Looking for any info on a 98 2.7 SR5 4x4

[angry_trucker]

Hi...this seems like a good place to get info and I was wondering if any of you guys can help me out.
I have a chance to pick up a clean looking 98 SR5 with 2.7 4x4 with automatic tranny.
I tried a very extensive internet search, but it seems as though this vehicle doesn't even exist and any info mostly pertains to the 3.4...

I found a very few discussions featuring this vehicle, but with manual tranny and kind of off topic to begin with.
I tried to search this forum, as I was sure there would be big "wars" raging over the pros and cons of the 2.7 vs the 3.4, but found nothing.
Basically these are my questions:

1) What are the advantages the 2.7 might hold over the 3.4 (durability, gas mileage, inexpensive to fix...etc)
2) What is the max tow rating for this vehicle?
3) Is it also prone to getting the coolant leak via the radiator into the tranny, such as the 3.4?
4) How many miles can these go compared to the 3.4 when properly maintained?
5) Is there a timing chain or a belt?
6) Do the valves have to be adjusted manually every so often?
7) What would be the common issues with the 2.7?
8) Is the gearing the same as the 3.4?
9) Did any of these came equipped with rear end lockers?
10) Would the transfer case have a full time 4x4 option as well or just part time and low?

Thank you for answering any of my questions guys...

 

[KidVermicious]

1) What are the advantages the 2.7 might hold over the 3.4 (durability, gas mileage, inexpensive to fix...etc)

Better mileage, timing chain doesn't need serviced as often as the belt. Obviously not as powerful.

2) What is the max tow rating for this vehicle?

Not much. GVWR on my 3.4 '99 is a hair over 5000. The 4cyl is probably the same, but check the door sticker to be sure.

3) Is it also prone to getting the coolant leak via the radiator into the tranny, such as the 3.4?

Yup.

4) How many miles can these go compared to the 3.4 when properly maintained?

What color is yellow? They're both great longlasting motors.

5) Is there a timing chain or a belt?

The 2.7 has a timing chain and balance shafts, making a timing job a bit of a pain. Luckily you don't have to do it often, it's a lifetime part according to Toyota.

6) Do the valves have to be adjusted manually every so often?

Yes. Matter of fact, you want to keep an eye on the exhaust valve tolerance, they're known to get out of whack every 100,000 miles or so and if you don't adjust them you risk burning a valve.

7) What would be the common issues with the 2.7?

^ That.

8) Is the gearing the same as the 3.4?

Ummm... no? I don't think so. I think the 4cyl 4wd auto gets 4.56 gears, but don't quote me on that. Check the VIN plate.

9) Did any of these came equipped with rear end lockers?

It was an option, but they're definitely not common.

10) Would the transfer case have a full time 4x4 option as well or just part time and low?

Um - no? I don't think multimode was an option with the 4cyl, but again, don't quote me.

 

[angry_trucker]

Thank you sir.
I have 2 more questions if you don't mind:

1) What kind of tranny is behind the 2.7 powerplant and what kind of track record does it have for longevity?
2) What would be the average MPG on the 2.7?

 

[KidVermicious]

It's the A340F, I believe. Very reliable, but a total slushbox.

Fuelly.com is a great site for finding out real world average MPGs.

 

[angry_trucker]

It's the A340F, I believe. Very reliable, but a total slushbox.

Fuelly.com is a great site for finding out real world average MPGs.

What do you mean by a "slushbox'?
Not even Fuelly.com has any info on this particular model...there are whole bunch of 4runners, but it seems that this vehicle is about as rare as a white elephant...it's like it doesn't even exist...lol

 

[KidVermicious]

In my experience/opinion, the A340 series of transmissions are about as worthless as tits on a man. They suck up a good chunk of the power generated by the motor and waste it as heat. They also have not enough speeds in the first place and horrible shift logic managing what the do have. I'm not a fan at all.

 

[3rzrunner]

the only 3rz 4runner to have and option for a rear end locker was the 4cyl-5speed, and the option was only available in Canada.

also the only 4runner with 4.556 gearing was the 3rz/5spd/elocked combo.

both of those I know for a fact.

 

[HeshBen]

I have '99 4x4 2.7L Base. It's definitely a slow turd, but I've fallen in love with it. We get around 18-19mpg with mostly city driving. I recently removed the intake elbow and put in an AFE filter and that has definitely helped it at freeway speeds.