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2.7l 4X4 MT Worthy?

Discussion in '1st Gen. Tacomas (1995-2004)' started by 04TRDV6, May 25, 2019.

  1. May 25, 2019 at 9:22 AM
    #1
    04TRDV6

    04TRDV6 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Lynn
    Houston, TX
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    2004 TRD V6 XtraCab
    I have an 04 V6 xtracab and usually just gloss over the threads on the 4 cyl versions. I know there is an abundance of info on this forum about these but I need to pull a trigger (or not). I'll read some while waiting responses on this.

    I've just come across a 2003 2.7l 4 cyl, 4x4 manual trans (manual windows and locks as well) xtracab with 135k miles with tow package. At first thought, I'm thinking it sounds like a nice little truck that would look fantastic in my driveway (had to stop myself from running to the bank to check in here first).

    I know condition of the vehicle, frame, maintenance, etc... is different on every truck but just generally speaking are these decent little trucks for general running around, hauling a dresser or some plywood/pallets? Couple hundred mile road trip occasionally? Getting stuck in some mud once in a while to justify the 4wd?

    Thanks in advance for any opinions.
     
  2. May 25, 2019 at 9:44 AM
    #2
    BenevolentMachination

    BenevolentMachination Well-Known Member

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    Ground Zero
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    2000 Tacoma 3RZ 4WD Xtra
    Hello @04TRDV6, the gist of the 3RZ-FE/2.7L in a 1st Gen Tacoma is
    • A great long-time running engine
    • Slower getting up to highway speeds quickly (stock)
    • Used in racing applications
    • Generally easier to work on
    • 4WD just works
    • Uses a timing chain, instead of a timing belt (as far as I know, V6s use belts)
    • 1st gear is rough getting into without being completely stopped
    I will say this: as long as you have adequate suspension, the 1st Gen 3RZ 4WD Tacoma is a great truck to haul anything up to it's capacity with.

    Check the oil pan, to see if it is leaking (it's a rather hefty job to replace an oil pan gasket on a 4WD 3RZ/2.7 (this I know from experience).

    Essentially it does everything a V6 can do but is more reliable and slower (stock).

    There are going to be many more people who have long-term experience with a 4WD 3RZ/2.7 than I do and you may want to hang on until they chime in; you may want to search up some related 4WD 3RZ/2.7 terms and read a bit on those results.
     
    04TRDV6[OP] likes this.
  3. May 25, 2019 at 9:44 AM
    #3
    se7enine

    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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    If I had a V6 I wouldn't downgrade to a 3RZ just because it's not enough engine for the weight and something you will notice very easily. I live where there is enough hills that I wish I had the V6. It might be different for you. The simplicity and ease to work on and the extra space is nice but if I ever get another Taco it will be V6.
     
    04TRDV6[OP] likes this.
  4. May 25, 2019 at 9:46 AM
    #4
    bagleboy

    bagleboy Well-Known Member

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    Norcal, Santa Rosa
    Vehicle:
    2014 5-lug AC 2.7L VVTI
    Snug top Rebel, Thule tracks, ditch tracks, Bagged rear suspension, F/R anytime camera, intermittent wiper switch...
    I like my 2nd gen 2wd 2.7l and the 1st gens are lighter but it won't accelerate like a 6 and since there's less power to spare if you head into the mountains it gets worse. Pairing it with a SC or turbo fixes that but costs$. You might love it or you might hate it, depends on how you drive and what you want it to do.
     
    04TRDV6[OP] likes this.
  5. May 25, 2019 at 10:08 AM
    #5
    Wsidr1

    Wsidr1 Well-Known Member

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    2 x 95.5 Ext 2.7L & 3.4L A/T 4x4
    I have a two 1995's, one 3.4, and one 2.7. Both are A/Ts. In my opinion, don't have 2.7 if you live in a moderate to severely hilly area, plan to tow more than about 2500lbs, and/or need or just like rapid acceleration.

    The 2.7: was developed initially for Toyota to enter off-road racing; is amazingly tough; is a pain to change oil pan gasket and fuel filter, otherwise very easy to maintain & repair; barely gets better MPG than 3.4; does have issues with exhaust manifold cracking (but easy to change); is chain drive vs belt; responds very well to adding supercharger(+2$$$); has a balancer system making it run very smoothly and any rpm.

    In my area, relatively flat, I have to say I really enjoy mine because I appreciate it's pluses and am not really impacted by it's minuses. I have driven the V-6 very little , but can say it is truly "better" only rarely.
     
    04TRDV6[OP] likes this.
  6. May 25, 2019 at 10:48 AM
    #6
    04TRDV6

    04TRDV6 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    So you're all saying "get it now". :)

    Just to clarify - I wouldn't be replacing the 3.4. This would be another Taco. I'm looking for a second vehicle to put at my second house so I have something to drive if the first vehicle at the second house is down for some reason (like I took something apart and can't get it back together by Monday morning). Figured that second vehicle might as well be a truck so I can also use it to haul stuff I can't get in my SUV. And it can do part time road trip (about 200 miles between homes) duty with my other old/high mileage vehicles.

    And its pretty damn flat here except for the occasional bridge.
     
  7. May 25, 2019 at 10:50 AM
    #7
    se7enine

    se7enine MCMLXXIX

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    As long as you are not in a rush to get up to speed and you don't have a lot of hills it's a great option. I love mine which is why I'm putting it in my 4Runner.
     
    SilverBulletII and 04TRDV6[OP] like this.
  8. May 25, 2019 at 12:15 PM
    #8
    pulldo

    pulldo Well-Known Member

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    95 dlx, 2.7l, 4wd, 5 spd.
    How much they asking for it,,, sounds just like mine.
     
  9. May 25, 2019 at 12:32 PM
    #9
    04TRDV6

    04TRDV6 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'm still mentally weighing pros and cons and doing some reading - but I figure I'll offer 5k if I decide to do it. That sound about right? Started out looking for an old, high mileage F150 or similar in the 5k range (something I don't need to be daily driver dependable) so this is less truck than I was thinking about and while I may talk myself into it I definitely don't want to go over budget.
     
  10. May 25, 2019 at 12:38 PM
    #10
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    You snooze you lose.
     
    Last edited: May 25, 2019
    04TRDV6[OP] likes this.
  11. May 25, 2019 at 12:45 PM
    #11
    Ccrames2018

    Ccrames2018 Jack of some trades.

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    -Bilstein+OME suspension, ARB bumper w/Smittybuilt XRC winch, Aero exhaust, CMC, oddball size 275/70R17 General Grabber ATXs on 17x8 0 offset Pro Comp wheels, etc.
    DO IT!! I still miss my 1st Gen and would love to buy that 03. Also, don't ever sell both unless it is financially impossible to keep them lol. I still miss my 03 Access Cab V6 with 5 speed manual, even though I have the exact same thing but an 07. There's just something endearing about those older trucks that I miss.
     
    04TRDV6[OP] likes this.
  12. May 25, 2019 at 12:52 PM
    #12
    04TRDV6

    04TRDV6 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    This is true, but there's also that old chestnut "you impulse buy a 4th vehicle that's 16 years old with 100k+ miles with daughter's wedding coming up you get divorced".
     
    Emmetjmcc4 likes this.
  13. May 25, 2019 at 1:04 PM
    #13
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
    Get the truck; you can always get married, again
     
  14. May 25, 2019 at 3:03 PM
    #14
    04TRDV6

    04TRDV6 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Its gone. :(
     
  15. May 25, 2019 at 3:25 PM
    #15
    Steves104x4

    Steves104x4 Well-Known Member

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    BUCKLE UP! It makes it harder for Aliens to pull you out of your Truck.
  16. May 25, 2019 at 3:34 PM
    #16
    04TRDV6

    04TRDV6 [OP] Well-Known Member

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    was probably rusty anyway.
     
  17. May 25, 2019 at 3:42 PM
    #17
    US Marine

    US Marine Semper Fi

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    TRD supercharger , Doug Thorley header , K&N CAI 265/75-16 Toyo open country mud terrain , 15x8 Method Racing wheels , Rancho 3" lift , 4.88 gears , Detroit Locker
    No problems with hills with my 02 DC Pre Runner 3RZ 4cyl :thumbsup:


    20181018_135142.jpg
     
  18. May 25, 2019 at 5:18 PM
    #18
    Rachelsdaddy

    Rachelsdaddy Well-Known Member

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    I need one of those. I have the 2.7 auto and live in hilly New Hampshire. I’m fine with it being a dog, I just wave and smile as cars fly by on both sides cuz I know mine will still be running in another 10yrs :)
     
  19. May 25, 2019 at 8:53 PM
    #19
    bagleboy

    bagleboy Well-Known Member

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    Norcal, Santa Rosa
    Vehicle:
    2014 5-lug AC 2.7L VVTI
    Snug top Rebel, Thule tracks, ditch tracks, Bagged rear suspension, F/R anytime camera, intermittent wiper switch...
    Definitely, likely post flood too, maybe hidden lightening damage or simply a lemon. Other fish to fry.
     
    04TRDV6[QUOTED][OP] likes this.

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