How good are 4 runners? (1 Viewer)

[rc51kid]

I am somewhat new to all of this so this is an honest question. I should be buying my first truck around the end of the year. I have been looking at the FJ62 and FZJ80 LC for a while now. But recently I have started too really like the 1st, and 3rd gen 4 runners.

When I go over to Yota Tech and other forums I see tons of 4 runners wheeling in all sorts of terrain. If the 4 runners are really that capable are there advantages of gong to a LC such as a FJ62 or FZJ80? Should I believe that the LC is a superior platform all round? Maybe I should think all the 4 runner owners only got a 4 runner because they couldn’t afford a LC? I know it sounds like I am some troll trying to start a flame war but honestly I am not. But what do you guys think of the build quality and durability of 4 runners compared to the LC?

I kind of what a generalize answer pertaining to all 4runners Vs all LCs. But if it matters I am personally mostly considering FZJ80 and 3rd gen 4 runners. I want to use it as a DD, expedition, camping, travel and some 4 wheeling rig. I need to be able to sleep in it, dive it cross country and not have to wrench on it all the time.

 

[xskydivingdudex]

So i think that they are about the same though most ppl do favor the LC over the 4runner which i think is jsut because it has the name recognition of being offroad compared to the 4runner though the 3rd gen guys like myself are trying to make a name for ourselves by setting an offroad standard. Well i am not biased on this topic at all... i have a 02 4runner sport and my friend has a 97 FZJ 80 Limited. I think both are great and are vastly different in their own ways.

Well here are some of the things i know my friend and i have talked about and i know im leaving some out but this will hopefully get to thinking a bit...

Advantages/Disadvantages of 4runner:
- Significantly lighter
- Better MPGs
- Only needs 6 quarts (oil changes)
- More options for aftermarket lifts
- More cargo space in the rear
- Rear hatch is a single mechanism

Advantages/Disadvantages of LC (FZJ 80):
- All-time 4wd (AWD)
- Needs 8 quarts (oil changes)
- Body is about 2-3ft longer
- Body is taller providing a little more headroom
- Can fit larger tires better to some extent (stock)
- 3 rows of seating (7 passengers)
- Rear lower hatch can be used as seating

 

[rc51kid]

So i think that they are about the same though most ppl do favor the LC over the 4runner which i think is jsut because it has the name recognition of being offroad compared to the 4runner though the 3rd gen guys like myself are trying to make a name for ourselves by setting an offroad standard. Well i am not biased on this topic at all... i have a 02 4runner sport and my friend has a 97 FZJ 80 Limited. I think both are great and are vastly different in their own ways.

Well here are some of the things i know my friend and i have talked about and i know im leaving some out but this will hopefully get to thinking a bit...

Advantages/Disadvantages of 4runner:
- Significantly lighter
- Better MPGs
- Only needs 6 quarts (oil changes)
- More options for aftermarket lifts
- More cargo space in the rear
- Rear hatch is a single mechanism

Advantages/Disadvantages of LC (FZJ 80):
- All-time 4wd (AWD)
- Needs 8 quarts (oil changes)
- Body is about 2-3ft longer
- Body is taller providing a little more headroom
- Can fit larger tires better to some extent (stock)
- 3 rows of seating (7 passengers)
- Rear lower hatch can be used as seating

Are you saying that the 3 gen Runner has more cargo space than the LC? I would think the LC had more space. I do have one important question that you might be able to help with. Is the 3 gen Runner big enough for a two person sleeping platform inside? I know the LC is. My GF and i would like to build a nice platform for us when traveling.

 

[Happy Trails]

I'm lucky enough to have a 86 LC 60 and a 01 4runner. Love both but prefer my 4runner as a DD. Also have a heavily modified Tacoma that will rattle your teeth on a smooth road.

 

[Combat Chuck]

Are you saying that the 3 gen Runner has more cargo space than the LC? I would think the LC had more space. I do have one important question that you might be able to help with. Is the 3 gen Runner big enough for a two person sleeping platform inside? I know the LC is. My GF and i would like to build a nice platform for us when traveling.

The 55+ series LC's have TONS of interior space, but the 80-series has that third row, which hogs up a great deal of it. If you want to sleep 2 people, the 80 with the rear seats out will hold a good-sized mattress.
I know the second gen 4runner can sleep 2 on the cramped side.
either one's good, both the runners (tend to) and the LC's have legendary motors, I honestly think that the r series and f series motors are the best offroad engine found in a stock vehicle, but Skydiving's right about the fuel and oil usage differences.

The biggest advantage I can speak of for an 80 over a 3rd gen Runner is the stock live axle in the front of the 80. I can't stand IFS, and I'd rather own something with a beam axle up front than eight miles of CV joints and torsion bars.

 

[Duane]

Well the girlfriend and I spent 4 nights sleeping in the back of our 3rd gen this summer in Wyoming. We just used a couple chunks of thick foam. A platform should work ever better. It is fairly tight but depends how tall you are? I'm just under 6'

I'm not that familiar with an 80 series landcruiser but our old BJ60 certainly had more room in it.
A Landcruiser to me is old school 4X4 with solid axles and stacks of leaf springs rather than the rear coils and independent front suspension on our 3rd gen 4Runners.

I would lean towards the 4runner being the minimal maintenance, better gas mileage vehicle that is quite capable for offroading for what most people would do. A few have a rear locker where as a landcruiser is made for more serious offroading with available front and rear lockers and a center diff lock as well I think. Not sure what the 80 series offers but I think this would be pretty standard equipment.

For us 2 totally different vehicles as the lc was a diesel, std tranny with few options and our 4runners have been fairly loaded up comfort wise with automatics. For me 3rd gen 4runners are plentiful for parts and had good powertrains with lots of parts available from all the wrecked tacos from the frame recalls/buybacks. Landcruiser parts are harder to come by and seemed to cost plenty but then that was for our 1984.

I have considered buying another landcruiser or importing another diesel from Japan but the 3rd gen 4Runners are low maintenance useful vehicles that cost minimal to buy and own. They are narrower for the trails, reasonable gas mileage and we can put 4 people, gear, a dog inside and a canoe on top and head out for the day no problem. 3rd gens don't seem to rust like 1st and 2nd and have the extra room inside. You aren't going to tow anything big with them though.
that's my 2 cents

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

The up side to the older 4Runners is the affordability of modifications... The aftermarket support is amazing, and prices are reasonable... There isn't a Toyota 4x4 out there that I wouldn't own if the price was right... Though for now I have 2 1st Gen 4Runners and my wife drives a 3rd Gen.

 

[xskydivingdudex]

well im not saying that the 4runner has more cargo space... it does in terms if u keep the thrid row for sure but if not then the LC has about 2 feet more space on the interior.

I agree with combat chuck, the best part of having the LC is that it comes factory with a solid axle up front instead of the IFS...

 

[Mauzer]

If your driving it cross country I would definitely go for the 4Runner just on the basis of MPG's. The 4Runner has a V6 (or even a 4cyl if you go for an earlier year 3rd Gen), you have the availability of AWD (w/ multi-mode tcase), and if built properly can definitely sleep 2 people (I sleep in mine when I go camping and I too am just under 6'). The LC is a V8 with full time 4WD which severely drags down your MPG, especially once you lift it. If your looking for V8 power you can put the TRD supercharger on the 4Runner. They're both Toyota's which means both are reliable. And as far as solid axle vs IFS you need to think about what kind of wheeling your going to be doing, and also remember that if need be you can SAS the runner. Changing CV's is easy and inexpensive and if you stay off the skinny pedal won't break as often as some may lead you to believe.

 

[Happy Trails]

Well stated Duane!

 

[philos1]

. The LC is a V8 with full time 4WD which severely drags down your MPG.

not true. FZJ80 (1993-1997) is six cylinder, UZJ100 (1998-2007?)started the V8 LC.

For a DD, I'd get the 4runner. Only for trips/wheeling, then get an 80. but that's my opinion...

 

[pappy]

I have a 1Gen 4Runner. I've wheeled with several FZJ80s all with differing stages of modification. I've said for a long time that the 80-series is for sissies and old men. And I'm partially serious. I'm an older guy so I can say that. They are much more comfortable than my solid axle 4Runner. That said, my 4Runner fits my needs, and I think you need to decide what your needs are.

The 80-series is larger. More head room, wider, and taller. A 45qt Engel fridge will fit in an 80 and you can lift up the lid. Not in my 4Runner, so I settle for the 35. I sleep in my 4Runner, and when my wife was alive we both did all the time. It's a bit tight between the wheel wells, but acceptable. Two Thermarest mats will fit side by next. Length is an issue as the "bed" is only 6 feet long. With the tailgate down it's not a problem. Gate up ... and it's a bit short for my 5'10" frame.

My 4Runner is set up for long distance exploration. Setting up an 80-series to do the same is possible, but very expensive. I hold 30 gallons of fuel onboard, plus 5 gallons on the rear bumper. Combined with my 17mpg, I don't think an 80-series can come close.

As far as the FJ62. As much as I love the 3FE, I wouldn't own either an FJ62, or an FJ80. Why? The rats nest of plumbing and emissions. I have considered seriously the idea of selling the 4Runner and replacing it with an FZJ80. But every time I take a trip to Baja, and I don't need to worry about fuel, I change my mind.

So I guess my suggestion would be a 3Gen 4Runner with a 3.4L. The two downsides for me? No tailgate, and IFS. Other than that they are fine machines.

 

[Mauzer]

not true. FZJ80 (1993-1997) is six cylinder, UZJ100 (1998-2007?)started the V8 LC.

Huh, did not know that...I've been looking at 100 series for the gf and the only drawback was the V8, time to start looking into the 80's!

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

The 100's are IFS as well.

 

[rc51kid]

Thanks guys there is a lot of good info here. I hate to admit it but part of the appeal to the LC is simply the LC name. The reputation and history for durability and off road capability is appealing. You have to admit there is something nice about a classic Land Cruiser. That being said the 4Runner is looking better and better everyday. The girlfriend is still really stuck on the FJ60/62. But the other day when we saw a nice 3rd gen 4runner. She said she would rather have the 4runner than a FJ80. In my eyes, that puts a 4runner as the most likely purchase. I still have a long time until purchase. I would like to pay cash for it so I will be waiting until some time in 2011. By then we should the house, our land, the cars and all the credit cards paid off. Purchase a truck in cash and go traveling!!!

 

[Happy Trails]

Sounds like a good plan!

 

[apeterson]

Huh, did not know that...I've been looking at 100 series for the gf and the only drawback was the V8, time to start looking into the 80's!

yea but the v8 in the 100 probably gets better mpg than the v6 80.... just sayin

 

[cordrayj1]

yea but the v8 in the 100 probably gets better mpg than the v6 80.... just sayin

It does, my friends got both.

 

[2ndGenToyotaFan]

My wife's '01 4Runner V6 Auto has about 150k miles on it now (owned it since 60k) and we have had zero problems besides the battery finally taking a dive (original Toyota bat...) I've got 23 mpg out of it on the highway, but usual driving we get 18ish... Plenty of power, has towed 4000 pounds over Siskiyou summit (nasty hill) in southern Oregon a few times with no complaints. Very happy with ours!

 

[apeterson]

very happy with my 1998 but I have dumped a bunch of $ into it mostly on general maint. that would have to be done on any vehicle. Timing belt water pump, exhaust, bushings, ball joints, brakes, upgraded center consul to later model, starter (a huge bitch btw), plugs, wires.

but it is like a new truck now!!! got 149K on it and I am going to keep it for a long time!!! I have had a few vehicles in my time and my 3rd gen. 4runner is arguably my favorite all around!!