help me brainstorm what to get for my next vehicle

i think the 5.3 is the motor I'd choose. I don't usually pick a vehicle because of looks but I can't stand the like the angry eyes look, it drives me crazy.
 
sixstringsteve said:
i think the 5.3 is the motor I'd choose. I don't usually pick a vehicle because of looks but I can't stand the like the angry eyes look, it drives me crazy.
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I strongly dislike the look of the late 99-2002 (or whatever it is) with the round looking body and lights and would take the 'angry eyes' every single day over the older ones. At least the GMC's have a good look to the front end. To each his own.

The 5.3 is a good motor, it's a bit soft on the bottom-end far as torque goes and makes it's best power at high RPM's. Make sure any truck you're looking at doesn't have piston slap when cold.. I don't know if it's limited to specific years, but some 5.3's are known to have that issue. The way it's built, it's a good gas sipper for a 1/2 ton GM truck. They'll have a 4l60E transmission which s a good 1/2 ton overdrive with a deep OD ratio. The t-case will be either push-button electric shift or manual shift depending on the option package. Some people say the push button t-cases are less reliable, but I had no problem with mine in my '98. The rear end will be a GM 10 bolt which isn't great, but does the job. The IFS... I don't know much about it, other than they have torsion bars.
 
Regarind the 4th gen runners, what's the verdict on v8 vs v6? I don't plan on towing. I hear the mpg is around 20 with the v6 and 18 with the v8. I know a few of you have owned both. If you were in the market, which would you recommend?
 
sixstringsteve said:
Regarind the 4th gen runners, what's the verdict on v8 vs v6? I don't plan on towing. I hear the mpg is around 20 with the v6 and 18 with the v8. I know a few of you have owned both. If you were in the market, which would you recommend?
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After owning a V8 4Runner, I wouldn't do anything different. They operate at low RPM's most of the time and get respectable mileage for a V8. I'd say 18 is on the high end, but within reason. They are a small V8, so it's not a massive powerhouse but love high RPM's when you need them.

Also, the ATRAC traction control works pretty well without lockers. It will get you thru a spot where you lift tires, but you have to get used to driving with it.... apply the throttle to make it work.

I miss our '03 4Runner... it was a great all around vehicle. An OME suspension really helped offroad, stock they're silly-low. The OME suspension took nothing away on the road. Very fun vehicle to drive, sporty and quick.
 
Awesome, thanks Greg. There are actually more v8s in my price range than v6s right now. The v8 is a bulletproof motor, that makes me feel better. If the aftermarket parts and replacement parts weren't 4x as expensive as a regular toyota, I'd go back to a 100 series.
 
Steve, if you buy a 4runner you better not build it out or I will have so much envy because the one I own is untouchable to me.
 
tacoman99 said:
Steve, if you buy a 4runner you better not build it out or I will have so much envy because the one I own is untouchable to me.
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Don't worry. The only thing I'd do to a runner is put an OME lift on like greg said. They have almost zero ground clearance with gas tank hanging down so low.

I know you love power, but if you were to do it again, would you go with the v8 again? The v6 is plenty powerful for me, but if the v8 is more reliable, then it wins for me.

I'm still not sure what I want, I go back and forth everyday. I've got a guy who's pretty serious about getting my truck, but I'm not much closer to knowing what I'd want. A 4-door tacoma is the ideal rig, but they are extremely expensive and it's hard to spend that much $ on a vehicle I won't drive a whole lot. I'm still blown away how a better equipped 4th gen runner costs $5k less than the equivalent 4-door tacoma.
 
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sixstringsteve said:
Don't worry. The only thing I'd do to a runner is put an OME lift on like greg said. They have almost zero ground clearance with gas tank hanging down so low.

I know you love power, but if you were to do it again, would you go with the v8 again? The v6 is plenty powerful for me, but if the v8 is more reliable, then it wins for me.

I'm still not sure what I want, I go back and forth everyday. I've got a guy who's pretty serious about getting my truck, but I'm not much closer to knowing what I'd want. A 4-door tacoma is the ideal rig, but they are extremely expensive and it's hard to spend that much $ on a vehicle I won't drive a whole lot. I'm still blown away how a better equipped 4th gen runner costs $5k less than the equivalent 4-door tacoma.
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And I thought women couldn't make up their minds! Part of why the DC Tacoma holds their value is supply and demand, they have always produced fewer of them than any other model. If you do go with a 4th gen runner the OME suspension and 255/85/16's will be all you need to get you up most trails in the state. If you want to raise the gas tank you could also do a mild body lift.
 
I love the pre 05 runners, they are simply great vehicles. My aunt has one and it has been nothing but good to her. The newer runners are too big and bulky for my liking, but I am sure the room is very nice.
 
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