what's the best year for the 4th gen V8?

[ThePMFG]

So i'm looking at finding a 4th gen v8 and selling my v6, just wasn't sure if there was a certain year that was better than the others. I'm mainly wanting the v8 for the higher towing capacity for when i'm pulling my 27" Airstream (weighs 4300ish lbs) and i don't tow it much, but when i do, i'd like to get better than 7-8 mpg's. Any input would be greatly appreciated. I do the occasional off roading and this is my DD, wishing i would have gone with the v8 from the beginning now.

 

[97BlackAckCL]

Depends if you're looking at limiteds or not, but I'd say 06-09

09's seemed to have extra options that earlier years didn't

 

[ThePMFG]

i've found an 03 that i'm interested in. it's an sr5. i know i don't want the XREAS that comes with the limited models. and i'm planning on swapping my shrockworks bumper and wmw roof rack, so i want to be able to do that.

 

[ThePMFG]

Depends if you're looking at limiteds or not, but I'd say 06-09

09's seemed to have extra options that earlier years didn't

what options do you speak of??

 

[T4R2014]

It depends. 05+ has VVT-i. 06+ gets you some projecter headlights, LED tails, and a few other little upgrades here and there. With the 03-04 non VVT-i you have the option to supercharge if you come across the TRD supercharger for it.

 

[peebee]

I've found that '06 gives you the most bang for the buck. The difference between it and newer years isn't significant and the age will give you a noticeable cost savings.

 

[ThePMFG]

It depends. 05+ has VVT-i. 06+ gets you some projecter headlights, LED tails, and a few other little upgrades here and there. With the 03-04 non VVT-i you have the option to supercharge if you come across the TRD supercharger for it.

i know about the little things like the headlights and led tails, all that stuff seems to be interchangable through all the 03-09 years, but what exactly is the VVT-i... and are you saying that only the 03-05 V8's can be supercharged? this is def some of the tid bits i'm wanting to know about!

 

[ThePMFG]

did any of them come with the push button electronic rear locker like in some FJ's and tacoma trd packages?

 

[Gdmeadors]

I have a 2006 Limited V8 4x4. XREAS may have been an option but I have standard Toyota shocks. I think the 120 site has a year by year listing of all standard equipment and options available by model.

 

[ThePMFG]

I have a 2006 Limited V8 4x4. XREAS may have been an option but I have standard Toyota shocks. I think the 120 site has a year by year listing of all standard equipment and options available by model.

thanks, i'll have to look into that then. i'm really leaning towards this 03 i've found... i believe for what i'm looking to use it for, it will be everything i'm needing.

 

[T4R2014]

i know about the little things like the headlights and led tails, all that stuff seems to be interchangable through all the 03-09 years, but what exactly is the VVT-i... and are you saying that only the 03-05 V8's can be supercharged? this is def some of the tid bits i'm wanting to know about!

Only 03-04 can be supercharged since VVT-i came in 2005. You can look up the power differences between VVT-i and non-VVT-i 2UZ-FE's.

 

[S p a r k y]

[MENTION=86905]ThePMFG[/MENTION]

Sticky Link http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-g...modifications-write-ups-quick-links-faqs.html

part of Sticky Link 4Runner

 

[ThePMFG]

Only 03-04 can be supercharged since VVT-i came in 2005. You can look up the power differences between VVT-i and non-VVT-i 2UZ-FE's.

OK, the supercharger is something that def interests me when i can find one down the road... so this is making me lean even more towards the 03 i've found...

 

[telvarin]

which V8 year?

I must say, I am very satsified with my 05 V8. It has the vvt-i which the computer controls and seems to attempt to anticipate your driving needs. I didn't buy the V8 for towing and was not concerned about fuel economy (many threads on fuel economy if you are interested). I like the response for town driving and the torque for off-road.

I would not fork out for the Limited if I had a do-over. I have recently disconnected XREAS and removed the rear air suspension. I put in EMU coils and shocks that resulted in about 2" of lift. (I can't remember the model numbers, but can check the receipt later if anyone is interested).

 

[ThePMFG]

I must say, I am very satsified with my 05 V8. It has the vvt-i which the computer controls and seems to attempt to anticipate your driving needs. I didn't buy the V8 for towing and was not concerned about fuel economy (many threads on fuel economy if you are interested). I like the response for town driving and the torque for off-road.

I would not fork out for the Limited if I had a do-over. I have recently disconnected XREAS and removed the rear air suspension. I put in EMU coils and shocks that resulted in about 2" of lift. (I can't remember the model numbers, but can check the receipt later if anyone is interested).

yea like you said, the gas mileage really isn't a concern for me either, just something better than 7-8ish when pulling my trailer (which is what it averages pulling it with my 04 v6) and less strain on the motor would be nice when pulling too. i'm not looking at limiteds really either, i've found a pretty sweet, low mileage 03 sr5 v8, prob gonna end up going with that...

 

[Jwm6]

They are all good, but the 2004 is the BEST!

 

[ThePMFG]

They are all good, but the 2004 is the BEST!

ha, you must have an 04! my v6 is an 04 and i do love it, just wish it had the v8!!

 

[Dylan]

If you're upgrading primarily for the engine, I would stick with 03-04 SR5 and here's why:

Newer models will cost more, all other things aside, simply due to them being newer and having newer amenities. They will tend to have less miles as well due to the age, which is directly correlated to higher price. SR5 will not have XREAS, SEs will and the Limiteds may (it was an option IIRC). I'm not sure about 05-09, but you're plate bumper will be a direct fit to the 03-04.

 

[ThePMFG]

If you're upgrading primarily for the engine, I would stick with 03-04 SR5 and here's why:

Newer models will cost more, all other things aside, simply due to them being newer and having newer amenities. They will tend to have less miles as well due to the age, which is directly correlated to higher price. SR5 will not have XREAS, SEs will and the Limiteds may (it was an option IIRC). I'm not sure about 05-09, but you're plate bumper will be a direct fit to the 03-04.

I agree with you about all of this. And a lot of those newer amenities, I.e. Projector headlights, led tails, etc etc are all direct swaps to the early 4th gens if I so decided to down the road for some easy weekend mods. I also like that if I choose to at some point, I have the option to supercharge the 03-04 V8, which if I'm not mistaken, can't be done with the 2005+ VVT-i V8's.

 

[Brutalguyracing]

The 2UZ-FE was a 4.7 L (4,664 cc or 284.6 cu in) version built in Tahara, Aichi, Japan and at Toyota Motor Manufacturing Alabama. Unlike its other UZ counterparts, this version uses a cast iron block to increase durability, as it was designed for low-reving, high-torque pickup and SUV applications. Its bore is 94 mm (3.7 in) and stroke is 84 mm (3.3 in).[1] Output varies by implementation, but one VVT-i variant produces 202 kW (271 hp) at 4800 rpm with 427 N·m (315 lbf·ft) of torque at 3400 rpm. JDM versions produce 173 kW (232 hp) at 4800 rpm and 422 N·m (311 lbf·ft) at 3600 rpm, while Australian models produce 170 kW (230 hp) at 4800 rpm and 410 N·m (300 lbf·ft) at 3600 rpm.[1]