3FE FJ80 on 35s How bad is it really?

[ginericLC]

I don't have any problems on the trail with my 3FE and 35s and stock gears. On the highway I rarely get to use overdrive. It would be well over 80mph before I could get into overdrive. I didn't swap gears because I intend on doing a diesel swap.

A h42 is a big mistake in an 80 in my opinion. It doesn't have that low of a 1st gear for wheeling and no overdrive. Also, the FJ60 split case has a higher low range than an 80 Fulltime case. So you'd be losing there as well. Wheeling with the auto is awesome. The gear reduction and being able to two foot it sometimes is great. I think it gives the driver a lot more control and that is something you need when wheeling a big wagon. I feel I have better gears in my 91 than I did in my FJ60. It also had 4.11s and 35s with a h55f and a Ranger 17% Underdrive. The only place I think the manual did better was in compression braking.

I guess if you plan on buying a rig to wheel the snot out of a 91 or 92 might be a good choice. Add hubs then you could go lockrites front and rear or Aussie lockers, whatever you can find cheap. Add some OME J springs, pop some 35s and some sliders on and give it hell. I bet you could do this buildup under 5500.

 

[Hltoppr]

Your 4Runner is a top fuel dragster compared to a trail rigged FJ80 with a stock 3FE, stock 4.1 gears, and 35" tyres.

-B-

LOL, Hit the nail on the head B!

-H-

 

[timbercruiser]

[A h42 is a big mistake in an 80 in my opinion. It doesn't have that low of a 1st gear for wheeling and no overdrive. Also, the FJ60 split case has a higher low range than an 80 Fulltime case. So you'd be losing there as well. Wheeling with the auto is awesome. The gear reduction and being able to two foot it sometimes is great. I think it gives the driver a lot more control and that is something you need when wheeling a big wagon. I feel I have better gears in my 91 than I did in my FJ60. It also had 4.11s and 35s with a h55f and a Ranger 17% Underdrive. The only place I think the manual did better was in compression braking.

I had also considered the H41 and /or a rock box. My 80 (if I ever get one) will only be used on "easy" trails, the 40 is getting an Orion.

 

[ginericLC]

If you are only using it on easy trails just leave it alone!

 

[timbercruiser]

I've thought of that too. Just throw a lockright in back, slap on the 33's and go.

 

[GXO]

The 3FE is a torque monster for what it is. It can turn and perform well offroad with just about any tire. The road is a different story. That being said, I like my 3FE. I have driven FZJs and they are nice as well. I like the ease of maintenance and the "segway" the 3FE provides between new and old.

I personally think it is the best cruiser for a trail truck available right now when considering costs and low cost upgrades to get it trail ready.

I am moving to a company car soon so I will be trailering my 91 everywhere, so who cares about how it does at 80 mph...I can get to 80 mph at 0 rpms with my GMC pulling it.