Looking for a 3rd Gen 4runner 2.7 or 3.4?

[bikerjosh]

I'm looking for a 3rd generation 4runner, ideally a 97-99 with locking rear diff and a AT. This rig will be used for the occassional offroad excursion, sometimes daily driver and towing a single axle trailer with a 1100 lb vintage racer. Anyone have any experience with the 2.7 four vs the 3.4 six four towing and everyday driving?
Thanks Josh

 

[zidaro]

I had a '96 Taco extracab with the 2.7. Great engine, simple to work on/rebuild, peppy solid powerband, could easily move 33" tires with 4.10 gearing. I like the 2.7 sooo much more than the 22re after having one. Basic intake/exhaust mods are about all that needs to be done for increases in power- to pull much more out your going deep.
Very reliable and lightweight.
The 3.4 has more ponies, but is heavier and more complex.
Neither are towrig engines, both will do fine with 1200#'s. Manual trannies are your friend.
I would tow a 16' carhauler loaded with wet wood every season, the taco didnt like it, but did it.

 

[skrillah]

The 2.7 is an excellent engine, very reliable and easy to work on. I had a 97 4runner 2.7L with 4wd. Great truck and served me well for years. They have timing chains unlike the 3.4, but do have issues with exhaust manifolds and have been known to burn valves. Check the manifold for cracks before you buy and just keep an eye on the valves. They are easy to check but will probably not be a problem until you get above 175k miles. Its no rocket ship but the 4runner gets you where you got to go.

However, I now own a 3.4 Tacoma (2004) and I must say...I don't know how I lived so long with the 2.7. The 3.4 has an incredible powerband and is known for being equally reliable. I've towed 3500lb boats with it and drive southern Indiana hills daily without issue at all.

I could manage a 2.7L in a Taco, less weight in the rear end...However I would look for a 3.4 in a 4runner or if money allows, in a Tacoma as well. The 3.4 can handle just about anything you can throw at it...within reason (assuming you aren't towing a giant horse trailer or something.

 

[ttora4runner]

http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=50990

 

[Martinjmpr]

If you're going to get an automatic, I don't think you want the 2.7.

AFAIK the 2.7/rear locker combo is either nonexistent or exremely rare. Even 5 speed/3.4/rear locker combos are hard to find. 3.4/auto is the combo most often found with the locker.

Keep in mind a 2.7/auto combo will likely give worse MPG than a 3.4/5 speed combo. My experience is that the auto is the main culprit in the less than stellar MPG of my 4runner. My Taco, which had the same 3.4 motor with a 5 speed got noticeably better MPG in all conditions.

 

[Toyotero]

I recommend the 3.4. Mine has been great for towing that kind of weighted trailer.

The only drawback I see to it over the 2.7 is that it's a much more complicated to do a waterpump change and more frequently timing belt changes.

 

[Tacoma4life]

I drive a 2002 Double cab Tacoma with the 2.7/5 speed and my wife drives a 1997 4-Runner with the 3.4/5 speed. I had always been a huge 2.7 (3rz) fan, but after owning a 3.4 (5vz), I am now indifferent between the two.

Sure the 3.4 has a timing belt, but it's EASY to the water pump/timing belt service. Likewise the 2.7 is known to burn exhaust valves if they get out of spec, but that is an easy service as well. Note- Both services will be close to $1000 if you take it to the dealer.

As far as towing, the 3rz isn't fast, but it's guaranteed to get you there. The 5vz is much better at highway speed towing and won't let you down either.

I have seen several 3rz's go 300,000+ miles and I have seen several 5vz's go 400,000+ miles. So, you can't really go wrong with either...

 

[Mr. Leary]

I like both engines, but would say that an AT would be better fitted to a 3.4L.

If you change your mind on the trans type, here is a built one...