[bkg]

Personally, I find most of the above to be completely hilarious. Anyone who points to the headgaskets as a reason to NOT own a 3.0 is ignorant, IMHO.

What about timing chains on 22 series motors?
What about head gaskets on 22 series motors?
What about weak transmissions (g52) behind many 22 series motors?
What about poor EGR design on the 22re?
blah blah blah.

People hate the 3vze because they WANT to hate it. No other reason.
I've owned over 30 toyota trucks. I've owned 4 3.0's, 5 3.4's, 2 4.7's, unknown number of 22 series.
I've done more work on the 4-cyls in the form if timing chains and head gaskets than any of my 3.0's. And don't forget, the X06 campaign of the early 3.4's requiring new HG's as well.

I've had 3.0's get 13mpg and 3.0's get 22mpg - depends on style and mods. I've had 22re's get 13mpg and 22re's get 22mpg... stock and lifted rigs. The 22re is lighter, is easier to work on, has just as many "issues," and will never be more powerful than a 3.0. The 3.0 is toyota's smoothest engine ever, loves to rev, can get poor mileage, sucks to work on, and will always have more power than a 22re.

I could go on a diatribe for hours, but it's not worth it. You like what you like, period.

For me, if I was building a truck from the frame up, I'd go 4.7 or diesel. If I was buying to build, I'd probably buy an 87 SR5 4Runner or a 94-95 SR5 xcab w/ the V6 and all options.

I currently own a 3.0 and a 3.4.