Love my LC, but what about the 4Runner?

[jcardona1]

An occasional HG does not make this a "fragile" engine. How many of us abuse ours driving around built vehicles that are 2000lbs heavier than the day they rolled of the line? I don't ever think twice about putting the skinny pedal down towing up the mountain because my drivetrain is fragile?

But this is a debate for another time. No help to the OP and his original question/s.

Yes, it's a separate discussion but I will say this. I love my 80 and don't question its reliability but I'm well aware that the head gasket is the Achilles Heel on the later FZJs with the giant inline 6.

I purchased a '96 4Runner back in 2002 with 50k miles. The truck is still in the family and my in-laws own it with about 260k on the clock. The 4Runner still runs like a champ while the head gasket on my '96 FZJ let go at 167k.

Leaving the fanboy-ism aside, FZJs have a problem with head gaskets plain and simple. But that still doesn't mean I'm giving mine up.

 

[Natty]

all the above 4runner pics of capable trucks have solid axle front end and tons of work. any 4runner you'll find will not, and that is largely what makes the Cruiser the " big brother " to the 4runner... light duty vs heavy duty... no comparison. having said that, the 4runner would suit more people, as most don't tend to go off road to the point where it matters... but if you do, you'll want the Cruiser.

 

[PIG PUNISHER]

A solid axle is not a requirement to go off-road. I have put ifs rigs in places many on this board would not take their 80s, and without breakage. Unless you're rock crawling the ifs will serve you well. Cv's are not hard to replace if you do break one, and aftermarket support is great for the 4runners. All that said I love my 80 and will continue to fix it as the need arises, but that doesn't mean a 4runner is not a great family camping and moderate off-roading rig.

 

[CharlestonG8R]

I worked as a Forensics Engineer from 1999-2001 and I saw the abuse that 3rd Gen 4Runners would take in accidents. I saw all kinds of vehicle makes/models involved in rollover collisions and the 4Runner appeared to protect its passengers better than any other car we dealt with (I never dealt with a LC for the record). I bought one, sold it, and missed it so much I bought another one. I wheeled it in the California high desert and it performed admirably. I later got in to a pretty bad accident in it and walked away without a scratch - yanked a bit on the fender and even drove it home. My 80 has been great for the past 8 years and I love it, I'll drive it until it dies. As everyone has already stated, LC's and 4R's are different vehicles. The Land Cruiser is the superior off-roader, but the 4Runner is awesome in its own right.

 

[chairborne]

My brother had a sweet third gen runner until a lower ball joint failed and totaled it. I guess it's not an uncommon problem. I have a lot of toyotaphile friends and I've always liked the runners but they are not built nearly as well as the 80. I've wrenched on enough of them to know it.

 

[CharlestonG8R]

Size Matters

Okay, I neglected to add one important issue with the 4Runner (which is why we no longer own one)... The could not stand how small it was and hated the rough ride (that's what she said). She doesn't complain about the 80.

 

[PIG PUNISHER]

The 3rd gen LBJ's can be problematic. That said its PM issue really. 4th gen does not share that problem

 

[CharlestonG8R]

3rd Gen has Lyndon B Johnsons?!?!?!? (Sorry, I had to...)

 

[jwilliams]

Say no to the LR DII!

Run as far away as you can from a DII. Experience with HG failure here. With the slipping liner issue I am sure you have read about. I had her for 11 years, and had the top end rebuilt about 3 times. I wish I had that money back and had been putting it into a dependable truck like the 80. You live and learn... and I will always try and talk people out of a DII now. Just my two cents.
Here is a pic of her, she was pretty... but the engine was a pita.

 

[aviator31]

I've owned a locked 99 Sport on 33s, a 03 Sport V8 on 295s unlocked and now an 80. They each have their strengths/weaknesses. I would be happy with any of them, but for a DD and capable enough rig for 80% of trails, the 4th Gen comes out ahead in most areas. The V8 is tons smoother and mileage is even better. It is much more comfortable and refined than the 80 IMO. I love the 80, but they are different animals. The 3rd Gen is my favorite aesthetically and tough as nails, but not any more capable off-road equally equipped to the 4th. Only reason I sold the 4th was because I needed third row seating and the extra bit of room the 80 offered. I'd pick up another 4th Gen tomorrow no problem.

 

[rickashay]

I sold my 98' 4Runner for my LX450. I loved my 4Runner and it was very capable. My seat time in the LX isnt near what I had in the 4Runner but there really isnt anywhere I would take my LX but not my built 4Runner, or at least at this point anyway. I'm no KOH contender but the 4Runner does pretty good with it's IFS.

It did this well (won "Best 4x4 of Show" at this event)

20120510-IMG_1566.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

But also was right at home here:

20120217-IMG_0990.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120203-IMG_0606.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr


20120702-IMG_2180 by RickaShay24, on Flickr

 

[carbon60]

How is the equation when comparing the same $$ spend? I have an '96 80 with 215K miles on it and a decent amount of rust. Lots of stuff coming up for replacement, now. (Plus the rust.) If I were to spend, say $15000 USD, what would I end up with in terms of a 4Runner vs another, lower-miles/less rust, 80?

A.

 

[bugsnbikes]

If you have no plans to sink $1k and your own elbow grease into pming the cruiser for the next 100k of service.......you are always better off finding as low mileage and newer of a 100 or 4runner that you can find. 100series if you need the girth......and 4 runner if the size fits and you enjoy ever so slightly better mpg.

The landcruiser wear and pm items get costly real fast if you are taking it to $120hr shops and paying dealer prices for oem parts. The only way an 80 makes sense for the next 100k miles is if you can remove those costs by DIY......otherwise you are right on the money finding the lowest mileage and newer toyota family member

 

[richardlillard1]

I sold my 98' 4Runner for my LX450. I loved my 4Runner and it was very capable. My seat time in the LX isnt near what I had in the 4Runner but there really isnt anywhere I would take my LX but not my built 4Runner, or at least at this point anyway. I'm no KOH contender but the 4Runner does pretty good with it's IFS.

It did this well (won "Best 4x4 of Show" at this event)

20120510-IMG_1566.jpg by RickaShay24, on Flickr

Looks great! I don't think I could pull off a dress like that to pose in front of my 80.

 

[Tools R Us]

...
It did this well (won "Best 4x4 of Show" at this event)

...

And, there you have it, photographic proof that chicks dig 4Runners, and didn't even have to slap on one of them tacky dorkles to make it happen!

 

[carbon60]

I'm asking myself this very question.

 

[inkpot]

And, there you have it, photographic proof that chicks dig 4Runners, and didn't even have to slap on one of them tacky dorkles to make it happen!

I thought hood ornaments were transferable?

 

[retrofive]

I thought hood ornaments were transferable?