can only get this option on the V8 Limited model. I think it was an $1800 option.

Koz

 

[klennop]

There is a switch on the center console to adjust the height and there is a visual display on dash display that indicates if the system is on and what position it is set at.

If I'm not mistaken you can only get this option on the V8 Limited model. I think it was an $1800 option.

Koz

You had this option on yours correct?

Was it worth it? Do you have any pictures of the switch, just so I know what I am looking for.

Thanks again for all the help and responses, I really appreciate it!!