09-16-2018, 02:20 PM
|
#1
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 46
|
|
Member
Join Date: Apr 2014
Location: Middle Earth
Posts: 46
|
4runner vs. Wrangler
What is everyone opinion on which is better off-road vehicle?
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-16-2018, 02:38 PM
|
#2
|
|
Moderator
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: the Socialist State of Maryland
Posts: 11,447
Real Name: The Chosen One
|
|
Moderator
Join Date: Jun 2004
Location: the Socialist State of Maryland
Posts: 11,447
Real Name: The Chosen One
|
That's a no-brainer.
The Wrangler Rubicon by miles.
Soild front axle, selectable lockers front and rear, crawler gear in the t-case ....
__________________
- the Internet - the mother-ship of people who don't know much and aren't afraid to go public
'84 4Runner - ARBed 5.29s F&R, 4.7 & 2.28 t-cases, 2" drive train lift, BudBuilt x-member/skid, 30 spl Longs
'83 Toy P/U - Buick 231 V6, Holley 4 bbl, Weiand intake, Downey headers, TH350 w/700R4 low gearset,
'89 4Runner SR5 - stock
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-16-2018, 02:42 PM
|
#3
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 90
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jul 2018
Location: Gilbert, AZ
Posts: 90
|
Well, well....Since this is a 4Runner forum, I would imagine you'll get a lot more Toyota love here. That said, from a purely off-road perspective, the Jeep is more capable. I wrestled with the choice this year, and having spent a great deal of time in a 4dr Wrangler on vacations and in my best friends hunting, the off road benefits (not huge IMHO) are far outweighed by the 4Runners clear on-road manners. Since I, like most I would imagine, spend the majority of their time on road (wishing we were off road), I opted for the Toyota. I also liked the look better and the plain fact that it wasn't a Jeep. I realize you only asked about "off-road" issues, but this was my world when it came time to pick.
One last "off'road" capability where the Jeep may win is the aftermarket. I find the 4Runners pretty healthy, but nothing compares to the Jeep's.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-16-2018, 03:12 PM
|
#4
|
|
Guest
|
explain what your asking. It's a pretty vague question.
If you list the parts jeep would win, no matter how much electronic wizardry Toyota has.
Guys that really are hard wheelers look backwards to build trucks.
For all around build quality, fit and finish, and long term dependability, Toyota wins.
For general trail riding and medium wheeling Toyota wins for ease of operation.
But my point of reference my be skewed, My Daily is more offroad than many of the OL rigs here.
My vote goes to older Toyotas.
but again, qualify what your asking.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-16-2018, 04:19 PM
|
#5
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kansas
Age: 28
Posts: 4,304
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Kansas
Age: 28
Posts: 4,304
|
SFA has more traction hands-down, even with the same wheel travel numbers vs IFS.
But the 4Runner and it's IFS is more than capable for the majority of trail-goers, and more capable at high-speed duty.
__________________
2005 4R Sport 4WD "The last of the V8s!" - Custom TIG'd SS Dual Exhaust - King 2.5" +2 LT. - ARB Front & Rear - 37's - Dana 60 - Build Thread
2005 Tundra 2WD Regular Cab V8 - Chopped Frame - Short Bed Swap
1977 Celica Liftback - LFX Swap - Build Thread
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-16-2018, 08:20 PM
|
#6
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Earth
Posts: 912
|
|
Member
Join Date: Dec 2015
Location: Earth
Posts: 912
|
Every day use, overlanding, 90% of trails the 4runner.
Rock crawling, the Jeep Rubicon.
4runner is more reliable by a long shot. The JK Wrangler wasn't very safe in an accident. Not sure on the new JL. The new JL Wrangler does have steering issues and welding issues. The welds on the new JL are not always complete. The welds are rusting on brand new vehicles siting on the lot.
__________________
2018 Offroad Premium w/KDSS
1993 Jeep YJ w/stuff
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-18-2018, 02:53 PM
|
#7
|
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Eastern, PA
Posts: 21
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Eastern, PA
Posts: 21
|
Considering I bought my first 4Runner last Saturday I can't comment much from that side of the fence, but as far as Jeeps I've owned two TJ wranglers, five XJ Cherokees three WJ Grand Cherokees a ZJ Grand Cherokee and also currently own a 42 Jeep Willys & a 98 XJ, so lets just say I like Jeeps lol. They have varied from full blown built locked geared lifted caged machines to spacer lifted Grand Cherokees. My full body armored built 5:13 geared Rubicon was a FN' beast I also had a XJ of the same caliber.
I was a little more cautious with the XJ wanting to not destroy the body on it but it went everywhere the TJ did sometimes with more ease because of the longer wheelbase, The Rubicon on the other hand I'd bounce it off trees and rocks all day long It was an unstoppable machine.
I'd personally never consider doing any of the wacky stuff with a late model 4Runner, due to the size of the vehicle more than anything. But there is always that guy that has money and doesn't care. I've ran trails with guys that had build older taco's that did obstacles with ease that my Rubicon had to take more than one run at, but then again wheelbase comes into play. It more or less comes down to build quality of the rig and skill level of the driver, you can build the most expensive rig but if you cant navigate trails you will spend more time winching than anything. I always will like the older machines due to less tech and the fact that they just are more narrow and easier to navigate trails. I live in PA and most of the trails I ran were old mining, logging single track motorcycle trails and pole lines.
With all that being said I bought my 4Runner because I was sick of Jeeps. Always problems, mostly just annoying little stuff and the JK. Man do I hate the JK poser city everywhere. I'm pretty confident my 4Runner will last me well over the 100k mark with minimal problems. Iv'e already purchased the Truxxx 3/1.25 and am now debating between 275 60R20 or the 265 60R20. A real nail bitter huh! LOL! I have no intentions of making it a trail rig the most it will likely see is some dirt roads and fire trails when I go up to the mountains.
Closing statements which is better? I think it all depends on the intended purpose, for me where I live, pre 2005 solid axles as little tech as possible, geared, locked & 34x10.50 LTB Swampers I can make it go anywhere.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-18-2018, 03:01 PM
|
#8
|
|
Elite Member
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Eastern USA
Posts: 18,771
|
|
Elite Member
Join Date: Nov 2002
Location: Eastern USA
Posts: 18,771
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by wcjeep
Every day use, overlanding, 90% of trails the 4runner.
Rock crawling, the Jeep Rubicon.
4runner is more reliable by a long shot. The JK Wrangler wasn't very safe in an accident. Not sure on the new JL. The new JL Wrangler does have steering issues and welding issues. The welds on the new JL are not always complete. The welds are rusting on brand new vehicles siting on the lot.
|
Rusting and welding aside, the new JL likely will do better than 4runner in crash testings.
The JK Wrangler already beats 4runner in the frontal crash testings (small and moderate offsets) by a significant margin. Side crash testings favor 4runner.
4runner: https://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ve...ner-4-door-suv
JK Wrangler: https://www.iihs.org/iihs/ratings/ve...ler-4-door-suv
But, for me and general purpose, 4runner beats Wrangler by a wide margin. In PURE off-roading, Wrangler beats 4runner by a wide margin.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-18-2018, 03:07 PM
|
#9
|
|
Senior Member
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: washington
Posts: 4,990
|
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2012
Location: washington
Posts: 4,990
|
that depends on what year 4runner you're talking about
I would choose my 85 over a wrangler every day for off road use.
__________________
1985 pickup : EFI 331/4r70W-Dana 300-42 TSL SXII's/raceline beadlocks-30spl longs-5.29's-spools-sky Hi steer-OBA/4g tank-10.5k RR winch-dual blue tops-200 amp alt-flatbed.
1985 4runner sr5 : 22RE/5spd-6" pro-comp suspension-37 BFG at's-5.29 gears-Badlands Basher bumper-8.5k RR winch.
2006 4runner v8 limited : stock. Build Thread YouTube Channel
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-18-2018, 10:11 PM
|
#10
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 369
|
|
Member
Join Date: Jan 2018
Location: Central Texas
Posts: 369
|
I've got both. They both are great.
__________________
2018 ORP Barcelona Red
Dobinsons 2.5”/1.5” lift with springs and shocks.
Diff. Drop.
Pro Comp UCAs.
RSG angled sliders.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-18-2018, 10:17 PM
|
#11
|
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Henderson NV
Posts: 21
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: Henderson NV
Posts: 21
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Rightside Up
I've got both. They both are great.
|
As an owner I’d a 2004 Rubicon and 2016 T4R Trail Premium I agree both are great, but each for different reasons. My Rubicon, lifted on 33 and armored up, can go just about anywhere and I’m not concerned wear and tear. My new to me T4R is very capable but I wouldn’t tackle the some of the same trails because of the probability of damage.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-19-2018, 12:18 AM
|
#12
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: California
Posts: 76
Real Name: M
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2018
Location: California
Posts: 76
Real Name: M
|
I have both strictly based on offroad capability hands down the rubicon... for off-roading in the faster variety the 4Runner does great but my wrangler with 37s and coilovers isn’t far behind.
Everyday use of course the 4Runner but can’t beat the no doors/top off ability of the Jeep.
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-19-2018, 04:18 AM
|
#13
|
Junior Member
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: nyc
Posts: 12
|
|
Junior Member
Join Date: Sep 2018
Location: nyc
Posts: 12
|
A friend of mine also has an 85 and agrees with you.
Quote:
Originally Posted by nevada
that depends on what year 4runner you're talking about
I would choose my 85 over a wrangler every day for off road use.
|
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-19-2018, 08:46 AM
|
#14
|
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Katy TX
Posts: 806
Real Name: Jeremy
|
|
Member
Join Date: Aug 2014
Location: Katy TX
Posts: 806
Real Name: Jeremy
|
Didn't realize there were this many like me who enjoy having both. They're both quite capable, and are great for different (and sometimes similar) reasons.
__________________
Toyota noob
Last edited by Jernik; 09-19-2018 at 08:47 AM.
Reason: A
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
09-19-2018, 09:26 AM
|
#15
|
Member
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 574
|
|
Member
Join Date: Feb 2016
Location: Austin, TX
Posts: 574
|
I think that when the new JL gets some years under its belt the DD driver chasm will close. I took a 2018 JL Rubicon for a test drive and the ride felt similar to the 4Runner, not the JK that people are most experienced with.
I am not sure how they they will end up comparing in the reliability categories,
but, of course, the 4Runner has a history there, which the JL is now build on.
__________________
2016 TEP
|
|
Reply With Quote
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is On
|
|
|
|