Lifespan of 3.4 Liter versus 2.7, and real world experiences?

Debating buying a 2.7liter manual 4X4 or a 3.4 liter V6... is there any difference in lifespan on average for the 4 versus 6 cylinder?

Anybody have any real world experience driving both, MPG etc...?

 

My experience shopping both - is this - 2.7 gets a little better MPG, 3.4 a little more power. 2.7 has a timing chain, 3.4 has a timing belt that will need to be replaced.

Longevity of either is very good. Like any engine, if its been cared for, you'll get a long trouble free life from either. Lots of owners on TW have 200K and more miles - search and you'll find a number of posts.

 

I have a 2.7 with 180k, my brother has 3.4 with 200k, my dad has 3.4 with 140k and none have had any problems to speak of, Would I buy another 2.7? No only because Now that I have added weight in armor and big tires my truck is a slug. Re-gearing is a option, but my I have seen 3.4's set up with no loss of power compared to mine. Also have a 87 4runner with 250k on a 22-RE

 

I too have a 2.7 and have taken it over 200k miles. All my 22re's were over 200k miles and my wifes corolla has over 200k miles. Regular maintenance is key though. Only the 3.0 V6 was a problem for trucks and 4runners. If given the choice I would go 3.4 for the extra power. Depending on what you use it for the 2.7 is acceptable, and easier to work on.

 

When I was looking at buying a used 1st gen Tacoma in 2010, I asked a mechanic friend (older guy like me that has decades of experience) about the 3.4L V6 in the Tacoma. He said it was a good engine and had been out there (in the Tacoma, T100, and 4Runner) since the mid 90s (so 15 years in the field) and the most common non-trivial items were water pump and timing belt. Sure enough, my water pump started leaking around 85K miles so I had the timing belt done at the same time. Now I'm at 145K and the only thing I have done besides spark plugs, wires, and oil changes was to replace the mass air flow (MAF) sensor. It sounds like the 2.7L is a champ also, but the extra horse power is nice.... especially if you run the AC a lot and have hills around. I love my AC.
Matt

 

I would get the v6. I have a single cab auto 4x4 with the 2.7. Doesn't get any better gas milage than the v6 based on fulley and reports on tw. I also have a ultaguage and watch my mpg constantly. It also lacks in power I think, with the auto anyway.

 

Interesting... it's a shame Toyota still doesn't make Gen1's... I just have never liked the look or feel of the Gen2 having owned one also... I'm sure that's an argument starter though so I'll politely back away from that discussion.

 

Get the 3.4. Especially if you're going to add weight. Personally, I'm still on the original timing belt. And if it does break, just got to get another one. Won't harm the engine.

 

I burned through most of the internet debating this until I finally made my purchase a couple weeks ago. My wife has the 3.4 auto in her T4R and it seemed acceptable but not overkill on power. I knew the 2.7 would be ok, but I didn't want to drop that much towing capacity coming from a 03 Silverado w/ a 5.3. I ended up with a 3.4 5spd and I don't regret it.

To each his own, but I'll spend a few MPG for the reserve power and stronger tranny...not to mention I think there are marginally more write-ups/mods floating around the internet for the 3.4. Please correct me if I'm wrong in this assumption. A stout knowledge base is invaluable.

 

You sir are correct. Looks easier to work on as opposed to the 4 banger

 

Never have drove a 3.4, but i can say this-the 2.7 motor is supper dependable. I think its the perfect amount of power to swing some big tires, and still not get stuck. My 2.7 has enough power for me and i think it's a perfect DD. If your looking for power and reliability the 3.4 would be good choice, the 2.7 is just better on gas-and still has enough power (for me anyways!)

 

I had a 2.7 liter 96 manual 4wd before with some 31's on it and it drove wonderfully... I'm not going to be racing, all I care about is highway MPG or that it can pull a tree down in 4wd low.

 

Look up million mile t100. It was a 95 that has the 3.4l and has 1 million miles sounds good to me.

 

I've owned a 300k 3.4 and own a 300k 2.7 now. Both have been flawless, I really do miss the power of the v6 though. 37" PBR's are a heavy ass tire for the 4 banger to lug around

 

I got a 97 taco with the 2.7 and 5spd pushin 300k and my buddies got a 98 4rnr with the 3.4 and auto pushin 300k. They both still run like champs, my taco came from a farm and has lead a rough life and it shows and the 4rnr looks to have lead a much happier life. Granted there's gonna be advantages and disadvantages between the two like manual vs. Auto and weight but performance wise they're pretty close, almost neck and neck in a drag race. Other than the extra 40hp in the 3.4, which is not all that much, there's not many benefits to the 3.4 over the 2.7. Simplicity and durability probably both go to the 2.7, just look up 3rz videos on YouTube and see the kinda power they're getting out of the little 4 banger in drag cars. Don't see many 3.4s layin down those kinda numbers. Also at least in my neck of the woods 3.4 engines sell pretty much a dime a dozen where the 3rzs are goin for a premium, that oughta say somethin.

 

If the worst should happen down the road, could you fit a 3.4 engine into a 2.7 truck as a replacement without too much fitting? I want to keep this truck forever so it may need another engine at some point, 3.4's are easier to find it sounds like as a replacement.

I had a 96 2.7 and it worked great for me personally in the past. It was a farm truck with a welded pipe back bumper etc...

 

I have a 2.7 reg cab with 301,000. (5 sp). Had auto trans that I was not fond of in comparison to 5 sp. I am still on original timing chain and clutch. If u r gonna tow I would go 6 cyl. I got this with 6 miles. I have hauled boats,trailers. 4 cyl. will do it but not so happily. U just have to decide what kind of options u need. I will never part from this motor. Awesome low end power also. Either way u won't be going wrong!!

 

I'm sure you can, it just takes time/money

 

Funny how that money tool trumps everything else in the toolbox sometimes, even though it's a hard pill to swallow; the thought of getting someone else to work on your stuff...

Sounds like when it comes to tranny work you need both time and money, and to save a few bucks you need VAST amounts of time to trade... Or your own shop (again time and money)