All Toyota 4Runner vehicles will use an interference engine and timing chain from 2010 until 2021. The 4.7L 4Runner has a timing belt and interference engine, while the 4.0L 4Runner vehicles from 2003 to 2009 have timing chains and interference engines.
Timing chains and interference engines are standard on all 4-cylinder 4Runners from 1984 to 2002, whereas timing belts and non-interference engines are available on V6 versions.
In contrast to the 2009 Toyota 4Runner 4.7L V6 268 horsepower (2UZ-FE) option, the 2021 Toyota 4Runner 4.0L V6 270 hp (1GR-FE) option includes a timing chain.
For comprehensive details on the model year of your specific Toyota 4Runner, scroll down or use the fast jump.
In This Article...
Timing Belt Basics
Maintaining the timing (synchronization) between the crankshaft and the camshaft is the major goal of the timing belt or timing chain (s).
While a timing chain resembles a bicycle chain, a timing belt is comprised of a rubber composite.
Timing belts deteriorate over time, thus they need to be replaced at the intervals recommended by the manufacturer. Serious engine damage may ensue from a failing timing belt.
Even though a timing chain will inevitably deteriorate with time, it should nonetheless undergo regular checks.
A timing belt or chain is present on a 2004 Toyota 4Runner V6.
Timing chains were employed in the 4.0 V6 in 2008.
Since 2003, when the v6 4.0 replaced the previous 3.4 v6, which did utilize a timing belt, the v6 has been powered by a chain.
Since 2003, when a v8 was a 4runner option, the 4.7 V8 in such vehicles used a timing BELT.
Because there is no advised replacement interval and chains often last the lifetime of the automobile or several hundred thousand miles, having one is preferable.
Now, regular maintenance calls for replacing the timing belt. I’m not sure what they advise for that specific year, but generally the timing belt needs to be serviced every 100K miles, which will cost you at least $1000. I own two v6 4runners, one with 203K miles and the other with 281K miles.
When did the Tacoma get its timing chain?
- Toyota T100: Timing belt for the 19931998 V6 engines and timing chains for the 19951998 4-cylinder engines
- Toyota Tacoma: The Toyota Tacoma and the 4Runner share the same base, but the engines are different. Timing chains are used on all 4-cylinder vehicles from 1995 to 2020. Timing belts were used on V6 vehicles up until 2004, however starting with the 2005 model, they were replaced by timing belts.
- Toyota Truck: Timing belt for 19901995 V6 engines and timing chains for 19901995 4-cylinder engines.
- Timing belts for the 20002004 V6 and 20002009 4.7L V8 versions of the Tundra. and timing chains for the models with the V6, V8, 5.7L, V8, and 4.6L engines from 2005 to 2014.
What Toyota engines are causing interference?
- interference 4.7 liter
- Non-interference 3.4 liter
- V6 non-interference, 3.3 litter
- V6 non-interference 3.0 litter
- two liters without hindrance
- 1.8 liter DOHC gasoline engine
- 1.6 liter SOHC incompatibility
- Non-interference 1.6 liter DOHC (4A-GZE and 4A-GE)
- Non-interference 1.6 liter DOHC (4A-FE and 4A-F)
- Non-interference 1.5 liter (5E-FE and 3E-E)
- interference of 1.5 liters (3E, 1A-C, and 3A-C)
- (Excluding the 1998 2JZ-GE) 3.0 liter inline 6 non-interference
- Non-interference 2.8 liter
- VVT-i non-Interference 2.7 liter V6
- 2.5 liters without interruption
- Diesel interference, 2.4 liters
- Diesel interference, 2.2 liters
- Diesel interference, 1.8 liters
How can you tell whether an engine uses a timing chain or belt?
The first step is to examine your engine to determine whether your car has a timing belt or a timing chain. If you see a tinplate or plastic cover on the side of your engine, you have a timing belt. Your engine has a timing chain if it lacks one of those.
There are a few instances where this rule isn’t true, but thankfully they are uncommon. For instance, a dry belt is concealed under the engine of the Peugeot Pure Tech. Consult your car’s owner’s manual or the manufacturer’s website if you have questions about your vehicle that you can’t figure out by looking at the engine. Alternately, schedule a visit with WhoCanFixMyCar at your neighborhood mechanic.
Is there a timing belt or chain on a 2006 Toyota 4Runner?
The 4.7L model of the 2006 Toyota 4Runner features an interference engine and a timing belt, whereas the 4.0L model has both an interference engine and a timing chain.
How frequently should a Toyota 4Runner timing belt be replaced?
Timing belts are important, but unless your Toyota owner’s handbook specifically advises it, they don’t need to be replaced on a regular basis. Between 60,000 and 100,000 miles, some automakers advise changing the timing belt, while others don’t. Many timing belts available now can last 100,000 miles or more before they need to be replaced.
Has a 2005 Toyota Tacoma got a timing chain or belt?
Don’t worry about it; every Toyota Tacoma manufactured in 2005 and later have timing chains, which should last 200K miles under typical driving.
Should Toyota timing chains be changed?
Because it requires engine oil for lubrication, a timing chain operates inside the engine. Depending on the vehicle, a timing belt normally needs to be replaced between 40,000 and 100,000 kilometers. The fix costs a few hundred dollars. It is not necessary to replace a timing chain unless there is an issue with it.
Has the fourth-generation 4Runner a timing belt?
Toyota provided a 4.0 liter V6 and a 4.7 liter V8 as its 2 available engines for the 4th generation 4runner. In addition, cars like the Tacoma and FJ Cruiser utilised the 1GR-FE V6. The Tundra, Sequoia, and even the Lexus GX470 all used the 2UZ-FE V8.
L V6 (1GR-FE)
For 2003, the V6 engine was completely new. It was the first truck-specific engine that Toyota has ever installed. It was paired with a 4 speed transmission that was carried over from the third generation 4runner.
Compared to the V8, this engine is a little rougher and noisier, but because to its timing chain, it requires less maintenance. The Land Cruiser, Tacoma, Tundra, and FJ Cruiser all made use of the 4.0L engine. This V6 has a 245 horsepower and 283 lb-ft torque rating.
L V8 (2UZ-FE)
Toyota took the 4.7L V8 from one of its other popular vehicles. Along with the Lexus GX470 and LX470, it may also be found in the Land Cruiser, Tundra, and Sequoia. It has a 32 valve quad cam engine with an aluminum head and cast iron block. Many people consider this to be one of Toyota’s most durable and renowned engines (second to the 2JZ found in the Supra).
Compared to the V6, it is much quieter and smoother. This may be the cause of the Lexus 4runner’s lack of the V6 engine option (GX470). But in contrast to the V6, the V8 needs the timing belt replaced around every 100,000 miles (160,000 kms). For 03-04 vehicles, the 4.7L V8 is rated at 235 horsepower and 320 pound-feet of torque, and for 05+ cars, 270 horsepower and 330 pound-feet of torque.
The best engine for the 4runner is the subject of constant discussion. Thankfully, neither one can truly go wrong. The V6 uses less fuel and doesn’t have a timing belt, whereas the V8 has greater power, torque, and sound but uses a little bit more fuel. The best engine, according to most 4runner owners, is the one they currently have.
Check out this post for a detailed comparison of the V6 and V8 engines: