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4RunnerGeneral discussion forum for the Toyota 4Runner.
This is a discussion thread titled "'03 VVT-i V6 Timing Belt or Chain?", within the 4Runner forum, part of the SUV Forums category.
I've heard that the VVT-i V6 in the new '03-'04 4 Runners have timing chains. Is this true? I think having a chain on an engine is a real big advantage as it equals less maintainance costs and less time in the service bay. Also how is the acceleration on the V6s?
I've heard that the VVT-i V6 in the new '03-'04 4 Runners have timing chains. Is this true? I think having a chain on an engine is a real big advantage as it equals less maintainance costs and less time in the service bay. Also how is the acceleration on the V6s?
Chain. Plenty of acceleration. When you couple that with the ability to have 2WD, 4WD-Hi and Lo, it's the ideal vehicle. That said, however, if 2WD, etc. was available in a V8, I probably would have bought the V8 this time. The only thing I really miss is the ground clearance on the generation 3s.
Like what Bill said, it's chain driven. the v8 on the other hand is not.
The acceleration on both vehicles are pretty good actually.
As for the ground clearance, unless you're doing any offroading, you won't notice it. Even if you do offroad, as long you pick the right line, the 1" (or so) deduction in height should be insignificant. Don't forget that back in the day, not all rigs were this high and also they used to be happy with their 31"s if that. Trucks have come along way now and we're just gettin spoiled!
In time, we'll have lift parts available. Daystar should be the first with their spacers on the shelves right about now. Others will follow hopefully by the end of the year.
The V-6 has chain driven dual overhead cams. If you remove the oil fill cap and look down inside you can see it. The oil filter is very accessible on the top of the engine which is a great advantage in that the V-8 requires the removal of the steel "skid" plates under the front of the vehicle to get to it's filter.
I find the acceleration of my V-6 2WD 4Runner to be pretty good at launching its 4,000 pounds. You'll have to drive it yourself to see what you think. One thing I really noticed is that the V-6 handles around corners better because it does not have the extra 150 or so pounds of the V-8 on its front wheels. Good luck with your choice.
The V-6 has chain driven dual overhead cams. If you remove the oil fill cap and look down inside you can see it. The oil filter is very accessible on the top of the engine which is a great advantage in that the V-8 requires the removal of the steel "skid" plates under the front of the vehicle to get to it's filter.
I find the acceleration of my V-6 2WD 4Runner to be pretty good at launching its 4,000 pounds. You'll have to drive it yourself to see what you think. One thing I really noticed is that the V-6 handles around corners better because it does not have the extra 150 or so pounds of the V-8 on its front wheels. Good luck with your choice.
That's interesting because I've read otherwise elsewhere.
Do you have the same V6 in the 4Runner that they put in the Tundra (3.4l)?
The 03+ 4Runner V6 is a 4.0 litre, and yes, the timing chains are steel. Check your sources.
If the V6 in the 4Runner is a 4.0 then it's not the same engine as the 3.4 in the Tundra. I've seen pictures of the 3.4 V6 open in the front and it had a V belt... I'll try to track down the photos and post.
That's interesting because I've read otherwise elsewhere.
Do you have the same V6 in the 4Runner that they put in the Tundra (3.4l)?
Jeff
No, its a completely different engine than the 3.4 Liter. The 3.4 has an iron block and uses timing a timing belt as opposed to the 4.0 having Aluminum alloy block with chain driven cams.
'03 VVT-i V6 Timing Belt or Chain?
Trucks have come along way now and we're just gettin spoiled! 
Linear Mode
