99 4Runner or 96 Land Cruiser??

[Lankan]

I've read many posts on comparing the two vehicles, and actually own one of each at the moment. Here's a little info on what I have:

99 4Runner is completely stock, V6, Auto, 212k miles, with factory rear e-locker.

96 Land Cruiser is also completely stock with 185k miles - with no lockers.

Both of them are in very good condition, and I'm having a tough time choosing which one to keep, as I'm going to be building the one that I do keep. In the past, I have owned an 87 Samurai and an 02 Wrangler TJ. I'm a little biased towards solid axle vehicles due to their superior off road capability, however, I do like the 4-runner as it's easier on the wallet when it comes to gas as well as modding it. At most, here's what I would do to each:

99 4Runner: Sonoran Steel 1.2 Suspension or similar lift, Addicted off road tube bumper package (front, back, & sliders), Total Chaos Upper A-Arms (not sure if this is even a need), Front ARB Locker, & 33-35" tires.

96 Land Cruiser: OME lift, Slee front & rear bumpers with custom sliders, Front & Rear ARB Lockers, with 35" tires.


So far, I have taken both vehicles in stock form on the same trail (Rowher 4x4 trail in SoCal). I have only taken the stock running boards off both vehicles, and reduced the air pressure on stock (road) tires to 20psi. The Land Cruiser feels so much more at home on the trail, and outperformed the 4-runner, as it was able to go up some steep sections that the 4-runner could not (without use of the rear diff lock engaged).

I'm not sure how much more capable the 4Runner will be with the mods I have mentioned above. I feel that the land cruiser is a superior vehicle (due to the solid axle), however it does have a couple of drawbacks for what I'm going to be using it for. I do like technical trails, and the Land Cruiser is much wider than a 4-runner. That being said... for you experienced wheelers out there, my question is, with the mods I have listed above, will the 4Runner be nearly as capable as the Land Cruiser?? Thank you in advance for all your advice!!

 

[xcmtb83]

Without thinking too much about this because I would end up undecided like you, I would keep the Land Cruiser. Simply for the cool factor and the fact there are a lot more 4Runners out there than Land Cruisers. I am sure I will be the minority for saying this considering what forum this is. Post the question in a Land Cruiser forum and they would probably be leaning torwards the Land Cruiser.

 

[02SE]

I had a '95 FZJ80 with the factory diff locks, ARB Bull Bar W/Warn winch, OME front coils to bring the front back up to level after the bumper and winch, and I ran BFG AT 295/75/16 tires. This was my Business vehicle that I wrote off, due to it's GVWR being over 6k lbs.

A couple years later I also bought a personal use '97 4Runner V6, 5-speed, W/ rear diff lock.

The 'Cruiser was able to crawl over obstacles really well, where it fit, due to the diff locks. But I didn't feel it had much of an advantage over my 4Runner.

Anyway, when it came time to either keep or sell the Landcruiser, I opted to sell it. It wasn't as comfortable or fun to drive IMO. The automatic trans was boring, and it got much worse fuel economy.

I still have the 4Runner.

 

[Tsfc]

Do not do it bruh, keep both. Had a landy before in the fam and I miss it terribly. If I had to choose one to keep, which thankfully I do not (currently searching for a replacement lc in addition to building my runner) land cruiser 100%


But I live in a region with the shittiest roads in N.A. I believe.... and the winters here make winters elsewhere look like Disneyland on ice.

......even if I didn't, LC 1 hunnit

 

[98WhiteT4R]

The 4Runner will be cheaper to own and mod but nothing looks cooler then a fully built Cruiser.

 

[Predatorhouse]

difficult decision, I want a land cruiser just because there arent many out there and deffinatly modded ones.

 

[Lankan]

Do not do it bruh, keep both. Had a landy before in the fam and I miss it terribly. If I had to choose one to keep, which thankfully I do not (currently searching for a replacement lc in addition to building my runner) land cruiser 100% ......even if I didn't, LC 1 hunnit

Thank you for all the replies guys! Wish I could keep both, but I can't. Guess there really isn't a clear decision between the two, as they both have advantages. The way I see it...

- 4Runner is better on... Gas, technical tight trails, cheaper mods, rear sliding window, can drift it in 2wd!

- Land Cruiser is better on having... more space (can seat 7 if needed), solid axle (this is what I would miss most I think if I choose the 4Runner), Less to modify, safer in an accident, fold-down tailgate... and it's becoming a collectors item!

Here's a few pics of the two...

 

[Lankan]

By the way, neither of these vehicles will be my daily driver. I will be using it MOST of the time to run trails out here in CA, and someday (in the next year or two) want to run the Rubicon Trail as well. It will be used once in while for family trips and towing/hauling stuff.

 

[MrRoo]

I love the Land Cruisers. I love my 4runner even stock with lots of miles. But could never find a Cruiser in good enough shape for right price to justify buying. I say keep the Cruiser. Exclusivity trumps in my opinion. Especially since its not going to be your DD.

 

[white_n_slow]

I too have owned a couple 3rd gens and currently own an LX450, so I feel like I can speak from experience here.

Looking at your planned mods, I'm assuming the rig you keep will be used for fairly heavy off-roading. The fact that you're not going to use it as your DD seals the deal for me.

My vote goes to Mall Cruiser:

-the 9.5 axles with ARB's and longfields are the closest thing to indestructible this side of a Dana60 or 14bolt. Definitely the strongest axle combo you can get for toyota. Better even than the high-pinion 8" e-locker front from a beef standpoint. The 4runner IFS with ARB and 35's, by comparison, will not hold up to a fraction of the abuse.

-No body lift or funny business to fit 35" or bigger tires. Just get an OME lift and slap those puppies on there. Keep in mind the cost to re-gear (a must, IMO with the auto)

-4 wheel disk brakes is a plus in my book

-MPG will be worse and drivetrain may take a little more maintenance over time, but again, this is not your DD. Also no timing belt to worry about. Not a huge difference in gas or maintenance $$$ either way, IMO.

To me the only drawback would be the auto, but your 4runner is auto too, so moot point. Auto has it's merits on the trail anyway.


If this were also a DD, I think it would be a lot easier to make the case for the 4runner.

 

[vm_boy]

I agree with white_n_slow. If the intention is occasional camping/towing, heavy duty offroad, and family trips, then you should definitely keep the Land Cruiser. The 4Runner is certainly capable offroad, but he LC will be a beast. You can fit bigger tires, bigger lifts, etc. way easier and the SFA will be better offroad.

Just make sure you sell your 4Runner to someone who will actually take advantage of the e-locker. Don't let some dealer send it off to an auction and sold for scrap.

 

[Tsfc]

Lankan as in Sri Lankan? Just curious,




the land cruiser is in amazing shape. They are tough to find in good shape at least getting tougher. Would be harder to replace...I found out the hard way, don't be me!

 

[Lankan]

Lankan as in Sri Lankan? Just curious, the land cruiser is in amazing shape. They are tough to find in good shape at least getting tougher. Would be harder to replace...I found out the hard way, don't be me!

Haha, yes, I am from Sri Lanka. The Land Cruisers are considered the best and toughest vehicles over there. My exact vehicle over there (with a turbo diesel) would cost $50-60,000 even now.

Think I got lucky, as mine is in very good condition. Looks like I'll be keeping the cruiser as it's almost unanimous!

 

[GSPRunner]

If it were me I'd keep the 80 series. I love my 4Runner and it gets me everywhere I need to go, but the fact that I don't have to DD it and I desire more interior space leaves me wanting to get into a Land Cruiser. I've experienced limitations off road with IFS as well, so the next dedicated, non daily driven expo rig I get will be an 80 series. I fear the day I decide to search for one, because they are getting harder to find in the kind of condition I want and they pull a premium $$$

 

[Tsfc]

Haha, yes, I am from Sri Lanka. The Land Cruisers are considered the best and toughest vehicles over there. My exact vehicle over there (with a turbo diesel) would cost $50-60,000 even now.

Think I got lucky, as mine is in very good condition. Looks like I'll be keeping the cruiser as it's almost unanimous!

Me too!

Land cruiser ftw.


My relatives back home lost it when they saw our gx460, this old 3rd gen 4runner and our previous 80 series. They love me there too! Maybe that's where my love for me came from. Anyway, hope you go for the cruiser!

 

[mmml4]

I would keep the Land Cruiser hands down. Don't take me wrong I'm a huge fan of the 4runner but I have wanted an 80 series for years.

 

[Lankan]

I would keep the Land Cruiser hands down. Don't take me wrong I'm a huge fan of the 4runner but I have wanted an 80 series for years.

Yeah, I'm in the same boat... I've always liked the 3rd gen 4Runner and always wanted one... and now I'm probably gonna end up selling it and keep the Cruiser. Hearing everyone's advice, it's real nice to see un-biased advice from members on a 4Runner forum... much appreciated guys!!

 

[Brique]

Definitely keep the 4runner and sell the LC... to me.

Holy shit I love that red!

 

[AZ4Running]

4runner ftw. Thay are much cheaper to mod and repair whey things brake. There are way more 4runners made than LCs so parts are easier to find. Not to mention LC are a pain to work on well certain things. The I-6 in the LC is also not so fun to work on when thi gs go wrong. Jmo.

 

[JamesDean91]

Straight axle the 4runner problem solved run 4wheel underground kit and throw a LCD 9.5 in the rear