Hi all -

I posted something similar on ih8mud, but I figured I would get the "4runner owner's" opinion over here - sorry if you've seen both.

I'm trying to decide between a 97, locked rear, 4runner with 160k miles and a 93 Land Cruiser, locked front and rear, also with 160k on the clock. The similarities are spooky - both dark green, leather interior, well kept, similar price...both aren't real close to me! :walk:

Anyway, what are your opinions on what would do better offroad, onroad, reliability, fuel efficiency...HA!

Ok - all opinions welcome and encouraged!

TIA-
Kevin

 

The 4Runner will probably get better mileage, but have less power. The LC is a pretty big vehicle, so if parking space is an issue, be warned. One thing to be said for them though: The land cruiser was the first commercially produced vehicle to be driven across the south polar cap. Happened a few years ago. They made a few mods, but they were pretty much stock, and they just drove them right on across. Just that they were selected for this says something about them, IMHO.
On the other hand, I do love my 4Runner it's big enough to carry what I need and to go where I want, but small enough that I don't feel like I'm pushing a oil tanker around the town.
There're my opinions...

 

Like I said at Ih8mud, 80 series, no question for me.

 

Yeah, get the land cruiser. You'll get worse gas mileage, but those things are reliable. Those engines are hardy and will last longer than other toys, and that's saying something. Not only that, but the lc has not only front and rear lockers, but also a live axle up front, not IFS, so you are even better off. Plus, the LC is tucked better under neath (not as much crap hanging down to catch rocks on.) I'd get a land cruiser if i could afford one.

 

We have both at my house......of course my 4runner is an 87 and the FJ80 is a 1996. I havent got to wheel the cruiser tho....looks like im gonna have to inherit it first. But one thing is for sure, you get alot from a 50K+ Suv.

 

Very different vehichles. Both very good. You really can't go wrong.

3rd gen 4runner will probably have a nicer road ride and be decent offroad.

Cruiser will probably be a touch better offroad. Unless it has a lift, it's wheel travel isn't that incredible and it has as many clearance issues as a stock 4runner.

The Cruiser will cost more over the long term. Worse gas mielage, more insurance, more expensive repairs (I think).

If you need more interior room, definitely get a cruiser, but if you want to fit tighter trails, the runner is the choice for you.

I'd have a tough time deciding to, but I would probably pick the runner.

 

Get the runner and spend the extra $$ you would have spent on the LC and get a supercharger, bumpers, lift, and tires. After that you'll go anywhere that LC will and then some.

 

If it's not your daily driver, go with the FJ80. Otherwise, the 4R is a great all around vehicle.

Just a picture I found while googling:

 

I would say the LC just because everyone seems to have a 4runner anymore...plus its about as opposite as a soccer mom SUV as you can get...looking at that pic above..the LC just seems....badass. On top of the aesthetics, it goes without saying that they are both capable offroaders and will last longer than most everything else on the road...The only legitimate issue i could forsee would be the price difference in suspension mods and replacement parts, as well as fitting down trails..

 

The LC80 / FJ80 has better suspension. springs all around.
You can easily put it on 38" shoes. The diesel version is very good, unsure if you can find it over there though... (4.2 Diesel)

Plus the LC80 has diff locks both front and rear stock.. ! But it's heavy, heavy in the rear, so some move the rear axle back some.

I'd go for the LC80, no question, the 4runner has much less space, I'd get one if I had the $$

 

Um, true, except they are basically the same price - the Cruiser even a bit cheaper...so no real extra cash to play with - but I like the way you think!



Cheers,
Kevin

 

It will probably be a DD, but with some offroad out here in the Rockies. I dig that photo you found - nice tires makes the 80 instantly look beefy! Do you know what year that is by looking at it?

Also, in fairness the the 4runner, it looks pretty stock. I've seen some beefed up 4runners (for sale even) on here. http://community.webshots.com/photo/...9589637oAnLBQ#

What will the real gas mileage difference be?? I'm getting 12-15 on my FJ40, will it be similar?

Thanks again - you guys are really helping me out!
Cheers,
Kevin

 

I have both 96 4runner and 95 fzj80. They are both great vehicle. Those are not my daily vehicle, is solely for trip and expedition, and hauling my retriever around. Like everyone said, the 4runner definately has better gas mileage and cheaper maintenance. The parts for Land Cruiser is EXPENSIVE!!! The 4runner is more flexible at tighter trail. The reason I got the LC is for long distance expedition into different conuntries. It has stronger and more reliable drivetrain. And I love the front and rear solid axle with lockers . Parts availability is everywhere for LC compare to 4runner. And the LC has more room for expedition. Actually I am going to sell my 4runner too. Interested??! It has 125k miles. You can see my mod right below this message. Asking around $9700. The only thing I think it needs are lockers.

 

Assuming the LC is a solid front axle (I think 97's still were), I would go for the LC. I have a 96 4R that I have done a lot to, and love it, but if I were to go back in time, I would have bought an 80 series. Bigger, stronger, more comfortable, and doing mods is a little more straight forward (depending on the mod). Plus....front and rear locker? No brainer for me...

However, if you want a daily driver and an offroad vehicle that you will only do minor mods too, then go for the 4R. Day in and day out, the mileage and size of the 80 may start to feel cumbersome.

Are both mechanically sound? Could be a big differentiator....

 

since i have the 4runner, id' say get the cruiser... either way you can't lose, but this is what i would do if i ever got a FZJ-80-

40's BABY! (sorry about the size, all of his pics are like this-)

http://actionjackson.com/cruiser/

 

No doubt that pic is a sweet rig - sure I drool over it. I am not ashamed. However, I gotta say that I am happy with my truck setup. I have a great 4Runner with lots of toys, and it is still small enough and the gas mileage is good enough that I am happy with it as a daily driver (actually, I love the fact that I do drive this truck daily). However, I also have a '40 series that is a great truck for playing. I have the best of both worlds!

 

Holy Crap Batman, that's a nice rig!

If I had the $$, and it wasn't my DD, I would CERTAINLY get the 80. Wow...

 

It all depends on what your personal preferences are. I got the 4Runner because I wanted better gas milage and lower insurance. If you want one of the most luxurious best performing 4wheel drives on the marcket, then get the cruiser.

Again, it just comes down to what YOU really want and what YOU are going to do with the vehicle.

 

I have a 87' runner and a 91' cruiser. both are daily drivers. Yeah, the cruiser does not get the best gas mileage. but is an awesome truck. It is my wives daily, and she says it is her favorive car we've ever owned. (we've had about 14 vehicles together). We have taken it on some very fun trips too, and it holds a LOT of stuff.
They are both great vehicles, there is no loser here. So the real question is.... Which one do you like better? Get the one you like more.

 

I have a 99 Limited 4Runner OME lift 32s rear lock

Just purchased a 96 LX450/LC with front and rear diff locks. Im planning on taking my dad with me to go on some mild wheeling late august Ill tell you how the trucks do

the LC will be stock suspension with 33s though. OME lift coming soon.