I had a 98 SR5 4Runner 4x4 with 5-speed manual. Loved it in every way. On the freeway, it was smooth esp going up to Tahoe and back. I sold it and bought a 94 Land Cruiser because I needed the 3rd row seat for the kids. Little that I know, I'd love my Land Cruiser ever more than my 4Runner. If I can have both, I would but I'll take my baby, 94 Land Cruiser any day. I don't even want a newer Land Cruiser, well, maybe the 97 40th Anniversary but that's it. It has a classic shape like the FJ40.
Land Cruiser V.S 4runner??
- Thread starter davidtweekduarte
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No way Pinocchio!
You can google the sizes of the respective rigs. For sure the 80 is longer, wider and significantly heavier. The 4Skin is plenty big enough, however.
depends on which runner. the 2nd gen 90-95 is much smaller than the 80. the 3rd gen 96-02 is marginally smaller. about 4 inches all the way around. noticeable at first, but then it wears off. i had a 97 runner, pretty built with fr/rr lockers, sliders the whole 9. the locked ifs did surprisingly well, and helped me go anywhere more capable trucks were going save for obstacles where rollovers and severe body damage was imminent.
my old runner on 35's with a friends LX450 lifted on 33's:
think of the 80 as a marginally bigger but much heavier version of the 3rd gen. it is very tank like as the AWD makes it feel that much more robust. both very capable off road equally setup. neither arent powerhouses, but power to weight ratio, the 4runner wins purely based on weight and size. the 3.4L 5VZE was adequate. with any truck with bigger tires...lower gears are your friend. if you're smart, locked IFS shouldnt be a problem. size in the trails shouldnt be much different. pin striping will happen on both trucks. 2" on each side wont make a difference. FWIW, 80s were available with front and rear lockers where the 4runner was available with rear lockers only.
i stepped up to the 80 as fitting 3 kids in the 4runner just didnt work. i can fit 3 wide in the 2nd row easily in the 80, the 3rd row just makes it that much easier. if you have lots of people to haul, go for the 80. if its just yourself and SO etc..the runner works fine.
cant go wrong with either or. if you plan on wheeling it...which ever one you choose...GET ONE WITH LOCKERS!
my old runner on 35's with a friends LX450 lifted on 33's:
think of the 80 as a marginally bigger but much heavier version of the 3rd gen. it is very tank like as the AWD makes it feel that much more robust. both very capable off road equally setup. neither arent powerhouses, but power to weight ratio, the 4runner wins purely based on weight and size. the 3.4L 5VZE was adequate. with any truck with bigger tires...lower gears are your friend. if you're smart, locked IFS shouldnt be a problem. size in the trails shouldnt be much different. pin striping will happen on both trucks. 2" on each side wont make a difference. FWIW, 80s were available with front and rear lockers where the 4runner was available with rear lockers only.
i stepped up to the 80 as fitting 3 kids in the 4runner just didnt work. i can fit 3 wide in the 2nd row easily in the 80, the 3rd row just makes it that much easier. if you have lots of people to haul, go for the 80. if its just yourself and SO etc..the runner works fine.
cant go wrong with either or. if you plan on wheeling it...which ever one you choose...GET ONE WITH LOCKERS!
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No way Pinocchio!
You can google the sizes of the respective rigs. For sure the 80 is longer, wider and significantly heavier. The 4Skin is plenty big enough, however.
My '80 got slightly better mileage than the runner. At the time the '80 had 34K miles and the runner had 200K, but the heads had just been done, full tune, ran great. In my experience the 3.slo/auto is not a very efficient combo.
Buy the 80 and you won't regret it.
Buy the Runner and you MIGHT regret it.
Why take the chance
By the way I have nothing to back up these comments.
Buy the Runner and you MIGHT regret it.
Why take the chance
By the way I have nothing to back up these comments.
alia176
SILVER Star
I've had a 1st gen, 2nd gen and currently still own a 3rd gen 4runner along with the Cruiser. I love my 4runners and if I had room, I would still have all my 4runners. They're all capable off road to me. The Cruiser does seem to be more of a point it in any direction and go type of wheeler though; doesn't hurt that it has the f/r lockers. Plus it really is more comfortable. There are times when I wish I was driving the 4runner out on the trails....When I'd hear the scratching of the pinstriping on the LC due to the larger size 
I don't think you will be disappointed in either rig though.
Salue
I don't think you will be disappointed in either rig though.
Salue
