80 vs. 100

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calamaridog

calamaridog

Joined
Jun 6, 2003
Threads
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Location
Cuyamaca, CA and Las Vegas, NV
I'm going to ask this in both forums and see where it takes me:)

First of all, thank you in advance for your responses... I am searching and reading tons of good 411.

I am getting ready to sell my 2001 Tacoma xtra cab for a family friendly rig. I have told the wife that I will only settle for a 4runner, Landcruiser, or Quad cab Tacoma. Period.

She is seriously skeptical regarding the Landcruiser idea. I have been pushing a 96-97 model year LC or LX as a good idea. She hesitates to endorse the purchase of an older, higher mileage vehicle.

I am now also considering the 99-00 100 series as well. I hesitate because of the torsion bar front suspension. Don't know anything about the strengths and weakness of the suspension. For example: how big of tires can the front end components handle without serious problems. How often do people have CV and front R&P problems. How capable is the 100 and what options (other than rear locker) do I need to look for, etc. Any serious problems with these model years?

Anyone who can compare both vehicles and tell me which one wheels better? The last thing I worry about is wheeling such a wide vehicle (100). Lots of scratches on the narrow Tacoma from brush and such.
 
My opinions are only subjective and second hand on this, but the 80 seems to have the better chassis for serious off-road work, this is because the 100 has an independent front se up. I believe that ultimately it will loose out in areas were maximum articulation are called for such as when rock crawling. I have unfortunately never been to the US but I suppose that off road pursuits are very different there from the UK, you have a greater expanse and more of it, what I can tell you is that the British off road pres who previously rated the 80 most highly slated the 100 and marked it very much down the list when comparing it to other 4 x 4 vehicles. The tests that they put them through were tuff and included sections that were testing though I do realise that press hacks often have allegiances to say the least and can be biased and maybe the test were set up to allow a particular vehicle through and to shore high marks. Over in the UK the 100 has a locking rear diff and has electronic traction control and I think air bag suspension and there fore can adjust its ride height. The 100 also appears to be better appointed and have more gadgets such as sat navigation etc. Looking at the 100 technical site there are many who may refute what I have said and may well have taken there vehicles to difficult to reach places. I think that 35 inch tyres have been fitted and allsorts of other modifications to negate its obvious flaws and to enhance an otherwise reasonable vehicle much in the same way as do people on this board do to 80s. I know our Australian Cousins have mixed feelings about them but correct me if I am wrong here they also have a solid axle variant the 105, which would certainly address matters. For my purposes the 80 is one of the few vehicles that will suit my particular requirements. I hope that I have not offended any one as I know how attached we all can be to our most prised possession. Good luck with your choice you may find a low mileage late 1997 or early 1998 80. :)
 
Don't worry too much about a high mileage 80, my 93 had ~200k on it when I sold it recently. I don't think the previous owners abused it and probably did just minimum maintenance, In the 25k that I owned it, I really on did preventative maintenance, and it had no "issues" when I sold it.
 
Um, OK....

I'll be the lone disenter here and say snatch the damn 100! fitting 35's on a 100 is an easy task, and everyone that wheels a 100 hard (including the big guys) say they rock the 80's hard. If for nothing else than the ability to easily run 35's, get it.

The frame is stiffer, stronger, axles are thicker/stronger, etc....
 
I'll agree with Doc. If I had a wife that was worried about getting and older vehicle I'd get the 100. Here's some pretty cool pics about what a 100 can do

http://www.yourphoto.com/Moab04/CM031.htm

BUT, for me, I wouldn't trade my 94 80 w/114k miles for similar mileage 100. I'm just too attached to the 80. At the moment the 80 meets all of my needs and offers no reason to spend a lot of extra money for the 100. I may however ADD a 100 to the fleet sometime in the future.

HTH-
Jason
 
I had your same decision in October--I sold my 2000 4Runner with 60k for an 94 80 with 130k. It comes down to what your plans are....

Shopping, Family trips, Camping on old fire roads or forest service roads--Get the 100 it would be great.

Hardcore 4x4, going to new camp spots off the beaten path, blazing a snow-mobile trail--Get the 80.

I would guess that in the U.S. for 99.5% of the people the 100 is the ticket :) If you get a 100 the model year 2000+ has stability control and the 98/99's can be had with rear diff locks. The 1999 can also be had with rear air. The LX470 has a neat suspension but is costly to replace. Hope this helps :)

For the price of a 100 you could get two 80's :flipoff2:
 
I love my 80. That said, unless you are going to be doing hardcore rockcrawling that requires a 6"+ lift and 35+ tires, I would buy the 100. They are faster, more comfortable, handle better and just as competent for 95% of off roading.
 
<While I can see how posting in both forums might get you more/better info, I'm not so sure it's a cool thing to do.>

I need opinions from both 80 and 100 owners. This was the best way to achieve this.

I'm pleased with the feedback and immensely appreciative. I've been going out of my way helping people with their Tacos for years so I figure I'll be the one begging for 411 this time.

Thank you to everyone!
 
Calamaridog,

I've read your initial post a couple of times and, correct me if I'm wrong, it appears to me that you and the wife don't quite see eye-to-eye on the role of this new family vehicle.

On the one hand, you are looking for something to get dirty, scratched up, and "which one wheels better." On the other hand, your wife is looking for a lower mileage (translated lower maintenance) and newer vehicle.

You didn't mention cost so I'll assume that is not an issue and my recommendation would be to get the 100 series. My reasons are:

1. You and the wife want a dual purpose family vehicle. I think that requirement overrides the "which one wheels better..." requirement that you posed. The 100 would be better for this dual purpose role, though the 80 is miles ahead of the #3 contender.

2. Your wife wants something newer. The 100 is still a current body style and a clean 1998 will look virtually identical to a brand new 2005 model.

3. Your wife wants something with less miles. Most 100's will have less miles than most 80's.

4. You both want something that will be a larger family vehicle. Both the 100 and the 80 fill this role but the 100 has better materials, fit, finish, and amenities. (cup holders, heated seats, nav system, TCS, etc. etc.)

HTH.

-B-
 
I have both, but I haven't wheeled either(I'm picking up a 2nd 80 for trail duty) and so I will weigh in on creature comforts and such. The 100 has MUCH more leg room for all occupants, driver included. In the 80 I feel like I'm setting on the steering wheel. I like this, and thus prefer the 80 in this respect. Out on the highway the 100 has a smoother more luxurious ride, but I can hit speed bumps in parking lots in the 80 without slowing down and not feel them, not so in the 100. The steering on the 80 is MUCH heavier than on the 100. Not so much that it's bothersome, but if you drive both you will feel it. As far as acceleration, I don't see much difference. Some, but not a lot. The 80 feels like a truck and the 100 feels like a big car. I prefer the 80 over the 100 personally, but I reccomend you take an extended test drive in one of each.
 
Since when does the wife come into the equation?
Cheers,
Sean.
 
MTNRAT said:
Since when does the wife come into the equation?
Cheers,
Sean.
Click to expand...


Since I married her.

Since she pays half of the bills.

Since it's easier to budget mods when she isn't pissed at me.
 
I don't own a 100 but I had an opportunity to wheel next to one (ShottsUJ100) in AZ last week during our vacation. My rig was had two dogs, all but two front seats removed and packed to the hilt with camping and recovery gear. For some mysterious reasons, I kept looking at the interior space and was daydreaming how nice it would be on a long trip like this :eek: I wouldn't even have to remove the middle row seats. At the end of the day, the 100 had more scratches than me due to the width but it looks just a capable as mine (front/rear air lockers with 35"s). The killer part was that he gets about the same mileage as me! I also like a quiet vehicle for extended trips so the 100 would definitely get my vote in that regard.

By now, multiple vendors have lifts for the 100s so this wouldn't be a bad time to own a 100. Can I tell you that the rear bumper from Slee on that beast really HUGE! :eek: It's true that the uptravel on the front suspension aren't immense but lockers will most likely negate this for the most part.

Good day to all,

Ali
 
alia176 said:
I don't own a 100 but I had an opportunity to wheel next to one (ShottsUJ100) in AZ last week during our vacation. My rig was had two dogs, all but two front seats removed and packed to the hilt with camping and recovery gear. For some mysterious reasons, I kept looking at the interior space and was daydreaming how nice it would be on a long trip like this :eek: I wouldn't even have to remove the middle row seats. At the end of the day, the 100 had more scratches than me due to the width but it looks just a capable as mine (front/rear air lockers with 35"s). The killer part was that he gets about the same mileage as me! I also like a quiet vehicle for extended trips so the 100 would definitely get my vote in that regard.

By now, multiple vendors have lifts for the 100s so this wouldn't be a bad time to own a 100. Can I tell you that the rear bumper from Slee on that beast really HUGE! :eek: It's true that the uptravel on the front suspension aren't immense but lockers will most likely negate this for the most part.

Good day to all,

Ali
Click to expand...

Ali: Again. Really glad we got to wheel together. That was a fun day there in Sedona!

Calamaridog: Let's take it down to the real basics. The real basics because things like lifts, lockers, large tires, customer bumpers, and on and on can be fitted to both Cruisers. Here's the pro's each vehicle has over the other. Forget the cons because with either vehicle there are VERY few. I own both and wheel both by the way.

Pros of the 80:

Cost less
Has a live front axle so it's a bit easier to modify (not much).
Is a bit smaller and that can help you off road, though in my experience very rearely.
Because of the last 2 pros (axle and size) it does have an edge off road though a very small edge.

Pro's of the 100:

Traction control models available and is very beneficial in the 100 because it's designed right. Adding a locker(s) allows for a locked/trac control combo (BEST).
Far more powerful (even when compared to a blown 80).
Same fuel economy.
Larger and more comfortable inside.
Far better handling on AND off road.
Much stronger vehicle body and frame.

With almost 90K on my 2001, the thing has been a brick armour truck. The IFS doesn't stop the beast whatsoever. In fact, I'd not trade for a live axle for anything. The CV joints are the original ones, have been put through hell (with 35-inch tires) off-road, and keep on rolling. Unless you plan on LIVING in Moab or mainly doing rock crawling, opt for the newer technology. The 100 will do anything an 80 can (short of the limitations mentioned) though in more comfort, with more power, and more reliably.
 
Ok, for what it's worth I'm leaning towards the 100 right now. After the wife steals it from me, I'll dump her HEEP for an 80 series! Then of course, I'll need that FJ40 I've always wanted.
 
the 100 series ROCKS! I am so damn happy I got one. I can't stand driving a 80 or any vintage any more.

Took the 100 out for some mild wheeling last weekend......I was SHOCKED at how well it did!

I like the 100 enough I am thinking of added a 2nd one to the horde ;)
 
Landpimp said:
the 100 series ROCKS! I am so damn happy I got one. I can't stand driving a 80 or any vintage any more.

Took the 100 out for some mild wheeling last weekend......I was SHOCKED at how well it did!

I like the 100 enough I am thinking of added a 2nd one to the horde ;)
Click to expand...

JUNK? COME ON DUDE! Snag a 100 and join the club. :)

Get this: We went up to Mt. Lemmon Saturday. 8500 feet, snowpacked and icy cuz it had been a week since it last snowed. 2 things happened that day:

1. We were driving one of the VERY FEW open roads that were not plowed. Some bonehead stopped and blocked the road and there was only one way to turn around.....straight UP the mountain slope...ice/snow covered. I turned the 100 intending to climb the slope. Soon as we began climbing the ActiveTrac began chattering away. I kept light on the gas and in about 15 seconds was climbing the snow/ice grade at such an angle my new SLEE BUMPER was touching in the rear! ON THE ICE...WITH TRACTION CONTROL! I backed down, tried again with locker then lockers on and simply slided sideways without climbing. The lockers were totally ineffective. Go ActiveTrac! Friggin 100's are amazing!

2. On the way down there was a Tahoe stuck in a ditch on the side of the road. As we came, a Chevy 1500 P/U was leaving. It was not successful in recovering the Tahoe. I put the 100 in place...half in the ditch and half in the snow...only one wheel was on pavement, strapped to the Tahoe using my Slee bumper (Christo...it's solid man!) and out he came. Friggin Cruisers RULE THE WORLD.

Everybody out there looking for 100's? PAY THE EXTRA DOUGH, grab a 2000+ with traction control, then add a locker(s). That traction system ROCKS (get it?)!! :cool:
 
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