I've read a comparison and they weight the 4runner compared to the Landcruiser as 60/40 on road versus off road on the 4runner and 60/40 off road versus on road on the Landcruiser. The LC is cleaner under neath then the 4runner. also even though the LC uses torsen bars it flexes better than the 4runner for off road. Now if you are talkin "normal off road trips" the 4runner will not be a problem (rated as one of the best). If you are talkin rock crawling then go for the LC. The comparison rated the 4runner better for on road bad weather driving where I spend 99% of my time. I only brought up the 4runner/GX470 option because 99% of owners never go rock crawlin with a high $$$ vehicle. But we are on a off road users site so you might need that ability. If so go for a LC, get a 2001 or newer with less than 40K miles, should go for $30-31K. Good luck.
01 vs 03 - What's the best year?
- Thread starter 88CltLC
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This forum question was regarding Land Cruisers. Calling a 4Runner/GX470/120-series a LAND CRUISER is a STRETCH.
Don't get me wrong though. There is NO ONE SUPREME vehicle. I've seen 100's kill 80's, 80's kill 100's, 4Runners kill Cruisers, and Tacomas (my god) eat them all and visa versa. Don't mention Jeeps that take them all out...but again...visa versa.
Don't believe everything you read either. In a recent article Truck Trend rated a Lincoln Navigator as good as a 100 OFF ROAD. WERE THEY DRIVING FOREST ROADS!?
If this had been a question...."how about the new 4Runner vs the 100" my response would have been different. But when speaking of model year 100's that are the best you don't mention an inferior model that is meant for a completely different market. The 4Runner/GX is a TOY compared to a 100. They don't compare. Compare the 4Runner to a Durango, etc. and I'll support you. Compare to a 100 and the 100 will embarras the 4Runner 99% of the time on and off road no matter what you read (OK, except for accelleration. For that though...go buy a Durango and beat them both!).
Geeze, you want the best on-road ride of all? Go test drive a Sienna. It'll kill a Cruiser, 4Runner, anything, and cost $32K loaded. Let's stay on task?
Don't get me wrong though. There is NO ONE SUPREME vehicle. I've seen 100's kill 80's, 80's kill 100's, 4Runners kill Cruisers, and Tacomas (my god) eat them all and visa versa. Don't mention Jeeps that take them all out...but again...visa versa.
Don't believe everything you read either. In a recent article Truck Trend rated a Lincoln Navigator as good as a 100 OFF ROAD. WERE THEY DRIVING FOREST ROADS!?
If this had been a question...."how about the new 4Runner vs the 100" my response would have been different. But when speaking of model year 100's that are the best you don't mention an inferior model that is meant for a completely different market. The 4Runner/GX is a TOY compared to a 100. They don't compare. Compare the 4Runner to a Durango, etc. and I'll support you. Compare to a 100 and the 100 will embarras the 4Runner 99% of the time on and off road no matter what you read (OK, except for accelleration. For that though...go buy a Durango and beat them both!).
Geeze, you want the best on-road ride of all? Go test drive a Sienna. It'll kill a Cruiser, 4Runner, anything, and cost $32K loaded. Let's stay on task?
Jim_Chow
V8_Fan
ShottsUZJ100 said:
Driver technique probably has the largest impact for offroad performance. Anyways, getting back to the locker issue, here's another question I have. Is the rear axle/diff assembly the same on the LX470 as the LC100? Reason I ask is, can a '98-99 factory locking diff be fitted into a '99 or later LX470 or even a '00+ LC100? Is the rear axle constructed like the 60 series/mini-truck semi-floating axles w/ a pressed on sealed bearing and equal length axle shafts that slide into the diff? Or does one need to be one or more new axle shafts like on the rear of the 80 due to different lengths on the locked version?
ShottsUZJ100 said:
Your right the $60K vehicle is better than the $40K vehicle.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4676
Depends what for. I look forward to modifying our Tacoma. Man, those things are amazing off road and with few mods. I'm afraid when I do trick out the Taco we'll drive the Cruisers less? (NA!)
Speaking of of the new 4Runner/GX, I can't wait to read the next article in 4Wheeler on their continous upgrades. They've already turned it into a trail burner. They've lifted it, cut off metal, blah blah. I'm curious what's next? The readers mail from the Jeepers has been really nagative about the Lexus. HEE HEE!
Speaking of of the new 4Runner/GX, I can't wait to read the next article in 4Wheeler on their continous upgrades. They've already turned it into a trail burner. They've lifted it, cut off metal, blah blah. I'm curious what's next? The readers mail from the Jeepers has been really nagative about the Lexus. HEE HEE!
Wow, I skipped over James' question. Sorry James. I also read my reply last night about the 4Runner vs 100. SORRY. THAT WAS FULL OF ATTITUDE! (Yesterday, work SUCKED, shouldn't have been posting)
Anyhow, yes James, the parts are interchangeable from 98+. The lockers are all the same, etc. Yes, semi floating rear end (they beefed up everything on the 100 compared to the 80....4 more chrossmembers, larger/stronger rear gear, motor, frame, body, etc. though they went from full to semi floating on the rear (???).
Don't know about the techy stuff though compared to a 60, etc.
Lastly: As for driver experience off road. Wow, was that true. While I made it through everywhere, it took me a YEAR to figure out the traction control had multiple modes and all I had to do is keep LIGHT on the gas and let the truck work itself. DUHHHHH!
Anyhow, yes James, the parts are interchangeable from 98+. The lockers are all the same, etc. Yes, semi floating rear end (they beefed up everything on the 100 compared to the 80....4 more chrossmembers, larger/stronger rear gear, motor, frame, body, etc. though they went from full to semi floating on the rear (???).
Don't know about the techy stuff though compared to a 60, etc.
Lastly: As for driver experience off road. Wow, was that true. While I made it through everywhere, it took me a YEAR to figure out the traction control had multiple modes and all I had to do is keep LIGHT on the gas and let the truck work itself. DUHHHHH!
Andrew go here for service information. http://www.toyotapartsandservice.com/smg/main.php
You will notice that the LC requires more service than any other Toyota model.
You will notice that the LC requires more service than any other Toyota model.
Brakes are the worst. Stopping these beasts stinks. I've got 80K and am ready to start my 4th set of brakes front and rear.
On the other hand, Consumer Reports Mag is right on with the LC being the #1 most reliable SUV. At least in my case. I've beat my truck to death on off road runs. I drive the thing around town like an RX7. To date, I've had no warranty issues whatsoever. Nothing. Well wait. I had the front diff I destroyed swapped under my extended warranty. In fact, this was the incident that made me get lockers. I figured lockers would reduce stress on the vehicle and they do.
On the other hand, Consumer Reports Mag is right on with the LC being the #1 most reliable SUV. At least in my case. I've beat my truck to death on off road runs. I drive the thing around town like an RX7. To date, I've had no warranty issues whatsoever. Nothing. Well wait. I had the front diff I destroyed swapped under my extended warranty. In fact, this was the incident that made me get lockers. I figured lockers would reduce stress on the vehicle and they do.
sleeoffroad
Supporting Vendor
Jim_Chow said:
I opted ARB since we regeared. However I was going to get a complete 100 series E locker axle for the LX470 if that ARB thing did not work. I am not sure on the axle shafts, never had a 100 series full floater apart. I would guess you have the same axle shaft & housing issues since a stock 80 series open diff housing bolted straight into the 100 series rear end.
I am running a 80 series diff with a 80 series ARB with 100 series parts to make the 32 spline axles compatible with the locker. Only way to regear currently. Trying to figure out how to get gears made, so far not much luck since the suppliers don't think there is a market.
The semi floater is the same design as the mini truck where it bolts on.
Christo: You said "never had a 100 series full floater apart". Toyota says the UZJ100 is semi-floating? Was that a typo of do you know of a UZJ that had FF axles? I know the 105 had them. J
