Interesting Autoblog article re future of body-on-frame.
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BlackWorksInc
New member
It will be a sad day when the mighty SUV sucumbs to the little CUV, devouring the mighty body on frame skeleton like ravenous little Chihuahuas in an attempt to glean a shred of capability... (I had to edit this like 3 times before I felt satisfied with my metaphor... though now I am hungry...)
Glad Toyota is still trying to cater to the 120 Platform owners, its just sad how many SUVs have been sliced down and replaced with CUVs like pod people... it doesn't help that all CUVs pretty much look the same anyways...
Glad Toyota is still trying to cater to the 120 Platform owners, its just sad how many SUVs have been sliced down and replaced with CUVs like pod people... it doesn't help that all CUVs pretty much look the same anyways...
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JayceeP
New member
One would have to think Toyota's 4Runner platform will benefit as a result of the Explorer, Pathfinder, Envoy, Trailblazer etc. exiting the BOF space or eliminating the model altogether (though th new Trailblazer is sold overseas now). While clearly the majority of those owners will be content with trading in for a unibody, a reasonable chunk of the owners of said models will continue to want BOF. The 4Runner is he only true mid-size SUV left. As those most recent BOF models age and replacement time comes in a few years, it will be interesting to see where those owners turn.
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BlackWorksInc
New member
I agree; many people want to say that a Unibody vehicle will go anywhere a 4Runner can, but its not as true as they think. Most of the people who desire BoF SUVs for actual off-road capability are going to modify them for that purpose. Just ask a JGC that's lifted and modified their Cherokee for medium/severe off-road play how many times they have to fix cracks in their frames. My automotive instructor's son had an early 90's JGC with 37"s big lift, chopped fenders, ect. and he was having his frame welded almost every other time he went off-roading.
I only don't think the Unibody stands up to repeated flexing that a 4th gen or 5th gen sees when off-roading as well as the BoF design. There's a lot more stress than most people realize going through the frame when its flexing; I'm sure 1Engineer or someone could chime in on the more detailed part of that.
I only don't think the Unibody stands up to repeated flexing that a 4th gen or 5th gen sees when off-roading as well as the BoF design. There's a lot more stress than most people realize going through the frame when its flexing; I'm sure 1Engineer or someone could chime in on the more detailed part of that.
BlackWorksInc
New member
I agree; many people want to say that a Unibody vehicle will go anywhere a 4Runner can, but its not as true as they think. Most of the people who desire BoF SUVs for actual off-road capability are going to modify them for that purpose. Just ask a JGC that's lifted and modified their Cherokee for medium/severe off-road play how many times they have to fix cracks in their frames. My automotive instructor's son had an early 90's JGC with 37"s big lift, chopped fenders, ect. and he was having his frame welded almost every other time he went off-roading.
I only don't think the Unibody stands up to repeated flexing that a 4th gen or 5th gen sees when off-roading as well as the BoF design. There's a lot more stress than most people realize going through the frame when its flexing; I'm sure 1Engineer or someone could chime in on the more detailed part of that.
I only don't think the Unibody stands up to repeated flexing that a 4th gen or 5th gen sees when off-roading as well as the BoF design. There's a lot more stress than most people realize going through the frame when its flexing; I'm sure 1Engineer or someone could chime in on the more detailed part of that.
Whiplash Willy
New member
I like how the US automakers send all of the best stuff overseas. That trailblazer with 7 row seating, BOF, and 2 diesel engine options, and a manual tranny....
Yea, what American would want 346 torques and a combined 26mpg, and a 500 mile range.......
They finally make a good blazer, and then sell it everywhere but the US....
Don't get me started on the New Ranger...
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LandCruiser
New member
There are only 2 sub 30k BOF 4x4s that aren't pickups: the Xterra S and the Wrangler. The FJ Cruiser is going away.
The question is whether Toyota feels the Taco is "enough" as an entry level 4x4 that they will continue to price 4runners in the 30s-40s, or will they make another cheap 25k-30k 4x4 to fill the FJ Cruiser's void?
I've always referred it to as the "Colorado package," btw, cheap 5MT 4x4, 4cyl Taco, short box, short bed, bench seats, with a lift, 285 tires, and LEER camper shell. The SWB is awesome off road.
The question is whether Toyota feels the Taco is "enough" as an entry level 4x4 that they will continue to price 4runners in the 30s-40s, or will they make another cheap 25k-30k 4x4 to fill the FJ Cruiser's void?
I've always referred it to as the "Colorado package," btw, cheap 5MT 4x4, 4cyl Taco, short box, short bed, bench seats, with a lift, 285 tires, and LEER camper shell. The SWB is awesome off road.
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Intruder
New member
I don't think most people know just how much flex is going on there. I didn't even realize quite how much it was until I put the ARB bumper on and just driving down the road you can see the hood and the top bar of the bumper moving differently.
BlackWorksInc
New member
Where did you hear they were dropping the FJ? Last I heard from a statement earlier this year they said they planned to continue the FJ (I think them hinted at a lower production though.) Not to sound rude/argumentative; but it seems like every month someone is saying the FJ cruiser is getting dropped for the past what 5 years?
Also, that Trailblazer actually looks pretty cool; Toyota should b*******p them for stealin' their 4th gen Wheel design though.
I have something like .5~.75" clearance from my SW bumper and the trim panel for the headlamps and you can see my bumper has been rubbing the body panel from off-roading and rough terrain; but that's the point, the body has absorbed a great deal of that force through a ladder structure designed to handle those forces, allowing the body to not have to flex as much.
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BlackWorksInc
New member
Interesting, we haven't heard anything about it at the dealership yet.
Newf4R
New member
Simple decision for me... They change the 4Runner, I buy a Tundra. I was on the fence when I bought the 4Runner and don't get me wrong I don't regret my purchase. Even looking at the photos of the 2014 TE and Limited that were posted here recently, I'm weary of what Toyota has in store for the 4Runner. I'd love to say I'll keep this thing for ever but I have a horrible habit of wanting new!
Steamfitter
New member
Agreed. If they drop the 4runner, it's a tundra or GX 460 for myself. Both awesome bof trucks... I don't think toyota is that stupid though. It will be interesting to see the next couple generations though given the current trends. I don't see why they can make the t4r for another 30 years.
Intruder
New member
Well, looks like Lexus is going all unibody. The GX body on frame is being discontinued after 2016.
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.d...to-increase-its-sporty-quotient#axzz2aRh9OVAG
http://www.autonews.com/apps/pbcs.d...to-increase-its-sporty-quotient#axzz2aRh9OVAG
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Sequoia's are body on frame? Did not know this.
Everyone seems to forget that the amount of '4Runner's that come to North America is a small part of the platforms global production. The markets that the majority of these vehicles are sold in warrant BOF construction and that is what will drive any decisions for Toyota moving forward. Not the US and Canadian markets.
Steamfitter
New member
That's ridiculous. At least they aren't touching the LX
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Thai
Elite Member
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Intruder
New member
I'm not positive, but I don't think the 4Runner has been sold outside of North America since the 3rd Gen. Maybe a couple of countries in South America still get them, but I think they mainly get LCs and Fortuners.
I believe it is the Toyota Land Cruiser Prado in some places - very similar to the Lexus GX.
Definitely makes me a little sad to hear this officially today. Part of me wishes I had gone for the GX 5 months ago. Honestly, I just couldn't get over the huge price increase over the Limited. But with a v8 and KDSS, along with all of the other lux items, maybe it was worth it. I'll have to see what Lexus/Toyota has on the table in another 5-7 years in the mid-size lineup, unless I'm looking to step up to full-size by then.
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