I just bought a manual '97 4Runner with the 2.7. I pick it up on Friday, so over the weekdend I'l tell you how mine is.
You can check your valve cleareances, wouldn't be a bad idea. Are the cleareances the same as the 2.4 ? Either way, it's an easy way to eliminate reasons for noise, as well as check on your motor.


Too close for missiles, I'm switching to guns...

'97 4Runner...SR5, 4cyl (3RZ), 5spd, 4wd, no rust, excellent shape.