After seing one in person / got my deposit back and bought an 80

[Darwood]

sorry, prado chassis and drivetrain. the manual tranny and fulltime 4wd xfer case combo is not from a 4runner. Not sure whether a 4runner and prado chassis are truly identical. Plus a Prado would also have a 2 door chassis design with a shorter wheelbase.

So does the FJ have a fulltime system? For some reason I never bothered to figure that out. I did notice you could get it in 2wd

The chassis between the 4 runner and Prado (GX470) my be slightly different due to body mounting, but the suspension goodies should all be interchangeable. In fact the brochure even mentions that, with a little warranty disclaimer in lawyer print.

 

[semlin]

fulltime 4wd with locking CDL (with torsen LSD) with manual. part time ADD 4wd system with auto. It is a little odd.

 

[Poser]

My main issue is, it's being marketed as a cruiser, but its pretty much a upgraded RAV4.

Cheers,
Nick

Fixed it for ya Nick!

 

[Ocelot]

The 4.0L V6 is from the 4Runner... I'm pretty sure the prado doesn't have the 4.0, but I could be wrong.

 

[semlin]

it appears the prado has the 4.0 v6

http://www.motorzone.com.sg/home/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=45&Itemid=59

and those alloy wheels also look familiar
http://prado.toyota.com.au/toyota/vehicle/Gallery/0,4667,1725_582_0_5,00.html

 

[Brentbba]

Yikes - buddy of mine that has one hitting the docks 4/7 called me this afternoon to tell me that they had arrived at dealer and if I'd seen one yet. He told me our local dealer (Family Toyota) was installing leather in every one of the FJ's they were receiving. He didn't want that and is going elsewhere.

What a stupid move IMHO! Wonder if they think they've got another mall cruiser on their hands and don't think it will sell w/o leather in south Orange County. Going down tomorrow to take a look. Will see if the asshat sales dept. is going to put a premium on them. I wouldn't go there if the service writers I know weren't there. These are the same asshats that dragged out a simple Scion all cash, no negotiation sale 2 1/2 freaking hours.

 

[powderpig]

On the frame diffderences and such. The four runner had a different frame for the different gens, until about the time the Prado was introduced(90 series in 96 I believe), then the 4/runner shared a similar but liter frame(similar dimension, thinner material), this latest generation shares the same frame in a couple of configurations. So if you really want to call a spade a spade the Four runner has graduated to the Prado frame in thickeness of the frame. yes they share simlar componets, but have differences in some packages or builds. So the 4/ runner is basically a Cruiser in sheeps clothing.
Hope this helps.
It may be low in some areas, but with the right driving style and a few good skids, the FJ will go some really killer places(as I have seen this last week), it just takes a different driving style. I am coming off of driving my 80 (the one in my sig line) to this, I am getting the idea of how to drive this FJ with a new style. I am impressed by how it performs to date. Over the next few months I will see how it goes on the trails I get to see you guys on.
later robbie