Autoblog Test LX and LC on Ramp

[grinchy]

But remember, the LX AHC HI mode (stock) has no benefit in terms of clearance to a stock LC...you're just lifting to the same clearance as LC. So, no need to compare it to a lifted LC.

Aren't we on flex here? Wouldn't you want to compare flex on the same amount of lift? I agree, there is no lift on a stock LC (HE edition aside, which has a suspension variant), so isn't the table?

RTI

TLC

TLC HE

LX Low

LX Normal

LX High

LX High + Low Range

But you can't really compare LX High and LX High + Low to a TLC unless that TLC has equivalent lift. We'll set aside all the different types of lift available. How do you know TLC RTI lifted is better/worse/unaffected unless you test it?

It is easy to test it on an LX570. And easy to test on two different TLC, one lifted one stock. If we really cared about science than the test would eliminate as many variables as possible, and test as many comparisons as possible.

But this is ALREADY unscientific. The vehicles are difficult to place in a similar state, because they have different suspensions. And I think the number is already in for Normal mode vs Stock LC. And it is the same.

All other states are not the same test.

 

[RTaylor]

Yall are missing the point. They are both beastly off the lot, even with the bling and luxury items that "ruin" both the LC and LX according to us purists. The stats give us victory over LC100, GX, 4Runner, Tacoma, Jeep, etc.

 

[grinchy]

Uh, must stay away from commenting on false news because that will just drag me into special olympics like discussions.

Yeah, I have no idea what I'm doing here.

 

[Madtiger]

Aren't we on flex here? Wouldn't you want to compare flex on the same amount of lift? I agree, there is no lift on a stock LC (HE edition aside, which has a suspension variant), so isn't the table?

RTI

TLC

TLC HE

LX Low

LX Normal

LX High

LX High + Low Range

But you can't really compare LX High and LX High + Low to a TLC unless that TLC has equivalent lift. We'll set aside all the different types of lift available. How do you know RTI is better/worse/unaffected unless you compare to an equivalent vehicle?

Wow...here i thought that we’re comparing stock vs. stock....

 

[grinchy]

Wow...here i thought that we’re comparing stock vs. stock....

You can't compare a stock TLC to an LX in H mode. Because by flipping that switch the LX has a different suspension. I believe that 'new' suspension should be compared to a lifted TLC. Because that LX is now 'lifted'.
Just because it can't be done on US TLC doesn't mean that isn't the correct comparison. It just means it lacks the capability to compete in this comparison.

And maybe a lifted TLC is 748 points. And the H mode LX is 588. Fine. But at least the comparison is comparing the suspensions in the same state.

 

[Mogwai]

Way too many variables to make this a realistic comparison, so let's add some strawberries to the mix. I did an RTI test once, 644. I have a two and a half to three inch lift, you can see the front passenger tire is not stuffed even at max, most likely due to the lift. Even letting your air out of the tires will net you a better score, so having different rims and tires makes the articles comparison pretty tough.

 

[bloc]

Most landcruiser lifts will install shocks with longer stroke while keeping the stock bump stop position. As long as spring rate is selected carefully, this should give an even further articulation advantage over an LX in high mode because of the suspension’s ability to drop out more. There is still something to be said for the LX ability to raise and lower at the press of a button.. and OEM stock durability/reliability of the factory LX suspension.

I’d really like to see a carefully lifted LC on a ramp. I’m honing in on the idea of King 2.5s for my cruiser, but by default the front springs are 100#\in (20%) greater than stock which seems good to control body roll and allow extra load capacity, but my gut feeling is without that extra weight up front it might actually hamper articulation. I’m close to stock weight and hope to stay around there.

 

[bloc]

Also, HE rear springs are looking lower rate than base model, and it seems even the rear sway bar is thinner. Both of these should help ramp scores.

 

[mcgaskins]

While not perfect, I like this comparison because it's stock vs stock and performed in a way most people would. For those who say you can't compare a stock LC to an LX in high mode, ok then, the LX would have scored a 0 because it couldn't go up the ramp at all I personally think if you removed the LX front bumper or did the same comparison with an aftermarket bumper, the LX would likely edge out the LC. But then you're not talking stock any more which is the whole point. I've wheeled a stock 2008 LX on 34" tires, and it was truly awesome and in my opinion better than wheeling a stock LC which I have also done (I am almost embarrassed to admit I've owned 4 200s now...).

Stock for stock with the pre 16 trucks, the LX wins in my opinion. Stock for stock 16+, the LC wins. Everything changes once you starting modding, and I'd say for all model years the LC is clearly easier to mod. Anyone who says that's not the case is being disingenuous and likely has an LX in the garage (and a 911 and/or a Telsa - just playing guys you know I love ya ). The reality is we're splitting hairs because both are superior overall to most vehicles on the planet and both can accomplish essentially everything someone attracted to the platform could ever want.

 

[TeCKis300]

The 200-series core is just awesome. Putting up these big RTI articulation scores. While being poised and planted on-road.

I think with some key minimal mods to either LC or LX, a 700 RTI score wouldn't be out of the question.

1) OEM stock front shock spacers (~1" more down travel)
2) More sidewall with either smaller wheels and/or larger overall diameter tires
3) Wheel spacers (or lower offset wheels as ramps reward wider rigs)

 

[M1911]

It would be useful and informative for the blogger to have switched the rims/tires between the rigs and remeasured to eliminate any influence from this factor. Why speculate when you can directly test hypothesis?

huh?

Why would a 20“ wheel have any impact on articulation vs 18”, assuming overall tire diameter is the same?

 

[grinchy]

huh?

Why would a 20“ wheel have any impact on articulation vs 18”, assuming overall tire diameter is the same?

that is one of the theories in the article. . . Easy enough to eliminate. agreed it probably won’t change score. But no one knows until they try. Why bring the 200 series with the least approach angle to the test? The goal is to get clicks. Clicks aren’t the same as comparison.

 

[Madtiger]

that is one of the theories in the article. . . Easy enough to eliminate. agreed it probably won’t change score. But no one knows until they try. Why bring the 200 series with the least approach angle to the test? The goal is to get clicks. Clicks aren’t the same as comparison.

Maybe because both are new 2020 models??

 

[mcgaskins]

huh?

Why would a 20“ wheel have any impact on articulation vs 18”, assuming overall tire diameter is the same?

If I had to guess, I would say an 18" wheel/tire combo with the same overall diameter as a 20" wheel/tire combo would have more "squish" in the sidewall allowing for better compression and traction to claw up the ramp slightly higher - which would certainly be amplified if the tires were aired down. A 33" tire on an 18" rim at 15psi is going to squat down more effectively reducing the diameter of the tire allowing it to go higher on a ramp than a 33" tire on a 20" rim, or at least that's what my brain suggests.

Here is my old 08 LX running 275/65/20 KO2s which are basically a 34"x11" tire vs my old 16 LC running 285/70/18 RGs which are roughly the same size.

 

[stolikat]

Here we go.

Glad we have something to talk about this morning.

I am on the graveyard shift, so I am into the pops. Goodnight gents.

 

[1world1love]

I think we can all agree that if the goal was simply to compare the LC and LX, it was a poor effort and pretty much click bait.

As a comparison of two random and independent SUVs from the same manufacturer, sure. They should have thrown up a GX and a highlander for consistency. Or how about a 4R Luxury and a 4R TRD Pro. I’m sure sine they are both 4Rs that they should score the same.

I think we can also agree that the last few years of LXs have gone off the rails with the low hanging plastic.

In any case, I’m not sure why this matters at all.

 

[M1911]

No, I don’t think we agree at all.

 

[95Fantasma80]

View attachment 2314159

Nice comparison, 2011 LX570 is next for me in the next 5 years the LX470 still has plenty of life!