going from 3.4L to 2nd gen 2.7L

Hi,

I have a 3.4L with around 195k on the clock. Great truck, access cab, 5MT with the 3.4L and 6 foot bed. I was thinking of upgrading to something newer, and I drive a lot, rarely tow, and therefore a 2WD 5MT 2.7L with 50k on the clock has caught my eye.

How much more underpowered will the 2.7 likely feel compared to the 3.4? Given that my engine is probably getting a bit tired and down on power at that mileage......

The only downside is that my 3.4 is 4WD and the 2.7 is 2WD, but last winter we got a lot of snow, upwards of 60 inches at my house, and I think I put it in 4WD once. Blizzaks and sand bags in the back and the truck was super solid. Still, resale is really tough on a 2WD around here, people see it isn't a 4WD and run from the truck like it is the headless horseman.

Thoughts? I am really drawn to better mileage. It's either that, or go full into a newish platform like a GMC Canyon (I drove a 3rd gen Tacoma and it really didn't seem worth the money over a 2nd gen. The GMC however was a step above, and probably the only truck I would buy above 30k).

 

You'll feel it. 220 ft lbs of torque on the V6 vs 180 on the 4cyl. Though you might not feel it much as 4x4 always feel a bit slower than 2wd. If its better mpg you're after, i'd keep the truck and buy a civic or something similar.

 

Go to the dealer and take a 2.7L on a nice long test drive. That is the only answer.

 

I personally would look for other options. I have a 2.7 and the lack of power can be an issue at times.

Probably should elaborate on that^

It really depends on where you live. My truck wasn't too bad when I was in Connecticut. I would occasionally have issues with hills at highway speed, but it was tolerable.
Now I am 5000 feet above sea level and the highways are like a roller coaster. The 2.7 just doesn't cut it.
If you are a flatlander, you may not have an issue. If you are up in the hills like me, you may want to reconsider.
As has already been said, take one for a long test drive and then make your decision.

 

I've not met a 2.7 owner yet who hasn't told me he wishes he had the V6. Kudos on giving 2wd a chance though. With sand bags and decent tires in my '14, I don't need to use 4wd very much. I usually only use it on icy roads when I'm doing 50 or 60. Amazing how well these trucks do on the snow/ice in 2wd.

I vote for @Jimmyh 's advice. Drive it...take it up some hills, take it on some rough-ass backroads and listen for rattles. Leave the radio off and listen to it. If you can live with the 2.7 (a lot of people do), get it. The motor will outlast the truck.

 

Well let me introduce myself! You now have met one, Me. I prefer the overall better reliability (IMO) of the 2.7 liter, 4 banger.

But to each their own......... Drive it and see what you want.

 

Let me be your first

 

Glad to meet you, hoss. Your the ONE guy that likes the 2.7 Of course, as near as I can tell from your posts, your an actual mechanic, right? As in, you turn a wrench for a living?

Me...I used to, but then I started doing something easier to make a living

Nice to meet you. The jury is still out for me on my 4.0, I'll let you know in 12 years if I like it or not

Ok, there's two guys

 

I have the v6 and th 2.7L. Around town and on highway the 2.7L is fine. What is tough for me is the large mountain grades. Hard to maintain 75mph with the 4 banger. Also I live on top of a hill, and the truck struggles (lots of bends and curves) with A/C on on the way home, climbing it. I am essentially in 1st and 2nd gear only.

If I lived in flat area all the time, 2.7L is fine.


Someone on the 3rd gen forum, just trade their 2016 3.5L for a 2.7L 2017 model. So there are people who downsize.


My next truck will be the 5.7L Tundra.

 

I used work as a mechanic when I was a teenager many years ago... I since retired from the Navy as an Missile Tech and now work with automation and electronics in the automotive manufacturing field. Robert Bosch LLC.

I loves my 2.7L but I live in the flat low country area of South Carolina.

 

The 3.4L did a great job and has a great flat torque curve.... you will be disappointing with the 2.7L's performance for sure. A much heavier truck with less power n torque. And dont downgrade to 2wd... you will HATE yourself that time when you do need it and chose the 2wd instead.

 

I would absolutely purchase my 2.7 again if I had to do it over. That being said, I would probably not buy the 2.7 in the automatic variety.

The speed limit here is 80mph and it isn't exactly flat or at sea level, and it does very well.

 

keep the v6 192k miles is nothing for those engines