If you are talking about rock bouncers, those basically just have jeep bodies if they aren't fully buggy'd. Stock jeep components would not handle that abuse. I wheel with a lot of toyotas with IFS that are locked front and rear (a couple have dual cases) and the stock steering components have never been an issue for us. That being said, I always carry extra tie rods kinda like I carry CVs. The CVs are really the major "issue" with IFS but we will break solid axle axle shafts as well, it just isn't as common. Broncos have notoriously weak steering components (tie rods in particular) that is more than simply an IFS issue. It is a common upgrade on Broncos but you don't really see it in Toyotas as much until you start going long travel IFS and need extra length.

I personally took a hit on my front driver that trashed the CV and wheel bearing and seized the tie rod but the tie rod is still going strong. They do break, I've seen an FJ break both, but I wouldn't consider it an issue like it is in those broncos. If you are doing a trail like the rubicon, I'd take spare parts but I would not anticipate a tie rod breakage like I would a CV. If you are someone who does drive a 4runner and somehow breaks tie rods, I'd upgrade to a tundra rack/rods. Break it, upgrade it... thats pretty much the name of the game haha

Completely true. Yes, the Bronco hasn't been the most reliable vehicle to date, but it's going to out perform the vast majority of 4Runner's, likely with less modification to it alone on the fact that it has better angles and a much easier ability to take 35 and 37 inch tires than a 4Runner ever does.

Don't get me wrong, the 4Runner is amazingly versatile and can get through terrain way nastier than most people would ever dream of bringing one in. That being said, it doesn't necessarily make it easy like some of these other vehicles rolling on huge tires quite frankly can.

1973 Bronco w/ 302 and 3 spd manual transmission.

That depends on many factors.

Stock they had very small 7.00-15 tires. 2.34:1 low-range gearing (not really low, but decent for the time). Power was 137 hp, and 230 lb-ft, so a fair amount less than a 5th gen 4Runner, but they were also a smaller vehicle and around 3500 lbs curb weight. Which is just about 1500 lbs lighter than my TRD ORP as it sits.

I guess the only way to know is to try it.

I think it depends on your modifications (based on your other comment regarding it being an early bronco). Most of them that my friends have are on at least 35's and have either Dana 44's or larger axles. In totally stock form - you would have a very bad time. I'd doubt that you'd make it past the first gate keeper obstacle and if you did you'd probably already have body damage.

If you have a typical EB with 35's and upgraded axles - you'll have fun and should go through no problem. I would not try it without rock sliders though unless you're on more like 37-40" tires. My own FJ40 doesn't have rock sliders, but it has 40" tires and I've cut 6 inches off the bottom of the original body, so it's pretty high clearance already and the frame rails act basically like sliders in most cases. Plus it's a trail only rig, so I'm okay with some body damage. If you have a nice EB - keep those sills off the rocks!!

The short wheel base will help a lot. It's a lot easier trail for smaller narrower vehicles.

My only other suggestion is that you should not to with the oem roll bar. It's just not strong enough in case you did have a bad roll over. It's really unlikely if you're careful, but a better modern cage is a really good idea.

Congrats on completing the Rubicon. Maybe your trip will inspire Toyota to create a Rubicon version for the 6th gen. I was wondering if the XJ on 33’s was the same one kicking ass in Utah in this video. Pretty amazing. And as far as the Bronco goes, well, that’s another story in the same video. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=VX7l3S...cCBicm9uY28%3D

I forgot to mention sliders, they are an absolute must and were used extensively. After I was done with the trail both were bent up a few mm making it pretty hard to open my rear doors. My passengers side slider also has a failed weld on one of the mounts. More things to fix.......

Thanks, no that isn't my buddy but I think its a great example of how much weight and suspension articulation matters. Every time I drive my Jeep on the trail I'm reminded of that. It makes it up things barely spinning a tire that would require me to winch up on with the 5th gen.

That’s what Jeeps are great for and hard to beat in those environments. Nice that you have both. I know you do some heavy 4wheeling in your 4Runner and have it well set up for that. Regardless, it was nice to see you get through with your 4Runner without much difficulty.

Very cool man