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08-26-09, 09:21 PM
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#1 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 253
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Wishing for a smaller Cruiser
As my 94 LC gets higher mileage, and after last years gas prices, I'm finding myself wishing for a smaller, lighter, more fuel efficient yet off road capable rig. My previous favorite was a 85 Toy pick up four wheel drive. Wish I still had that baby.
Not looking for a hard core rig, but want something that will do medium trails. I was disapointed at seeing the size of the FJ Cruiser, and especially about reading the fuel mileage. It's lack of solid front axle leaves me to wonder if there is something else that would fit my needs better. I love the durability of the Toyota's so I keep hoping, I'll figure out something to use.
I guess, original Rav4 but built with a solid frame and full solid axles like the 85 mini's had, is too much to ask for?
Do I just need to take a better look at this current FJ or is there something that will fit my needs better in the works?
Just thinking out loud here. My best ever vehicles have been Toyota's and wanting to stay with them, but might need to build something custom to meet my needs.
Any thoughts?
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Bryan E.
Emerald Green 94, Lifted w/J OME springs, L shocks, 315 MTR's, Snorkel, ARB bumper, etc. etc...
Richardson, Texas
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08-27-09, 06:38 AM
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#2 (permalink)
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Forum Lifer
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Barrington, NH
Posts: 2,748
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'85-89 4Runner. 22RE engine, bulletproof, 20+ mpg. Parts are cheap and plentiful. Easy to maintain. Done.
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KB1OSF
'87 Toyota xcab SR5 - SAS'd, e-lockers, stuff (22RE/R151F/4.7's)
'98 Lexus ES300
'04 Toyota Highlander
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08-27-09, 04:31 PM
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#3 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: SF Bay Area, CA
Posts: 52
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I really like the third gen 4-runner (1996-2002). The 3.4L V6 is a very good engine although the fuel ecomomy isn't the best. I'm not sure if Toyota made any 3rd gens with the 2.7L 4-banger... but if they did, that might be a great option for you.
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400 tons @ 80mph = not so good stopping distance.
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08-31-09, 12:11 AM
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#4 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: CT
Posts: 436
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If you are set on a solid front axle, none of the current Toyota offerings have them. You'll have to look for something a bit older.
The FJC is capable off road but it is not small. Smaller than any Land Cruiser (80 series and up). Fuel mileage is between 18 to 22 mpg, depending.
Joe
__________________
 Joe
TLCA # 6363
Yankee Toys
Gotham City Land Cruisers
Connecticut Open Access Land Trust
Northeast Association 4 Wheel Drive Clubs
Tread Lightly - Tread Trainer
National Off-Highway Conservation Council
1977 FJ55 - for fun (x2)
1979 FJ40 - the wife's
1986 HJ60 - my dd
2007 FJC - my second dd?
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08-31-09, 06:39 PM
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#5 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: MCAS Miramar
Posts: 330
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If you want a modern 4x4 that is small with a Solid Front Axel then you are basically looking at a jeep.
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2007 Silver FJ, 75WXST Cobra Compact CB Radio, 3ft Firestick with Bandi Mount, Bushwacker flares, Aero Turbine Exhaust, and JBA Headers, Custom Tube Bumper with 9.0 epi Superwinch and two 7in HIDs, 285/70/17 Good Year MT/R.
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08-31-09, 07:28 PM
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#6 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: South Orange, New Jersey
Posts: 52
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Maybe an FJ Cruiser with a smaller engine would be perfect - for instance a 3.0L that would yield higher fuel efficiency.
When I go to China I always notice the same car there (Audi A6 with 2.0L, Mercedes S class with 2.8L) has a tiny engine compared to the models in the US. I couldn't get the tech specs on the FJC on the Chinese site but the Land Cruiser is sold as 4.0L and 4.7L. So it wouldn't surprise me if they are putting a small engine in the FJ over there and in other markets. I am not interested in small engines really, but I am very interested in a diesel option!
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1992 FJ80 176k
1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 110k FOR SALE
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer 49k (Wife's)
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09-03-09, 09:45 PM
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#7 (permalink)
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Incredibly random
Join Date: Aug 2008
Location: Tacoma
Posts: 244
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryan E.
want something that will do medium trails. I was disapointed at seeing the size of the FJ Cruiser, and especially about reading the fuel mileage. It's lack of solid front axle leaves me to wonder if there is something else that would fit my needs better.
Any thoughts?
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get another 85.
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09-14-09, 09:52 PM
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#8 (permalink)
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Site Addict
Join Date: Oct 2002
Posts: 1,185
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Rode in an FJC at his years East Coast Pig Run. If you are looking for a new Cruiser that is capable... and you'll be doing medium trails, you'll be doing them with your eyes closed in an FJC...the FJC is definitley your baby. It is very capable...stay with them (Toyota) you'll be glad you did. Hell, I bought one for the  for xmas last year. It's her DD ...right now  her last DD was the 97 40th with F&R factory lockers  In short, I was very impressed with the mildly built FJC w/lift, sliders, skids, and some tires. It did very well indeed 
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1)Wanda: I hate people. Do you hate people ? Henry: I don't. I just like it better when they're not around.
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09-15-09, 01:17 AM
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#9 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Kamloops BC
Posts: 151
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How bout a BJ42. Old school looks. tough with solid axle. Will likely be more than capable enough for what you would need and can do more than a FJ Cruiser with 25-30mpg to boot
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1977 FJ40 - Rebuilt 2F, New Steering, OME, Rear ARB, Rebuilt Rear-End, Electronic Ignition, Some Tires and a Wind-Up Clock From a Russian Tank
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09-15-09, 02:15 PM
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#10 (permalink)
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Supporting Vendor
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Fredericksburg, VA
Posts: 652
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Bryan E.
I guess, original Rav4 but built with a solid frame and full solid axles like the 85 mini's had, is too much to ask for?
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OK... Maybe the engihne wont get the best mileage:
Dont know if he ever finished it, but its a cool concept
http://www.pirate4x4.com/forum/showt...highlight=rav4
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Current Rig: 1996 LX-450
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09-19-09, 07:55 AM
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#11 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Nov 2008
Posts: 82
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Quote:
Originally Posted by jmylie
If you are set on a solid front axle, none of the current Toyota offerings have them. You'll have to look for something a bit older.
The FJC is capable off road but it is not small. Smaller than any Land Cruiser (80 series and up). Fuel mileage is between 18 to 22 mpg, depending.
Joe
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Never in my life have I gotten 18 mpg on mine, heck, not even close
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67 FJ40 350 SBC SOA OME springs 35" BFG Stock 3spd/t-case.
07 FJCruiser (just beginning)
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09-21-09, 04:34 PM
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#12 (permalink)
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Forum Regular
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: South Orange, New Jersey
Posts: 52
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Why independent suspension?
Were the solid front axles phased out for a reason other than to cut manufacturing cost? That sucks, I wish the FJC had a solid front axle like the 80 series.
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1992 FJ80 176k
1997 Mercedes-Benz S500 110k FOR SALE
2006 Mitsubishi Lancer 49k (Wife's)
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09-21-09, 09:24 PM
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#13 (permalink)
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250+ Club
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Central Calif.
Posts: 491
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KLF
'85-89 4Runner. 22RE engine, bulletproof, 20+ mpg. Parts are cheap and plentiful. Easy to maintain. Done.
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I couldn't agree more.
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1987 FJ-60. Iron lift, 33x9.5 BFG AT's. 195,000 mi strong.
2000 Tacoma TRD locked/lifted & ARB'd for the High Sierras.
2001 4runner Limited 4WD bone stock DD
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KLF
Rockrawler
