Difference in engines by year

I've searched around, and can't seem to find an answer. I know there is a big write up on the difference of years, but that seems to focus around options and cosmetic stuff.

So is there a difference in the 96-97 2.7s and 3.4s from the 98+s?
I would almost swear I read where the 3.4s had a change, but can't remember if the 2.7s did.

Reason I ask is because I'm searching for a 1st gen, and have found a few 96s and am wondering what all the differences are in them and the 98+s. The grill is obviously different, but I'm more interested in the mechanical aspect.

Thanks
-Josh

 

i think they only changed cosmetics.

 

The drivetrain is one of the few things that toyota did not mess with over the lifespan of the 1st gen. The 3.4L in the '96 is virtually identical to the 3.4L in the '04.

 

For the 2.7 motors:

96-97 had distributers.
In 98 they switched to two coil packs.

98 also had longer rear leaves.
98 had some changes to the frame ends, so that they
take different models of aftermarket bumpers.

 

2003+ is fly by wire as well.

 

Pretty sure all 3.4s have coil packs, not distributors. My friend's '97 does not have a distributor. Emissions stuff did change over the years tho.

 

Is the switch from distributors to coil packs only on the 3.4s or the 2.7s as well?

 

I neglected to mention my comments were just for the 2.7 (edited).
Thanx for the correction.

 

My 1997 2.7 was a February truck and it had coil packs, from what I believed I discovered, it looks like the January 1997 models had a distributor.

I also read the other day that the 2003 3.4L changed slightly only because of a few mods to the EGR system. Nothing major from 2002 to 2003.

 

The plenum also changed in the 98 3.4 from previous models. As well as a few other tweeks.

Some 3.4 parts from the 4runner T-100 and Tacoma are all the same those years but others have slight mods such as a different intake and ignition. In the end it doesn't really matter much when it comes to reliability in my opinion. Sometimes finding parts can be a pain though if you are buying used...

 

EGR is the only thing major changed on the 3.4l

 

My '04 2.7 has a throttle cable.

Definitely doesn't fly, either.

 

I should have been more specific. The 2003+ 3.4L "modestly gathers speed" by wire.

 

'03-'04 Model year 3.4L had an APPS added which is a pseudo-TBW. Essentially the APPS was pulled by the throttle cable and the computer would adjust the TPS to mirror the opening percentage. This part was known to have some issues causing the 3.4L to perform poorly. The 2.7 did not have this feature.

The 3.4 always had coil packs,
2.7 had various forms:
95.5-97 - distributor
97-2000 - twin coils located on pass. side block
2001- coil packs

From a performance perspective, I've never really noticed any difference.

 

This is correct, but just for clarification, we have a terminology difference.
What Beerhat refers to as twin coils, I call coil packs.
What Beerhat refers to as 'coil packs. I call coil-on-plug.

Funny it took so long for Toyota to put COP's on the 2.7 .

 

My 95 3.4 has coil packs so this is probably true...

 

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My 1996 3.4 V-6 has coil packs not a distributor.

 

did you not just read what you quoted? he clearly stated that info was for the 2.7L motor..the 4 cylinders..not the 3.4L..all 3.4L are coil packs