4 cylinder 4Runner 96-02

[SHERMAN FJ62]

I am thinking about getting a newer 4Runner I have a 96 4Runner v-6 with 186k and I think I would like to get a new 4 cylinder one. Besides the power being less is there anything to know about this trucks weeks spots a far as the engine. Also what is the gas mileage are people seeing. Lastly prices.

Thanks Look forward to the info.

I have driven one recently and it was not that had.

 

[raydouble]

I am thinking about getting a newer 4Runner I have a 96 4Runner v-6 with 186k and I think I would like to get a new 4 cylinder one. Besides the power being less is there anything to know about this trucks weeks spots a far as the engine. Also what is the gas mileage are people seeing. Lastly prices.

Thanks Look forward to the info.

I have driven one recently and it was not that had.

3RZ is a great engine......timing chain - interference engine

AFAIK they only had 5 speeds and 4 cylinders in the 3rd Gen 4runners until 2000. 01-02 were all V6 autos.....

My buddy has a taco that he see's 20 mpg regularly.....

Price is very dependent on region....

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

Interference engine what does that mean

 

[bowyer2002]

if the timing chain breaks the pistions will hit the out of time valves = engine trashing

 

[raydouble]

Has anyone ever heard of a 2RZ or 3RZ chain breaking? I have not....

It has no actual interval for changing AFAIK.

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

I have heard of the chain slipping and getting loose but never braking under the huge horsepower loads of this engine

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

Any more info

 

[raydouble]

Any more info

Like recalls/tsb's.....things of that nature?

Besides the drivetrain.....which has proven very strong for the 4cylinder....everything else should be almost exactly the same as your 4Runner.

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

What about the trans

 

[smkymntn]

finding one will be the trick.

 

[raydouble]

What about the trans

Manual or auto....

I'm only familar with the W59, W series has been in production for many years and I wouldn't hesitate to own one.

The auto is an A43D or something like that and I cannot speak to it's longevity.

 

[Duane]

Well I have a 96 2.7L automatic with a factory rear diff lock. Nice ride and has been very very low maintenance.
The only thing I had to repair engine wise was the exhaust manifold that cracked.
I have 187,000 miles on it now.

I had asked on here about pm for the timing chain and I think the advice I was given is that it will start making sufficient noise to let you know it's time long before it will actually break or skip.
I haven't touched the water pump as that seems to be a more common replacement on the 3.4L V6. When it's real cold the engine is starting to tick on startup a little now.

I think the auto is different from a V6 auto. Offroad put it in Low gear in 4High and it does pretty well. Throw it in 4LO and it's fine. It gets better mileage than my friends 3L in his 88 on trails.

I have run a set of 32 inch tires on mine and it works it harder but still does the job. A solid little workhorse of an engine in my opinion.
A part of me likes the 2.7 as it just runs like a little sewing machine... of course it still doesn't have the nice rattle of a 3B

 

[SHERMAN FJ62]

Good info I am going to continue my search