My 2006 blown head gasket problems

There's mixed information on when the updated headgaskets started being used but the general consensus seems to be somewhere between a late 05 build date and an early 06 build date, I dont think anyone here knows for sure. Any 4.0l can have a headgasket failure especially if it's ever been overheated but it was much more common on early build trucks it seems.

 

This is one of my fears. Being in a crappy (or remote) place with a sudden head gasket failure. I don't exactly baby my truck, but I do take care of it meticulously and I have zero signs of issue including a good block test, oil test is next for peace of mind. I have a cross country road trip planned while hauling a Four wheel camper this spring, and I just spent about 2k in maintenance preparing for it before i remembered I have the early 05 4.0! I knew about the HG issue but it didn't cross my mind until after all that of course. You're right and I agree with you, it's pretty disappointing to be worried about such an issue with a Toyota. We just got unlucky I guess and Toyota's aren't impervious. But still, like someone said before this is something i'd expect from a Jaguar or a Range Rover, not a Toyota!

 

I bought my first Toyota new, a 1971 4 cyl. Carolla. It had a cracked head recall. The couple of 22RE 4 cyl. trucks and 4 Runners I've had had head and timing chain issues. We all know of the early V6 head and gasket issues as well as the '05-early '06 Tacoma V6 issues. Toyota has always had issues with heads and head gaskets. Disappointing yes but really a long term Toyota problem, 50 years at least.

 

You know I guess you're right haha. Its funny how despite all of these historical issues you bring up, Toyota still holds on to the word "reliable", lol. I also seem to remember a friend of mine with a 2011ish Camry 4 cyl that burned a quart of oil every 1000 miles when it was far too young of a carand Toyota still wouldn't do anything for him. It was practically a 2 stroke at that point. I guess no manufacturer is without stories like this. But Toyota, just a little less than the rest?