Camprunner
New member
Is the frame in the current FJ cruiser the same as the frame in the current 4runner?
4th Gen frame ?
- Thread starter Camprunner
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
Q1: "The FJ Cruiser rides on a modified Tacoma pickup platform" (Source:
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=161 )
Q2: "The all-new body-on-frame chassis has fully boxed section rails with large-diameter body mounts for increased torsional rigidity. The new frame has one additional crossmember." (Source: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=1&highlight=boxed )
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=161 )
Q2: "The all-new body-on-frame chassis has fully boxed section rails with large-diameter body mounts for increased torsional rigidity. The new frame has one additional crossmember." (Source: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/showthread.php?threadid=1&highlight=boxed )
Thai
Elite Member
The FJ rides on a modified Prado frame. Prado is the identical twin of Lexus GX/4runner overseas...it comes in 2-door and 4-door versions i believe. The 2-door's frame is what the FJ is based heavily on. The 4-door version is same as GX and 4runner. Thus, the FJ is built off a version of the 4runner's frame, just shortened. And if you look underneath a FJ and a 4runner, then you will see a lot of similarities.
Yes, both FJ and 4runner's frames are fully-boxed front to rear. The Tacoma's frame is NOT fully-boxed...it is boxed on at the front (same for the new Tundra).
Yes, both FJ and 4runner's frames are fully-boxed front to rear. The Tacoma's frame is NOT fully-boxed...it is boxed on at the front (same for the new Tundra).
jacal
New member
I would say that there is no relation to the tacoma. That reference is incorrect, althought I've seen toyota make a similar connection.
From toyota.ca:
"FJ rides on the same platform as Toyota's world-renowned Landcruiser Prado [4Runner]. Modified to add 210 mm to its length, the platform features a tough, fully-boxed frame with seven cross-members, full underbody protective coating, and solid skid armor in all the right places."
J
From toyota.ca:
"FJ rides on the same platform as Toyota's world-renowned Landcruiser Prado [4Runner]. Modified to add 210 mm to its length, the platform features a tough, fully-boxed frame with seven cross-members, full underbody protective coating, and solid skid armor in all the right places."
J
Camprunner
New member
How good were the original FJ's? ...... anyone know?
AgeOfEmpires
New member
Thai said:
Well, based on some of the posters I've seen here, I'm guessing I a little older than most. I can remember when my dad's friend's dad bought an FJ40 in '68 or '69. That thing got us to many a fishing hole and hunting location that very few others would attempt going into.
From those initial impressions, I have always wanted a restored FJ40. When the FJ Cruiser came out, I thought I would opt for one of those. However, I need a 4-door for now and a 4Runner has always been very high on my list. Therefore, I opted for the 4Runner.
However, if not for practicality rearing it's ugly head, I would have strongly investigated an FJ40 that I saw while buying my 4Runner. Apparentely the owner of the dealership where I got my 4Runner had just put his FJ40 on the used car lot. It had diamond plate interior and the body had some sort of interior-bed liner type of material covering all the body work. If only I had room for another vehicle...
jacal
New member
Thai said:What kills me is that doesn't the 4runner have all of these features too?? Just reading Toyota's brochure/advertisements, you think that Toyota just invented the wheel with the FJ!
I hear ya - I think Toyota marketing is having a little trouble positioning the Runner these days. Check the newest brochure, and especially the 06 (again Cdn), where the pics show some nice OR shots. However, read the internet site (.ca) and it talks about the some pretty fearsome stuff:
"Illuminated Running Boards on Limited models let you step up and brave the challenge of any off-road adventure, even if the sun calls it a day before you do."
Yikes, the sun is going down! No wonder people don't take it seriously.
J
Thai
Elite Member
I have always wondered this phenomenon with used Land Rover Defender and FJ40s. I know that it's cool or prestigious to have these vehicles. But, are they really that capable?? IMHO, i would rather get Jeep Wrangler Rubicon for several reasons: brand new vehicle, full warranty on all parts, rust-free (at least initially), no renovations needed, and less money spent overall. And you get a vehicle that will blow away any stock FJ40s or Defender easily off-road.
Just my opinion, and willing to hear other thoughts.
Just my opinion, and willing to hear other thoughts.
AgeOfEmpires
New member
Thai said:
Well, I'm not sure I envision it as cool or prestigious. The general population (who are, by the way, the very same that certain owners are trying to impress with their vehicle choice) would not put an old FJ40 into either of those categories. However, there is something to be said for fond memories (ie: nostalgia). That is where my interest are. I really could care less about what someone else thinks of what I drive. But for whatever reason, I've always had a soft spot for the FJ40. I still hope to have one some day. Only time will tell.
Northof49
New member
To be different. A Wrangler is to 4x4's what a mid-range Mustang convertable is to sports cars.....every college parking lot has a bunch of each piloted by dorky collar-poppers.Thai said:
Resto'ing/driving a Defender or an old 'Cruiser shows a lot more dedication to your cause, if you're into such things.
Thai
Elite Member
Northof49 said:
Yeah, maybe i am more of a practical person and also not into restoring old cars (not enough patience). I don't really care that everyone has one as long as it is worth it for me. My sis-in-law often comments why she hates Camry and Accords because they are everywhere...well, they are everywhere because they are good. I love my Corolla which i spend 80-90% of the time driving...everyone has one...now, i know why...it's a neat little car. My G is now strictly for off-roading use 99% of the time...and thus, collects dust in the garage.
Northof49
New member
I'm practical when it comes to stuff I plan on driving everyday. But if you're looking for a project/weekend warrior, it's neat to do something different. And if you like Wrangler sizing (great for off-roading), but bleed Toyota....an FJ40 makes perfect sense. When I have a pile of money with nothing to do (likely never lol), I'd love to restore an FJ45 longbed truck....those are just too cool.
Even your G as a strictly off-road rig....there are other options that get basically the same job done cheaper, but they would be lacking in the deep history and "cool factor," correct?
Even your G as a strictly off-road rig....there are other options that get basically the same job done cheaper, but they would be lacking in the deep history and "cool factor," correct?
Thai
Elite Member
Northof49 said:
Well, i don't like USED cars. Although i did entertain buying a LX450, I just don't trust used cars. My personal opinion. In 2004, i looked for something that was more capable than my '02 4runner (3rd gen). I looked at: Jeep Wrangler Rubicon (pervious gen), LX470, GX470, and Range Rover. I wanted something capable, but also something that can be driven over a long distance in relative comfort and has decent safety features (ABS a minimum). Well, in 2004, Jeep Rubicon did not come with ABS. If the 2007 JK Wrangler Rubicon was available in 2004, then you would see a Jeep in my signature. So, Rubicon was out in 2004. GX just came out & KDSS was not available...and again, i wanted something significantly better than my '02 4runner. My brother has LX and is just too big for me...and i wanted something different from my brother (yes, i know, superficial reason). Range Rovers are too damn unreliable. And i wanted something with lockers and solid axles. G500 was the only option left...and it has been a great choice for me...i am learning more and more about it everyday...it is built to last a long long time, which is what i want.
But, i would never buy a used G500 and renovate it....
brad6841
New member
From what I've read the old FJ40s and Land Cruisers were very capable. Mainly due to the fact that they were indestructible.
It has always been my personal opinion though, that if your going to buy an older rig to off road specifically there is nothing better than an old American short bed truck. Specifically a GM, mainly due to the fact that they were build fairly tough and the after market for parts was basically endless. Look at the GM 350, how many after market parts are made for it to improve power and dependability at a relatively inexpensive cost.
That's just my opinion though....:biggrin2:
It has always been my personal opinion though, that if your going to buy an older rig to off road specifically there is nothing better than an old American short bed truck. Specifically a GM, mainly due to the fact that they were build fairly tough and the after market for parts was basically endless. Look at the GM 350, how many after market parts are made for it to improve power and dependability at a relatively inexpensive cost.
That's just my opinion though....:biggrin2:
Northof49
New member
Agreed, and your line of thinking makes sense to me.Thai said:
BUT, just for fun, if you were looking for "the cheap route," I believe your 3rd gen 4R could be modded quite easily to come within 95% of the G's capability, while remaining everybit as reliable, with roughly the same (?) interior space. BUT, you'd be giving up status, out-of-the-box-ness, and some toys and luxury items. 4-wheeling performance is a fairly straightforward formula....lockers, lift, tires and low gears; all of which are fairly simple mods to a vehicle like a 3rd gen.
But you sound like me; scared to screw around with things that work well stock...so it's easier just to buy a better stock product X LOL
Last edited:
Thai
Elite Member
Northof49 said:
The cheap route would be '07 Jeep Rubicon...and mod from there.
But, there is really nothing much to add to the Rubicon either.I am of the old thought that modding often decreases durability/reliability of the base structure. A simple lift may decrease reliability of front suspension parts. I would have to get SAS (solid axle swap) and get strong axle lockers. All of this resulted in a vehicle that is very very far away from factory ride/handling/comfort. Again, this is not what i wanted as my original intent of a daily SUV with excellent off-road capability. I do firmly believe that most off-road vendors do not do nearly as much research and testings as the manufacturer.
Interior space is significantly more in the G500. Think of it this way...the overengineering of the G is evident in the weight. It is about the length and width of my '02 4runner, but just higher. It weighs 5500 lbs (same as LX470)...over 1700 lbs heavier than my old 4runner! There is no way you can make that up with aftermarket mods. It's just not off-road capability, but also durability of the parts over the worst conditions.
