Hi folks, I have had my 96' 4runner for a while now, and have some questions about it. Its the 2.7, auto, came stock with 225's and 4.10 gears. Well with 31's on it, despite the gearing it seems to work way too hard to turn them. On flat land it scoots right up to 80 and will stay there fine, but add the slightest head on wind or cross wind(which is always prevalent here in ND) and 70 becomes a struggle, once it shifts into overdrive the speed drops off to 60, then it will downshift out of overdrive and pick back up, same happens on slight hills or grades, as can be expected. Kind of dissapointing, am I expecting too much? put 225's back on and its driveable again. Anyone with a 2.7 runner give some insight??

Ok last question, is the 2.7 a naturally noisy motor?? when I start it up cold until it reaches reg temp. (and its always cold here single digits are common as well as below zero in winter.) the valve train is really noisy, but slowly fades away once warm. I have searched for info here some, but could use some more. I had the local toyota tech here listen to valves like said in owners manual and he said they sounded fine not in dire need of adjustment, however it does have 110,000 mi. so it wouldnt hurt to be done. Plus as I already knew, he confirmed that with an aluminum block and head piston slap while cold is going to heard too. It just seems to me that it is a noisy motor. Anybody else experience this?? I use 5w-30 oil but it is winter here. So what do you think. I suppose I could pop the valve cover off and check clearances, but I dont want to get involved in a shim valve adjustment. Thanks for reading, any help would be appreciated.

Matt Rogers

??? nobody? should I feel fortunate that I have the only 3rd gen with the 3RZ?? <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

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.

When you say 2.4 are you referring to the 22Rx, or to the 2.4 Taco 4banger? (In the 2wd, I believe).

If 22Rx, then no; these new engines have shims, so you're not checking the same way. I was having trouble with this site the other day; see how it goes

http://fsm.afraid.org

I meant the 22RE 2.4. That's what I have now in my pickup. So is the 22RE and the 2.7 the same?

Not no, but heck no. When they went to the Tacos, that was the last of the 22RE; '94/95. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/frown.gif" alt="" />

The 2.7 has the same ponies as the 3.0 at 150 hp, stock config.

If that website is truly broken, then I would suggest tossin $10 at a download for yourself at www.techinfo.toyota.com for an FSM. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/kewl.gif" alt="" />

Yeah, I pretty much decided thats what I'm going to do, just check the valve clearances as far as the noise goes, check for slack in the timing chain too, It is probably due as well for over 100,000mi.

Does the 2.7 have a timing belt or timing chain?

2.7 = chain

okay...um....98 runner, 5spd, 4x4, 3rz.

that is what i have, so i may be able to help.

i have the factory 16" wheels, which as a result, gave me the factory 4.56 gearing. the truck has NO issues turning them. it slows down up hills, and it fights the wind, but can keep it's speed. whether by giving more gas, or down shifting. you having an auto lose a lot of that control, so i am not surprised to hear the lack of power you are feeling.

the 3rz has 150hp and 177lb/torque. not too bad.

as far as the noise in the cold. YES! a 4 cyl. motor is usually louder than a 6 or 8, and this is true for the toyota as well. it is far from a quiet motor. and for the ticking. that is your valves, and also your injectors. this is normal. very normal.