Toyota 4Runner Used Engines

The 4Runner has run five generations in the US and the engine changes line up with them neatly. The third generation brought the 5VZ-FE 3.4 V6, which is the one most people are looking for. The fourth generation introduced the 4.7 2UZ-FE V8 alongside the 4.0 1GR-FE V6, and from 2010 the 1GR-FE is the only engine offered. All of these are long-service truck engines and the pool is deep, but the generation lines are hard.

Toyota 4Runner Used Engines — engine options by generation

How to pick the right one

Generation and engine. The 3.4 5VZ-FE and the 4.0 1GR-FE are both V6s but they are different families with different blocks, different mounts and a belt against a chain, so the 2002 to 2003 line does not cross. On the fourth generation, tell us V6 or V8, because the 2UZ-FE 4.7 is a wholly separate engine with its own accessory layout. If your 4Runner is a 2005 or later V8, note that Toyota added variable valve timing to the 2UZ for 2005 and the earlier engine will not drop in with the same management. Send us the VIN and we read the fifth character to confirm the engine before shipping.

What usually fails on these engines

The 3VZ-E of the early nineties trucks is the one with the reputation and it is deserved - the head gasket fails and Toyota extended coverage at the time. If you are buying one, buy one where the gaskets are already done. The 5VZ-FE is a durable engine and what usually brings it in is a timing belt that was never changed on its 90,000-mile interval, plus a leaking front crankshaft seal. The 1GR-FE is the strongest of the three; its known item is the secondary air injection system on the 2010-2014 trucks, which is an emissions fault rather than an engine fault but puts the truck in limp mode. On the 2UZ-FE V8, the starter sits under the intake manifold, which makes a cheap part an expensive job - worth replacing while the engine is out. We test every unit before listing.

What ships with every unit

• Compression and leak-down tested before it is listed, with the test sheet in the box.
• VIN matched fitment — send us your VIN and we confirm the engine code against your vehicle before the order ships.
• Written warranty on every engine, with labour coverage available.
• Free freight anywhere in the lower 48, shipped on a pallet to a commercial address or a terminal.

Related reading: Toyota 2GR-FE 3.5L V6 engine guide, all engine guides.

Toyota 4Runner used engines - frequently asked questions

Which engines did the Toyota 4Runner use?

Across 1990 to today the Toyota 4Runner was built with 22R-E 2.4L I4, 3VZ-E 3.0L V6, 5VZ-FE 3.4L V6, 3RZ-FE 2.7L I4, 1GR-FE 4.0L V6 and 2UZ-FE 4.7L V8. The table above lists which one belongs to each generation, with the engine family and VIN character that identifies it.

How do I know which engine is in my Toyota 4Runner?

The eighth character of the VIN encodes the engine on almost every US vehicle, and that is the only reliable way to settle it - two cars of the same year and trim can carry different engines. Send us the VIN and we check the engine code against your vehicle before anything ships.

Will an engine from a different year fit my Toyota 4Runner?

Generation and engine. The 3.4 5VZ-FE and the 4.0 1GR-FE are both V6s but they are different families with different blocks, different mounts and a belt against a chain, so the 2002 to 2003 line does not cross.

What usually fails on these engines?

The 3VZ-E of the early nineties trucks is the one with the reputation and it is deserved - the head gasket fails and Toyota extended coverage at the time. If you are buying one, buy one where the gaskets are already done.

What comes with a used Toyota 4Runner engine?

Every engine is compression and leak-down tested before it is listed and the test sheet ships in the box. Fitment is VIN matched before the order goes out, every engine carries a written warranty with labour coverage available, and freight is free anywhere in the lower 48.