4runner v. Jeep

[SCRunner12]

Well I cant lie, I am a jeep fan. I have had 2 jeeps, an 1985 CJ-7 and a 1946 Willys CJ-2A. Loved them both. I think both Jeeps and Toyotas have their pros and cons, I really dont think you can compare the two, they are apples and oranges IMO.

I think Jeeps that old aren't bad and a lot of fun to drive. My step dad had an 82 Scrambler and it was a blast. You can't compare a 4runner with those, but maybe an old LandCruiser. Once you start talking about the Cherokees and especially the GC, then you can start comparing them with 4runners.

 

[diver110]

I think Jeeps that old aren't bad and a lot of fun to drive. My step dad had an 82 Scrambler and it was a blast. You can't compare a 4runner with those, but maybe an old LandCruiser. Once you start talking about the Cherokees and especially the GC, then you can start comparing them with 4runners.

I agree. In fact, when I started the thread I was thinking of GC v. 4runner. A Rubicon is an entirely different beast.

 

[gm350reratliff]

Lets not forget about resale value. Toyotas will hold there value a lot better than jeeps, fords, or whatever. We might intend on keeping a vehicle "forever" but things change. Be it the economy, relationships, jobs, or when we just get bored with it. When that time comes its nice to have good resale value. Personally, I'm not a big fan of unibody construction on SUV's or anything meant to go offroad. Its fine for cars. Everybody and anybody can and will make a lemon from time to time. Some automakers just seem to have more. Maybe the new GC will change that around. I have my doubts. Especially these first couple of years. With the 4runner its on a proven chassis, proven drivetrain. Another difference between the 4runner and later model jeeps is the electronics. The 4runner's electronics are fairly straight-forward and simple. The jeep's (& other chrysler products) electronics are a PITA to work with and understand. Some of their issues stem from these electronics. I think chrysler overcomplicated things when it came to this. In '08 when we were choosing a new vehicle (to replace a failing '06 G6) jeep never really crossed our minds due to the fact that some of our friends owned them with lots of problems. My advise it to drive them both, buy the one that fits you best.

 

[diver110]

This is not directly on point, but I have a Ford Escape 4WD Hybrid. I want to go to the 4runner because I got more into offroad and don't trust driving on a car chassis (the Ford has). I have about 33,000 miles on the Escape. So far I have (happily under warranty) replaced the battery, two pollution elements, and a fuel pump assembly. That would not have happened in a Toyota (which I have owned in the past).

 

[Justinlhc]

I had a 99 GC and it went 124k miles without any serious problems. The dual zone climate controls went to ****, the A/C didn't blow nearly as cold as I need it to(Arizona), the suspension was extremely vulnerable to death wobble if a tire was unbalanced or slightly low on air, it ate a lot of gas and highway mileage wasn't much better(thing seemed like a brick driving down the highway).....

Honestly I'd own another one. It performed extremely well off-road and had a set of nuts on it that I'd put money on over the V8 in my 4Runner. Reliability, quality, longevity....I'd pick the Toyota. I worried driving the GC out of town over 100k miles. I've taken my old 4Runner out of town at well over 200k miles loaded down.

If I was looking for an off-road only, rock crawler type vehicle I'd go with the GC. Anything else I'd go with the 4Runner.

 

[brian2sun]

If I was looking for an off-road only, rock crawler type vehicle I'd go with the GC. Anything else I'd go with the 4Runner.

Make a GC into a rock crawler? Not my 1st choice.

 

[Justinlhc]

Make a GC into a rock crawler? Not my 1st choice.

So what about a GC would you say is a bad choice for rock crawling? Thousands of others seem to like the idea judging by how many I've seen. Damn sure better than a 4runner and that's what we're comparing it to in this thread, isn't it?

 

[brian2sun]

So what about a GC would you say is a bad choice for rock crawling? Thousands of others seem to like the idea judging by how many I've seen. Damn sure better than a 4runner and that's what we're comparing it to in this thread, isn't it?

A GC doesn't have a frame dude, they're unibodies... ala an SUV, not a truck. See if the doors can still open after a good day of crawling and you'll know what I mean. Thousands of people do dumb stuff all the time. A GC can be an ok offroader, but rock crawling is different. I'll look for a GC when I go out to the King of the Hammers this Feb. If I see one, I'll post a pic, haha. but I doubt that will happen. Had you said Wrangler, I wouldn't be arguing with that. I'll no doubt see hundreds of Wranglers and 4runners out there.

Oh yes, and the new ones don't even have a solid rear axle. Indy suspension all around - not the best for a rock crawler.

 

[Justinlhc]

A GC doesn't have a frame dude, they're unibodies... ala an SUV, not a truck. See if the doors can still open after a good day of crawling and you'll know what I mean. Thousands of people do dumb stuff all the time. A GC can be an ok offroader, but rock crawling is different. I'll look for a GC when I go out to the King of the Hammers this Feb. If I see one, I'll post a pic, haha. but I doubt that will happen. Had you said Wrangler, I wouldn't be arguing with that. I'll no doubt see hundreds of Wranglers and 4runners out there.

Ok? Do a search. Tons of people use them as rock crawlers with no complaints and nobody calling them "dumb". Have you been on the internet long? :wtf:

1996 Jeep Grand Cherokee | Jeep Grand Cherokee Enthusiast Article at Automotive.com
Grand Cherokee rock crawler - Google Search

 

[Justinlhc]

Oh yes, and the new ones don't even have a solid rear axle. Indy suspension all around - not the best for a rock crawler.

He's not looking for a 2011. He's looking for an older one. Why do people get so weird on this forum whem someone mentions a Jeep? :ybrick:

 

[brian2sun]

Cool man, yeah. You obviously speak from experience. LOL. 've been around Jeeps my entire life. There are lots of guys who build rock crawlers out of less-than-ideal platforms. SSome haven't learned yet, some are just dumb. But no one who knows better builds a rock crawler out of a unibody. God I wish this thread was on Pirate, haha.

 

[Justinlhc]

Cool man, yeah. You obviously speak from experience. LOL. 've been around Jeeps my entire life. There are lots of guys who build rock crawlers out of less-than-ideal platforms. SSome haven't learned yet, some are just dumb. But no one who knows better builds a rock crawler out of a unibody. God I wish this thread was on Pirate, haha.

Go post it on some other website than. Thanks for posting. Jesus.....

 

[brian2sun]

He's not looking for a 2011. He's looking for an older one. Why do people get so weird on this forum whem someone mentions a Jeep? :ybrick:

all I said is it wouldn't be my 1st choice. Read it again, you're the one getting defensive.

 

[brian2sun]

This is comical! A GC as rock crawler? really?

 

[Justinlhc]

all I said is it wouldn't be my 1st choice. Read it again, you're the one getting defensive.

That had nothing to do with what you quoted, but regardless I never said it was my first choice either. The OP was asking about a Grand Cherokee and a 4Runnner. Nobody ever said "If you're going to build a rock crawler, out of every vehicle out there, what would be the best?". We are comparing the Grand Cherokee to a 4Runner, k? Calm down.

 

[Justinlhc]

This is comical! A GC as rock crawler? really?

You're the only guy in the world who has never heard of it. Congrats.
YouTube - Grand Cherokee rock crawling

 

[Clemsonfan15]

So what about a GC would you say is a bad choice for rock crawling? Thousands of others seem to like the idea judging by how many I've seen. Damn sure better than a 4runner and that's what we're comparing it to in this thread, isn't it?

If you were getting a Jeep and wanted to rock crawl the best choice would be the Wrangler Rubicon. Going the GC route wouldn't really make sense.

 

[Justinlhc]

If you were getting a Jeep and wanted to rock crawl the best choice would be the Wrangler Rubicon. Going the GC route wouldn't really make sense.

Sorry, I didn't know the OP was looking for a Wrangler. I thought his 2 choices were a 4Runner or a Grand Cherokee. I must have misread it.

 

[brian2sun]

You're the only guy in the world who has never heard of it. Congrats.
YouTube - Grand Cherokee rock crawling

When I said a GC wouldn't be my 1st choice for a rock crawler you responded as if it would be your 1st choice. I don't care if that's how you fell, I just think it's not the best choice. But now you say it wouldn't be your 1st choice. Have you changed your mind?

Lots of people have made crawlers out of them, but I didn't say I've never heard of it. As a matter of fact I've ridden in them plenty of times. The reason I say they don't make good crawlers is because I have seen 1st hand why they don't. Unibodies flex and deform, period. One of my friends only has one door that still opens, the rest are jammed shut because the body has crushed in on them. Not from rolling, but from being twisted. The strength just isn't there for hardcore off roading. You can take a 4runner from any gen and make it into a great crawler. After '85 you'll need an SAS, but besides that, they are ready to rock.

 

[Justinlhc]

When I said a GC wouldn't be my 1st choice for a rock crawler you responded as if it would be your 1st choice. I don't care if that's how you fell, I just think it's not the best choice. But now you say it wouldn't be your 1st choice. Have you changed your mind?

Lots of people have made crawlers out of them, but I didn't say I've never heard of it. As a matter of fact I've ridden in them plenty of times. The reason I say they don't make good crawlers is because I have seen 1st hand why they don't. Unibodies flex and deform, period. One of my friends only has one door that still opens, the rest are jammed shut because the body has crushed in on them. Not from rolling, but from being twisted. The strength just isn't there for hardcore off roading. You can take a 4runner from any gen and make it into a great crawler. After '85 you'll need an SAS, but besides that, they are ready to rock.

What?? Changed my mind? Ummm....I NEVER said it was my first choice. I'm not sure what your deal is or what you're trying to prove, but you're really not helping anything here. We aren't looking for the worlds best rock crawler. The guy is trying to pick between a ~2008 4Runner and a ~2008 Grand Cherokee for gods sake. No Rubicons, no 85 4Runners, no 2011 Grand Cherokee, no solid axle swaps..... :nono:

This is comical! A GC as rock crawler? really?

Lots of people have made crawlers out of them, but I didn't say I've never heard of it. As a matter of fact I've ridden in them plenty of times.