I4 cyl or V6 TRD?

[SaMingTRD]

I've been considering 2000-2004 (auto) Taco's for my new daily driver/expedition rig and can't find some good info on whether it's worth the MPG's to upgrade to a V6 TRD model?

I'm looking to do the weekend travel thing to local State Parks (east of the Mississippi River) and camp out while the rest of the week is deicated to commuting 30 min to work. I'm looking to get to remote spots to set up camp on my travels and have been considering modifying heavily (front+ rear bumpers, 2 in lift, 33 in tires etc...

But I can't figure out if I need the lower MPG V6 (TRD off road package) or if I can get by with the more fuel efficient I4 cyl engine?

Any thoughts? Let me know...

Thanks for your time,
-SaMing

 

[Hilux]

Is this a trick question?


Man that's hard to answer. At 1st I thought you were wondering about a TRD 4 and a TRD 6. (There is no I4 with a locking diff)


One thing I can tell you is that the 4cyl in the 4WD will have 150hp. And that's 34 more HP than the trucks I (will ever) deal with. So that's a substantially large increase for right outa the box. Weather or not you need a V6 I believe will be up to you. I'd hate to give you advise and you turn out not to like it. Gas isn't getting any cheaper, nor will it ever. So that's one thing I would be thinking about. And weight, big motor or little motor, just sucks. You can't have your cake and eat it to. I would shoot for a conservatively modded I4 if it was me though. I'm immune to "POWA!!" so you're prolly talking to the wrong guy. ;p

 

[SaMingTRD]

not a trick question, sorry for the confusuion...

The I4 would be great day to day and on the highway, but there are some very difficult trails to get to the spots I would like to go. I'd hate to get out there and come to the realization that I could have used the extra torque and lockers of the V6 TRD...

 

[Jacket]

The 3.4 V6 is a great engine - durable, decent power, and fairly efficient. I've seen built Tacomas with 33's, bumper, winch, topper get 19-20 on the highway, and still have decent power to go up and over the hills with a bit of extra weight.

My vote: V6 with e-locker.

 

[Hilux]

I'd hate to get out there and come to the realization that I could have used the extra torque and lockers of the V6 TRD...

Well being as though that can be said with any engine....




Personaly I just like motors with the least amount of moving parts...

So I'm biased (simple or...K.I.S.S)


and I question all that say "20mpg and with 33s". Sorry, it's just a habit, one that is proven well worth asking as "corrected? Whats that?" is often the next term uttered....;p


Alllong time ago on E-Bay there was a 4WD T-100 that got 26mpg and was riding on 35s.

..Now why didn't I buy that?


see?

I get around 18mpg with 33x12.5's on my pickup.... Thats with stock gearing, 249k on the clock, and the 3.0 engine running mobil 1 full synthetic.

Maybe with smaller tires I could get better millage.... But it just looks silly now with stock tires.

 

[darwink1]

ok, if you want to do the expedition thing youre gonna be loading up your truck w camping gear and all sorts of other crap. you say you want bumpers front and rear so im assuming youll be getting a decent set of skid plates some sliders and a winch. thats a lot of weight to be hauled up a mountain for the 4 cyl. thats not even getting into bigger tires.

ok you could regear but by the time youre done you probably could have made up the $$ diff between the 4 cyl and trdv6 but youd still need/want a locker.

after all is said and done, in my opinion, the v6 trd would be the way to go. i know i feel the weight of all my armour (v6 stick) and id think it would be worse w the auto.

D

 

[Duane]

sounds like weekend camping and more daily driving...
I sure like my 4runner with the 2.7. Timing chain so no belt to change as required by the 3.4
The only time I have used my rear diff lock is in winter snow banks. I have no lift and run tall skinny 32 inch tires.
When I go trecking down trails, crossing creeks etc I usually go with friends so there is a tow strap and another Toyota handy.

If you are going 33's and tackling some more serious trails the rear locker and V6 is likely the choice.
The 4 banger suits me fine....as gas prices keep rising it might have better resale too ??

Either choice... you'll love it!

 

[bowyer2002]

V6 gets my vote just as a 4x4 does, not always necessary but always welcome.

It costs more to drive around a 4x4 (in my case) I don't need it often but I LOVE it when I do!

Same with 2 extra cylinders - you may not need them all the time but they are always there, just in case...2 cylinders = 40 hp too!
(i know displacement per each cylinder blah blah blah)

Just my .02 - BTW I have the V6 TRD