Slant 4 cylinder engine

Is there a reason why there is a slight slant on the 4 cylinder engine?

 

I have read that the slant design is for reducing secondary vibrations. If the cylinders were perfectly vertical, the engine vibrations (especially at idle) would transfer to the chassis and cabin much more, likely resulting in an annoying and unpleasant driving experience... for a truck, I guess

 

What about the balancer shafts?
Honestly the slant or lean could be for packaging constraints. Easier to fit the engine and all the accessories. Placing the engine vertical would probably raise it about 3 inches. Also I believe the oil drain on the head is on the passenger side.

 

Back when I had a couple slant 6s I read and was told slants were for a lower hood line.

 

Yeah, that big ole 2.7 really needs to be crammed under hood. *sarcasm*

I've heard it's the design. What you perceive to be slanted might actually be vertical.

 

I do believe this to be an accurate statement.

 

Hahaha. Honestly I believe packaging is the reason. I've seen a few 2TR-FE engines upright in Tacoma engine bays during removal and they are taller that way. Not sure if the hood would close or not.

 

I suspect it has everything to do with what everyone has mentioned so far. I'll add that it just might have something to do with the rod angle inside the engine since a longer stroke adds torque. Longer stroke? Taller engine especially when it comes to a straight six or a straight four.