Are 4th Generation V8's worth the risk 4 Manifold Issues?

[nivlak]

love the v8

I bought the v8 primarily because the scrap yard guy told me they have about a dozen units in stock and never sell them because they just run. They might not be supercharged and run like a raped ape but they will definitely have sufficient power to tow and do some off-roading and get you from A to B. I would much rather deal with exhause cracking than with blown intakes or head gasket issues...

Buy with confidence; we are here to help you along the way whichever route you go.

 

[470SNC]

The V8 is great, more power, not that worse mileage, im at 108k with no manifold issues yet

 

[lrlima]

have an 03 v8 with 130k or so. love the way it sounds and runs, no issues yet.

 

[HOJeepster]

I have 165k on my V8 and have a manifold leak. Upon cold start up, the truck sounds like a jalopy, but then quiets down after it warms up. This is merely annoying, nothing to really worry about. The V8 is great.

 

[blind squirrel]

My 04 started ticking around 100k. Like everyone else says, only does it for a minute or two. I've got much larger things to worry about than that little guy.
Don't let that be the reason you don't get a V8.

 

[progress4m]

IMHO: I would not hesitate to buy a V8; while crack manifold issue is real, I agree with others that numbers are low and chance you have this problem is very low… in addition, if you especially looking for older 4th gen (2003-2005), there is a lot higher chance to have HG issue with V6 than crack manifold on V8… obviously I would chose to have cracked manifold vs. HG regardless of the engine choice\configuration…

As much as it hurts me to say this (being loyal\diehard Toyota fan), Toyota did not do a good job with 4.0 V6 in 4th gen…. I believe there is a problem with the design that causing the HG failure… based on the info from this forum, majority of HG issues on V6 4runners effects vehicles made between 2003 and 2005, but there are reports with low mileage V6 4runers that had HG issue made after 2005 (2006, 2007 and 2008)… again IMHO: with V6, it is not the matter of if you will have blown HG, but when…

Especially if you are intend to push the engine even a little bit and not that often (like towing, mudding, pushing it on the mountain overpasses) I would feel much better having V8 under hood… and to worry that what you are doing at that moment with your truck will create HG issue for you down the road… my $.02

 

[bob3dsf]

IMHO: I would not hesitate to buy a V8; while crack manifold issue is real, I agree with others that numbers are low and chance you have this problem is very low… in addition, if you especially looking for older 4th gen (2003-2005), there is a lot higher chance to have HG issue with V6 than crack manifold on V8… obviously I would chose to have cracked manifold vs. HG regardless of the engine choice\configuration…

As much as it hurts me to say this (being loyal\diehard Toyota fan), Toyota did not do a good job with 4.0 V6 in 4th gen…. I believe there is a problem with the design that causing the HG failure… based on the info from this forum, majority of HG issues on V6 4runners effects vehicles made between 2003 and 2005, but there are reports with low mileage V6 4runers that had HG issue made after 2005 (2006, 2007 and 2008)… again IMHO: with V6, it is not the matter of if you will have blown HG, but when…

Especially if you are intend to push the engine even a little bit and not that often (like towing, mudding, pushing it on the mountain overpasses) I would feel much better having V8 under hood… and to worry that what you are doing at that moment with your truck will create HG issue for you down the road… my $.02

Yes, the early V6's tend to see the HG issue and evidently Toyota addressed it to some degree as it has been mentioned that there was a change in part numbers for the HG after 2005 I think. And, to be fair, overheating tended to be a key factor in people who had HG failures. I don't think its a foregone conclusion that a HG failure in the V6 is a matter of "when," at least with 2006-09.

 

[Diver55]

Good point. Thought of that also.

 

[Diver55]

Thanks for the tip. I'm a bit green with 4X4's, never owned one. Had a Sub AWD. Technically, is it advantageous to have a V8 in the bush because it has more torque? (for the serious stuff maybe?) I think I am replying the right way, in this case to Nivlak? ( or anyone else that sees this)

 

[offshorebear]

My 04 got to the point where even after warm up it wouldn't pass inspection in PA.

Calibers are my biggest expense by far for continuing to run the 4Runner. I will switch to 5th gen calibers next time my calipers go bad.

 

[GLP]

I have two 4Runners, both with V8, both 2004, neither have the manifold leak. One has 108k miles, the other 212k.

 

[Diver55]

My 04 got to the point where even after warm up it wouldn't pass inspection in PA.

Calibers are my biggest expense by far for continuing to run the 4Runner. I will switch to 5th gen calibers next time my calipers go bad.

I've been reading on the brake issues. Some say to contantly keep the front brake assembly well lubricated. I'm going out of town to see an 03' Sport V8 in a few days. If I buy it I'll remember about your 5th generation tip.