When I had my 80 series I expected the solid axles and beefy drivetrain to elevate it to another level off-road compared to my old 98 Tacoma single cab. However, in some situations, I found the LC's overbuilt tank-like design to be more of a hindrance than an asset on the narrow, muddy, and overgrown trails typical of the Ozark region.
Counterintuitively, I found the little 3200 lb IFS truck to be better suited to the kind of situations; despite being far less robust, it was able to negotiate certain obstacles where the big 80 series got bogged down and lost traction. (Both had open diffs).
Admittedly, this could have been user error, but has anyone else had experiences with this? I do miss the commanding seating position, interior space, AWD, and the general feeling of overbuilt quality of the 80 series, but are they more designed for the open, rocky terrain found in the western US and the middle east, where the solid axles and beefy frame would be essential for holding up to sustained abuse?
Basically, I'm wondering what kind of environments and uses Toyota had in mind when they designed this model that is often heralded as their high-water mark.
Don't get me wrong: I love the model and acknowledge its timeless beauty and rangy charm. In fact, I am on the lookout for another one, but I never quite understood the platform when I had my 97; it seemed like it was stuck somewhere between a compact SUV and a full-size domestic truck.
Counterintuitively, I found the little 3200 lb IFS truck to be better suited to the kind of situations; despite being far less robust, it was able to negotiate certain obstacles where the big 80 series got bogged down and lost traction. (Both had open diffs).
Admittedly, this could have been user error, but has anyone else had experiences with this? I do miss the commanding seating position, interior space, AWD, and the general feeling of overbuilt quality of the 80 series, but are they more designed for the open, rocky terrain found in the western US and the middle east, where the solid axles and beefy frame would be essential for holding up to sustained abuse?
Basically, I'm wondering what kind of environments and uses Toyota had in mind when they designed this model that is often heralded as their high-water mark.
Don't get me wrong: I love the model and acknowledge its timeless beauty and rangy charm. In fact, I am on the lookout for another one, but I never quite understood the platform when I had my 97; it seemed like it was stuck somewhere between a compact SUV and a full-size domestic truck.