OK, I hope this won't turn out to be a 80 vs 100 hate thread?
I have maintained all along (and several have admitted the same) that the main off-road disadvantage of the 100 when compared to the 80 is not IFS, but rather the 100's larger body size.
First: Let's address the IFS by taking a few comments about the 100 from Overland 4WD:
"Like the other variants with independent front suspension, the on-road ride, handling and steering of the Sahara is a big step up from the live-axle models. There's less bump steer, better turn in and far better stability - and the rougher the road the better the front suspension performs in comparison to the live-axle."
"Toyota's own live-axle front end may give more ground clearance and superior wheel travel, but the difference between the two arrangements would only come into play in the last five to ten percent of extreme off-road driving. And if the Sahara does have any off-road limitation due to its IFS, the excellent electronic traction control system (TRC) does a great job of masking the same."
OK, so let's all agree that on-road IFS is a nice improvement. Let's also agree that a front live axle has the advantage while extreme 4-wheeling over IFS.
GREAT, NO IFS vs SFA WARS!
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NOW, TO MY POINT OF THIS THREAD:
I have noticed by driving the 80 and 100 on the same trails that the only obstacles I pass on in the 100 are the ones where the body would be in danger. The 100 is so much larger (in a very tight trail situation) that it's size is the main stopper on extreme trails. It's not the fact that the wheel lift in the 80 is 2-inches and the 100 is 4-inches. It's not the diffrence in ground clearance as they're really close in that arena. It's the fact that for many extreme obstacles the 100 simply will nail it's front, it's rear and it's sides. When does this come into play. Rarely. Sure. Though it is a 4-wheeling factor. Check these measurements. I was SHOCKED when I compared my trucks:
My 80 (keep in mind this is not a fair comparison as my frames have been cut with custom bumpers installed):
Length: 178-inches
Width: 76-inches
Body width (flares eliminated): 71-inches
My 100 (keep in mind it's loaded with ARB, Slee, etc., though this measurement is like the 80, from bumper to bumper and does not include the spare tire sticking out beyond the rear bumper):
Length: 203-inches (a whopping 2+ feet longer!)
Width: 76.4 inches
Body width (measuring out the flared body panels): 75-inches (4 body inches more than the 80!)
You'll see from those specs why a 100 might not climb some things an 80 can? Imagine the approach and departure angle difference between my 2 rigs?
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Now, I'd like to see how 2 more rigs measure up in comparison:
1. A loaded ARB/Slee/Kaymar whatever 80. What's the length? This will be a fairer comparison to a loaded 100. Apples to apples. Anybody have a measurement?
2. Amando's 100. He fab'd some custom bumpers which shortened his 100 (great job!). Let's look at his length and compare to the other scenarios including my shortened 80? Amando? Can ya take a measurement buddy? I'll bet his 100 has a notable advantage over mine, just as my 80 has over the typical loaded 80.
I have maintained all along (and several have admitted the same) that the main off-road disadvantage of the 100 when compared to the 80 is not IFS, but rather the 100's larger body size.
First: Let's address the IFS by taking a few comments about the 100 from Overland 4WD:
"Like the other variants with independent front suspension, the on-road ride, handling and steering of the Sahara is a big step up from the live-axle models. There's less bump steer, better turn in and far better stability - and the rougher the road the better the front suspension performs in comparison to the live-axle."
"Toyota's own live-axle front end may give more ground clearance and superior wheel travel, but the difference between the two arrangements would only come into play in the last five to ten percent of extreme off-road driving. And if the Sahara does have any off-road limitation due to its IFS, the excellent electronic traction control system (TRC) does a great job of masking the same."
OK, so let's all agree that on-road IFS is a nice improvement. Let's also agree that a front live axle has the advantage while extreme 4-wheeling over IFS.
GREAT, NO IFS vs SFA WARS!
*****************************************************************
NOW, TO MY POINT OF THIS THREAD:
I have noticed by driving the 80 and 100 on the same trails that the only obstacles I pass on in the 100 are the ones where the body would be in danger. The 100 is so much larger (in a very tight trail situation) that it's size is the main stopper on extreme trails. It's not the fact that the wheel lift in the 80 is 2-inches and the 100 is 4-inches. It's not the diffrence in ground clearance as they're really close in that arena. It's the fact that for many extreme obstacles the 100 simply will nail it's front, it's rear and it's sides. When does this come into play. Rarely. Sure. Though it is a 4-wheeling factor. Check these measurements. I was SHOCKED when I compared my trucks:
My 80 (keep in mind this is not a fair comparison as my frames have been cut with custom bumpers installed):
Length: 178-inches
Width: 76-inches
Body width (flares eliminated): 71-inches
My 100 (keep in mind it's loaded with ARB, Slee, etc., though this measurement is like the 80, from bumper to bumper and does not include the spare tire sticking out beyond the rear bumper):
Length: 203-inches (a whopping 2+ feet longer!)
Width: 76.4 inches
Body width (measuring out the flared body panels): 75-inches (4 body inches more than the 80!)
You'll see from those specs why a 100 might not climb some things an 80 can? Imagine the approach and departure angle difference between my 2 rigs?
*****************************************************************
Now, I'd like to see how 2 more rigs measure up in comparison:
1. A loaded ARB/Slee/Kaymar whatever 80. What's the length? This will be a fairer comparison to a loaded 100. Apples to apples. Anybody have a measurement?
2. Amando's 100. He fab'd some custom bumpers which shortened his 100 (great job!). Let's look at his length and compare to the other scenarios including my shortened 80? Amando? Can ya take a measurement buddy? I'll bet his 100 has a notable advantage over mine, just as my 80 has over the typical loaded 80.