you are going to get your ass kicked in here talking good about fords...If it makes you feel any better the best vehicle I have ever had is a Bronco as well. 79 though. She just cranked over 400k last week. Hasn't had oil pressure since like 93. I like my Cruiser as well but I don't think it is inherently more reliable than anything else. My Jeep has had way less problems than this Cruiser and has just as many miles. I suspect if I was abusing the s*** out of them maybe the jeep would break more. But, for the average guy this doesn't really matter that much. My other truck is a 76 F250. I had to replace a water pump once and then one time I had to put exhaust on it and tires. Can't believe what a piece of s*** us americans make. When I tell people that my Fords run well they tell me they must have been made on a Tuesday by a happy union worker. ha. i love my cruiser.
Why are land cruisers better then jeeps and blazers
- Thread starter leonard_nemoy
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Yeah, the 3FE is a great engine if you live in an area where 40 mph is the top speed due to rutted out roads and horrible conditions. In the U.S. however, where it's mom, apple pie, and asphalt, you will quickly learn that the 3FE has it's shortcomings. I swapped at ~230k for a 300hp Chevy 350tbi mated to the stock A440F to keep the full time 4wd. I now have twice the power, about 1/4-1/3 better gas mileage, and I can buy parts locally without a two day wait. Reliability? The guy who built the engine assembled it for my particular application and I have confidence that it is as reliable or more than the 3FE it replaced. It was worth every cent. Given the option between the 350 and the 1FZ-FE, I'd happily keep the 350. Every shadetree mechanic out there has worked on one and parts are easily sourced. The 350 is as vanilla as they come. I can live without the purist philosophy, I like utility, reliability, and economy. 
Land Rover - Do you ever see OLD LR's running around? I don't, and I'm in CA where cars last forever. And could you even get parts for them if you did see them? I have nothing good to say about LR.
Jeep - Some good and some bad things to say about them. Only the Wrangler still has solid axles and the Dana 30 and 35's are garbage. Which means you have to go with a Rubicon, but you can't buy gears for it when you want to run big tires??? AMC Jeeps had some strange drivetrain options over the years. Constant problems with one thing or another since Chrysler took over. I love the old Willy's Jeeps though, they were solid. You can mix and match parts and build a real nice Jeep with enough $$$.
Blazers (chevy) - They don't really make a small vehicle that compares to the Jeeps, FJ40's or even 60 and 80 wagons. Tons of cheap parts. Old K5's are ok but they are huge rattle traps. My 2000 Landcruiser feels tighter than a brand new Chevy Tahoe even though it is 5 years older.
Bottom line, what do you need? Do you want an older vehicle, or a new one? Room for kid and tent, or room for a very small cooler? There are so many factors which play into this decision.
Jeep - Some good and some bad things to say about them. Only the Wrangler still has solid axles and the Dana 30 and 35's are garbage. Which means you have to go with a Rubicon, but you can't buy gears for it when you want to run big tires??? AMC Jeeps had some strange drivetrain options over the years. Constant problems with one thing or another since Chrysler took over. I love the old Willy's Jeeps though, they were solid. You can mix and match parts and build a real nice Jeep with enough $$$.
Blazers (chevy) - They don't really make a small vehicle that compares to the Jeeps, FJ40's or even 60 and 80 wagons. Tons of cheap parts. Old K5's are ok but they are huge rattle traps. My 2000 Landcruiser feels tighter than a brand new Chevy Tahoe even though it is 5 years older.
Bottom line, what do you need? Do you want an older vehicle, or a new one? Room for kid and tent, or room for a very small cooler? There are so many factors which play into this decision.
I love Toyotas period. Themini pickups are awesome. I am relatively new to Landcruiser having only owned two so far anyway. My 62 is great and it is just stock with 31s on it. I agree with a previous comment as well. When I was in Afghanistan everty second vehicle was a Toyota and a good number of them Landcruisers. and trust me if you run Afghani fuel and still work you are GOOD TO GO.
Thanks
Thanks
Hey,White Shark said:Yeah, the 3FE is a great engine if you live in an area where 40 mph is the top speed due to rutted out roads and horrible conditions. In the U.S. however, where it's mom, apple pie, and asphalt, you will quickly learn that the 3FE has it's shortcomings. I swapped at ~230k for a 300hp Chevy 350tbi mated to the stock A440F to keep the full time 4wd. I now have twice the power, about 1/4-1/3 better gas mileage, and I can buy parts locally without a two day wait. Reliability? The guy who built the engine assembled it for my particular application and I have confidence that it is as reliable or more than the 3FE it replaced. It was worth every cent. Given the option between the 350 and the 1FZ-FE, I'd happily keep the 350. Every shadetree mechanic out there has worked on one and parts are easily sourced. The 350 is as vanilla as they come. I can live without the purist philosophy, I like utility, reliability, and economy.
Have at it. I am sure the money went to a good cause. From you post it is obvious you never bothered to tune your 3FE. Ignorance equals dollars! Glad you are happy with the conversion.
Ignorance? Mighty strong words there Skippy. My 3FE ran great with more service and tuneups than a high maintenance trophy wife. I know every guy at the dealership by first name and the service manager swings by the house when she's in the neighborhood. This is in a major University of California town with more Landcruisers in it than the state of Georgia. Driving 150 miles a day in 113-115 temps tends to wear on engines. Did I mention my degree is in Archaeology? Did I mention that unlike your truck and most others, half of the miles on my truck are offroad? We're not talking gravel road, we're talking no road. I don't go on club runs, I spend my life offroad and see little fun in driving offroad when I don't have to. Did I mention that the new belts decided to die? (Toyota OEM matched pair installed by the 60 year old Tech who won the West Coast Toyota Tech Championship 3 years straight) More specifically, the belt that goes from the crank pulley to the water pump. Let me tell you what that will do to your 3FE head on a 115 F day in Rio Vista, California. It will crack it. I drove it for a year with the hairline crack before it finally gave up and the fluids mixed. Toyota wanted $2700 to put a new head on the block that would need to be rebuilt very soon anyway. My neighbor owns a machine shop and I could set the head, but it would still run ~$1500. When the 350 dies, I will throw it away and get another balanced and blueprinted engine for about the same price as the $2700 head job. Instead of 10 mpg, I now get 14 mpg. Instead of 155hp, I now have 300hp. For the cost of a replacement head on an old engine, I can buy an entire engine. Instead of waiting 2 days for parts from Toyota, I can get same day parts from Kragen, Summit Racing, Pep Boys, Auto Zone, etc. etc. etc... Yes, I can see clearly who the ignorant one is now. Thank you for making that so clear and lucid. As you said, "Ignorance equals dollars". You are absolutely right! Think about that when you fill up at $2.00 a gallon and go to the parts dept at the dealership for 3FE parts. Just as a word of advice, when you run a business, it's usually wise to attract clientele, not alienate them. Slee seems to have figured out this concept and will remain in business long after others have left the building. Urban Landcruisers? A fitting name possibly. My Landcruiser is not a mall cruiser, however from what I hear, most mall cruiser are in urban areas. Interesting name. Coincidence? I don't know. I tend to give people the benefit of the doubt and ask them for their story before I shoot my mouth off. You might try the same. It called courtesy. Try it. You might stay in business longer.
White Shark said:
All that and the only ting I remember is you saying "skippy".
I would have to agree with you both. I am amazed from the tales of the fuel consumption of the TLC engines. Parts are way to expensive for the TLC engines at the Toyota dealership to keep such an engine going if it needs a rebuild. I guess V8 engines can be built to a high quality as well as a Toyota engine. Usually the life of an engine is mostly related to the amount of power drawn from it. Cooling system is next and then ofcource maintenance/tuning. Filters can be compared to your own liver. You would want to take care of that real well. All the offroad miles can be part of the explanation for the low milage. On the other side there is the "all original Toyota" side to it. I guess it is worth something to keep it "pure."
But the obvious solution is of cource the turbo diesel. Way better than any petrol machine. My 4 liter six (12H-T) gets about 28 miles to the gallon driving on the highway at 55 miles an hour.
And hey: current gas price here in Norway where I live is $6,21 for the gallon. Diesel is about 10% cheaper. UK is even more expensive. I have lived in the USA for a few years. I remember laughing everytime I fueled up (my turbo diesel of cource.)
But the obvious solution is of cource the turbo diesel. Way better than any petrol machine. My 4 liter six (12H-T) gets about 28 miles to the gallon driving on the highway at 55 miles an hour.
And hey: current gas price here in Norway where I live is $6,21 for the gallon. Diesel is about 10% cheaper. UK is even more expensive. I have lived in the USA for a few years. I remember laughing everytime I fueled up (my turbo diesel of cource.)
Cause I say so beeyatch! 
Skippy is a term of endearment. Ask Cookie Monster, he'll vouch for me on that point. He's been in the truck since the swap, as have others, and they have all commented on the improvements. Trust me, if they had any bad things to say, they would. I actually appreciate dd113's posts a great deal. He's a well respected poster to the board and contributes a lot of knowledge. He wouldn't be in business if he didn't have a basis from which to work. I just get a little irritable about people making assumptions when I'm reading posts late on Friday nights. I spent a long time making the swap decision. I've been on the 80's lists for 5 years and I've read Toyota Trails since it started. I've been around the block a few times and brought a bit of experience to the decision. This is not a swap for everyone. Diesel was an option but ruled out for other reasons. It was money well spent, based on a well researched, sound, long term fiscal plan, and I do not miss the 3FE. If it had been a 1FZ-FE I may have still made the swap. I don't know. I've never had a 1FZ-FE to compare, but I've had the 3FE for 5 years, a 2F in a 60 for 3 years before that, and I grew up with a FJ40 that had a F engine. To each his own. When I buy another 60 series, I will likely keep the carbed 2F. My 80 series is built for a particular application and the 350 is the best option for my application. David, I hope this is water under the bridge and wish you well in business.
As for Jeeps and Blazers, they too excel in certain conditions. The Landcruisers just tend to do much better in the aggregate. I like Ramchargers and K5 Blazers, but 60 and 80 series cruisers work better for my needs.
Ask Cookie Monster, he'll vouch for me on that point. He's been in the truck since the swap, as have others, and they have all commented on the improvements. Trust me, if they had any bad things to say, they would. I actually appreciate dd113's posts a great deal. He's a well respected poster to the board and contributes a lot of knowledge. He wouldn't be in business if he didn't have a basis from which to work. I just get a little irritable about people making assumptions when I'm reading posts late on Friday nights. I spent a long time making the swap decision. I've been on the 80's lists for 5 years and I've read Toyota Trails since it started. I've been around the block a few times and brought a bit of experience to the decision. This is not a swap for everyone. Diesel was an option but ruled out for other reasons. It was money well spent, based on a well researched, sound, long term fiscal plan, and I do not miss the 3FE. If it had been a 1FZ-FE I may have still made the swap. I don't know. I've never had a 1FZ-FE to compare, but I've had the 3FE for 5 years, a 2F in a 60 for 3 years before that, and I grew up with a FJ40 that had a F engine. To each his own. When I buy another 60 series, I will likely keep the carbed 2F. My 80 series is built for a particular application and the 350 is the best option for my application. David, I hope this is water under the bridge and wish you well in business. As for Jeeps and Blazers, they too excel in certain conditions. The Landcruisers just tend to do much better in the aggregate. I like Ramchargers and K5 Blazers, but 60 and 80 series cruisers work better for my needs.
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I usually stay out of these things but last night I took the girfriend on a "White Trash Date" to the local walmart...It was late and we had nothing better to do, so shud up
Anywho, when we where done and heading back to the 61 Jen noticed that a BIG K5 blazer had parked nose to nose with us. It made my Cruiser look small, which is hard to do. He was lifted, running 38" swampers, 12000 winch, a little banged up but all together not a bad looking rig...
Or so I thought... Jen decides to take a walk around the thing and informs me that "That truck is crap!!"
" Really???" I replied.
She went on to inform me that the t-case was hanging a good 10" lower then ours. The tie rod was the size of her little finger (with no hi-steer) and that she had seen bigger driveshafts on some Sami earlier in the day... She also concluded that we had way more clearance under our difs and that the guy was leaking fluids so badly that she wasn't sure he would make it home....
WOW
It made me proud...and it was the first time she has ever told me that she's glad we drive the Cruiser...
So if she can do a walk around and figure out why our trucks rule, I would think that most of us can too....
Anywho, when we where done and heading back to the 61 Jen noticed that a BIG K5 blazer had parked nose to nose with us. It made my Cruiser look small, which is hard to do. He was lifted, running 38" swampers, 12000 winch, a little banged up but all together not a bad looking rig...
Or so I thought... Jen decides to take a walk around the thing and informs me that "That truck is crap!!"
" Really???" I replied.
She went on to inform me that the t-case was hanging a good 10" lower then ours. The tie rod was the size of her little finger (with no hi-steer) and that she had seen bigger driveshafts on some Sami earlier in the day... She also concluded that we had way more clearance under our difs and that the guy was leaking fluids so badly that she wasn't sure he would make it home....
WOW
It made me proud...and it was the first time she has ever told me that she's glad we drive the Cruiser...
So if she can do a walk around and figure out why our trucks rule, I would think that most of us can too....
You can attack me and say about anything you want. It makes just about no difference to me. I have opinions and a lot of then; some may be wrong but I still have them. I really liked 2 points you brought up:
1. I should be more like Slee
2. Urban Land Cruisers has something to do with mall cruisers
You must not know anything about me or my business. I have nothing but respect for Christo Slee and can only hope my business is one day as successful as his.
Your post in retort bascially said everything any of us needed to know. You dont work on your own truck and you took it to the dealer to get it fixed.
Maybe, just maybe, had you taken it to a cruiser shop to have it worked on you would have been in better shape.
No worries on my end. I have more than enough customers.
1. I should be more like Slee
2. Urban Land Cruisers has something to do with mall cruisers
You must not know anything about me or my business. I have nothing but respect for Christo Slee and can only hope my business is one day as successful as his.
Your post in retort bascially said everything any of us needed to know. You dont work on your own truck and you took it to the dealer to get it fixed.
Maybe, just maybe, had you taken it to a cruiser shop to have it worked on you would have been in better shape.
No worries on my end. I have more than enough customers.
I should just shut up but.
I once read a quote somewhere. "Arguing on the internet is like running in the Special Olympics. Even if you win you are still a retard." That being said, I think I might be sick and think it is kind of funny to defend other vehicles on a brand specific board. I think anyone who thinks a 350 Chevrolet is unreliable doens't know anything and is a dumbass. Why wouldn't you want twice as much power, less weight and cheaper parts? The only reason to go slow and get horrible mileage is to maintain originality and resale. Which is a good reason for some folks, like me. I like the 2f I have kind of but really I think all of us would be much happier with more power and better mileage from a cleanly installed V8. I would love to hear from someone who wants to stand up and say "I love getting bad mileage and also having no power." Flame suit on!
I once read a quote somewhere. "Arguing on the internet is like running in the Special Olympics. Even if you win you are still a retard." That being said, I think I might be sick and think it is kind of funny to defend other vehicles on a brand specific board. I think anyone who thinks a 350 Chevrolet is unreliable doens't know anything and is a dumbass. Why wouldn't you want twice as much power, less weight and cheaper parts? The only reason to go slow and get horrible mileage is to maintain originality and resale. Which is a good reason for some folks, like me. I like the 2f I have kind of but really I think all of us would be much happier with more power and better mileage from a cleanly installed V8. I would love to hear from someone who wants to stand up and say "I love getting bad mileage and also having no power." Flame suit on!
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Its been said also, opinions are like assholes and we all got them.
My personal opinion is I have had a couple gas pot cruisers, a bronco and the diesels have been the most maintenance free vehicle I have ever owned.
Prolly of 20+ diesel cruisers I have owned I have seen only one tired engine at 580 000K.
But we are generalizing and speaking of cruisers of all types.
My personal opinion is I have had a couple gas pot cruisers, a bronco and the diesels have been the most maintenance free vehicle I have ever owned.
Prolly of 20+ diesel cruisers I have owned I have seen only one tired engine at 580 000K.
But we are generalizing and speaking of cruisers of all types.
Once again, tune your truck.75pinz said:
The 350 weighs less but DOES NOT give you much low end torque. It does give you more hi end horsepower. When coupled witht the right tranny and TC it is great; most of the time it is not done correctly. The F series motors have lots of low end and little hi end. The Hi end can be dealt with through expensive gearing options.
I have 2Fs getting 16-18 mpg all day long with more than enough power. I have 3FEs getting 12-14 all day long; a few are pushing 14-16.
Could be that your '88 FJ62 just has lots more experience than those other posers, and you've assimilated that experience with a Vulcan butt-meld driving it. Hence, your aggregate skills far exceed those of your companions.leonard_nemoy said:
Thank you for giving so many the opportunity to express their opinions and insult each other. There is no vehicle that is best for all purposes, all continents, all ages, all income brackets, all skill levels, etc. You make the best choice you can, or defend your less-than ideal-choices as loudly as you can.
Someone said the Wrangler isn't available in 2WD.
I respectfully disagree.
The Wrangler X is available in 2WD.
Just like the Cherokee.
I've actually seen one in person. On a lift. I was putting tires on it when I worked at
Sears. Shocked me just as much as seeing a 2WD 4Runner.
I own a 2000 TJ Sport and an 83 FJ-60.
I just finished paying off the TJ. It's for sale, if anyone's interested. I'll take $US5000
as is. It's got 78k miles on it. It was dealer maintained for the first 36k. (It was free.)
Want my 60? Can you dodge a .45 bullet?
16 times?
I respectfully disagree.
The Wrangler X is available in 2WD.
Just like the Cherokee.
I've actually seen one in person. On a lift. I was putting tires on it when I worked at
Sears. Shocked me just as much as seeing a 2WD 4Runner.
I own a 2000 TJ Sport and an 83 FJ-60.
I just finished paying off the TJ. It's for sale, if anyone's interested. I'll take $US5000
as is. It's got 78k miles on it. It was dealer maintained for the first 36k. (It was free.)
Want my 60? Can you dodge a .45 bullet?
16 times?