Was there a V6 4x4 in the 4th Generation?
- Thread starter milotrain
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Inv4drZm
Senior Member
Yes they exist.
I don't know the numbers but I'm guessing there are the same amount of V6's and V8's out there. 4x4 and 2x4 of each.
Well that sucks, because the only thing keeping me from really wanting a 4WD 4th Gen was thinking I'd have to get the V8. :frusty:
Bumbo
New member
Yep, that’s what I have... V6 4x4, SR5 (no rear locker)
Center diff (Torsen type) allows operation in:
2WD
4WD High Unlocked (aka AWD)
4WD High Locked (true 4x4)
4WD Low Unlocked (aka AWD)
4WD Low Locked (true 4x4)
My model year (2004) does not have an option to turn off traction control in 2WD or 4WD unlocked (aka AWD mode), which means you need to lock the center diff to disable VSC. If you want to have some fun in 2WD mode, you need to perform a slight modification (cut wire & add switch) to disable it.
I’ve had the truck in our family since new… but if I was to start this from fresh today, I would be looking for the V8 variant for no other reason than it’s a V8.
That said, 200k+ miles later, this thing is still solid. My favorite thing about the V6 motor is that is uses a timing chain which is good for the life of the engine, and the location of the oil filter. Easy of maintenance including things like spark plug changes are very easy.
Center diff (Torsen type) allows operation in:
2WD
4WD High Unlocked (aka AWD)
4WD High Locked (true 4x4)
4WD Low Unlocked (aka AWD)
4WD Low Locked (true 4x4)
My model year (2004) does not have an option to turn off traction control in 2WD or 4WD unlocked (aka AWD mode), which means you need to lock the center diff to disable VSC. If you want to have some fun in 2WD mode, you need to perform a slight modification (cut wire & add switch) to disable it.
I’ve had the truck in our family since new… but if I was to start this from fresh today, I would be looking for the V8 variant for no other reason than it’s a V8.
That said, 200k+ miles later, this thing is still solid. My favorite thing about the V6 motor is that is uses a timing chain which is good for the life of the engine, and the location of the oil filter. Easy of maintenance including things like spark plug changes are very easy.
TechWrench
Senior Member
Given that you hail from LA, you may not find as many because a lot of the 4th gen 4Runners came in 2wd in the South and SouthWest. But in the rest of the country, the V6 in 4x4 is very common.
Bumbo
New member
I was thinking the same thing… I can find a lot more V6 variants… cheap bastards =)
That said, the GX (at least in my area) is very easy to find, and for decent prices when compared to V8 4x4 4Runners. Personally, I would not rule this option out unless there was something specific about the 4Runner you wanted. Sure you would look like a suburban housewife (if you don't mod it), but it’s got grit. It’s still the hearty same body on frame 4x4 goodness. Even shares the same suspension parts making life easier when it comes to upgrades / modifications.
That said, the GX (at least in my area) is very easy to find, and for decent prices when compared to V8 4x4 4Runners. Personally, I would not rule this option out unless there was something specific about the 4Runner you wanted. Sure you would look like a suburban housewife (if you don't mod it), but it’s got grit. It’s still the hearty same body on frame 4x4 goodness. Even shares the same suspension parts making life easier when it comes to upgrades / modifications.
I spent 6 years in Pittsburgh. Love that city, may need to swing by for a "shopping" trip.
MikeinNH67
Senior Member
I think V6's are more common in my area than V8's. Mine is a Limited with a V6.
badattitude
Member
4HI with center diff unlocked is a lot like the AWD on V8s. Almost exactly the same...
Bumbo
New member
It’s pretty much exactly the same in terms of actual function… the V8 still has the ability to lock the center, making it the same again. Both are torsen mechanical limited slip AWD & locked center 4x4
The only thing it doesn’t have is the ability to run in 2WD, other than that, it’s the same but with a V8 under the hood.
Still a nice trade off moving to the V8, I personally don’t care if I did or didn’t have 2WD mode. For any driving condition that matters, both have the modes that you want.
The only thing it doesn’t have is the ability to run in 2WD, other than that, it’s the same but with a V8 under the hood.
Still a nice trade off moving to the V8, I personally don’t care if I did or didn’t have 2WD mode. For any driving condition that matters, both have the modes that you want.
Bumbo
New member
Sure, that is a valid point. Having the ability to rip it up in 2WD makes for something useful if you are used to driving RWD things off-road. At least with a rear locker engaged, 2WD with VSC/ATRAC off really allows one to steer with the throttle.
I can also see this being the demise of my 4Runner… these things are already top heavy with poor CoG, last thing I need to do is throwing it around increasing my chances of catching and edge and rolling it. There is a reason I won’t complete the VSC disable mod on my truck, because its only a matter of time until I use it in the above manner.
techno
New member
Haha, yep, valid point. Gotta be careful even when having fun.
I'm guessing because people probably don't sell the V8s as often.
