New here, need advice

I have been a Tacoma fan since 1999. I recently sold my 2016 TRDOR and am considering replacing it with a 4 Runner. I need Great Off Road capability for my hunting hobby and the 4 Runner is awesome. My 2016 Tacoma V6 had the dreaded timing chain cover leak, fortunately before the Powertrain Warranty expired. I watched a Utube by the Care Care Nut about the 5th Gen 4 Runner and he said this hasn’t been a real problem since 2014 for the 4 Runner. What is the experience here with timing chain cover leaks and does the engine need to be removed to reseal it like the Gen 3 Tacoma? Thanks in advance

 

When I sold my 2016, it had 110k miles on it. No leaks or seeping from anywhere. The 2023's should be pretty solid.

 

I have a 2013 with near 160K, I offroad it in water crossings in Arkansas. No issues.

 

didn't have any issues either with my 2010 SR5, it had about 155 miles and was used hard.

 

Interesting. The Tacoma and the 4Runner have the 1GR-FE engine in common, but I haven’t heard about the leaking timing chain cover on this board.

 

The Gen 3 Tacoma (current model) has the 2GR engine. It is 3.5 liter V6

 

I have never read of that issue on this forum either.

 

Is it a fair assessment that 4 Runner owners are generally pleased with their vehicle and they are reliable? Perhaps main complaint is poor gas mileage? I was very disappointed with the timing cover oil leak on the Tacoma because to repair it required removing the engine. It can cost $3000-5000 to repair depending on who does the work. At $145/hour it adds up fast. I am looking for superior off-road capability and a reliable vehicle. The Japan assembly location may be producing higher quality vehicles.

 

Rear main seal busting is the only leak I hear about on occasion. Thats about it.

In fact when I had the truck lifted to inspect the frame That was the only other thing I wanted to check was the rear main seal

 

You will not find a more reliable vehicle with the current off-road capabilities than the 5th gen 4Runner, for the price.

There's a small handful of owners who have discovered issues with their vehicle and swear they will trade it and never buy again, but by and large, I'd say 99% of 5th gen 4R owners agree that it is very reliable. One issue in common with the Tacoma is the front differential driver side needle bearing, but that can easily be remedied.

 

THIS.....

And to be honest, nothing is foolproof. happens. Just ask yourself, if you had to spend 5K to repair anything, would you rather it be your 4Runner 200,000+ miles into ownership or a Volkswagen Passat at 101,000 with everything else following it down the drain after?

 

That’s good to know. I have heard about Tacoma’s needle bearing failures if installing a lift kit and changing the angle the half-shafts make with the differential. I think you can install a larger tire and gain ground clearance without altering the front drive shaft angle. But you need to avoid rubbing the fenders. I replaced my stock Tacoma tires, 265/70/16, with 275/70/16 and picked up about 0.3” ground clearance without changing the axle geometry or rubbing the fenders. Anyone know the largest tire that will fit a 4 Runner without rubbing?

 

My mistake. You are correct. His 2016 was the first year with the 2GR.

 

lol..You will need to search the threads. And prepare yourself.... the arguments will get nasty lol


Edit: Here's one to get you started.
https://www.4runners.com/threads/yo...practical-or-just-a-theory.30003/#post-423841

Be prepared to answer, is your truck lifted? Will you off-road? Do you know what a BMC is?

 

My desire to buy a 4 Runner is to think it will last 10 years or more. My first Tacoma was a 1999 and drove it for 17 years then gave to my son who is still driving it. No repairs, just regular maintenance. I would like to try the same with a 4 Runner. I don’t feel quite the same about the newer Tacoma’s although many have had great experience. I’m reading Toyota may stop making 4 Runner for a couple years and devote more resources to making more Land Cruisers at the Japanese factory. Even if they don’t stop, the new platform will be smaller turbo engines which I’m not crazy about. I want something proven.

 

265/70/17. The stock size. No other sizes are an absolute not to rub.

A stock size agressive AT or MT will look a good bit larger than the stock all seasons.

And if you run aftermarket wheels, it's possible even the stock size tire could rub. The front wheel wells are incredibly tight on these.

Also, it's pretty much a given that the next gen will have a smaller turbo engine.

 

Traded my 2009 double cab Tacoma ( my daily driver which i ended up using as a plow truck the last five years ) for my new Trail Edition. I went with the 4Runner this time so I could have more interior room vs having a truck bed. Seeing it was my 3rd Tacoma and this is my 3rd 4Runner, I think that alone speaks for itself

 

Boy, That’s a fiercely debated topic on another thread. Good luck, I had to tap out, I couldn’t take it anymore.

 

FWIW, my 2016 4Runner has 145,000 miles and no leaks. (Knock on wood). Sorry you experienced that on your Taco.

 

Very few vehicles have been produced as long with such minimal changes. It’s about as proven as it’s gonna get.

There’s a few faults that do consistently come up. One is front wheel shimmy. Some think it’s just getting the tires balanced right, but others seem to have horrible luck resolving it.

The other big issue is the needle bearing. This is a problem regardless of whether you lift or not. It’s not unheard of to have them making noise right from the dealer’s lot. If you want your best bet at avoiding that, take a long test drive in 20-40 degree weather before buying. But it’s generally a roll of the dice you might get a loud bearing. Not likely, but not rare.

And then there’s a few rattles or noises that happen, which are usually quickly solved by securing the front engine splashguards, or lubing the hood latch mechanism.

 

And what if someone was able to pay more, what is just as capable (or better) and more reliable?

 

There are definitely more capable 4x4s, but maybe not as reliable.

Land Cruiser is the only Toyota that would come to mind.

 

welcome. Sorry you had Taco problems, loved my 17 Taco just too small. But every manufacturer will have lemons come out for whatever reason, I'm a magnet for Ford's lemons.

My personal experience , the 4R and LC will be the value that meets both of your needs.

 

My dealer is telling me a 6 month wait minimum, to get a 4 Runner. That’s how long their pre-sold list is. 3 months for Tacoma, possibly sooner. The supply chain problems must be bad in Japan.

 

Only thing you’re going to miss is the bed of the pickup. It’s nice when you don’t care what you throw the bed and you can just wash it out. The 4Runner is nice to have the room behind the drivers seat and not have your knees crushed if you sit in the backseat.

 

Welcome from Wisconsin! Mass production is going to have it's 'ups and downs', unfortunately little problems are common with all makes. Some are luckier than others... I've been trying to hang with the lucky group!