Should I avoid an early 4.0?

Hey guys. I’m looking at an 05 tundra that has the 4.0 that I’ve heard can have head gasket issues. I don’t see any evidence of that on this truck but is the potential issue enough to avoid the truck all together? 180k miles. Thanks

 

Any way you can look for a 4.7 truck?

 

4.0 Tundra, especially early version (236 hp) is going to be a dog. Agree with the other guy, look for a bigger motor or a smaller truck.

 

I’m looking for a single cab 2wd. Norris’s my engine choice a bit. I’ve already got 2 other v8 4x4 yotas. lol

 

These single cab tundras are lighter than my 3rd gen 4runner.

 

I'd pass on it.
19 year old truck, under powered, and due for many maintenance items soon.

 

I've collected information on this issue here. Opinions vary, but I wouldn't pass over a good deal on a truck for this reason alone! Just make sure to look for symptoms.

Yes, there is an elevated risk of head gasket failure, so the price you deem acceptable should take this into account.

However, while this is a complex and/or expensive repair, it is an entirely straightforward and effective one. The problem can be detected long before permanent engine damage occurs, and the repaired engine can be every bit as reliable and long-lived as any other 4.0 out there. And many folks have had long-lived early 1GR-FEs without this problem happening.

Compare that, for example, to the insidious nature of rust. Fixing a head gasket is a lot easier than fixing rust.

So, I'd pass on the truck if it were rusty, but not just because it's an 05.

 

you know supposedly 4.7 is easy to swap in and can work with 4x4. There’s a YouTube series on it.

to each his own. If my engine needs a head gasket

I will simply reach my hand and put a gasket and call it a day. Turning a bolt is not skilled fabrication with education equipment and experience. It is a wrench.

dont know if machining work is needed.
Machining is typically if something has warped and overheated.

I did pistons on an engine. MLS gasket. No machining. Clean with carbide scraper. It did not overheat and warp. It needed pistons. Head had to come off to reach them.

 

Pass.

 

I'd only consider the 4.7 swap if I got a killer KILLER deal on a 4.0 truck, from what I've seen the V6 early year tundras are actually pretty hard to find. Could just be the area I'm in though.

 

Agreed. Saying an engine swap isn't difficult is one thing, but the truck OP is looking at probably isn't priced like a rolling chassis.

Generally if buying a vehicle, over 99% of people are looking for one that is ready to drive and not need major surgery.

 

You’re 100% fine with the 4.0, it’s lighter than Tacomas with the same engine. My brother has a 2005 Tacoma with zero issues. What will matter, like all vehicles, is who maintained it before you.

Long bed? Those are cool little Tundras. Always wanted one, I had an 06 DC.

 

Finally looked up the year

I've been thinking 2nd gen Tundra, I thought those started in 2005 for some reason. Please disregard my comments on the power, the 4.0 should be a big improvement over the 3.4 that was previously offered in those trucks.

 

Head gasket just blew at 206k. Production date 10/2005






2uz??

 

05 Tacoma 4.0 here with 307k+ and no head gasket issues. YMMV