Looking at a 4Runner

[Fingerinthedam]

I've been looking around the site and reading up on the differences between the V6 and V8. There doesn't seem to be much difference performance wise, at least nothing that would matter with what I'd be using it for. Other than having to replace the timing belt on the V8 and maybe a little better fuel mileage, are the differences between the 2 engines that big? Thanks in advance.

 

[jgilk1]

the v8 will run a little smoother and have i wont say nearly double the torque of the v6 but damn near close enough... i have not driven a 1gr v6 equipped Toyota but i have driven vehicles with all 3 of the Toyota's v8's (i also owned a 92 lexus sc400 with a vvt-i head swap of a 96+ for over a year and a half) and imo the 1,2,3 uz-fe motors are better then a ford 302 or cheby 350

4l and 4.7 liter isnt going to give you much difference in fuel mileage but have 2 extra pistons on the v8 will give you more torque (less fuel mileage in the city) if i drove my Lexus like an immature *** in city traffic i could manage like 12mpg and like a responsible adult like 15-18 city (that was babying it) upwards of 20-22mpg highway.... i imagine the 2uzfe would get much less then 12mpg off road (thats why i provided that info)

(edit)
these might help

v6
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Toyota_GR_engine#1GR-FE

v8
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2UZ-FE#2UZ-FE

 

[morphious]

This can be a big debate but it depends on what you want it for. I have never wished I had a V8 4x4 because I was stuck some where a V6 2x4 couldn't get me through. I do feel that it is silly that Toyota no longer offers a V8 option for the 4Runner. If I had to do it all over again I would still probably buy what I bought just because anything more for me would be over kill. Don't get me wrong, not saying V8's aren't great, just saying for me I would have spent more money buying a new Sport V8 4x4 vs my V6 2x4 and not using the benefits. Bottom line it all depends what you want to do with your truck. Good luck.

 

[Fingerinthedam]

Thanks for the input. I'll be going from a Ram 4x4 with a Hemi and one reason I'm looking at getting rid of it is because of crap gas mileage and I've got a 70 mile round trip drive to work. There wouldn't be a lot of pulling involved, and when there is it would be something relatively small like a 4 wheeler trailer etc. I'm also guessing high miles isn't something to shy away from, assuming it's been properly maintained? The only other Toyota I've owned was a Crewmax Tundra and I was impressed with how well built it was, not to mention that 5.7 ran like a scalded dog.

 

[jsmith21]

I drove both v8's and v6's when looking for mine and IMO you can't go wrong with either. Find the 4runner you want other than the engine and buy it. Either engine is good although some early v6 had head gasket issues, it's a small percentage. V8's have the timing belt to deal with. Either one has more than enough power although the V8 does have more. I have my shifter kart for when i want to go fast :driving:

 

[preacher35]

I have a V6. It has a lot of power, but I wish I had a V8 for the towing capacity as well as the sound. I like the sound much better. Luckily, the wife has authorized me to purchase an '09 T4R V8 4x4 at the end of this year. Yes, I will have TWO T4R's and thus, I am a greedy pig.

 

[hikenbike]

I've been looking around the site and reading up on the differences between the V6 and V8. There doesn't seem to be much difference performance wise, at least nothing that would matter with what I'd be using it for. Other than having to replace the timing belt on the V8 and maybe a little better fuel mileage, are the differences between the 2 engines that big? Thanks in advance.

Drive them. I think you'll find a clear difference.

 

[JLRSR5]

I was in your shoes a few months ago. And prior to my search I was dead set on V8's b/c I love V8's always have, and always wanted a 4runner with one in it. As I started my search I finally decided I would just look for whichever I could find v6 or v8 that fit exactly what I wanted and my budget b/c both engines are great....ended up finding a v6 bought it and haven't looked back. If you tow a lot I understand the necessity of the v8...but if not I feel the v6 has plenty of power, in driving mine I've never said man I wish this had more power.....so I would just look for whichever you find the best deal and go for it...I also test drove both and the v8 def. was more torquey. But other than that not to much diff. IMO.

 

[morphious]

In regards to towing, when I was club fishing I towed my boat from here to Clear Lake, down to El Capitan and every where in between with no problems.

 

[Fingerinthedam]

Thanks for all the input. I've found an '06 4x4 with the V8 close to where I live, hopefully nobody snatches it up before I can get there. I'll be posting pics if I get it.