4 Runner vs HDJ81

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FLYINGLOW

FLYINGLOW

Joined
Dec 18, 2004
Threads
39
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Location
Vancouver Island
Help me here guys. I'm stressed out. I really want an 81 but price wise the 4 runner is a little better. The big thing about the 81 is the towing capacity, diesel and off road abilitys (not that the 4 runner is a slouch off road). I don't know how much towing I will do that requirs 5500lbs, but on the odd occation when I need to tow the 40 it would be nice. The 4 runner would our boat or a utility trailer for yard work. I know everyone here will be bias to the 81, but whats everyone think? I might consider a LX 450 but don't know much about them, as in fuel economy. Maybe even a gas 80....
 
What year Runner are you comparing with the 80's? I went through exactly this before I bought my Lexus. I'll give you a rundown of my though process once I know whick 4runner your looking at.
 
mmmm i like diesel and i dont know if i would want to tow a 40 behind a 4runner, specialy if it just has the 4 banger in it, the V6's have a fair bit more juice behind them though. if you can i would go for the 81.
 
I would not tow 5500lbs with an 81.
I towed 3300lbs (suzuki + trailer) 1400km's and that was plenty.
If you want to tow more, you will need an intercooler, and valve job in the tranny (and tranny cooler). Serious, I doubt I would even want to tow 5500 pounds across town. The cruisers are an expedition rig, not a towing rig.

As for a 4runner vrs 81. I assume you are thinking the 96-2004 body style.
Both are nice rigs. But different. In fact that body style of 4runner is moideled after the 80 series. It depends on what you want to do, how much space, and what you like. Both are nice rigs. I likle the cruiser. Its better buillt, a bit bigger, and overall a lot tougher. But both rigs will probably do you just fine.

Cheers,
Nick
 
Stumpalama said:
What year Runner are you comparing with the 80's? I went through exactly this before I bought my Lexus. I'll give you a rundown of my though process once I know whick 4runner your looking at.
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Stump I'm thinking 97 to 2000 with the 3.4 liter V6. Guy the 4 runner is much too small for towing a 40 (3500 lb tow ability), and thanks Nick for the thoughts on towing with an 80. I wouldn't be oposed to an LX450 but have not seen any for sale. If my budget was a little higher I'd definately go 81 but I think I'd be looking for quite a while. Thanks guys.
 
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Stump what sort of milage do you get with the LX450? My friend from work says he gets up to 14L per 100km on the highway with his 3.4L 4 runner.
 
FLYINGLOW said:
Stump what sort of milage do you get with the LX450? My friend from work says he gets up to 14L per 100km on the highway with his 3.4L 4 runner.
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A buddy of mine had a 2001 4runner and a 2003 taco.
Both had the v6. I remember him saying, if he drove nice he used 11-12L per 100k.

Cheers,
N.
 
Nick is spot on with what he says. If you want to do some serious towing it's hard to beat a domestic pickup with a honkin' big engine. I don't particularly like domestics but for what it would cost you to get an 81 in shape to do what you want, I really think a domestic might be a better option. Both the 4Runner and 81 are really going to struggle with a heavy load such as you propose.
 
Martin White said:
Nick is spot on with what he says. If you want to do some serious towing it's hard to beat a domestic pickup with a honkin' big engine. I don't particularly like domestics but for what it would cost you to get an 81 in shape to do what you want, I really think a domestic might be a better option. Both the 4Runner and 81 are really going to struggle with a heavy load such as you propose.
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A 4 runner isn't even close to being rated to tow a 40.

I don't even want to say what we just sold....:frown: 99 F350 Powerstroke. Ultimate tow rig, but family comes first and it would be alot of money to have tied up in a truck to just tow the cruiser a couple times a year. Lifting the baby in and out was not good for my wifes back. Mainly I want to tow stuff for the house and yard in a utility trailer, but it would be nice to tow the cruiser once in a while.

Anyone looking for a canopy for a 99 and up ford? How bout an edge evolution power programer? The power programmer makes it run like it should. Tow setting adds 100 ft lbs which is just right. Does diagnostics too.
 
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Stump fill me in on your thought process. We looked at 97 4 runner tonight that is in great condition, factory paint on the frame still, no rust that I could find. Needs some brake work but is in pretty good condition. My gut feeling is that its a good truck and we should get it. I also got a good price on an 81 but have to wait 6 weeks which sucks.
 
Well, when i was looking for another truck, I had my Dad out driving all sorts of rigs. 97+ 4runner, Nissan X-Terra, and 80 Series LC's and Lexus'. I didn't have the luxury of the Diesel option either so that was a non factor. My Dad did a bunch of research and found that the fuel issue among the X-terra, 4runner and the LC's was negligable. They all were within a 2MPG +/-. For the space provided and the uses I wanted the LC/Lexus was it. However, if it were going to be used as a driver/ tow rig, I think it would be a wash between the L.C. and the 4runner. The LC's also have 3 row seating which could be a decision factor as well. Dad preferred the LC/LX over the others WRT space, power, and mileage.
I don't know about the diesels and their transmissions WRT to towing. I know Steve blew his while towing a boat and there was an issue with the torque converter.
I have towed a 16ft Double Eagle loaded with gear to Renfrew with the Lexus and with a 2000 4runner. They both handled it with no issues. I did like the heavier Lexus though, as it seemed to counter any squirreliness of the boat.

I think the diesel would be ideal if the tranny were built for towing. The 4runner is a great truck and is quite capable and mod-able (I have some Lexus front coils that work perfectly in the back for about 3" of lift;)). And, of course, the gas LC is big powerful and proven.
I think you could get a '97 gas LC for the same price as a '97+ 4runner.
 
OK thanks for all the input guys. Stump I am happy with what you just said because we just put a deposit on a 97 4 runner that is in great shape. Its coming up on a brake job, muffler and has a blown out shock but its all easy stuff for me to do. The body is in very good shape, I will post some pictures but I go to work tomorrow morning and my wife is going to get it tomorrow. Be patient and I'll post some pics in a few days. I think you will be impressed, I know I am. Stump wifey says no lift.... I'll work on it though. Maybe I can sneek one in with out her noticing.;):bounce:
 
Oh, once she see's one with a little lift, she won't mind. It won't look like a glorified station wagon.
You chose wisely. It's nice to have a truck you don't have share Cruiser funding with. Newer Toyota's are "set and forget".
Yeah and congrats!
 
Thanks Stump. I am stoked, but I have to go to work tomorrow and Tammy gets to pick it up on Friday. I'll post pics when I get home.
 
Mark, good purchase.

Not as good as a diesel cruiser but pretty damn close.

Cheers
Rob

FLYINGLOW said:
Thanks Stump. I am stoked, but I have to go to work tomorrow and Tammy gets to pick it up on Friday. I'll post pics when I get home.
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Radd Cruisers said:
Mark, good purchase.

Not as good as a diesel cruiser but pretty damn close.

Cheers
Rob
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Thanks Rob its really nice. I can't wait to post some pics. Its killing me to be 1500km away from it! I think Toyota forgot to install rust cause its just beautiful!:eek: I'd say it is comparable if not exceding most of the Japanesse imports I've seen. I will post pics in a thread in the 95+ corner of mud when I get a chance and I'll post the link on this thread.

James emailed me pics yesterday of an 81 he has lined up in Japan, but we can't wait 6 weeks. The price is very good too, $14800 I think. If anyone is interested I'll forward the email to them. I got a month subscription to carfax if anyone needs vins checked out.
 
nickw said:
Looks really nice.
Where is the truck located now?

Cheers,
N.
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Thanks Nick, its in Ladysmith on the island. And thanks for your insight into towing and fuel economy. I can't wait to post pics of the frame and details of the body. Not for a few days though unfortunately.
 
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