Driving in the snow - my impressions, LX470 vs Isuzu Trooper

[cwmoser]

Thought I would post some of my impressions from driving in
the snow - both of my 2002 Lexus LX470, 2000 Isuzu
Trooper, and 8" of snow.

Let me say that both are very worthy 4x4's but there are
some differences.

As a "play" vehicle, its easier to intentionally spin out with
the Isuzu. The LX470 with its full time 4x4 and active
controls does do a better job of keeping you out of trouble.

If you are not familiar with the Isuzu Trooper, they are a
quality built vehicle - excepting for the Engine and Transmission.
With Isuzu's, you better constantly maintain the
Engine and Transmission properly.
Definitely not bullet proof like the Lexus but other than that
the vehicle is a great though different driving experience.

The Isuzu can be put in just rear wheel drive or 4wd with
a flip of a switch. Isuzu does not a have a differential lock
though. Both have the typical 4H/N/4L lever to lock
in 4wd. One observation is with the Isuzu I simply
shift the Transmission to N and can shift to 4L without
grinding the gears. The LX470 will grind gears with the
Transmission in N when you shift to 4L - better to
shift to Park first.

Both sit high, the Isuzu is smaller though. The Isuzu
feels like it can be "goosier" with a little pedal action.

Like I said, the LX470 seems like all the automated
systems keep the vehicle under control, while the
Isuzu it feels like you the driver have more control.
It feels to me like when I wanted to "play on the snow"
that the Isuzu was more fun. Course it is a lighter
and smaller vehicle but has a 6 cylinder engine.

I could get the Isuzu stuck in the snow by switching
to rear wheel drive only - but a flip of switch into
4wd and I drove right off. Never did get the LX470
stuck as its 4wd full time and can't be switched off.

I bet if the LX470 had a switch to disable full time 4wd
that we could get maybe 2 to 3 more mpg.

Both are fine 4x4 vehicles but without a doubt the
LX470 is an overall better built, more reliable,
though different vehicle. In some ways though
its just a little too boring in snow for my tastes.

 

[spikey]

Your LX will not likely get stuck in 8" of snow.

But, trust me, with enough snow, you can get anything stuck.

 

[KINGER]

What tires?

I recently drove a 2014 Yukon XL with KO2s through a snow storm. It wanted to scrub through tight turns where my LX with KO2s tracks and rotates better with throttle input. However, like you said, it is difficult to hoon the 100 with its electronic nannys.

 

[cwmoser]

What tires?

I recently drove a 2014 Yukon XL with KO2s through a snow storm. It wanted to scrub through tight turns where my LX with KO2s tracks and rotates better with throttle input. However, like you said, it is difficult to hoon the 100 with its electronic nannys.

I like your description ... "electronic nannys"

 

[jdayment]

It is possible to go to part time 4WD on the LX just have to get the kit

LandCruiser 100 series part-time 4WD conversion kit

 

[PhrogsPhorever]

They have the same thing for the 80, not much of a change in MPG when I had a similar setup on my 3FE 80

 

[C6H12O6]

You can still get a little sideways with the 100 if you turn on the center diff lock. At least on the later years, doing so disables the VSC and lets you have a little fun if you want. This is my first winter with the 100 after 11 years with an 80. I was skeptical, but I stand amazed. Michelin LTX M/S2 tires and all the electronic traction controls make this truck a beast in the snow. So impressed.

 

[Spanktron9]

Your LX will not likely get stuck in 8" of snow.

But, trust me, with enough snow, you can get anything stuck.

99 with 35s. triple locked...and high centered on a self created snow wedge.

 

[cwmoser]

Thats a heck of a lot more snow than I was playing in.
To deliver all the facts, the only way my Isuzu Trooper got stuck
was in rear wheel drive stopped on a steep hill.

Both my LX470 and Isuzu Trooper all had Michelin LTX highway tires.

Next time I'll have to turn on the Center Differential Lock
when I am out "playing". Thanks for the tip.

 

[spikey]

99 with 35s. triple locked...and high centered on a self created snow wedge.)


Get out the shovel......

 

[Spanktron9]

Spikey-

LOL. That's what the 80-series behind me is for.
We all have winches and recovery straps. There was also a Chevota with 39.5s and spools out front breaking trail. Snow depth was over 5 ft and felt like it was gaining an inch every 5 minutes. Gotta love the Cascades in Winter!

 

[caslim]

Those snow pics are epic! Always wanted to experience that. Probably asking for trouble tough

In regard to using the center diff to play in snow (donuts and such), is that good for the differential?

 

[nnnnnate]

In regard to using the center diff to play in snow (donuts and such), is that good for the differential?

Doesn't matter, its good for the soul.

I'm guilty of doing this on occasion, whether its good or bad or whatever...I don't know.

 

[SmoothLC]

It's all good. Up to highway speeds as well. Typically use for snow, sand, or slight mud/loose traction.

 

[cwmoser]

It is possible to go to part time 4WD on the LX just have to get the kit

LandCruiser 100 series part-time 4WD conversion kit

That is an interesting conversion kit.
On my Isuzu Trooper both drive shafts - front and rear - turn all the time.
There is an electronic actuator at the front differential that engages/disengages
power to the front axle. I have thought about dropping the front driveshaft
during the summer months to see if I get any better fuel economy.

BTW, my lighter non-full time 4wd v6 Isuzu Trooper only gets 14-16mpg,
and my much heavier full time v8 LX470 gets 13-15mpg.

 

[auh]

I had a trooper before I had my LC. I really liked it until I was towing my motorcycle and the trans went. I regularly maintained the trans also, just happened to be a small leak in a gasket. At least that's what the guy that bought it from me said it took him to get it up and running again.

I also never was able to get more than 11mpg in my Trooper, or LC. I'm very hopeful that my next 100 will give me better mileage.

 

[cwmoser]

I had a trooper before I had my LC. I really liked it until I was towing my motorcycle and the trans went. I regularly maintained the trans also, just happened to be a small leak in a gasket. At least that's what the guy that bought it from me said it took him to get it up and running again.

I also never was able to get more than 11mpg in my Trooper, or LC. I'm very hopeful that my next 100 will give me better mileage.

Owning several Isuzu Troopers (1998, 1999, 1999, and 2000), I came to
dislike sealed Transmissions - i.e. no Transmission dip stick. Crawling under
them, loosening a bolt and pumping in Transmission fluid sucked. That
was the reason I concentrated my search for an LX470 in the years
1998-2003 - these have Transmission dipsticks.