A little competition coming for the FJ...

yep · 06-05-06, 11:52 PM

So, is this closer to the vehicle we asked Toyota to build?

It goes on sale this fall...

Dana 44's- yes, front and rear.

JonB · 06-06-06, 12:03 AM

There's just one big problem with it that they can't ever fix. It's a Jeep!

johnny4ever · 06-06-06, 12:34 AM

It looks just as goofy as that stupid Wrangler longer pickup POS.

TexasBadlands · 06-06-06, 02:16 AM

Another heep.. I mean..... jeep.

Nope, I'd MUCH rather have my FJ, and no, I don't see it as competition for it either!

gearguywb · 06-06-06, 06:15 AM

That's not competition...it's someone to help out when they are broke down along the trail

jfonz · 06-06-06, 09:04 AM

Ha Ha, your all very funny, or maybe its denial, I'm not sure

.... D44 front and rear (which was asked by the jeep engineers to be changed to a d45 becuase it was so much bigger than a standard d44), selectable locker front and rear, traction control, incab selective swaybar disconect, removable top, Coil spring suspension front and rear, 4.11 axle ratio, and of course my favorite part, 4to1 low range t-case. That and one can through a 4 inch lift (basically 4 coils, trackbars, control arms & shocks), and 37's on without any other major modifications needed to the drive train, body, or anything else for that matter.... and becuase of the SFA and coils the RTI is going to be insane right out of the box... You also must remember that jeep has traded hands quite a bit in the last 30 years, and now resides with the same group that makes mercedes. This new wrangler is an all new design. There is virtually nothing shared from the older model Wranglers and CJ's. and IMO Jeep is giving the market things that they have been demanding for years, now that they are puting a diesel option in the new 07 grands, and are likely to do the same with the new wrangler... So, if you don't think the new wrangler is compatition, you might won't to take your blinders off....or then again maybe there is no compatition?

ssmathis · 06-06-06, 09:11 AM

My wife and I are looking at both since she can't decide. I like the FJ but she wants a removable top. I remember reading somewhere that the new 2 door has an RTI of around 832 with the swatbar disconnected in front. Pretty impressive for stock.

Scott

jfonz · 06-06-06, 09:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ssmathis

My wife and I are looking at both since she can't decide. I like the FJ but she wants a removable top. I remember reading somewhere that the new 2 door has an RTI of around 832 with the swatbar disconnected in front. Pretty impressive for stock.

Scott

you could do what I'm going to do... Get both....

tabraha · 06-06-06, 09:41 AM

That is an impressive list of equipment. Just need to work on the style a bit. I think VW beet 'em to the punch by a few decades. I wonder if accessories from the thing will work on it?

jfonz · 06-06-06, 09:57 AM

ya, the the rear role bar is kinda goofy looking, but it looks good with the top on....

milesstarkey · 06-06-06, 10:08 AM

why didn't toyota put a removable top on the fjcruiser? that's the biggest downfall i see in it. that, and the colors they chose.

tabraha · 06-06-06, 10:20 AM

Now I really like that last pic fonz, that's much sharper looking. Definitely can be taken seriously if it looks like that.

chet · 06-06-06, 10:28 AM

I am not a jeep lover at all but I would buy one of these over the rounded out whale shape of an FJ. I like the FJ drivetrain I just can't get past the ugly body!

TexasBadlands · 06-06-06, 10:50 AM

A Cruiser has always had the "Face a only a Mother could love", or Father since mostly guys own em.

A Jeep is a jeep is a jeep is a jeep........ If they were REALLY serious about that vehicle being sturdy, why put the whimpy Dana 44 on a vehicle with 37's? Get down to it and put Dana 60's on there if they are SERIOUS.

Jeep has always made things that BREAK. Look at the old CJ.... Dana 20 rear end? That POS was just begging to blow with larger tires over stock!

I have NEVER had a Toyota break and leave me stranded off road -ever.

Lost Cosmonaut · 06-06-06, 11:04 AM

I do sort of like it (and I like the Gladiator concept too, the Wrangler truck). If the FJ hadn't come out I probably would have bought a '07 Unlimited Rubicon. But I think the FJ is just overall better.

- LC

Buckru · 06-06-06, 11:10 AM

[quote=TexasBadlands]A Cruiser has always had the "Face a only a Mother could love", or Father since mostly guys own em.

The look of an 80 series is loved by many.

jfonz · 06-06-06, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TexasBadlands

Jeep has always made things that BREAK. Look at the old CJ.... Dana 20 rear end? That POS was just begging to blow with larger tires over stock!

Ahhhh...AAAhhhh, AATTCHOObirfieldjoint!!!......

The D44 on the new wranglers isn't your standard D44. Its quite a bit beefier. The engineers at jeep asked for the name of it to be changed becuase of how much different and stronger it was... And they don't come with 37's, they come with 31-32's. The picture above is a photo chop of what the new unimiteds might look like with a 4" lift and 37's

TexasBadlands · 06-06-06, 12:10 PM

Yeah I know lots of people break birfields on their older Toys, but guess what? Mine are original. Most of the birfields I have heard of breaking have been on rigs with 35" tires and larger. Guys running 31-33" tires, well I just haven't heard of anyone with any birfield problems at all. One part out of thousands on a Toyota... which is easily replaceable with "Newfields". On a Jeep you never know WHAT part is gonna blow...

Well, time will tell on that Jeep. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but I am almost totally against American vehicles these days. The only American 4wd I would consider buying would be a H1 Hummer, and at this point, it's not affordable. Give me 6 years and I'll have one in my stable though.

Give me Land Cruisers and Land Rovers...

Worlds TOUGHEST OFF ROAD Vehicles!

firetruck41 · 06-06-06, 01:43 PM

God, that's ugly with the top off. I owned a Jeep, it was fun, but I don't think I would ever trade a Toyota 4wd for one.

Kasprzak · 06-06-06, 03:39 PM

I think one thing that hasn't been mentioned is the family part. Trying to get carseats in the back of a the fj is easier said than done. Our family for one will be waiting to compare these side by side and I do want a removeable top. Toyota may not have some of the reliability issues that the JEEP may, but Jeep will always have a stronger aftermarket. I for one want the open air and I think jeep is headed in the right direction with a three ways to have the hard top come off.

gearguywb · 06-06-06, 03:46 PM

One of the big issues that we tend to overlook is that no matter how much we enjoy getting out and getting dirty, the majority of these vehicles life is on spent on the road. Is a Rubicon better than an FJ off-road in stock form...probably, but if you need (or want) to drive it more frequently than for off-road excursions then it is a no brainer in the FJ's favor.

jfonz · 06-06-06, 05:12 PM

Interiour looks pretty comfy to me....

and functional...

Though the super cool little outlet the FJC has would be nice....

Tapage · 06-06-06, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jfonz

ya, the the rear role bar is kinda goofy looking, but it looks good with the top on....

Ok it's a nice truck .. yes .. but after years come it can keep wheeling . ?

You can start all morning and go to work .. go wheeling and back without any issues .?

I'm aways asking about why Toyota don't do that or that or that or wouu long list .. after all I thought, it Toyota right now showing me alll the reazon NO ..

But keep the 1st place in reliablility and my favorite rig ..

TexasBadlands · 06-06-06, 05:39 PM

Quote:

Jeep will always have a stronger aftermarket.

Now this is totally bologna........ Everyone knows Toyota is as strong or stronger than Jeep in the aftermarket add on dept. Look at how fast these new lifts, bumpers etc are popping up, and the FJ is barely on US soil..........

Quote:

Is a Rubicon better than an FJ off-road in stock form...probably, but if you need (or want) to drive it more frequently than for off-road excursions then it is a no brainer in the FJ's favor.

We have all seen the FJ do the Rubicon in stock form with only a change of tire type to all terrains - no lift, special bumpers etc. I for one feel the new FJC is a much better vehicle than the Jeep Rubicon, but to each their own. I would rather have the Cruiser when the chips are down at any rate than a Jeep.

This is an age old Jeep VS Land Cruiser argument. The Jeep guys say this, and the Land Cruiser guys prove that. I've never seen a Jeep rescue a Land Cruiser but I've seen plenty of Land Cruisers rescuing Jeeps.

johnny4ever · 06-06-06, 07:19 PM

Why is this INANE argument even happening here? Did I just wake up in some parallel universe where IH8MUD is a Heep forum??

Does anyone ever wonder what it does to an Auto company to basically be an unwanted orphan??? Jeep has changed hands how many times now? And you expect us to believe that because Mercedes has something to do with it, that it makes the Heep any better? Puuuuuulease. Jeeps are great for tooling around town or taking the dogs to the park and pretending that you have a rugged 4 wheel drive. When pretend time is over and you wake up, Toyota is the vehicle of choice to rescue your stuck Jeep.

Ever seen the Hilux video???

P.S. After Market add ons? Who cares how strong the after market is? Strong after market is a good indicator that the stock shit sucks. GM makes crappy cars and they have a HUGE after market product line.

NUFF SAID

J

jfonz · 06-06-06, 07:33 PM

now thats the cruiser owner attitude I know and love....

Cruiserdrew · 06-06-06, 08:08 PM

Johnny-I see your point, but...this looks like a pretty impressive vehicle. How many other solid axle 4 door wagons can you buy new? Admittedly, it will suffer from Jeeps legendary build quality, but dollar for dollar and mod for mod, it will go where no FJC will go easily. As indicated here, this new Jeep has a 4:1 transfercase. Having real low range gears is usually what divides the real offroaders from the pack. It also has a solid axle up front-that's something most FJC owners who plan to offroad extensively will wish they had. It has front and rear lockers, stock. It has tiny overhangs. I'll bet with a $600 lift and a set of 33s there won't be too many places it won't go.

Don't get me wrong, I would not buy one, but this is a pretty cool concept vehicle. I just wish Toyota had stayed closer to a model like this with the FJC.

tabraha · 06-06-06, 08:27 PM

I think it looks strong on paper too. It's just a matter of how well the details are worked out. Chrysler has always been good at spec sheets and show cars of which relatively few of either live up to the hype once they make it to the real world. There is ALWAYS some small achilles heel it seems.

I'd love to see it make it into the market and do well. Then others will follow and we may actually end up with some pretty decent options. I seriously wonder if we would even have an FJ forum if the Rubicon had not been released. Real enthusiasts knew the market was there but manufacturers have always been reluctant to have aggressive offroad packages. Even though 80's had lockers eon's ago most of the general public didn't know what the hell they were up until the last few years. Now every manufacturer has a model with e-lockers!!!

I'll tell you one thing that caught my eye is the fact that it has 4 normally opening doors. That's a HUGE plus for those of us whose working world involves a significant amount of wheeling. Had the FJ re

06-05-06, 11:52 PM	#1
yep IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: San Rafael, CA Posts: 157	A little competition coming for the FJ... So, is this closer to the vehicle we asked Toyota to build? It goes on sale this fall... Dana 44's- yes, front and rear. Attached Images __________________ '04 STacoma crew cab San Rafael, CA Last edited by yep; 06-05-06 at 11:59 PM.

06-06-06, 02:16 AM	#4
TexasBadlands IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 256	Another heep.. I mean..... jeep. Nope, I'd MUCH rather have my FJ, and no, I don't see it as competition for it either! __________________ 2007 6-Speed Toyota FJ Cruiser 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Cruiser I UNDERSTAND THE JEEP THING, THAT'S WHY I DON'T OWN ONE.

06-06-06, 06:15 AM	#5
gearguywb IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: confused as h*** Posts: 708	That's not competition...it's someone to help out when they are broke down along the trail __________________ '04 100, Revo's OME lift/T bars, home made storage, Slee sliders (Sid), ARB, Warn 8k. Kimberly Kamper (Kim) More mountain bikes than I care to count!

06-06-06, 09:41 AM	#9
tabraha IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Carolina TLCA# 15700 Posts: 1,504	That is an impressive list of equipment. Just need to work on the style a bit. I think VW beet 'em to the punch by a few decades. I wonder if accessories from the thing will work on it? __________________ Tad A. 99 LX470 - Slee Sliders & 34" Swampers \| 04 Taco DubCab 4x4 TRD \| 82 Porsche 911 Upstate Cruisers T-Shirts and Gear Here

06-06-06, 10:08 AM	#11
milesstarkey IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Oct 2002 Posts: 353	why didn't toyota put a removable top on the fjcruiser? that's the biggest downfall i see in it. that, and the colors they chose. __________________ 71 FJ40 Landcruiser for sale 99 UZJ100 Landcruiser 2003 vw gti 2006 prius coming soon!

06-06-06, 12:03 AM	#2
JonB IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: May 2006 Posts: 12	There's just one big problem with it that they can't ever fix. It's a Jeep!

06-06-06, 09:04 AM	#6
jfonz IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 179	Ha Ha, your all very funny, or maybe its denial, I'm not sure .... D44 front and rear (which was asked by the jeep engineers to be changed to a d45 becuase it was so much bigger than a standard d44), selectable locker front and rear, traction control, incab selective swaybar disconect, removable top, Coil spring suspension front and rear, 4.11 axle ratio, and of course my favorite part, 4to1 low range t-case. That and one can through a 4 inch lift (basically 4 coils, trackbars, control arms & shocks), and 37's on without any other major modifications needed to the drive train, body, or anything else for that matter.... and becuase of the SFA and coils the RTI is going to be insane right out of the box... You also must remember that jeep has traded hands quite a bit in the last 30 years, and now resides with the same group that makes mercedes. This new wrangler is an all new design. There is virtually nothing shared from the older model Wranglers and CJ's. and IMO Jeep is giving the market things that they have been demanding for years, now that they are puting a diesel option in the new 07 grands, and are likely to do the same with the new wrangler... So, if you don't think the new wrangler is compatition, you might won't to take your blinders off....or then again maybe there is no compatition?

06-06-06, 09:11 AM	#7
ssmathis IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Apr 2006 TLCA# 15570 Posts: 24	My wife and I are looking at both since she can't decide. I like the FJ but she wants a removable top. I remember reading somewhere that the new 2 door has an RTI of around 832 with the swatbar disconnected in front. Pretty impressive for stock. Scott

06-06-06, 09:57 AM	#10
jfonz IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 179	ya, the the rear role bar is kinda goofy looking, but it looks good with the top on....

06-06-06, 10:20 AM	#12
tabraha IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Aug 2003 Location: South Carolina TLCA# 15700 Posts: 1,504	Now I really like that last pic fonz, that's much sharper looking. Definitely can be taken seriously if it looks like that. __________________ Tad A. 99 LX470 - Slee Sliders & 34" Swampers \| 04 Taco DubCab 4x4 TRD \| 82 Porsche 911 Upstate Cruisers T-Shirts and Gear Here

06-06-06, 10:28 AM	#13
chet IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: Vancouver Island, BC Posts: 154	I am not a jeep lover at all but I would buy one of these over the rounded out whale shape of an FJ. I like the FJ drivetrain I just can't get past the ugly body! __________________ no cruiser right now

06-06-06, 10:50 AM	#14
TexasBadlands IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 256	A Cruiser has always had the "Face a only a Mother could love", or Father since mostly guys own em. A Jeep is a jeep is a jeep is a jeep........ If they were REALLY serious about that vehicle being sturdy, why put the whimpy Dana 44 on a vehicle with 37's? Get down to it and put Dana 60's on there if they are SERIOUS. Jeep has always made things that BREAK. Look at the old CJ.... Dana 20 rear end? That POS was just begging to blow with larger tires over stock! I have NEVER had a Toyota break and leave me stranded off road -ever. __________________ 2007 6-Speed Toyota FJ Cruiser 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Cruiser I UNDERSTAND THE JEEP THING, THAT'S WHY I DON'T OWN ONE.

06-06-06, 11:04 AM	#15
Lost Cosmonaut IH8MUD Rookie Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 13	I do sort of like it (and I like the Gladiator concept too, the Wrangler truck). If the FJ hadn't come out I probably would have bought a '07 Unlimited Rubicon. But I think the FJ is just overall better. - LC

06-06-06, 11:10 AM	#16
Buckru IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Houston, Texas TLCA# 13863 Posts: 596	[quote=TexasBadlands]A Cruiser has always had the "Face a only a Mother could love", or Father since mostly guys own em. The look of an 80 series is loved by many. __________________ Toyota 4x4's of Texas aka T4x4T 97 LX450 OME 2.5, 1" spacers, CDL w/pin7, Toyo 315's, cup holder, Bullbar, Hannah Sliders & Rear Bumper. TLCA# 13863

06-06-06, 12:10 PM	#18
TexasBadlands IH8MUD Regular Join Date: May 2006 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 256	Yeah I know lots of people break birfields on their older Toys, but guess what? Mine are original. Most of the birfields I have heard of breaking have been on rigs with 35" tires and larger. Guys running 31-33" tires, well I just haven't heard of anyone with any birfield problems at all. One part out of thousands on a Toyota... which is easily replaceable with "Newfields". On a Jeep you never know WHAT part is gonna blow... Well, time will tell on that Jeep. I give everyone the benefit of the doubt, but I am almost totally against American vehicles these days. The only American 4wd I would consider buying would be a H1 Hummer, and at this point, it's not affordable. Give me 6 years and I'll have one in my stable though. Give me Land Cruisers and Land Rovers... Worlds TOUGHEST OFF ROAD Vehicles! __________________ 2007 6-Speed Toyota FJ Cruiser 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Cruiser I UNDERSTAND THE JEEP THING, THAT'S WHY I DON'T OWN ONE.

06-06-06, 01:43 PM	#19
firetruck41 IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Camas, WA USA TLCA# 14300 Posts: 3,583	God, that's ugly with the top off. I owned a Jeep, it was fun, but I don't think I would ever trade a Toyota 4wd for one. __________________ Ben Silva IH8MUD Site Supporter since July 2004 1996 Lexus LX 450, 130k, locked, Cooper STT 285s, OME 850/863, CDL/Pin 7, 30qt freezer, 2@aux fuse blocks, aux powerpoint, 850w inverter 1998 Lexus LX 470, 139k Sold 1993 FZJ80 198k miles Sold

06-06-06, 03:39 PM	#20
Kasprzak IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 122	I think one thing that hasn't been mentioned is the family part. Trying to get carseats in the back of a the fj is easier said than done. Our family for one will be waiting to compare these side by side and I do want a removeable top. Toyota may not have some of the reliability issues that the JEEP may, but Jeep will always have a stronger aftermarket. I for one want the open air and I think jeep is headed in the right direction with a three ways to have the hard top come off. __________________ Roy, UT denniskasprzak@comcast.net

06-06-06, 03:46 PM	#21
gearguywb IH8MUD Addict Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: confused as h*** Posts: 708	One of the big issues that we tend to overlook is that no matter how much we enjoy getting out and getting dirty, the majority of these vehicles life is on spent on the road. Is a Rubicon better than an FJ off-road in stock form...probably, but if you need (or want) to drive it more frequently than for off-road excursions then it is a no brainer in the FJ's favor. __________________ '04 100, Revo's OME lift/T bars, home made storage, Slee sliders (Sid), ARB, Warn 8k. Kimberly Kamper (Kim) More mountain bikes than I care to count!

06-06-06, 05:12 PM	#22
jfonz IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 179	Interiour looks pretty comfy to me.... and functional... Though the super cool little outlet the FJC has would be nice....

06-06-06, 07:33 PM	#26
jfonz IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Dec 2005 Posts: 179	now thats the cruiser owner attitude I know and love....

06-06-06, 08:08 PM	#27
Cruiserdrew IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: Sacramento, CA TLCA# 11734 Posts: 7,252	Johnny-I see your point, but...this looks like a pretty impressive vehicle. How many other solid axle 4 door wagons can you buy new? Admittedly, it will suffer from Jeeps legendary build quality, but dollar for dollar and mod for mod, it will go where no FJC will go easily. As indicated here, this new Jeep has a 4:1 transfercase. Having real low range gears is usually what divides the real offroaders from the pack. It also has a solid axle up front-that's something most FJC owners who plan to offroad extensively will wish they had. It has front and rear lockers, stock. It has tiny overhangs. I'll bet with a $600 lift and a set of 33s there won't be too many places it won't go. Don't get me wrong, I would not buy one, but this is a pretty cool concept vehicle. I just wish Toyota had stayed closer to a model like this with the FJC. __________________ Andrew 1971 FJ-40 Rubicon tested, 2F powered, some mods 1976 FJ40 Rusting slowly in the back yard 1984 FJ-60 H55f, 4.11, Now SOA! 1989 FJ-62 117k-son's driver for now-low and slow 1997 FZJ-80 Driveway queen Last edited by Cruiserdrew; 06-06-06 at 10:13 PM.