4th Gen 4runner gradeability?
- Thread starter JosephD05
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JosephD05
New member
Thai said:
40 degrees? WOW that seems awfully steep! Is there any documentation online to back this up? I dont' doubt you, but my uncle is a cyclist and he argued that no car can climb anything over 20 degree angle. I told him I thought he was wrong, but would look for solid evidence to back me up.
Thai
Elite Member
JosephD05 said:
Well, i knew that you were going to ask me that.
Here is an old thread that i wrote:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=128&highlight=side+slope
It shows the grade capability of the 3rd gen 4runner (unloaded). I have no doubt that the 4th gen should be just as good or even better given that the 4th gen is longer and wider.
There are plenty of vehicles that can do more than 20 degrees...just look at the Hummer website or Mercedes website for more details (both of which tests gradeability with a full load).
Thai
Elite Member
Here ya go...this is the gradeability to the Prado overseas (aka GX470/4runner twin):
"Prado's unmatched off-road prowess has to be experienced to be believed. Maximum negotiable grade: 42 degrees. Maximum traversable water depth: 700mm. Approach angle: 32 degrees. Ramp break angle: 20 degrees. Departure angle: 26 degrees. Maximum stable grade: 42 degrees. Now take up the challenge and conquer any terrain with ease."
So, i was a bit wrong...it's 42/42 degrees.
"Prado's unmatched off-road prowess has to be experienced to be believed. Maximum negotiable grade: 42 degrees. Maximum traversable water depth: 700mm. Approach angle: 32 degrees. Ramp break angle: 20 degrees. Departure angle: 26 degrees. Maximum stable grade: 42 degrees. Now take up the challenge and conquer any terrain with ease."
So, i was a bit wrong...it's 42/42 degrees.
Baba Booey
New member
Thai,
How do these numbers fit in with those in the G-Wagen article that you posted today in the comparison section? Are they measuring this differently somehow?
"It can scamper up or down a grade as steep as 36 degrees, or traverse a slope canted to an angle of 24 degrees."
How do these numbers fit in with those in the G-Wagen article that you posted today in the comparison section? Are they measuring this differently somehow?
"It can scamper up or down a grade as steep as 36 degrees, or traverse a slope canted to an angle of 24 degrees."
Thai
Elite Member
Baba Booey said:
Good question. Supposedly, the G-wagen and Hummer vehicles measure their grade index with a full load. This is why a Hummer H1 can only do 60% and 40%, respectively. We all know that both of these vehicles can do more, but this is the safe gradeability with a full load. This is how the military measures grade capability. Both G-wagen and H1 must past military tests...thus, they are measured that way.
Therefore, the numbers between the different vehicles cannot be compared directly. Toyota has been known to fudge with data/specs to make themselve look good.
In fact, if you look at this spec sheet for the G-wagen, then you will see that at the bottom left corner..."at max permissible load". Everything is measured at max load. Thus, the numbers tend to be lower than that of Toyota's.
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Thai
Elite Member
And since we're on the topic of Mercedes stats, i want to vent! I really do hate Mercedes USA...they treat the G-wagen like a bastard stepchild. The stats on the MBUSA website are wrong...and no one seem to care to change it.
Here is my post on another forum regarding the picture in my previous post above:
As you may know, i have always wondered where Mercedes get their stats on our 463 G-wagens. The MBUSA brochure lists ground clearance to be 8.3" and angles of 36/27 (approach/departure). Recently, i was looking at an old picture that we all have seen...see previous post.
Well, if you look at the left lower corner of the pic, then you will see that the specs for the pic is for a G with 255/65/16 (29") tires. If you convert mm to inches, then you will see that MBUSA measurements are very close (if not exactly the same) as these measurements.
So, current factory G-wagens come with 265/60/18 tires which is equal to 31" tires. So, if you were to add 1" to the height (due to larger stock tires) of the G in the picture above, then you will come up with a ground clearance that is much closer to what i actually measured on my G...9.3" inches (i measured 9.4").
In addition, stock G's approach/breakover/departure angles will be around 36/25/31. This is confirmed in my off-roading where i felt that my departure angle is significantly better than 27" degrees quoted in the brochure. And these angles are with a fully laden G.
So, basically, Mercedes messed up on the stats in the MBUSA brochure & website. MB does not really care about G500's off-road stats...it is clearly not MB's priority.
G-wagen is MB's bastard stepchild!
Here is my post on another forum regarding the picture in my previous post above:
As you may know, i have always wondered where Mercedes get their stats on our 463 G-wagens. The MBUSA brochure lists ground clearance to be 8.3" and angles of 36/27 (approach/departure). Recently, i was looking at an old picture that we all have seen...see previous post.
Well, if you look at the left lower corner of the pic, then you will see that the specs for the pic is for a G with 255/65/16 (29") tires. If you convert mm to inches, then you will see that MBUSA measurements are very close (if not exactly the same) as these measurements.
So, current factory G-wagens come with 265/60/18 tires which is equal to 31" tires. So, if you were to add 1" to the height (due to larger stock tires) of the G in the picture above, then you will come up with a ground clearance that is much closer to what i actually measured on my G...9.3" inches (i measured 9.4").
In addition, stock G's approach/breakover/departure angles will be around 36/25/31. This is confirmed in my off-roading where i felt that my departure angle is significantly better than 27" degrees quoted in the brochure. And these angles are with a fully laden G.
So, basically, Mercedes messed up on the stats in the MBUSA brochure & website. MB does not really care about G500's off-road stats...it is clearly not MB's priority.
G-wagen is MB's bastard stepchild!
gizmopt2002
New member
Wow! 27.5 inches of water!
Thats alot!
Thats alot!Thai said:
27.5 inches of fording ability does seem like a lot. Are you saying Toyota slightly overstated this figure?
Where is the air intake for the engine located?
Thanks for providing this info. Based upon ground clearance, 4x4 system, center locking diffs, etc. it seems like the 4runner is an extremely capable off roader, but that its greatest weakness is the relatively small approach/departure angles, right?
Seems like this would have been an easy fix by angle the front and rear bumpers up a little more...
Thai
Elite Member
Yes and no. The 4runner can go thru water this deep once or twice or a few times. However, all Toyota SUVs and trucks do NOT come with rear differential breather tube. Therefore, if water goes above the rear axle pumpkin, then there is a chance of flooding the axle diff. The good news is that it is very easy to do in extending the breather: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?s=&threadid=123
darkeagle6
New member
So my '07 SR5 V8 is on order and I'm already thinking of ways to improve the approach and departure angles without suspension upgrages (yet). They are significantly lower then comparable SUVs (Wrangler Unlimited, H3, etc). Any ideas on how I'd go about that?
Thai
Elite Member
darkeagle6 said:
Aftermarket bumpers tend to have better angles than stock. But, these bumpers are heavy and may cause sagging and may decrease your body ground clearance. Thus, most aftermarket bumpers go with aftermarket lifts that can support their weight.
The SUVs that you mentioned above are off-road oriented SUVs...so, it's not fair to compare them to the 4runner, which is a all-purpose SUV.
