Getting 4runner V6 OR V8?

[spencerfitch]

Im getting a 4runner and since most of my driving is highway and I do a little offroading gas mileage isn't very different between the two for highway...

Is there any benefits to one or the other? Should I go with v8 since Im putting bigger tires and a lift on it?

Need to make a decision quick.. I do NO heavy towing but could possibly have 4 people and gear plus larger tires when offroading would v8 be any better for this or will the extra 200lbs of it sink it in mud faster?

 

[Duane]

4th gens:
- the 4.0 litre V6 I think has a timing chain where as the V8 has a timing belt and is interference fit..thus if it ever breaks you have a big mess and lots of $.
- the V8 is a full time 4 wheel drive and the V6 is a more traditional setup.
- I would think as gas prices go up a V6 will be better for resale. Locally there are lots of V8's for sale and the V6's are a tougher find.
- the 2005 V6 4runners and newer came with a 5speed automatic transmission which I think will get better mileage than an 03 or 04 4speed transmission by a small margin.
- I think most people feel that the V6 has plenty of power therefore I'm not really sure why one would get the V8 unless you need the towing capability or I suppose if you were going to put on some seriously big tires.
just my 2 cents

 

[spencerfitch]

4th gens:
- the 4.0 litre V6 I think has a timing chain where as the V8 has a timing belt and is interference fit..thus if it ever breaks you have a big mess and lots of $.
- the V8 is a full time 4 wheel drive and the V6 is a more traditional setup.
- I would think as gas prices go up a V6 will be better for resale. Locally there are lots of V8's for sale and the V6's are a tougher find.
- the 2005 V6 4runners and newer came with a 5speed automatic transmission which I think will get better mileage than an 03 or 04 4speed transmission by a small margin.
- I think most people feel that the V6 has plenty of power therefore I'm not really sure why one would get the V8 unless you need the towing capability or I suppose if you were going to put on some seriously big tires.
just my 2 cents

Thanks I appreciate every comment..

No Im not planning on HUGE tires but I know a heavier tire will bog down a v6 and hurt the gas mileage more than a v8 plus put more strain on the engine...

I say im not worried about gas mileage because I drive 99% interstate and rarely go over 70mph 2mpg difference will come out to about 8$ a week which is just fine with me..

I just like that the v8 would idle slower and stress the engine less. I want this engine to last as long as possible and its commonly thought v8s last longer but toyota previously only put 4cylenders and there stlll running strong..

The power being there just incase is nice..

Any dowsides you can think of to the V8?

and would the extra 200lbs bog me down more in the mud?

 

[spencerfitch]

Any more comments? Im looking to make a decision asap.

 

[MOfj40]

I've got the v8 in my 2000 tundra and the 4.0 v6 in my 08 FJ Cruiser. Neither one is a speed demon, though my v8 is down 35hp compared to the newer trucks because it doesn't have VVT. The v8 is an interference motor, which means every 90k you've got to sink several hundred to 1k into a timing belt change. The v6 has plenty of pull unless you're planning to stuff 37's under it. I have no complaints with either motor, but I'd lean towards the v6 just for lower total cost of ownership.

 

[spencerfitch]

I've got the v8 in my 2000 tundra and the 4.0 v6 in my 08 FJ Cruiser. Neither one is a speed demon, though my v8 is down 35hp compared to the newer trucks because it doesn't have VVT. The v8 is an interference motor, which means every 90k you've got to sink several hundred to 1k into a timing belt change. The v6 has plenty of pull unless you're planning to stuff 37's under it. I have no complaints with either motor, but I'd lean towards the v6 just for lower total cost of ownership.

Thanks..

I have a black v8 but preferably because of color a white v6 picked out.. One will be mine..

I plan on going 30-33" and a 3" lift.

I thought the timing belt cost alot less than that but was more prone to breaking than a timing chain which is more expensive..

 

[MOfj40]

The chain is more expensive, but I've never had a timing chain break. If it does, your engine stops but no permenant damage.

The interference v8 is a different story. The problem is if the belt brakes, the pistons slam into the valves and you're looking at 3-4k of head work. The belt is relatively cheap, but you have to drain the radiator and remove, remove the fan, remove the serpentine belt, remove the water pump, and remove the belt tensioner. It's recommended to change the belt, water pump, tensioner, serpentine, and front seals while you're in there. Keep in mind that if you screw it up you'll spend several thousand rebuilding the head, so it's not a job you want to rush through. It's an all day job for most shadetree mechanics, and the dealership will charge you 6-8 hours labor. Not trying to scare you off, but it's more involved than just a slapping in a belt.

Up to 33s and the v6 will get around just fine. Any larger and you'll want to re-gear or go forced induction. The v8 is a silky smooth motor and I really like it in my tundra. However, I've got zero complaints with the 4.0 and if you don't tow regularly I'd stick with the v6 and part time 4wd.

 

[Duane]

I'm of the opinion that I would absolutely pick a V6 over the V8 for mileage, lower cost of ownership(that darn timing belt maintenance, why do they do that anyhow??cost??) and better resale. I suspect the fulltime 4x4 will be harder on tire wear as well. Highway mileage might be similar but in town i would think the 4.7 is much harder on fuel. My 05 Tundra is not gentle on fuel period.
On a tuneup you have 2 less cylinders as well, therfore 2 less plugs, 2 less coils, 2 less injectors.
As far as miles you would get out of the engines I've not heard that one is any better or worse than the other. I assume the diffs and perhaps other components are the same thus a V6 is less likely to damage these parts then a V8.
It's sort of like my 96 4runner with the inline 4 engine having the same driveline as what is behind the 3.4 litre engines. The smaller engine should be easier on the same driveline components.
just 2 more of my cents

 

[spencerfitch]

I'm of the opinion that I would absolutely pick a V6 over the V8 for mileage, lower cost of ownership(that darn timing belt maintenance, why do they do that anyhow??cost??) and better resale. I suspect the fulltime 4x4 will be harder on tire wear as well. Highway mileage might be similar but in town i would think the 4.7 is much harder on fuel. My 05 Tundra is not gentle on fuel period.
On a tuneup you have 2 less cylinders as well, therfore 2 less plugs, 2 less coils, 2 less injectors.
As far as miles you would get out of the engines I've not heard that one is any better or worse than the other. I assume the diffs and perhaps other components are the same thus a V6 is less likely to damage these parts then a V8.
It's sort of like my 96 4runner with the inline 4 engine having the same driveline as what is behind the 3.4 litre engines. The smaller engine should be easier on the same driveline components.
just 2 more of my cents

Thanks for all your imputs im going with the V6

 

[bowyer2002]

Also with full time 4x4 if a tire blows you are 'supposed' to replace at least 2 if not all 4 tires so there is less difference in tire circumfrence straining the drivetrain.

 

[hoch]

If you're towing quite frequently in a hilly area, get the V8. If not, get the V6.

 

[Happy Trails]

We have an 05 4Runner at our cabin in Wyoming with the V6 and find it has plenty of power to get over
the Bighorns. Pretty good mileage on the flatlands.