I believe it gets about the same (comparing my pop's DC and my buddy's 3.4 auto 4Runner) MPG. While it's not as quick going uphill, with a loaded bed full of camping gear/wood, it get around the same. So you might get there a bit slower, but you still get there the same.
Less cylinders/easier to work on (no stupid intake manifold like the 3.4/3.0) and as long as you aren't trying to make it a zombie TEOTWAKI rig that can out run and out drive anything, you are good to go.
Oh, and it has a timing chain, unlike the v6's with timing belts.
I'll have to agree with Martinjmpr, I don't see the point, seems like an awful lot of effort just to get an underpowered 4 banger....as they say "to each their own"
Slapping on a supercharging on an already existing V6/4WD Double Cab makes more sense to me, at least time/parts/moneywise....plus you get more power with the same fuel economy.
Seriously, worrying about the intake manifold!? My 3.4 has 255,000 miles on it, the intake manifold has never been off. Changing the spark plugs is a breeze as well...
Might be working on the 4 Banger earlier compared to the V6, cause you have to wring its' neck to get any power out of it, especially with all that weight, no matter how it is geared.
Timing chains aren't any better than belts.
Words of wisdom:
"If it gots tits or wheels, it is goin' to give ya trouble" :ylsmoke: