I'm doing the same later this month, when I get a free weekend! Good to hear a review on this set up. My truck isn't running heavy accessories , so I figured I would try it.
'99 vs '04 Offroad - feedback requested
- Thread starter CA Cruisin
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I'm doing the same later this month, when I get a free weekend! Good to hear a review on this set up. My truck isn't running heavy accessories , so I figured I would try it.
- Thread starter
- #42
Reporting back, y'all...
I did a comparison between the '99 and '04 in loose dirt, driving rapid tight donuts (wish someone had shot video, lol).
I wanted to see how they both handled, if I could break either loose, and how the computer worked on the '04.
The clear winner for me was the '99 - see attached pics (which I took for this forum chat). It held its line strong and unwaveringly. Never lost traction, wobbled or cut out of line. I did 5 donuts both directions. I felt confident.
The '04 was truly strange with the ATRAC and whatever else kicking in. I felt much less confident, had to go slower and it wouldn't hold a line; it squirreled around, felt wobbly and not as safe. Guess I like driving my car myself.
Moving forward:
I drove both cars in "regular life" for several weeks, switching between both day by day. I decided in spite of weak offroad experience to keep the '04 ... it's really more comfortable on the road. It drives smoother, feels more powerful and is quieter. Noticeable on-road difference between the two. I spend most of my time on the road, so...
... it hard to let that '99 go but sure was fun to have 2 LCs for a while!
Yesterday I sold the '99 w/ 107k miles (drove and sounded like a new Cruiser) to my friend James.
James is 77 years old and it's his first LC - he's OVER THE MOON.
He broke his LC virginity with a unicorn.
Lucky Devil!
This winter in Reno he'll be set.
For the offroad test, not all things were equal: the '99 had stiffer KYB Excel shocks and brand new Michelin Defender MS/LTX installed by the P.O.
The '04 has soft (needing replacement) rear factory shocks (with new factory shocks up front) and new tires I don't love, Hankook Dynapros installed by the Toyota dealer before I got it. Maybe with a stiffer setup, the '04 will prove more reliable in tight, loose turns? Dunno. It felt sketchy.
I know these LCs will never drive the same, offroad or on - how often will I turn donuts?
And golly it warms my heart, seeing as how James has already named the '99 "Nimbus" and he's getting his stoke on at the age of 77.
Live long and LC Prosper, James!
May the obsession begin!
I did a comparison between the '99 and '04 in loose dirt, driving rapid tight donuts (wish someone had shot video, lol).
I wanted to see how they both handled, if I could break either loose, and how the computer worked on the '04.
The clear winner for me was the '99 - see attached pics (which I took for this forum chat). It held its line strong and unwaveringly. Never lost traction, wobbled or cut out of line. I did 5 donuts both directions. I felt confident.
The '04 was truly strange with the ATRAC and whatever else kicking in. I felt much less confident, had to go slower and it wouldn't hold a line; it squirreled around, felt wobbly and not as safe. Guess I like driving my car myself.
Moving forward:
I drove both cars in "regular life" for several weeks, switching between both day by day. I decided in spite of weak offroad experience to keep the '04 ... it's really more comfortable on the road. It drives smoother, feels more powerful and is quieter. Noticeable on-road difference between the two. I spend most of my time on the road, so...
... it hard to let that '99 go but sure was fun to have 2 LCs for a while!
Yesterday I sold the '99 w/ 107k miles (drove and sounded like a new Cruiser) to my friend James.
James is 77 years old and it's his first LC - he's OVER THE MOON.
He broke his LC virginity with a unicorn.
Lucky Devil!
This winter in Reno he'll be set.
For the offroad test, not all things were equal: the '99 had stiffer KYB Excel shocks and brand new Michelin Defender MS/LTX installed by the P.O.
The '04 has soft (needing replacement) rear factory shocks (with new factory shocks up front) and new tires I don't love, Hankook Dynapros installed by the Toyota dealer before I got it. Maybe with a stiffer setup, the '04 will prove more reliable in tight, loose turns? Dunno. It felt sketchy.
I know these LCs will never drive the same, offroad or on - how often will I turn donuts?
And golly it warms my heart, seeing as how James has already named the '99 "Nimbus" and he's getting his stoke on at the age of 77.
Live long and LC Prosper, James!
May the obsession begin!
Last edited:
Fix the 04 properly and learn how to use the systems... its all gonna be fine.
- Thread starter
- #44
Lol - guess I'm used to driving the simpler steeds.
Your reco to "fix the 04 properly", is...?
Simpler is better. 
- Thread starter
- #46
Totes!Simpler is better.
2 camps - both great
T'was why t'was hard to choose...
re_guderian
SILVER Star
This ^^^. But swap the 16's on to the 04 before you sell the 99, unless you plan on running 285/75/18s. More sidewall for airing down.
High quality suspension and good tires. Good to go.
