I've been getting worried...seems like I'm seeing more 2nd gen 3.0's bite the dust all the time. Mine has 208K, gets 19 mpg in town, and I haven't hesitated to take it on any trips. It gets Mobil 1, regular greasings, and I fix what leaks or breaks. It's gonna start the Auto RX treatment next week.

But the dealer tells me they don't have a supplier for reliable 3.0's. The 3.4 swap sounds like a major PIA. There are no diesels available (or parts) stateside.

How many miles you have? How many do you expect? Whatcha gonna do when it breaks?

 

I only have 120k on mine. I am just going to run it until it dies. Ikeep up regular maint, just had my timing belt, water pump, and t-stat done. When it dies I will probably do a 3.4 or maybe even a 2.7 swap or rebuilt it if possible.

Not really something I dwell on though--I would rather dwell on what mod I can do to make my truck better.

 

I hadn't thought about the 2.7...Similar HP and torque to the 3.0. Better mileage. Easier to work on...hmmm.

 

Mine has 210,000 miles and is still in great condition. I don't think it's going to break anytime soon. Sounds like the dealer wants you to buy a new truck.
You could also have the 3.0 rebuilt. The engine could be rebuilt just as easy as any other engine. Do it yourself, or have any rebuiling shop do it.
A 3.4 or 2.7 swap is another option. The 2.7 has been swapped in 2nd gens over on the Pirate board by a number of people. I don't see a either of swaps as a big deal, but I used to modify cars a lot when I was younger.

 

the 2.7 swap is a bit harder since you need to also swap out the tranny as well...........the 3.4 bolts right up to the r150 tranny in the 3.0s


anyhoo...............got 164k on the ticker and plan on the 3.4 swap if the worst was to happen

 

Why? Is the input shaft different?

 

I think about it every now and then, but I'm not too worried about it. You're not guaranteed anything with ANY make or year of auto. 2 years from now we could be hearing horror stories about recalls on the 3rd and 4th gens. I guess that's the way I look at it anyway.

It's a small price to pay to own the best looking runner generation

 

spline count and bellhousing are different..............but if your 4runner has the 4cyl then the 2.7 swap would be easier