4Runner vs FJ Cruiser

[JB.]

Huh? You can drive on or off road in 4wd in a AT FJ. You just shift it to 4 hi.

90% of the time you dont need 4wd so having it in 2wd saves fuel big time. Either way, the FJ still has traction control like the 4runner and even better, it has A-Trac and locking rear diff for the hardcore stuff.

http://www.toyota.com/vehicles/minisite/fjbulletin/index.html?section=1.2.1

My main point is the 4Runner is able to wheel in 4wd-low, without being center locked -- something no FJ can do. All FJ configurations are center locked when in 4wd-low, I believe. Wheeling in 4-low, unlocked, has to be experienced to be appreciated, imo. Easy steering for multi-point turns or turning around, no worries about driveline binding on rock, etc. (MT FJ owners, of course, can't help but experience 4wd high, unlocked).

 

[JB.]

Yes, you can but only in a straight line on dry pavement. It's a part-time system...therefore, it canNOT be used on dry pavement unless you're just going straight. It is the same system that you see on the Tacoma. It is NOT the same system as you see on the 4runner. The manual tranny FJ has a similar system to the 4runner's.

From what I can tell, even the MTs are center locked when in low range. I appreciate the 4Runner more than ever.

 

[webshot]

From what I can tell, even the MTs are center locked when in low range. I appreciate the 4Runner more than ever.

the FJ does not need a center lock, but yes it may be. It has A-Trac instead and a rear locking diff in addition.

I've owned a V8 4runner Limited, and yes it is a good car, but I have no real need for 4wd on dry hard paved roads.

If the road conditions are icy, wet, or anything but dry, I shift it to 4 hi.

 

[webshot]

Yes, you can but only in a straight line on dry pavement. It's a part-time system...therefore, it canNOT be used on dry pavement unless you're just going straight. It is the same system that you see on the Tacoma. It is NOT the same system as you see on the 4runner. The manual tranny FJ has a similar system to the 4runner's.

How are you guys driving your 4runners that you require awd or 4wd on dry pavement? Are you drifting with it or something?

 

[Thai]

How are you guys driving your 4runners that you require awd or 4wd on dry pavement? Are you drifting with it or something?

Full-time 4wd on dry pavement can be advantageous when the weather varies. Even in rain, i would not put a part-time system in 4wd...not enough slippage. What if there is an oil slick in the middle of the highway?? You do not have time to go into 4-HI.

Or how about going over washboards at high speeds?? You can't be in 4-Hi all the time because what if you need to make turns? That is where full-time system works well.

Basically, having a center differential and full-time setting allows for more flexibility.

 

[JB.]

the FJ does not need a center lock, but yes it may be. It has A-Trac instead and a rear locking diff in addition.

Sorry, but this sentence isn't making any sense to me. All Fjs have a center locked mode. It's the lack of a center unlocked mode that I'm talking about. Atrac has nothing to do with the center.

 

[Thai]

If the road conditions are icy, wet, or anything but dry, I shift it to 4 hi.

This is actually WRONG to do! You shift into 4-Hi, and you shut OFF stability control! Therefore, not only is your steering limited (due to 4-HI engagement), but you have no electronic nanny to save your butt from spinning out (aka oversteer or understeer). I would trust VSC over 4HI on wet pavement anyday of the week!

 

[webshot]

This is actually WRONG to do! You shift into 4-Hi, and you shut OFF stability control! Therefore, not only is your steering limited (due to 4-HI engagement), but you have no electronic nanny to save your butt from spinning out (aka oversteer or understeer). I would trust VSC over 4HI on wet pavement anyday of the week!

I stand corrected you are right. This would probably only work off road in snow conditions. I would not put too much faith in the VSC though.

 

[webshot]

Sorry, but this sentence isn't making any sense to me. All Fjs have a center locked mode. It's the lack of a center unlocked mode that I'm talking about. Atrac has nothing to do with the center.

Perhaps I misunderstood.

What do you gain by having an unlocked center diff in 4low?

 

[Thai]

I would not put too much faith in the VSC though.

I can tell that it's better than 99% of drivers on the road today. There is a reason why stability control will become mandatory on all cars, trucks, and SUVs by 2012. It works. It saves lives. Nothing more to it.

 

[Thai]

Perhaps I misunderstood.

What do you gain by having an unlocked center diff in 4low?

Towing a boat out of water...hehehe, this is the only example that i could think of. I guess that having a center diff also allows you to make a tight turn while off-roading in 4-LO without having to go back into 2wd.

 

[webshot]

I can tell that it's better than 99% of drivers on the road today. There is a reason why stability control will become mandatory on all cars, trucks, and SUVs by 2012. It works. It saves lives. Nothing more to it.

Very true.

The one thing I hate about the Toyota VSC that I noticed happens on both vehicles is that delay when you step on the gas right at the worst time when you need to GET GOING!

I've certainly learned not to put myself in those situations, but it happens.

 

[Thai]

Very true.

The one thing I hate about the Toyota VSC that I noticed happens on both vehicles is that delay when you step on the gas right at the worst time when you need to GET GOING!

I've certainly learned not to put myself in those situations, but it happens.

Yeah, you're right...it happens with most (if not all) stability control systems. I think that, as drivers, we just need to adjust our driving habits, similar when we have to adapt to keep our foot on the brakes while ABS works.

 

[JB.]

What do you gain by having an unlocked center diff in 4low?

Easing steering and no driveline stress.

When center locked, even on dirt there's always a little driveline stress before it gets relieved via a slipping wheel. On rock there can be considerably more. Even more than on pavement in some circumstances. The sharper the turn, the more the bind and the harder the steering. Most off-roading is on slippery dirt, but aired-down tires can wrap around rocks barely sticking out and it's not all that uncommon to find yourself on dirt, having to turn sharply, with the traction on all 4 tires considerably higher than just being on dirt alone. I don't like the hard steering feedback indicative of driveline stress so I don't lock unless I have a reason.

It mostly has to be classified as a luxury, but if driveline stress is cumulative, I can easily see it being beneficial to longer drive train life for frequent off-roaders. It's something that takes a lot of hours in the seat to appreciate, I think, and probably seems like a non-issue to most, but I'm thoroughly spoiled by it.

In my view, having the Torsen-3 center with a complete range of setting choices, including 4wd low, unlocked, is one of the most distinguishing advantages of the 4Runner over many other SUVs. For those who don't off-road much -- think roll down rear window. It's that cool.

Is it necessary? No. Is it nice to have? Definitely.

 

[MikeGonnacostya]

I bought a 07 limited 4runner v8 last month after getting out of a lifted 2wd 00 Tundra. Loved it at first, then thought it was too "tame" and not aggressive enough for me. Saw a sick TRD FJ at a local dealer and drove by it day after day. I went in one day and looked for it and it was gone. Actually test drove another 07 FJ with the 6speed. It seemed cool for a few minutes although I didn't care for the 6speed (long throw and long pedal play). But I wasn't the TRD one so I just left and thanked the salesman. As soon as I got back in my 4runner I fell in love with it all over again!

FJ's are what they are, as are the 4runners. If hardcore weekend off-roading is what you want then go for the FJ.

4Runners are what they are, sweet on road vehicles with a serious off road capability but more for the weekender snow drives and moderate offroad trips for camping.

Overall I think the 4runner could be every bit of an offroad vehicle the FJ is if there were some aftermarket products for it. But there isn't

 

[RonMAIDEN]

Overall I think the 4runner could be every bit of an offroad vehicle the FJ is if there were some aftermarket products for it. But there isn't ""


Well,now you're going to get a bunch of replies to that comment since there is plenty to take you most places in any gen of 4Runner.

 

[MikeGonnacostya]

Well there are some, but no 6 inch lifts or bit kits that will give you the travel or articulation that the aftermarket FJ kits do. I don't think the tiny OME kits count.

 

[TechWrench]

I took several, long hard looks at the FJ when it first appeared on the dealer lot. But I wasn't able to make a deal I could live with at the time. The other half, didn't like the looks, inside or out. So I decided to keep my '03, which I still love. As time went by, I became less interested in the FJ, and glad I stuck with the SR5. What I have noticed in the last three months has really surprised me. On the way to work, I pass seven different new car dealers, and there are three FJ's sitting in, other than Toyota, used car lots. I noticed the first one in a Ford dealership, then shortly one in a Kia lot, and the third in a Dodge lot. All three have been sitting over three months. Makes one kinda curious why they were traded in so quickly on non-toyota rides? They must have taken quite a depreciation hit for being less than one year old. I'm thinking they were bought because they looked 'neat', but after a while, the 'neat' wore off and they wanted something more practical or mainstream.

 

[Thai]

IMakes one kinda curious why they were traded in so quickly on non-toyota rides? They must have taken quite a depreciation hit for being less than one year old. I'm thinking they were bought because they looked 'neat', but after a while, the 'neat' wore off and they wanted something more practical or mainstream.

Yeah, today, i saw in a local newspaper ad from a Kia dealership that showed a modified FJ for sale. I wondered what that owner traded in for?? A Kia Sorento??

 

[05Rrunner]

Any FJ Suspension stuff fits the 4th gen 4runner, So there is plenty to pick from. I am going to do the 6" Rough Country lift on mine ,Very soon.