Why are land cruisers better then jeeps and blazers

This site may earn a commission from merchant affiliate
links, including eBay, Amazon, Skimlinks, and others.

I don't buy that the number one 4WD in Oz is the Land Rover. I thought I remember reading in the Australian 4WD mag that the Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol are consistently rated #1 & 2 in their reviews.

Speaking of ruggedness and reliability, that's probably the reason why mine companies import 70 series pickups for their mine use here in Canada. Why else wouldn't they just buy a cheap domestic since we all know that businesses look out primarily for their bottom line and profit margin?
 
funny

The toyotas are great. But, really they are no better than some proven older American designs. They are very overbuilt. So are many older american vehicles. Not talking jeeps here. Dodge power wagons come to mind. 70's Fords are some of the toughest trucks around. Plus they are faster and can actually pull things. Many older American rigs had the same style front axle as the Cruisers. The 2F is evidently a metric copy of an older Chevrolet. Seems like Mr. toyota must have thought it was ok if they took the time to copy it. A lot of vehicles go as far as a Toyota. Just look at other vehicle boards. I see just as many problems with Toyotas on this forum as I see with 25 year old Jeeps on other forums. I love my 60 but the American vehicle bashing is dumb. Pisses me off I can't get parts just anywhere for my LC. But, I bet if I was in japan I would have trouble getting something for my 76 Camper Special.
 
rookie said:
As for the Centeral American countries you dont see many Cruisers or Rovers. Mostly Old Buses and vintage American cars and trucks (Chevys, Fords) and older Corolla's, Honda's etc. This is because there much poorer nations then the US, Australia, and Saudi Arabia. One note thou, the tour we took to the Mayan Ruins in Guatemala was in the FJ62.
Click to expand...

The comment on Chevy's and Ford's holds true in Mexico simply because they were available new in Mexico. But look at all the Toyota pickups around Mexico that were not available there!
I don't know when you were in Guatemala but the situation with vehicles has changed significantly over the last 5-10 years.
Here in Guatemala get off the beaten path and you will see Toyota and Nissan. For every Ford or Chevy off the beaten path there will be 20 -30 Toyotas or Nissans (the ratio is not as high as that in northern Guatemala due to the proximity to Mexico and the accessibility to Mexico's cast offs).
Try and get a part for a Ford or Chevy, maybe it will be available but I wouldn't bet on it, but for a Toyota NO PROBLEM! I needed the large seal that bolts to the brake backing plate on the front axle of my '82 'Cruiser (the one that rarely ever fails or needs replacing). I got it across the counter here in Guatemala (no "We need to order it in" or "Come back this afternoon/tomorrow" but "Here you go sir")! A buddy needs calipers for his mid '90's Chrysler and he needs to get them from either the states or Mexico.
The old buses are common here in Guatemala because most folks can't afford a car or truck. Those who can afford a car or truck are looking for Japanese vehicles. I know because I talk to them. The most common vehicle here in Guatemala is easily a 22R powered Toyota pickup.
 
Yeah I did see a bunch of toyo trucks in Guatemala, I was there in 1996. I love that area down there. I cant wait to get my 60 in awesome shape to road trip back down through Mexico and Guatemala.
 
75pinz said:
A lot of vehicles go as far as a Toyota.
Click to expand...

What percentage of the fleet is still on the road? I have no true idea, but I'd guess there are a larger percentage of old cruisers still running than other makes.

ANY car will keep running if you keep maintaining it and buying new parts, but I'd say it's easier to keep a Cruiser running (fewer major malfunctions).

My 60 has 174k on it, and it has fewer squeaks than any other car I've had over 100k miles. :)
 
Jman said:
What percentage of the fleet is still on the road? I have no true idea, but I'd guess there are a larger percentage of old cruisers still running than other makes.

ANY car will keep running if you keep maintaining it and buying new parts, but I'd say it's easier to keep a Cruiser running (fewer major malfunctions).

My 60 has 174k on it, and it has fewer squeaks than any other car I've had over 100k miles. :)
Click to expand...

Hey Jman, Im here to tell ya that there are WAY more old Jeeps on the road than onld cruisers. Simply because they sold WAY more jeeps than cruisers.

When there were vehicle for vehicle available for sale here in the US Toyota made a better product. Now a days, Jeep is a way better product because AT LEAST YOU CAN STULL BUY ONE!

Yes Im PISSED at Toyota for NOT selling me a BJ74/HZJ74.. Fawkers!

TB
 
Hey Jman, Im here to tell ya that there are WAY more old Jeeps on the road than onld cruisers. Simply because they sold WAY more jeeps than cruisers.
Click to expand...

Good point. Here a question though. How many of the Jeeps have 150k, 200k, 250k, 300k+ Miles on them? How many of them have there orginal motors, drive train, etc.? Not all but most of the old CJ's Ive seen are rebuilt. Now Jeep owners can claim the reason to droping new motors in a jeep is to make it a better rock crawler, off roader, or even DD. But, Ill take the 60/62 that has a suitable power plant and drive train, to do modirate crawling, off roading, and still use as a DD. thats can still go strong at 174k.

Its not fair to compair Jeeps vs. Cruisers. In the US there are thousands of more Jeeps then cruisers. The real evaluation with any older car is to look at its longitivity, Customer statisfaction, avaliblity of parts, and its real durability (not having to replace the power plant and drive train).

Im a previous Jeep owner(Wrangler) replacement parts are a dime a dozen. upgrades easy to come by. Though as a stickler with regular maintance. I had to do a rebuild on the motor at 78k.....but I guess there probrobly been a few cruiser owners that changed the oil every 3-4k miles that were in the same situation as I was in.
 
rookie said:
Good point. Here a question though. How many of the Jeeps have 150k, 200k, 250k, 300k+ Miles on them? How many of them have there orginal motors, drive train, etc.? Not all but most of the old CJ's Ive seen are rebuilt. Now Jeep owners can claim the reason to droping new motors in a jeep is to make it a better rock crawler, off roader, or even DD. But, Ill take the 60/62 that has a suitable power plant and drive train, to do modirate crawling, off roading, and still use as a DD. thats can still go strong at 174k.

Its not fair to compair Jeeps vs. Cruisers. In the US there are thousands of more Jeeps then cruisers. The real evaluation with any older car is to look at its longitivity, Customer statisfaction, avaliblity of parts, and its real durability (not having to replace the power plant and drive train).

Im a previous Jeep owner(Wrangler) replacement parts are a dime a dozen. upgrades easy to come by. Though as a stickler with regular maintance. I had to do a rebuild on the motor at 78k.....but I guess there probrobly been a few cruiser owners that changed the oil every 3-4k miles that were in the same situation as I was in.
Click to expand...


I agree with all that. IF IF IF IF IF we had the oppurtunity to BUY a damn land cruiser today I'd say YES THEY ARE BETTER. But those assholes at Toyota decided that we werent WORTHY!

So, that 2005 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Rubicon is a WAY better vehicle than the 2005 land cruiser that I CANT BUY!

Although, the 1989 BJ-74 that I'm going to get is a way better rig than that 2005 TJ.


TB
 
Stone said:
I don't buy that the number one 4WD in Oz is the Land Rover. I thought I remember reading in the Australian 4WD mag that the Land Cruiser and Nissan Patrol are consistently rated #1 & 2 in their reviews.

Speaking of ruggedness and reliability, that's probably the reason why mine companies import 70 series pickups for their mine use here in Canada. Why else wouldn't they just buy a cheap domestic since we all know that businesses look out primarily for their bottom line and profit margin?
Click to expand...

What Rookie says about Landrovers outnumbering cruisers is TRUE but only pre 1968:rolleyes: ,when we had record players, The Beatles and hippys :D

The rover product is still big in OZ though,plenty of RR,discos,but the defender is not a big seller against the 7# series and the top of the line Defender is still the same price as the cheapest 7# series ,$45k AUD
 
longevity

I think that the Jeep straight sixes are just as good as a 2f with alot more power. I have both. The 258 and 4.0 are proven reliable. Either way, the 2F is as relaible as a Chevy straight 6, no? Jeep transmissions have sucked almost every time they have made one (borrowed) but for a few exceptions. The aisisn jeep transmissions have sucked about half the time. AX5. t the AX15 is a good one though.
 
thanks for all the posts, The only reason i asked was because I have an 88 fj62, 310 000 miles + on it. It has had a smog pump replaced and the front knuckles rebuilt a long time go before I bought it from my dad. It has no lift and bald s***ty tires, but when I go wheeling with friends that have 2000 broncos, bllazers, and jeeps I always sem to do the best. I just couldn't figure it out.
 
leonard_nemoy said:
thanks for all the posts, The only reason i asked was because I have an 88 fj62, 310 000 miles + on it. It has had a smog pump replaced and the front knuckles rebuilt a long time go before I bought it from my dad. It has no lift and bald s***ty tires, but when I go wheeling with friends that have 2000 broncos, bllazers, and jeeps I always sem to do the best. I just couldn't figure it out.
Click to expand...


Most likely, I d say it s because your vehicle was made for off roading, whereas a 2000 (even back as far as the late 80s-early 90s) GM, Ford or Jeep Product is designed for getting soccer moms to the walgreen s and back. I have seen explorer s stuck in mall parking lots-- I kid you not.

With the exception of the TJ, all of Jeep, GMs and Fords SUV/Truck products are available with 4x4 as an *OPTION.* This makes it clear what the vehicles are designed for and marketed to -- people who want the look of a truck to fool people into thinking they lead interesting, rugged outdoorsy lives, but dont want to sacrifice car ride or the built in DVD player. So, they get truck sheet metal, but car drivelines and suspension. They are clad in Plastic trim on the front rear and middle, affecting the approach, ramp breakover and departure angles... (ever gone wheeling and seen a pair of shiny new running boards or front valences or something ripped off the vehicle and left to sit??? ( I always pick that crap up to keep the tree huggers from trying to close the land down, BTW)

I repect Land Rover-- they design very well engineered off roaders. THey just dont build a very good one. Lot s of quality issues, and the new ones are very reliant on electronic systems which i dont like. (To me, traction control is operated by your right foot) I'd love a Defender 110 with a diesel, but lo and behold, not available!

Why not??? Cause Rover knows we dont need it since they are all going to be used for mall duty anyway-- so why spend money designing safety features for the vehicle to sell it in the US to a bunch of people who dont know how to use it, or what to do with it??? (and most likely will complain about the harsh ride, poor handling, poor acceleration/speed and noise of the thing, not to mention the lack of availability of leather or other luxury features)

Same goes for Toyota-- I forget who is complaining about the availability of Land Cruisers in the US.... It aint gonna happen, cause the mass market wants make believe trucks with leather and DVD players for the kids, not serious off roaders. It is the small cadre of enthusiasts like us who suffer.

Sorry.

Fred
 
Every time I read a magazine talking about j**ps and how to improve them, they basically say pull the entire drivetrain and use chevy stuff. All they say for cruisers is to put in a small block. (I know, they say that for everything)
 
Mr. Spock. Who's asking the Fawking questions here? Can I be in charge for awhile? Stick with takin orders, & wishing you could stick your phaser into that sweet pie that was Lt. Ahura not asking DA questions. Sincerely, Capt. James T. Kirk, commander and dillweed of the Starship Enterprise.
 
rookie said:
Speaking in reference to the fact that cruisers are all over the world. This is true... but I have been to the Middle East(Saudi Arabia) and Australian Outback, Guatemala, Costa Rico, and Mexico. While I have personally witnessed Cruisers in all these locations. The vast majority of "Go anywhere vehicles" in both the Middle East and Australia are Land Rovers.
Click to expand...


very not true for australia, we got alot of pre 1970's landrovers, but basically 1 out of every 5 of those runs, mostly with other make engines etc, and usually not offroaded that much, more a resto/poser thing, at least over here on the east coast

on any given weekend, go out (really offroad) and count vehicles, it would be a threeway tie between nissan patrols, toyota Hilux (and variants) and cruisers.

toyota landcruiser has been the top selling true (i.e. dual range 4x4) large 4x4 wagon for as far as i can remember, maybe nissan snuck in there occasionally, but not rover.
 
All things being equal, as in no 70 series and offerings only available on U.S. soil, you can keep the Jeep Rubicon. They sell for 20-30k with lockers and all, but a nice 40 with a fresh 350 and air lockers can be had for about 12-15k, half the cost of a Rubicon. The Rubicon will cost a fortune to insure, register and smog (I'm in California), while the 40 is every bit as capable, cheap to insure, register, and if older than 1974, smog exempt. The 40 looks better, has heavier sheet metal, beefier components, and fewer gears to break in the stock transmission. Who needs six speed transmissions? Three are fine when coupled with a good t-case. Get crazy and add a marlin crawler, it's still cheaper than what you'd pay for a good set of tires on either truck. Top end speed is useless on the trail and the limit on most highways is 65 anyway. Granted, the Rubicon has "New Car Smell" which I hate but others like, has really nifty Rubicon stickers to differentiate itself from the standard Heeps, and seems like the best Jeep in years, but I'll save the cash, and drive a 30 year old Toyota. Now as for other options, the new power wagon, there's an interesting ride. I could honestly say that this would probably offer more than a nice 45 series pickup, as parts probably cost the same, and the Yota is priced much higher than 40's in todays market. The 45 will however probably still be on the road after the Dodge has migrated to the Pick and Pull. I hate to say that 40's are better than Rubicon's, but I will say they may be a better long term financial investment when looking into maintenance, registration, insurance, and depreciation factors in the aggregate. By the way, I drive an 80 and it kills both Heeps and 40's! Heh Heh. ;)
 
I have a 1947 CJ2A that has 58K miles on it. It still starts and runs, but I believe that it has been rebuilt.

My '87 cruiser has three times the mileage and has never been rebuilt - just maintained. It runs extremely well.

In 1973 I drove my box stock '72 FJ40 through the Rubicon Jamboree. I passed a lot of CJ5s that had been broken along the way. Lots of people made fun of the 'rice burners' in those days, but they are not laughing today.

I bought an '87 cruiser because that is EXACTLY the vehicle I wanted. Could have bought anything else, regardless of price. The cruiser gets it done for me.

Mike S
 
I wish I could say that my FJ62 has been the most reliable vehicle I have owned, but it just isn't true. Only 125K on the truck and little problems always seem to pop up. Most of the time it is fuel system related. FPR's, fuel pulsation dampener's, fuel pump relays, you name it and I have replaced it several times over the last 50K miles. Haven't had much luck with starter motors either. Don't get me wrong, I love my Cruiser and would never get rid of it, it's just that I don't trust it for long trips anymore. Last two times I tried to cross the US, I broke down halfway. Broke down leaving Cruise Moab because my water pump took a dump in the middle of the desert. Gone through two thermostats and three radiators in the process as well. The most reliable truck I have ever owned is my '75 Bronco. I would put that up against a similarly equipped FJ40 any day of the week.

One question I have for everybody is in regards to our engines being able to last for heaps of miles before a rebuild. I don't really see it as an advantage like the rest of you. I am waiting for my engine to go boom so I can replace it with something that can actually accelerate my vehicle up a hill. I know, if you are out on the trail having tons of power isn't the most important, but when my Cruiser is a daily driver the stock 3FE pisses me off on a regular basis. Sweet, I have no power. Sweet, I get 11 mpg. Sweet, I get all of this for another 175K miles garunteed. Give me something with power, slightly better gas mileage, and kicks the bucket every 100K.

You know I love my Cruiser when it pisses me off so much and yet I wouldn't trade it for anything.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.

Share this page

Back
Top Bottom