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Need some advice on two different 4th Gen possibilities.

Discussion in '4th Gen 4Runners (2003-2009)' started by ARBubba, Feb 24, 2017.

  1. Feb 24, 2017 at 1:22 PM
    #1
    ARBubba

    ARBubba [OP] New Member

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    Should I go with a 135K 1GR-FE or with a 155K 2UZ-FE. Same price almost, they want 10K for either.

    I'm leaning towards the V8 for towing capacity and power in general, it seems like the MPG difference is negligible.

    Are there any big ticket items to pay attention to? This would be my first 4Runner but not my first Toyota. I was thinking the timing at around 90K.

    Which would be the better choice from a reliability and maintenance standpoint? What would the consensus be among you pros as far as a better choice? Or did I already answer it for myself with the towing capacity alone?

    What do you experts say? Any and all input is greatly appreciated.

    Thanks!!
     
  2. Feb 24, 2017 at 6:33 PM
    #2
    bahndrvr

    bahndrvr New Member

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    2003 4Runner SR5 v8 - Temp Front: Top hat spacer 2.5" on Tacoma struts/springs Rear: TJM/King heavy extended Tacoma shocks 315 BFG AT KO2's (35's) Thrush Welded muffler and rear watermelon delete with turned exit K&N drop in, and extra filter delete Strengthened/Welded passenger side front diff mount Front diff drop - due to the top hat spacer and massive droop.... Scion headunit CB Other stuff done, 6th 4Runner:)
    What model years, 05+ v8's have the vvti and more hp but 03-04 have the beef transmission and I love my 03 v8. I owned an 04 v6 and had no complaints, for what it's worth I got worse mileage in my 04v6 than I do in my 03v8 but I was 25/26 then and 37 now;) can't go wrong with either I just wanted the v8 this time around and I didn't get the 3rd row or double decker which were one or the other lol. Having owned both, I prefer my v8 but either are good! The v6 has timing chain and the v8 has belts...
     
    Relentless likes this.
  3. Feb 24, 2017 at 6:54 PM
    #3
    ARBubba

    ARBubba [OP] New Member

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    They are both '04 my bad should have mentioned that. Seems like the V8 is the way to go in my case, thanks.
     
  4. Feb 24, 2017 at 8:55 PM
    #4
    Relentless

    Relentless Offroad armor Fabricating beast! Vendor

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    05 Limited 4.7 V8, long travel, dual locked
    Lifted on 35s and Relentless Armored, too much to list!
    If thats the case Id go v6.
    V8 for 05-09
     
  5. Feb 24, 2017 at 9:00 PM
    #5
    ARBubba

    ARBubba [OP] New Member

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    Are there some clear cut advantages besides the VVTi on 05+? I've been searching around and it seems like they are both good engines.
     
  6. Feb 24, 2017 at 9:08 PM
    #6
    Relentless

    Relentless Offroad armor Fabricating beast! Vendor

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    05 Limited 4.7 V8, long travel, dual locked
    Lifted on 35s and Relentless Armored, too much to list!
    The vvt-i adds quite a few hp/tq....
    plus 5 speed trans
     
  7. Feb 24, 2017 at 9:09 PM
    #7
    Stuck CAPS

    Stuck CAPS Truck killer

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    v6, definitely. 2UZ, even with VVT-i still has the weak rods, as well as a timing belt/water pump needing to be replaced every 100k miles, and is also all-time AWD.

    Edit: If timing was done at 90k, you're looking at most 35k more miles before it needs to be done again, too.
     
  8. Feb 25, 2017 at 7:39 AM
    #8
    bahndrvr

    bahndrvr New Member

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    03 SR5 V8 4Runner
    2003 4Runner SR5 v8 - Temp Front: Top hat spacer 2.5" on Tacoma struts/springs Rear: TJM/King heavy extended Tacoma shocks 315 BFG AT KO2's (35's) Thrush Welded muffler and rear watermelon delete with turned exit K&N drop in, and extra filter delete Strengthened/Welded passenger side front diff mount Front diff drop - due to the top hat spacer and massive droop.... Scion headunit CB Other stuff done, 6th 4Runner:)
    All v8's come with the 5speed and vvti does not add torque only hp in the v8:)
     
  9. Feb 25, 2017 at 10:34 AM
    #9
    Relentless

    Relentless Offroad armor Fabricating beast! Vendor

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    05 Limited 4.7 V8, long travel, dual locked
    Lifted on 35s and Relentless Armored, too much to list!
    The 03-04 is 235hp/320tq. 05 it jumps to 270/330. Not sure what you're reading.
     
  10. Feb 25, 2017 at 11:32 AM
    #10
    bahndrvr

    bahndrvr New Member

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    Trevor
    Melbourne, Fl
    Vehicle:
    03 SR5 V8 4Runner
    2003 4Runner SR5 v8 - Temp Front: Top hat spacer 2.5" on Tacoma struts/springs Rear: TJM/King heavy extended Tacoma shocks 315 BFG AT KO2's (35's) Thrush Welded muffler and rear watermelon delete with turned exit K&N drop in, and extra filter delete Strengthened/Welded passenger side front diff mount Front diff drop - due to the top hat spacer and massive droop.... Scion headunit CB Other stuff done, 6th 4Runner:)
    Ok it adds 10ft lbs, to me it's relatively nothing.... These arguments have been best to death, I have owned the 4.0 and 4.7 and was commenting on that, I have driven but not owned the vvti 4.7. Add to that having owned both I prefer my v8 over the v6.
     
  11. Feb 27, 2017 at 2:31 PM
    #11
    Toyojay

    Toyojay New Member

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    I will second the V8. The 1GR is a fantastic motor but the 2UZ is bulletproof, simpler, and I think pulls the heavy runner around better. Plus it has the better transmission. Only downside (for me, at least) is the full time 4WD I'm not really a big fan of center diffs but some folks love them. As stated earlier, you can't really go wrong with either option. At the end of the day, take the one thats in the best shape and/or the one you can get the best deal on.
     

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