Is the 4.7L V8 Toyota's "Least Bulletproof" Engine? 2UZFE Reliability Review | Overland Sequoia 

When I mention cast iron engine blocks being more resistant to overheating, I'm referring to the fact that in the event of overheating, cast iron holds its shape and is less likely to develop cracks. Cast iron is not less likely to overheat in the first place. I thought I should clarify given the likely hood of someone leaving a snarky comment 😂

He is totally right about unreliable mine only has 441,000 miles and it is still running BUT it might not make it to 1,000,000!

2003 sequoia with 268k. does not use a drop of oil between changes. I've owned toyotas since 1986 and the 4.7 is the most reliable solidly built engines I've ever had in a toyota, including the 22re.

2002 1st generation Toyota Tundra with this engine, 302,000 miles and still runs beautifully. I drove one with 450,000 miles and still had no noticeable problems during my drive. Ignorant people love to act like they know what they're talking about

Its hard to ignore these trolls. Doing the timing belt can be hard for a novice but what do you get in return. What you get in return is a reliable rig for another 90,000 miles and much less expensive than a new $50,000 truck.

Got my TB changed at 160k, the old one looked new! Love my Sequoia, great for leisure and utility. Only have a short commute so the low mpg not an issue. The 4WD is awesome. Last winter I was stuck at a truck stop. Only one way in and out via a steep road. It was a severely bad night, lots of snow and ice and trucks were stuck side by side on the hill, basically was no way out. It was 2am, just worked a very long shift and wanted to get home. Put my Sequoia in 4WD and went off road around the obstructing vehicles and down into a snow covered ditch. The ditch was a lot deeper than I anticipated , for a moment I thought I was going to flip over or get stuck. Needn’t have worried, hit the gas and it roared along the ditch and up onto the road like it was nothing. Didn’t even have to put it into Low Range or anything. I smiled all the way home. There is no way I will ever sell this vehicle.

got my 2uz-fe with 240k miles on the clock, now its at 320k miles with the truck on its' second chassis, two trips out west (Utah, Arizona) both over 5000 miles each. Going offroad through mud and water, still towing 4000+ pounds, doesn't even burn any oil, I've had the engine coolant full of ATF one weekend, no issues.

The most bullet proof motor I ever loved. 237000 miles, 17 years old and still runs like new.

My timing belt was changed the 1st time at 130,000 miles and showed no signs of damage just little normal wear. Sequoia’s are very underrated. Our Sequoia has been nothing but great

I've got a "Least Bulletproof" 2UZFE in my 20 year old LX470 with 245,000 miles. Can't imagine why it still purrs like a kitten and has never missed a beat.

I have an ‘06 Lexus LX with this engine 689k miles on it My aunt was the previous first owner and worked as a hospital administrator for 15 years all across the Tri-State area and when she retired, she gave me the truck Timing belt was definitely replaced on schedule, and the 2UZ is damn near silent when idling

Engines with timing belts will last a lot longer than engines with a timing chain, because the belt can be serviced. The timing chain is there for the life of the engine, and it is a nightmare to work on. With a timing belt engine (like the 2UZ), just throw a new Aisin or OEM timing belt kit (with water pump) on every 90,000 miles and you’re good. Learn how to do it yourself, it looks intimidating but when you do it once it becomes much easier. I work at a Toyota dealership, many of the techs regard the 2UZ as the best engine ever made by Toyota.

It’s the best engine ever designed by any manufacturer period…my buddy has one with 450.000 miles runs like a dream I have one with 150.000 miles and I still have many years of enjoyment left

I too, once suffered from timing belt phobia. I would have avoided any engine without a timing chain. My change of mind came after my brother in law gave me his old 01 accord with the 3.0 v6. I have been around this car since it had just over a hundred thousand miles, and even did a lot of the maintenance over the years. This car just keeps going and when I took possession of it, it had 309,000 miles and was on the factory timing belt and water pump. I was amazed at how good of condition the original timing belt was in. I drive it every day as my daily driver and plan to til it dies. Totally took away my fear of owning an engine with a timing belt. And besides, if Honda can build them this well, then you should have no doubt that Toyota can too. Great video, love the content with the Sequoia. Keep it up.

I didn’t do the timing belt on my ‘06 Tundra until well after 200k miles. Still running strong!

Mine’s got 253k with original engine and tranny. Runs great even with previous owner neglecting service

Love your commentary on this engine. I have an 06 and changed the timing belt at 180,000 and yes it had a few cracks on the back of the belt when you bent it so it was close. It does have the VVT. This thing has worked flawlessly for me and now has 275,000 on it

My 05 Tundra has 400,000km. I've had to do timing belts and water pumps, and clean the throttle body once. That is it. It is unbelievably reliable.

Sold my 2015 Silverado and picked up a 07 v8 4runner. Couldn’t be happier. My only gripe is it has the cracked manifold and I’m dreading the job of replacing them but other than that it’s been absolutely solid

Excellent video. I have my 2004 tundra at 251,061 miles right now. I keep it well maintained and it has yet to let me down. I 4x4 out in a lot of remote areas here in western Colorado and I am worried that it won't get me home.

I'm so glad I found your channel! Thanks for all of the informative info on your awesome 2007 Sequoia. Go Toyota!

Great video and info. I love my 2004 with the 2UZFE. I'm happy to have the simpler pre-2005 standard valve train. Slightly less power and mpg than the post 2005 vvti but a lot less moving parts. I like simple. I searched half the country for my double cab SR5 with sunroof. paid a pretty penny and had it shipped to me sight unseen (by a reliable dealer and shipper I got to know fairly well.) Probably the best and nicest vehicle I have ever owned. I'll probably get another Tundra and maybe even another first gen. Maybe even a Sequoia or Land Cruiser. I've had a 97 LC and other toyotas. Reliability and build quality matter more than anything else to me. You're a great video narrator. May your channels do well!

Love my 02' Tundra 4wd sr5, which currently has 238k miles. I have had the timing belt and water pump done as required. My Tundra perfoms like a champ. People must realize that when you take pride and care of your investment, that the reward is when you really need it to "Perform" it will reliably and with ease! 🛠

Something that's always forgotten is a Fan clutch bracket bearing. It's a good idea to change this out to when doing the timing Belt. I can attest to this currently right now.

Brother u r correct , change that belt every 80,000 miles which is ten earlier than in the book and you'll never buy any other vehicle. The best out there buddy. Love your stuff keep bit up.

Incredibly tough, solidly engineered truck engines, and I truly love the two I own. One in an SR5 Sequoia with 150,000 and one in an extra cab - TRD- Tundra with 250,000 miles. Both are the early generation design: non VVT engines. Because of the gearing in the Sequoia which is quite deep, it returns slightly less fuel economy than the 4wd Tundra which in rear wheel drive mode on the highway, will easily return mpg of 20-21. These are somewhat heavy trucks though not as heavy as my Super Dutys with 6.2 gas drivetrains which I use to pull the really heavy tow jobs. Those 6.2 Ford engines are also extremely durable but the edge goes to Toyota for building some of the very best engine/transmission/4 wd systems on the planet. This generation of engine design is pre-eminent in quality, durability, ease of maintenance (not including the starter location) to a shade tree mechanic. I wish I could find another lower mileage, clean body and frame truck of either model to add to the group, but great ones are tough to locate without insane pricing attached

I have a 2002 Sequoia Limited, 250,000 miles. Nothing but the best. I bought it used, at a Lexus dealership a few years later, needing a upgrade from my car. Engine has been the most reliable put of all, I also have a 2001 Camry, which has leaked oil from the engine block while using it as a commute car for mpg. Love your videos, keeps up the good work 💯.

As an owner of a gen 2 Tundra with the 4.7 i took this title personal and had to see what this was all about......I can only speak for my own experience but the 4.7 has been a great motor and the only problem ive had with the truck at all was with the front diff actuator for the 4WD that i used hundreds of times before it went out. 249,000 miles on the motor tho and still runs like it did the day i bought it.

the most reliable truck I've had for 18 years, 350K miles no issues. Yet it drives more smooth than our new 2021 mdx

I own a 2002 & 2006 tundra, both 4.7, access cab 4x4. Aside from replacing front end components and front brakes, Aisin timing kits, they are phenomenal trucks. I love interior Alaska, a brutal place for vehicles. Both are 180xxx. Knock on wood but I’m planning on running both the next 20 years. Royal purple hmx, trans fluid changes , and whatever synthetic 75-90 is on sale.

Just got a 2003! So stoked

I have a 2005 t4r with v8, had 137k on it when I bought it and pretty sure the timing belt had never been changed. When I changed the belt it still looked fine, wasn't cracked or loose. Solid engine! The only known problem is the stupid secondary AIR system for smog. The pump falls apart then throws it into limp mode.

I have to agree, the 4.7 V8s are just disposible blocks of iron. For the life of me, I can't fathom why this very second I have five 100 series LX/LCs sitting in my drive with that very same block of V8 iron. The combined mileage of those ship anchors is 1,670,000 miles. Just think how many miles I could get if I had the bulletproof unionized American made jewels.

Good overview of the 2UZ. I imagine the iron block is because it is a truck engine, unlike my SC400 with the similar aluminum block 1UZ.

Thanks for this video, just bought a 2002 Tundra SR5 and I enjoy learning more about it

Well said, you did a good job explaining everything about that engine. I own 2 GX 470s absolutely love the old school cast iron 4.7.

I can vouch for these motors. I absolutely smoked my 2002 sequoia. I didn't burp the air out of the coolant system after a repair. Drive it for 30 minutes, severely overheated the motor. Even had a mechanic tell me I smoked the motor. I put a new $15 thermostat in it and it ran like a champ. That was on a 200k mile motor. Bullet proof!

The oiling system alone is a work of art.

Great Video! I have a 01 Tundra that has 450K and still getting 17 mpg. I love my first gen and have had many people ask me if I would sell her, NOPE. Even the OG Trans. Again great video and love our TOYOTA'S...

I just got a free 2002 sequoia from my neighbor he said the water pump needed replace and it was the fan clutch bracket bearing that was shot so since I already ordered the water pump kit I'm going to replace everything can't wait to have this rig on the road and have a beast of a suv

That commenter has zero idea of what he is talking about. A timing belt change every 100k miles or so [along with the water pump, tensioners, etc] is $300-1200, depending on who does the work. By the 300k mark, it will have been changed twice. The only downside to this engine, in my view, is the starter location, and the secondary air injection system. The SAIS can be bypassed for $200 outside of California. My 208k+ Sequoia runs like new.

My 2001 Sequoia suffered a timing belt break at around 230,000 miles. It was a bummer, but didn't kill the engine. A $3,000 repair was cheaper than replacing this otherwise excellent and trouble-free truck so we bit the bullet and had the work done. I'm now at 242,000 miles and climbing. That's a trip to the moon with mileage on the return trip! I hope to make it back to earth.

My 2006 Sequoia Limited 4WD has 236,000. Just replaced the timing belt and water pump for the second time. Took it out off roading around Ozark National Forest in Arkansas this year, followed up by driving it nine hours each way to to pickup a piano and finally a half dozen loads of 4,000 pounds of gravel on a 1,000 pound trailer. There's Toyota reliable and then there's this engine. All but bulletproof.

I Found a 04 limited 4x4 with 89,000 miles im hopefully going to pick it up and start my adventures

Thanks for making it clear bout these reliable engines

Excellent video. I just wanted to say it has also been said that the Toyota 3.4L V6 which is an option in both the Tundra and the Tocoma has been said to be The bullet proof engine of Toyota. It also had the benefit of being a Non-interference engine and simple starter replacement as you pointed out about the 4.7 issue. I'm now deciding on getting (a pre owned Gen 1) Tundra. I would prefer the 3.4L V6 4WD stick shift, but almost impossible to find. I only saw 1 a few months back in Miami for sale (should have bought it). So I'll unfortunatly have to settle for an Automatic but still hope to get a V6 (still hard to find V6 4x4) but your video made me accept the 4.7 V8 if I cannot find the V6. Also many may not know, there is a Recall on all Toyota trucks 1995-2004 for Ball joints, even the good old T-100. A very dangerous bad design effecting Toyota trucks for 10 years.

I got an 03 tundra and runs beautifully 💪🏼 just shy of 400k and has been from Florida to California 3 times

Least bulletproof? I just went on an 800 mile trip with full confidence my 320k '02 Sequoia could do it with no issues. I was wrong. There was one issue. It's drinking problem. Is there a Unleaded Anonymous program I can join somewhere? Maybe it just needs one of those beer-can hats....

When you are in there doing the starter. Under the intake is a metal coolant line that has a rubber connection. You may consider redoing it as well. I did my starter then 3 months later that connection needed attention. Did timing belt and water pump. Not that difficult. Just recently had issues with prolonged low oil pressure when idling at stop light. I of course thought the worst. Worn main bearings/journals. Swapped out the oil pressure sensor with a autozone ps355 duralast ($60) now it registers good average pressure. Extremely good motor. It and the 22r.

Good point, never thought of the timing belt as a bonus preventative to get that new water pump in there. I've done two on this engine, yes a lot of work but very straight forward and way easier than the v6 from the 4runners imo.

Love this video, very informative stuff thank you

Love your videos

Changed my timing belt at 140k, and it looked fine. Changed the water pump at the same time, the original pump was fine, could of left it in there, super smooth and reliable!

Another good video. Thanks for the work.

2002 Sequoia. Changed the OEM timing belt at 150000 miles. Belt was in great shape. Currently 230000 miles and driven daily. Runs like a dream My 1 and only complaint is the traction control. No donuts or drafting. Is a million mile motor!

Great review on the 4.7L, it’s my favorite Toyota engine! You look like Dj Qualls.

I bought my '02 Tundra 2wd (50k miles) on Craigslist and had to fly to Florida to pick it up. Hard to find anything but 4wd here in SW Virginia, but I didn't need or want 4wd. Closing in on 250k - about time to change the timing belt I reckon. It just runs so smooth and quiet I've not thought about it. Only issues have been the differential case corrosion from the salt water the previous owner put it in for his boats, and I upgraded the disc calipers in front. Bought a used rearend from Texas, corrosion free, with 450k on it and working fine. I'm going underneath and spraying the frame with Fluid Film nowadays to stop the corrosion from spreading on the frame. Body is rust free. Paint is sunburnt and peeling off. Seats and dash are like new but it's never been garaged. Doesn't burn a drop of oil and I've not even serviced the transmission.

My 2UZ FE 2002 Sequoia engine has 303,000 and still does not leak, does not burn any oil! The entire truck does not leak anything besides condensation from AC unit! Best damn truck I have ever owned!

What’s funny is the million mile tundra that needed trans rebuilt was only because reverse gear went out it didn’t loose forwards gears only reverse from all the times he had to back up heavy loads and trailers

I have a 2005 vvti sequoia limited I went 196k miles on the original timing belt just recently did the 90k service I pull a 28ft 3/4 ton travel trailer and have small issues with uphill but reliability wise I have never had an issue also just had to do the typical 190k mile radiator change you mentioned in one of you videos prior. I had a 2003 4runner with the 4.7l and will never get any other vehicle unless it's a Duramax with Allison transmission

Great video! A legend of an engine!

I"m thinking of buying one... thanks for a great video!!

Best v8 Toyota ever made as far as reliability and longevity. Basic design(1UZ Lexus)is an approved aircraft engine and that says a lot . You sir have hit the nail on the head in this video.

I love my 2004 V8 4runner with 208,000 miles. I daily drive it and it runs great.

Great video. I would highly encourage diy’ers to do that timing belt. I did my LS 430 for the first time and it really wasn’t that hard. Next time will be a breeze.

I changed the starter in my 2005 4Runner V8 and I have less than average mechanical skills. It would have been easier on a non VVT-i motor due to the extra parts in the way with the air injection system. It took me 2 days of wrenching because the bolts are almost impossible to access between the engine and the firewall. I don't regret doing it, but If I ever need another starter replaced I will be paying my mechanic any amount of money he asks for without complaint. That being said I have had owned 8 vehicles with the 2UZFE and that is the only starter that has ever gone out. I wouldn't hesitate to buy another one based on the starter location or the existence of a timing belt for that matter.

My first timing belt replacement was at 260K miles almost 3 x the recommended miles of 90K. 2005 V8 4 runner. I’m now at 390K miles. I did noticed engine was now responsive after the timing belt replacement.

My Dad just passed on to me his 02 Tundra. He had it since new and it’s got 276k miles on it. Still runs like a top. Outside is a little beat up but with continued and proper maintenance these will run forever. I’ll continue the proper servicing and bet I’ll see it clock 500k while it’s I own it!

Just bought a 2001 tundra with 191k miles on it and no evidence that the timing belt was ever changed. I drove it home, parked in shop, and started tearing it down to replace the belt and water pump, and yes, it looks original. I'm glad I caught it and decided to change it from the get go.

I bought an an ‘02 Sequoia at 346km that had a timing belt failure at 290km (according to the previous owner). The truck ran great but for some reason they didn’t change the leaking water pump. Also there was no sticker or receipts indicating when the belt was changed and at what milage. I knew these people were thrifty with their maintenance budget, so I just brought it to the dealer a couple of weeks ago to get it done. It gives me peace of mind knowing that is done and I will hopefully dodge an $800 truck payment fo another few years. I absolutely love his engine and feel extremely confident this will last me a few more years easily. I’d recommend the 4.7 to anybody. The power delivery is smooth, even and effortless. Yeah is a fuel pig, but some (as I do) just call it a “reliably tax”

I have a 2003 Tundra with 412K on it and she is still running strong. I purchased it with 17 miles on it. It has this very engine being the 4.7 2UZFE, but no VVT unfortunately. Would of loved to have the extra ponies. No complaints at all!!

Thank you for your expertise sir. I learned much about the engineering.

I have a 2003 Lexus GX470 with the 2UZFE... over 240,000 miles and counting... I have no fear driving it across country. Most dependable engine I've ever seen.

I have a 2006 Toyota Trunda Crew Cab Sr5 4x4 with the 4.7 L V8. I have 200,156 miles on her. I had to change the Timing Belt and both Lower Ball joints chainged around 180,000 miles. Other than that I keep up the maintenance, change oil, tires and gas. I'm a wilderness Outfitter so I'm all over the Rocky Mountains of Western Montana. As the old saying goes "I've used her hard and put her away wet". She might go a litter slower up hills but that's because I pull everything from a small camp trailer to hauling a heavy trailer with 10 Horses or Mules, and take the OD off. I love this truck and will probably keep it till I die. Oh, I've also pulled out many vehicles from being stuck in the snow from car's to Semi's. I just put the chains on, put her in 4L, hit the L button, drop her in 2nd gear and put them out.

I believe it’s Nathan’s Toyota Garage (I cant remember the name of it, may be Porsche garage now), he has a sequoia he claims he hasn’t done a timing belt change in a very long time with no issues. My last two tundras I got rid of at 120k without doing one and had no problems but I wouldn’t trust pushing one much past that. Calling the 2uz unreliable is simply a hater or willfully ignorant. Even non-car people know they go forever 😂

2006 4Runner here that just rolled over 300k miles. Doesn’t burn a single drop of oil between 5k mile oil changes. I just replaced my timing belt for the second time and it literally looked just as good as the new one I put on.

I hope so mines 2004 Tundra SR5 4.7 new subscriber 👏🏻new timing belt and water pump last month, 149,000

I love the info. Thanks! I watched your great video on 4wd systems and was wondering whether the 2007 Sequoia has open or limited slip diffs up front and in back??

This engine is a beast... I got a an 03 sequoia and 4 runner both with the 4.7 v8 and they are brutes 💪🏻

I bought mine with 220k never had timing belt water pump done ..I did it as soon as I bought well took it to Toyota. 2007 sequoia sr5 4x4 it's mint only problem I've had is the humming coming from my 3rd member my sequoia has currently 246k on it flawless.. Currently in overlanding Build ordered 3" from Josh at 1st gen off road excited Bought a fridge jackery 1000 arb on board Air snorkle in the 💪🏽👷

Only issue I had with mine is the secondary air injection valve not opening. Instead of paying 900+ on parts alone I got the full bypass kit for 400 and installed it myself.

I have a 2004 tundra with this engine. It is September of 2023 and it only has 138,000 miles on it. I had my timing belt and water pump changed at 100,000 miles. I have changed the serpentine belt and tensioner pulley. I serviced the transmission. Other than that I haven't done anything to it yet. I plan on changing the spark plugs soon and I thought about converting the original fan and fan clutch to two electric fans.

Nice review here. No mention though of the lower ball joint issue. Any words you'd care to share on this concern by many? I bought a 2003 4.7L SR5 for $8K in November 2020 with near 150K on the clock and had a local shop do the TB stat in order to get a known milage factor for its R & R. Non OEM parts (incl. the water pump) from Auto Zone was used. The water pump leaked from the get go and the local repair shop sold me a bill of goods about why I smelled coolant so I gave in and went to a Toyota dealer to have it done properly. Now at 166K and a 2.7K mile trip planned, I'm worried about the original* (?) ball joints still in place, I'm of a mind to get them done before I get on the road to AR form AZ and back. *unconfirmed as of this comment. BTW my rad was also R & R'd at Toyota under warranty along with a PS rack and the WP which was all covered on this job if I'm remembering correctly. Of course I had the dealer replace the Auto Zone TB with an OEM TB. I had my TUNDRA warranteed from the used truck dealer at the time of my purchase as I had financed the truck and the $2K price of the warranty added only a few $'s more monthly. A true 'dessert' truck with 20 years under the blazing sun in NM and AZ. My 'Baked Alaska' TUNDRA has the top side clear coat baked off to its skin beneath. I added a Workmate three door cap w/top rack found on CL for $500.00 onto the 6' box. Also added a frame mounted receiver and installed a rear view cam on the back lift door to help with backing up to my cargo traier. The stuffed box is full of this and that not having a garage which is also why I got the 5' x 10' cargo trailer, my mobile garage/shed as I call it. That extra weight led me to install air bags to the rear axle. Front struts recently R & R'd too. The O/D Off switch recently stopped working, YT led me to a fix and so I removed the housing behind the wheel to double check and see if in fact it was the lead wire from the stick that was the issue. I found it had been repaired sometime before and electrical tape was used to wrap the wire once it had been reconnected at the break. (?) Then I followed/traced the lead under the wheel and saw the connector seemed loose, sure enough I just snapped it back in place and it works again. I hope anyone reading this finds these things noted herein relavent and may reply on any of your experiences on same... such things noted above or other things as any words from experience acn only confuse me even more. LOL 'LEAST DEPENDABLE TOYOTA ENGINE' Cheers mates, I too am happy to have this fine vehicle, even if regular maintenace is needed on wearable items they are a tuff wee truck, compared to the over sized monsters out there today, way over priced as they are overly dressed with frough-frough passenger comfort dressing and are not just a serious truck made to do pickup truck chores.

Most reliable engine ever designed

I've driven my 98 4runner with no coolant many times. By accident. Saved me from an accident too. Love Toyotas.

I think the commentary evolved around the fact the 4.7 has a timing belt and not a chain like most V8 and if you don't service it and it breaks it will do a lot of damage. This can be avoided by changing it out at every 90k. It's definitely a good engine. Rock solid. But anything can fail if it's not maintained. It's mighty tough to destroy one of these but it can be done. Unfortunately some learn the hard way too.

Over 20 years I've only ever replaced timing belt cats or o2s. And that's in a majority honda, toyota and euro driving town. Oh and starters. And I love the location no lift required. B level intake.

I have an 02 Sequoia 4wd beater truck, miles were clocked down by a previous owner, i don't have a clue of how many miles it really has, it turns on and idles perfect, it was obviously taken good care of but even though it has small issues here and there it still takes me to where i wanna go. Ill throw a few bucks into her to get her as bullet proof as i can and just go camping and enjoy as much as i can.

Well said the timing belt is not a big deal as it gives you a chance to replace all the wear items. Love this engine as it reliable and very smooth.

I like your videos especially ones about the sequoia. I rock a gen 1 tundra, and lx470 so your content is relevant to my interests. I just wanted to come in and ask if you know what's going on with the subtitles in this video. They are so far off it's crazy. It's total gibberish. Your speaking pretty clearly too, I don't know how they got so messed up.

My lalaLand/Cruiser has 125K and did the timing @90K. We love it ever since we bought it brand new. getting ready for our FL trip in Destin in 2weeks.

Mine isn’t a VVT but it’s still way more than adequate in terms of power. Never did a thing to it except changed the plugs, timing belt and water pump

My 2003 Sequoia has 247,000 still going strong. A thief did me a favor and cut out my catalytic converters last month. I was mad at first but my truck was throwing codes for the converters and O2 sensors for the past year. It was fun driving around sounding like a NASCAR in traffic…engine sounded tuned and healthy. Replaced cats from Ebay and now my Sequoia runs so much better and with more power. I really think the old cats were impeding the flow…codes gone too.

As a Toyota MDT, the 4.7 is incredibly reliable. As for the Timing Belt, we replace the Timing Belt, Water Pump, Crank Seal and Drive Belt in one shot. The Cam Seals are also replaced on the Non VVT engines. If there is a "weak" link, they are the Rods. For regular use, you Won't have an issue with them at all. If you Supercharge the engine then you could throw a rod unfortunately. This is part of the reason Toyota stopped making the TRD supercharger for these. The bottom line is the 4.7 is a very good engine as all Toyota/Lexus V8 engines are..

Replacing the starter was a drag. But the original went out at around 400,000 miles. I replaced it with an OEM so I shouldn’t have to do it again until 800,000 miles. I can live with that.

Best truck and engine I’ve ever had and I’ve had all the crap out there. My mechanic says the same thing.

My sequoia is pushing over 270k miles. Still runs like a clock. Only issue I’ve noticed is the catalytic converters like to clog after while and the interference design overall just sucks. But it’s otherwise a tank of an engine

The early 1uz was non interference, I'm not sure if that changed when they increased compression ratio, but I'm sure the vvti has valve interference, I have a 97 sc400 with the 2nd gen 1uz non vvti.

I like how reliable and tough the 4.7 motor is but holy fuck the engineers weren’t looking out for the mechanics that gotta work on them. Specifically talking about the starter.

Just got my 03 4runner for 4500$ with 205,000 miles super excited