The V6 2GR-FKS -at least it's not a pig!

Yup, the 4.9 doesn't qualify as fast, almost regardless of what you're comparing it to. That said, another old 4.9 liter F-150 we had previously (it got stolen), was able to tow a car trailer (with a car on it) and a fully loaded bed across the Rockies without hardly breaking a sweat.

 

I bought a new 3rd gen last year , not because I thought it was a great vehicle but because there just wasn't/isn't anything else in the market that I'd spend my money on.
I've had three 2nd gens before this, each have their pros and cons. That said I do think the 3rd gen motor is lacking.
I also own an '06 GX, that thing with the V8 and 34's is a blast drive and gets only slightly worse fuel mileage than my Taco on 32's. The 4.7 is a constant reminder to me that Toyota could've done better with the 3rd gen motor.

 

Sorry you’re in your feelings over this. Glad you like your truck after installing 4.88s and a tune.

 

Thanks

 

City, I use S-Mode at times to keep up with traffic & aggressive drivers. Highway & Mountain driving I use S-Mode with ECT when needed. Off Road, this is is where the truck really shines. Even stock. To me this truck really feels at home out exploring off and away from asphalt. So I really have to question how many here actually take their 3rd gen off road? At all. This is an important factor some overlook when all they do is daily drive IMHO. Again, I really think the 3rd gen is a marvel in engineering in how many considerations are factored into the overall truck.

 

I'll add my early thoughts of the pentastar vs 3.5. I just spend almost 9 years with my 2dr wrangler 6mt and 3.73s. Around 6 of those years on heavy e rated 285/75/17s. I tow a 1800lb travel trailer and once out of the mountains I would still be able to see north of 18mpg on the highway. Driving on the beach at hatteras was usually 4wh 2nd gear and it was more than happy at 2k rpm.

My 23 pro 6mt is still in the break in period with around 350 miles. 0 towing and I haven't been over 4k yet but I can tell the action down low isn't really there. It's early and on a fresh engine but overall I would say this truck accelerates faster but treating it like a diesel isn't going to be in your best interest.

Side note I had a 92 standard cab 3.0 5speed 20 some years ago and it wasn't that bad especially remember those trucks were a good 1200lbs lighter than current trucks.

 

I had a 2001 4.7 in my tundra that made 245 hp and over 300 ft lbs of torque. It was a good truck. Now with the 3.5 i have in the tacoma it does all the same stuff as the tundra. Imo, it performs very similar with more giddy up on top, and a huge increase in fuel economy. I just don't get these issues many on here are complaining about.

 

That right there!

These things are not only a dream to drive out in the woods and hills, they even look like they belong there.

 

People get all butt hurt about this comment, but they should have taken the 4.0 out of the 4runner and put it in the 3rd gen. Less issues, and proven reliability. I would sacrifice a mpg or 2 for that swap. Motor just feels stronger when you drive it. The motor feels like it has to work less hard to get going.

 

Beautiful shot!

Yes, I'm the happiest with this truck out there too. I love driving the truck all the time but city driving in general or daily driving to work just takes away any joy at all. At times I will even look for an excuse to drive around late at night when there is very little traffic on the road when I'm trapped in the city.

However, this truck loves the country back roads and endless exploring. This was a major consideration in purchasing this truck. If we didn't have our cabin, outdoor pursuits and resigned to the fact that we were staying in the city all the time I would of considered a Prius or RAV4. Public Transit or an electric bike for those sunny days. These are better choices for full time city life. It's getting harder and harder to drive around our city. Densification, congestion and bike lanes are increasing all the time here.

Thank F*ck we have our cabin and outdoor pursuits where we can get away from people. This truck makes it happen. Otherwise, I think my soul would be crushed not being able to get away. We currently also have a older beater that is good for short trips in the city most of the time. Nowhere as nice to drive as the Taco tho.

 

The current Taco engine is a very reliable piece of tech. I’m 43K on my 2018 and it hasn’t let me down once.

But it is a slow engine and that’s that.

 

I've 40k on mine, and it has more power now then it had at 30K. Just today I punched the gas, and the tire broke lose. This was a first for my 2020.

 

Ah yes the notorious “power bump” post “break in” just like the 10mpg bump

 

We are getting to the point where some owners are now racking up decent mileage so it should be interesting to see how these trucks hold up. Should have a good sample size considering the third gen is the best selling generation. I have 170k miles on my truck and have never had a problem with the engine, should hold up to 300k no problem. The gearing and tuning are responsible for this engines driving characteristics more than the actual engine. I live at elevation in Colorado and frequently drive some of the steepest grades in the country for highway driving. I can make the N.A. v6 work up here weighed down with amor, gear and larger tires on the stock gearing and stock tune. I’m sure many will appreciate the fourth gen if the rumors are true. 2.4l turbo hybrid mated to an 8 or 10 speed transmission. Should make great torque numbers at much lower rpm.

 

Just use it how it’s supposed to be used for.
Nearly 6 yrs and 20k miles of adventure. Mod it till it suites your style and enjoy

 

The 3.6 Pentstar is a good running but pinging motor. I don't trust mine. It drones around 2k rpm and begs for octane. I take care of it religiously so o think I'll max out its lifespan. The 3.5 tacoma is soooo much better.

 

I had a 22' Wrangler Willy's with the 2.0L turbo for about 3 months. My first choice was to find a wrangler I wanted w/ the 3.6 but it was slim pickings. Reluctantly got the 2.0. That little motor was snappy and with the 8 speed auto, it was great. I just decided I didn't want a wrangler and I didn't trust that 2.0L for the long term. It sounded like shit too. Sometimes like a weed eater, sometimes like a diesel. I also just don't like direct injection only motors for long term either.

 

The 3.6 from FCA snd 3.5 on the yoda aren’t exactly musical symphonies either

 

when i was a kid i thought Applebees was a good place to eat. Now that im older i realize i didnt know shit.