Can you really rock crawl with an FZJ?

[TiredIronGRB]

I was afraid I would have to explain that

It's a "Crap Strap", you hold on to it and lean back....you can figure out the rest

 

[cruiserdan]

A few more....

 

[justagirl]

It's a "Crap Strap", you hold on to it and lean back....you can figure out the rest

Now how am I supposed to get THAT visual out of my head?

Invest in a weight bench and build those quadriceps.

 

[justagirl]

Even Newbs can wheel an 80

At least the mall cruiser showed up with good tires (looks like). We once had a LR Discovery show up with street tires. That was a drag.

 

[Nay]

So, here I am thinking about switching to a more reliable FZJ. I'm worried about the wheelbase--112.2 inches comapared to 100 for the RRC. What difference can I expect as a result of the extra 12 inches? Be nice, please. Does anybody out there rock crawl with both a swb and lwb vehicle?

I moved to the FZJ80 out of a 100" wheelbase rig that was lifted 8". We didn't really answer your question fully....but obviously you can crawl these things right up there with other solid axle rigs.

The longer wheelbase isn't as much of an issue as you'd think. For starters, you can put 35" tires on a pretty small lift without hacking up the fenders, and that is a huge advantage. And we have excellent sliders available, such as Slee's. Get them, you will use them, and often.

I think that the biggest issue is the rear overhang is just too long, and it will get in the way on steep climbs and ledge descents. You have to get used to dragging it a bit unless you are willing to do some custom mods, or really go high with the lift.

Having said all of that, the 80 is a very balanced rig and has an extemely driver friendly drivetrain. They don't feel anywhere near as big as they are on the trail.

Coming from a unibody Jeep or older RR, you are going to absolutely love this thing and wonder why you didn't do it years ago. I say that aside from reliability issues...and I still wonder why people who don't need all the extra room would choose something this big as a trail rig. A 3rd gen Runner would serve just as well with a friendlier size and better gas mileage if that matters to you. Of course, everybody here will tell you that the 80 will outlast that Runner a couple times over...

Nay

 

[Vitesse_6]

Welcome...Along time ago I looked at a RRLWB....after I read all about the maint. issues I looked else where.
Good luck on the search, If you havent seen it yet have a look here, The slee newb info is gold!
https://forum.ih8mud.com/showpost.php?p=1012335&postcount=3
Once again good luck!

 

[concretejungle]

80's like mud too. . .

 

[justagirl]

A 3rd gen Runner would serve just as well

What years are 3rd generation for a 4Runner?

I still wonder why people who don't need all the extra room would choose something this big as a trail rig

I hate to sound shallow, but the LC is just more aesthetically pleasing to me than a 4Runner; it looks tough. I look like Tinkerbell, so I'm probably overcompensating for my diminuitive size with my choice of vehicles.

 

[cruiserdan]

I look like Tinkerbell, so I'm probably overcompensating for my diminuitive size with my choice of vehicles.

Common, quite common.....


Usually the male but still, common............

 

[Romer]

I have both a 4runner and an 80. Both are built up for offroad. I would take the 80 anyday. Much more capable than the 4runner, so Nay, sorry to disagree, but I do. The 80 is even more capable than my FJ40

 

[concretejungle]

The 80 is even more capable than my FJ40

uh-oh, here goes the neighborhood.

 

[nakman]

Tired, those tires are #*@&ing bad ass, dude. no other way to say it.

 

[Cruiserdrew]

The 80 is even more capable than my FJ40

No way. The 80 is a much better vehicle in every respect, but more capable? It must be the driver.

 

[Junk]

You won't regret buying an 80. For a combo hardcore/daily driver rig it's pretty much the best choice.

 

[semlin]

pimpin hard i see junkster

 

[C6H12O6]

I look like Tinkerbell...

Tinkerbell is useless without pics.

 

[Little Boss]

Welcome!!
The FZJ is very capable. You won't be dissappointed. Mod the h...ll out of it, but keep it practical. Just my $.02. If you want 35 inch tires, go with a 4 inch lift. Some stuff 35's into a 2.5 setup. You just lose travel. Evaluate how much DD vs. Wheeling you are going to do as to what set up you need.

Teresa

 

[Romer]

No way. The 80 is a much better vehicle in every respect, but more capable? It must be the driver.

My 40 has a rear aussie and no front locker. The longer wheel base of the 80 and front locker is what makes it more capable. However, in tight trails, the 40 has its advantages over the 80. It does depend on the trail. Moab for example is better suited to an 80.

 

[Riad]

I know I'm probably really the insignificant in this but just couldn't resist . This is my daily driver AND regular trail beater.

RRCs are nice and can (some times) go to places WITH lockers but without them lockers? I'm not sure. That's where you will see the difference. Even an 80 with open diffs can do Majic. I know cause mine used to be open and with that I have wheeled with the local rover guys with their front and rear locked rigs. And now I only have a rear locker. I have been seriously lazy to install my front locker. Simply because I'm doing fine with the one in the rear. By all means I will suggest to get a locked 80 but if you can't find one and would have to settle for one with open diffs, don't feel bad. Trust me , you WON'T regret a thing.

 

[firetruck41]

Justagirl- great choice for a username, now to pick an appropriate avatar.

It this thread were started by (for example) "Justaboy", it would have only garnered about three replies, two of which would have been from Thai