4RunnerFan
New member
I have the V-6 and love it, but since you're towing a 4,000 lb boat I'd seriously recommend you get the V-8.
Help me decide: 2006+ v6 or v8?
- Thread starter Joeggernaut
- Start date
lehiguy
New member
I would get whichever engine becomes available to you, but get an 05 or newer. You can't lose with either one. I would venture to guess that under real strain, the V8 would actually use less gas than the V6. Unloaded the V6 will use less. I love my 4.0. I dropped the gearing down to 4.10 to turn my 285/75R16 BFGs and it picked up some spunk. The combination is slightly lower overall than the stock tire and gear ratio combo. It made me think about going to 4.56, but I think I'll keep what I have. The ATRAC defeat switch that I installed allows me to drift through corners in the snow and/or dirt which the V8 won't do since it is full time 4x4.
TRDCal
New member
Wait...what?
Joeggernaut
New member
Thanks for all the input. I will keep my eye out for a 2006+ v8 4runner SE (sport edition). Don't really care for the ras system on the limited even though I know it was only an option and not standard. Honestly don't care for xreas either but easier to take out.
So need some other opinions. I know there are numerous threads on this but some new insight would be helpful.
4th gen 4runner v8 vs 5th gen 4runner v6. I personally feel the upgraded v6 is under powered for the 300lb increase and size of the new 4runner along with a decrease in some of the build quality compared to late model 4th gens. Plus I don't really want to pony up the extra dough (probably 10k more) then have to worry about scratches/ets. I just feel if I get a 5th gen it will feel more civilized and less of a truck that I can just throw stuff into and not care as much.
My third option is a full-size truck but then again I don't really need a full size bed 24/7 for a daily driver and weekend warrior. I think a 4runner fits the bill better here. The only thing is the maintenance/running costs between a full size pick-up vs a 4runner is basically zero.
So need some other opinions. I know there are numerous threads on this but some new insight would be helpful.
4th gen 4runner v8 vs 5th gen 4runner v6. I personally feel the upgraded v6 is under powered for the 300lb increase and size of the new 4runner along with a decrease in some of the build quality compared to late model 4th gens. Plus I don't really want to pony up the extra dough (probably 10k more) then have to worry about scratches/ets. I just feel if I get a 5th gen it will feel more civilized and less of a truck that I can just throw stuff into and not care as much.
My third option is a full-size truck but then again I don't really need a full size bed 24/7 for a daily driver and weekend warrior. I think a 4runner fits the bill better here. The only thing is the maintenance/running costs between a full size pick-up vs a 4runner is basically zero.
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WXman
New member
Is the V6 really 300 lbs. lighter than the V8? I find that very hard to believe. That would put the V6 under 250 lbs. total weight and I'm calling B.S. on that one.
Like I said, I drove the Taco with the V6 (very similar surely) and this 4R with the V8 will destroy it. And I've got the old non-VVT version. But still, from a stand-still to 80 this V8 would absolutely dust the V6 like a coffee table.
The only Achilles heel to the V8 is the exhaust manifolds. These manifolds are junk and typically go bad before 100K. Mine is currently leaking and sounds like a jalopy esp. when the engine isn't to full op. temp.
Like I said, I drove the Taco with the V6 (very similar surely) and this 4R with the V8 will destroy it. And I've got the old non-VVT version. But still, from a stand-still to 80 this V8 would absolutely dust the V6 like a coffee table.
The only Achilles heel to the V8 is the exhaust manifolds. These manifolds are junk and typically go bad before 100K. Mine is currently leaking and sounds like a jalopy esp. when the engine isn't to full op. temp.
wadle5
New member
Did the Porsche have a motor in it, or did the driver know you were "racing". . . . . . ?
Joeggernaut
New member
4runner:
4th gen v6 4wd = 4325lbs
4th gen v8 4wd = 4530lbs
5th gen v6 4wd = 4805lbs
300lbs difference between each jump. Btw I have no interest in how fast it accelerates. If your 4runner/truck can run 12s or better I might be interested.
Does your engine have excessive rust because it is iron? Is that why the manifold cracks? I would assume any v8 with the iron block has rust if it has 100k or more miles.
Also I find it interesting the 5th gen 4runner is basically the same size (5th is few inches larger) as the 4th just a slightly smaller interior (5th is a few inchers smaller).
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V8Man
Member
Yes
I was on the inside lane at a stop. The right lane ended after the intersection just past a convince store. All the traffic that was going straight was lined up behind me. Mr. Porsche passes everyone, and instead of turning right, he waited for the light to change. He had every intention on passing but couldn’t get the job done. He had to brake and wait until all the cars he passed, passed him back.
I personally own two 03 with V8’s. The first one with 175,000 miles I put the engine in another 03 with 131,000. Both engines had perfect exhaust manifolds. Both trucks were never taken off road. That may be the difference. The problem with these manifolds is they are thin tubular steel and the front catalytic converters hang on them.
I just changed the water pump and timing belt on the 175k engine, water passages into the block were perfect. I have never seen a cleaner block, it absolutely looked brand new.
I was on the inside lane at a stop. The right lane ended after the intersection just past a convince store. All the traffic that was going straight was lined up behind me. Mr. Porsche passes everyone, and instead of turning right, he waited for the light to change. He had every intention on passing but couldn’t get the job done. He had to brake and wait until all the cars he passed, passed him back.
I personally own two 03 with V8’s. The first one with 175,000 miles I put the engine in another 03 with 131,000. Both engines had perfect exhaust manifolds. Both trucks were never taken off road. That may be the difference. The problem with these manifolds is they are thin tubular steel and the front catalytic converters hang on them.
I just changed the water pump and timing belt on the 175k engine, water passages into the block were perfect. I have never seen a cleaner block, it absolutely looked brand new.
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WXman
New member
That's only 205 lbs. difference, not 300 between a V6 and V8. And some of that difference is because the V8 models have slightly heavier-duty drivetrain components which is an advantage, not a disadvantage. Just sayin'...
I have no doubt that the V6 is a good engine. I just personally don't know why you'd choose it if a legendary V8 is an option for the same money in the used market.
Eastcoastrunner
New member
so southern 'mericans need a v8 to be what? LOL.
Eastcoastrunner
New member
v8. if the fuel econ was drastically different between the two (not 1-2 mpg) i'd say go v6. Why not get all that power and more tq if price/fuel economy is negligible? also, I believe its got a more 'heavy duty' drivetrain.
Joeggernaut
New member
I am not doubting any of you guys. If I get a 4th gen 4runner it will be the a 2006+ v8 vvti.
I also will choose the 4th gen v8 over the 5th gen 4runner.
I just have to give some more thought on if I want to sacrifice some other things such as daily driving ability and fuel costs to go ahead and just go with a full-size truck. Mostly likely will be a tundra if I go that route.
What ever I plan on getting I plan on driving until the wheels fall off.
I also will choose the 4th gen v8 over the 5th gen 4runner.
I just have to give some more thought on if I want to sacrifice some other things such as daily driving ability and fuel costs to go ahead and just go with a full-size truck. Mostly likely will be a tundra if I go that route.
What ever I plan on getting I plan on driving until the wheels fall off.
lehiguy
New member
Sorry, fallacy here. The drivetrain hardware is identical with the exception being the ability to be in 2WD in the V6 models.
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If you decide to lift the truck you will need to remove the RAS system and convert a few parts. Nothing major and there is a thread about what is needed. Since your boat is only 4000# the v8 4runner will handle it just fine. The 4runner makes an excellent DD. it fits just high enough, has plenty of power and you can take it anywhere.
I opted for the v6 as I already own a f350 SuperDuty diesel to haul my boat. The f350 made for a poor DD, but pulls a trailer effortlessly. It is just a bear to park downtown or in parking garages.
The v8 4runner is an all purpose do everything truck. If my boat only weighed 4000# I would have bought a v8 4runner. But keep in mind if you lift your truck, and install a taller tire the gearing will make it a worse tower especially if you opt for the v6, the v8 has a little extra grunt to offset those changes..
Joeggernaut
New member
Thanks for that helpful insight. Yes I think I will be better served with an suv than a full-size truck. The full-size truck might be on par in terms of cost and maintenance with a v8 4runner but the 4runner provides the daily driver ability of being smaller and an enclosed bed means things are more secure. Like I said I have a small trailer that I can use for as a bed plus it is longer than most quad/4 door full size truck beds. Quad-4 door trucks with extra long beg I think is overkill for me.
I love the white v8 4runners. I saw a 2006 with 180k v8 SE for 10k in my area. Not many v8s in my area. I will probably have to drive for a good one with a little bit lower miles.
I think also with a minor lift, slightly larger tires, and near 4000lbs that is near the limit of the v6 while the v8 is just beginning to work.
TRDCal
New member
Easy tiger...I'm running 3" front lift and I just adjusted my RAS up to level it out. Its more beneficial off road to remove the system but it's definitely not required. Stock shocks had to go but that was it.
