3rd Gen 4Runner or Toyota Land Cruiser W/Lockers

[IBallEngineer]

I have 1994 FZJ axles under my FJ62. The 93-97's were just plain awesome. I helped my friend build one with a supercharger ARB bumpers and steps, rack, air lockers and a good 3" lift. It was a beast! But he sold it to build an 85 runner, because 5K behind the motorhome is a lot easier than 7500LBS!

Personally, I say get both!

 

[UncleBanjo]

Man...this is such an awesome forum!! You guys are so nice and helpful! Very knowledgeable and logical responses. But from what everyone said, I think i'm gonna get me a 3rd gen. I would love to get an FJ80 or FZJ80 (best all around like you said), but like you guys were saying, the size makes it really hard to squeeze in to places and is heavy. I didn't know how much wider they were. The places I wheel, I was having a hard time even fitting the mini truck. lol Also, I plan on building a full time rig down the road (probably should have mentioned that) Sorry! The power increase is gonna be awesome though! I can finally pull out in traffic without having to wait for a 30 minute gap! haha

So For the next few years, the 4runner will get me more of what im wanting. I will get me a 3rd gen and lock the rear and wait for a full time rig in about 3 years or so. Thank you guys so much!! From this, I think i'm gonna try and pick up a runner tonight! Had my eye on a runner that is for sale. I will post up what I get! Again, thanks guys! I was leaning towards a runner, but you helped make it concrete!

 

[thebrandon]

If this isn't going to be a daily driver and you just want it for taking your family outside comfortably I would grab a cruiser.

You really can't go wrong with either though in my opinion.

 

[BlazeRunner]

Also, what are the differences between the 4wd systems between cruisers and 4runners. I have researched and it seems the 01-02 models had the Center Diff and then older 3rd gens had the traditional 4x4, kinda like my Toyota pickup.

The 99-00 4Runner was available with center diff and rear locking diff, and are usually the most sought after. This would be the second 'sub-generation' as explained here http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/82033-3rd-gen-4runner-buyers-guide.html. 01-02 had the center diff, but no option for a rear diff lock. Just thought I'd clarify.

 

[UncleBanjo]

If this isn't going to be a daily driver and you just want it for taking your family outside comfortably I would grab a cruiser.

You really can't go wrong with either though in my opinion.

Agreed! Both are Toyota, reliable, and durable. lol This will be my daily driver though. Main reason why I chose 4runner. If it was just a camping/wheeler rig, it would be cruiser with solid axle for sure.

 

[UncleBanjo]

I have owned my LC for almost 5 years. It was purchased as a 3rd car and has become my wheeling rig. I have had my 3rd gen for 2 years and have clocked almost 60k miles on it.

If you want an all around rig I would suggest the 3rd Gen. It will carry 2 adults and 2 kids with ease and would carry 4 average adults with little inconvenience to the rear passengers. It gets better mileage and with a mild lift and tires can be outfitted fairly well. It is not a hard core wheeler, and in my opinion is not a great candidate for a SAS due to the height that has to be achieved in order to clear everything.

That said if your commute is short or if you can stand the mileage (I'd say 12-14 is about right), the 80 is about as close to perfection in an all around rig that I have seen. I mean everyone makes out like the Heep Rubi was such a big deal, but Toyota had a 4 door, factory locked rig almost 10 years before the heep designers "claimed" to have broken the mold.... The 80 will clear 35s and still wheel well on stock suspension.

Both drivetrains are similar, the 80 delivers some power to the front all the time, but the 4runners all do not ever truly go into 2wd since the front end is driven either by the engine or by friction all the time. Some of the later models were actually more of an AWD setup. Lockers should not be a deal breaker IMO as the folks who are selling locked rigs often overprice them. Additonally doing a part time swap on an 80 is pretty much pointless unless you have Longs or similar up front and are trying to save wear. The mpg gain is negligible. Only other cautionary point I would suggest you read up on is the "cost of ownership for an 80" great thread on IH8MUD, they are not for the faint and at their age will likely need some TLC. The aftermarket is small and nothing is cheap for them. Owning an 80 requires a certain level of commitment going in, otherwise the relationship will end in a great deal of frustration.

All in it depends on what you want and what you are willing to sacrifice for it. I love my 80 and if I didn't drive 30k per year I would DD it. And for the record if properly tuned and geared, the old 3FE is plenty of motor for one of these rigs, FZJ brakes and a FF can be swapped in, and I don't have to worry about that PHH or the HG. (If you look at a 93+ you should get familiar with those acronyms) The 80 was never designed to break any speed records, but it will get you there EVERYtime!

Based the limited information that the OP gave, I would say the 3rd Gen is going to check off the right boxes.

Thanks man! This post was excellent. I can always add e-locers later on down the road and even trim and lift for 35's if i ever see the need to go more hardcore. Doubt it, but just in case. lol

 

[d0nkeyxpunch]

I sold my '97 4Runner to purchase a'91 FJ80 LC and sold it to get back into another 3rd gen.

FJ80 was slower than molasses and lacks horsepower. Driving steep uphill on highway was always a challenge and pretty frustrating. I was getting 9-10 MPG city and 12-15 highway.

I personally would recommend a 3rd gen, but if you do go LC route, I highly recommend getting '93-'97 LCs.

 

[BrandonF]

Don't know what your budget is like, but have you considered a 100-series landcruiser?

If I had the money, I'd be in one of those over a 3rd gen 4runner or 80-series any day.

 

[gamefreakgc]

Don't know what your budget is like, but have you considered a 100-series landcruiser?

If I had the money, I'd be in one of those over a 3rd gen 4runner or 80-series any day.

x2, I wanted a Land Cruiser but they were few and far between and out of my price range. They are also capable off-road plus are a bit more roomy inside.

Depending on your family they seat up to 7 as well (if you are looking at same years as 3rd Gen 4Runners).

 

[white_n_slow]

Man...this is such an awesome forum!! You guys are so nice and helpful! Very knowledgeable and logical responses. But from what everyone said, I think i'm gonna get me a 3rd gen. I would love to get an FJ80 or FZJ80 (best all around like you said), but like you guys were saying, the size makes it really hard to squeeze in to places and is heavy. I didn't know how much wider they were. The places I wheel, I was having a hard time even fitting the mini truck. lol Also, I plan on building a full time rig down the road (probably should have mentioned that) Sorry! The power increase is gonna be awesome though! I can finally pull out in traffic without having to wait for a 30 minute gap! haha

So For the next few years, the 4runner will get me more of what im wanting. I will get me a 3rd gen and lock the rear and wait for a full time rig in about 3 years or so. Thank you guys so much!! From this, I think i'm gonna try and pick up a runner tonight! Had my eye on a runner that is for sale. I will post up what I get! Again, thanks guys! I was leaning towards a runner, but you helped make it concrete!

Good choice, you won't be disappointed. Like you said, can't really go wrong with either one. But you might as well save a few bucks in gas money while you're at it

You should keep your pickup and turn that into your dedicated wheeler!

 

[UncleBanjo]

Finally got me a 4Runner.

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1999 4Runner Highlander Edition - 5-Speed, Rear E-Locker, OME Lift with Bilsteins, 33" Bigfoot Tires, Baja Roof Rack. Those are the main things. Ill get more pictures later. Super stoked! It is a blast to drive!

 

[hounddogman]

Very nice . And a 5 speed !

 

[white_n_slow]

Cupholders, 5-speed and a locker. I'd call that a win! Love the steelies too.

 

[UncleBanjo]

Thanks guys!! I really enjoy driving it. Cant wait to go test it out this weekend. Hopefully I can get some good pictures for you guys! Curious to see the flex and articulation on it since its an IFS.

 

[rudogg760]

Thanks guys!! I really enjoy driving it. Cant wait to go test it out this weekend. Hopefully I can get some good pictures for you guys! Curious to see the flex and articulation on it since its an IFS.

an update? are you happy with it? do you wish you went with a lc?

 

[Tsfc]

Update us!

I'm looking for an lc80 right now, and a 1985 or 1986 Toyota hilux. If I got both, I'd let go of the 4Runner.

 

[SnowLizard]

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/211640-first-time-wheeling-my-4runner.html

his update....