Is there a thread for this? LC v. T4R?

[white_n_slow]

This topic has been covered before if you search.

I have owned two 3rd gen 4runners and currently own an LX450 (lexus version of the 80 series LC).

Here's my $.02.

4Runner gets the nod for a daily use vehicle. It is much cheaper to own (both parts and gas), a little smaller and just generally a better runabout vehicle that will be used for mild-moderate off road.

80 series gets the nod for everything else. Solid axles front and rear, selectable lockers front and rear (optional, but mine has them), much more "heavy duty" frame and drivetrain. A stock bone stock 80 is better offroad than the average modded 3rd gen (3" lift, 33's etc). Also much less likely to break parts on the trail. All you need to do to turn it into a real offroad beast is throw some good tires on it. 35's fit stock depending on your tolerance for rubbing/trimming.

Power wise, it's pretty close to a wash. The 4runner with the 3.4 is a little peppier (both of mine were 5-speeds), but either one has what I would consider "adequate" power.

Both will run forever with good maintenance, but that maintenance tends to cost more on the LC.

 

[4-Ripcord]

80's with diesel swaps are the ultimate weapon.

My dad has one with all the lockers, 35's and a fresh 6BT Cummins swap, its a monster.




Video may still seem slow, but when you consider its uphill and know how slow they are with the stock engine.. this thing is fast.

 

[Scramble]

It has been discussed many times.

I owned a '95 FZJ80, W/F&R locking diffs, OME springs, ARB bull bar, and Warn winch. It was nice enough, and I owned it for 5 years from new. It also made a nice Business write-off.

In '97 I bought my 4Runner with the V6, 4wd, 5-speed, E-locker, with larger optional brakes, wheels, and tires, factory leather and moonroof.

Suffice it to say I still have the 4Runner, over 18 years later.

I found the 4Runner more comfortable, and just more fun to drive.

That said, if I could import a new LHD 76 series Landcruiser with manual trans and the V8 Turbodiesel engine, I'd sell the 4Runner today.

And I'd buy your 4runner because I know how meticulously you washed the undercarriage. Even though I'd hate the cup holders...:rant:

 

[Scramble]

I stand by my statement. I have yet to see a pre 2002 toyota SUV to have the power I need to get into traffic easily. Once the 4.0L v6 in 2003 was released, you finally had the power to at least pull out in front of traffic.

I love the LX450 and dont care about it being under powered. I would build one of those in a heartbeat!

Even with the 2.7 my 5 speed accelerated quickly enough to get on the highway etc. Trying to pass someone on the highway feels like it takes minutes going from 50 to 60 to 70. I have it floored in 4th gear & push my rpm's to 3500 & go into 5th. Pedal pinned to the floor.

Now with 33" tires I can't really jump out anywhere without having some room first.

 

[02SE]

And I'd buy your 4runner because I know how meticulously you washed the undercarriage. Even though I'd hate the cup holders...:rant:

The cup holders are pristine too.

I think I can count the number of times I've used them, on one hand.

 

[4eigner]

80's with diesel swaps are the ultimate weapon.

My dad has one with all the lockers, 35's and a fresh 6BT Cummins swap, its a monster.




Video may still seem slow, but when you consider its uphill and know how slow they are with the stock engine.. this thing is fast.

Dreamy...maybe one day I can afford to do exactly this. A build page somewhere on this or ih8mud? 12 valve?

Is he running 861's up front to try to combat the massive weight of the 6bt? I'm not sure if they'd be enough...

 

[4-Ripcord]

Dreamy...maybe one day I can afford to do exactly this. A build page somewhere on this or ih8mud? 12 valve?

Is he running 861's up front to try to combat the massive weight of the 6bt? I'm not sure if they'd be enough...

12V, yeah. No thread on it, he paid a shop to do it. $15k all said and done, not including the truck. full rebuild of everything though, basically its all new


He is using those springs and they are working well for him.

 

[UnderFire]

Even with the 2.7 my 5 speed accelerated quickly enough to get on the highway etc. Trying to pass someone on the highway feels like it takes minutes going from 50 to 60 to 70. I have it floored in 4th gear & push my rpm's to 3500 & go into 5th. Pedal pinned to the floor.

Now with 33" tires I can't really jump out anywhere without having some room first.

Don't be afraid of 5k in 3rd

 

[Scramble]

Don't be afraid of 5k in 3rd

LOL, It sounds like it's going to blow @ 4K!

 

[white_n_slow]

The landcruiser requires the same driving technique. They're all auto (in the US) but when I'm driving in the mountains, I frequently throw the shifter into 2nd @ 4500rpm to hold highway speed.

The 2f just makes more noise above 3,500rpm, but the 1fz actually wheezes some power to the wheels.

 

[masphx]

You can now import a 1990/1991 80 series 5speed turbo diesel. Have at it!

 

[T4R2014]

Must be a lifted/larger tire problem. I have no issues with getting moving in normal driving conditions. Same with stopping, no warping problems on stock sized tires and suspension.

 

[1985taylor1925]

My 22RE/automatic 1986 4Runner had plenty of power to leave the grocery store parking lot and get up to speed in time. Your LX had about twice the oomph as that 4Runner, so if you couldn't get out of the parking lot safely then you were pulling out into gaps that were way too small.

Again, not a sports car. Buy an Evoque if you want to pretend you're on a racetrack.

But that has more to do with gearing, tire size, weight, as you know. I have an 88 manual with the little 3.0L. The previous owner had the engine rebuilt with the recalled head gasket (I believe that was the issue), and its WAY quicker than my 98. But I know thats because its a manual and has 28" tires, and I am assuming has shorter gears, whereas my 3rd gen has 4:10s and 32" tires. For the same reason I would be willing to bet my 88 is quicker than a later generation fj80, even though it has far less power.

 

[T4R2014]

You can now import a 1990/1991 80 series 5speed turbo diesel. Have at it!

We've got guys complaining that a 1FZ powered 80 is slow. Don't even try mentioning a diesel 80!

 

[white_n_slow]

The 80 does weigh substantially more than the 4runner, so despite the 25hp or so advantage the 80 has, the 4runner is definitely peppier to drive.

 

[IBallEngineer]

The 80 does weigh substantially more than the 4runner, so despite the 25hp or so advantage the 80 has, the 4runner is definitely peppier to drive.

My FJ62 weighs almost #3700...on the rear axle! My buddies 80 tipped the scale at #6970 with bumpers, rack sliders etc. They don't call cruisers pigs for nothing.

 

[T4R2014]

The 80 does weigh substantially more than the 4runner, so despite the 25hp or so advantage the 80 has, the 4runner is definitely peppier to drive.

The 55 extra ft lb's of torque is the more important part IMO. There is always the TRD supercharger for it. The 1FZ was built to take boost. The 80's full-time transfer case also contributes to some substantial drivetrain loss.

 

[white_n_slow]

The 1FZ was built to take boost. .

Indeed. I am throwing a Borg Warner s300sx on mine just for shits and giggles TRD supercharger is discontinued, but the Magnuson SC will be hitting the shelves within a few months--identical SC minus the TRD branding and CARB sticker. Not cheap though!

 

[Mados]

An 80 or 100 would be my next pick after my 3rd gen. Operating costs are a big factor in why I like my 3rd gen. The 3rd gen and 80 are beautiful trucks. It's too bad the styling went downhill after these gens.

 

[absalom]

We've got guys complaining that a 1FZ powered 80 is slow. Don't even try mentioning a diesel 80!

My HDJ81 feels quicker than either of my 3rd gens.