2005, like no other

2005 was the last year the 4runner and the taco shared the vvti engine with 245 hp and a (282 lb-ft) #6500 lb. tow rating. In 2006 4runner went to the bad-ass DUAL VVT-I motor and the taco dropped to 236 hp and max tow of (266 ft-lb) #5000 lbs. 4.0 = 244 cu.in. vs. 213 cu. in. IMO the 2005 is the best taco built and that is why I was happy to find a clean 2005 with low miles. I sold my 2014 and missed the truck. I was going to buy the new model, and I work for Toyota for many years, but in the end I just don't like how the 3.5 liter, (278hp / 265 lb-ft) , performs. Atkinson cycle motors are great...in a Prius, not a taco. Now..with that said, the Tacoma is a great truck in any year.

 

Funny, but my 06 DCSB is rated for #6500 tow capacity...

 

Tacomas with the tow package have a capacity of 6500 lbs.

 

Wasn't the 05 V6 rated for premium fuel.

 

Same with my 2011. Our '05 runner has the V8 and makes the Taco look like a joke.

 

sorry...my mistake & thank you

 

only for better performance but not mandatory

 

all gen 3's for sure...

 

I'm talking about 2nd gens.

 

Bubble burster checking in...

The only thing that changed between 2005, and the later models (I think it changed in '07) was the way the EPA measures HP. The actual power produced by the motor did not change.

 

Yup, look at just about any vehicle and you'll see a difference between those years.

As far as premium fuel, it was recommended until 2007 or so. At that point they dropped the recommendation, but I don't think anything actually changed. I suspect it was more of a PR thing--they'd rather not recommend the I run premium in my '11 because without it the engine pings and feels piggish.

When TRD had superchargers on their website, they said the 4.0 made 239 HP and 278 lb ft of torque on 91 octane.

As for the tow rating, I believe 2011 was when it dropped slightly. Mine is rated for 6300, a DCSB is rated for 6400, and an access cab is 6500. Originally they were all 6500, then they realigned it to SAE tow standards.

 

My 05 is a great truck also as long as the gasket between the 4th and 6th cylinder holds out.

The changes that took place in fuel ratings seem to be just that, changes in ratings. Does anyone think there were major internal engine changes that warranted the change? Maybe a re-map of the ECU but I doubt any major mechanics.

 

Awe, I have a 2006.

 

Dual VVT-I was not introduced to the 4Runner, in 2006. (That would be 2010+, I believe. ) 2007-2009 FJ Cruisers also share the same Single VVT 1GR as the Tacoma. 2010+ it changed to Dual.

The Dual VVT 1GR, is inherently weaker in structural design, that the single VVT 1GR, which is in all V6 Tacomas from 2005-2015.

2003-2004 Single VVT 1GR, is first in the 4Runner. It has a different Intake Cam gear pickup than the later 2005+ Tacomas. The cam gears are interchangeable between the two Single VVT versions. They must match that which the vehicle came with, if doing a used engine swap.