I'd dare say that the real problem with the 3.0 is not that they aren't very reliable, its that when they do have a problem, it is a real pain to fix. The spark plugs are a pain to get to. The vacuum lines are a nightmare. Book rate on a knock sensor works about to around $1000! Headgaskets are a much bigger job on the V6 than they are on the 4.

I just sold my V6 4Runner. I had lots of problems with the valves, but I think that is due to a poorly done valve job and the cams. The 4 bangers I've had are definately lacking power. However, with the exception of the fuel filter, just about everything is easier to work on.

That said, I'm going for the 7MGE swap on my 85. The 22RE just isn't cutting it up the hills. Swapping in a V6 is much tougher than doing the 7M swap.