New Some Advice Trade my 3rd Gen for Land Cruiser J80
- Thread starter Johnin714
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papabeach
Member
My 2c's...
I have a built 99 4Runner (s/c, dual locked, dual cased, blah blah blah) and had previously built a 97 LC. The LC was bad to the bone, no doubt about it...35s triple locked, etc...never failed, went over every obstacle and was a head turner. Bought for 5-6K, built and enjoyed for a couple years and sold for 17K. Still had the original motor with 280K+ or so miles. The market for LC's is crazy and every time I was out and about I would end up talking to 2-3 folks about it that were staring and taking pics. Proud daddy moment of sorts. The 80 is much bigger...so parking might be an issue if you have a small garage (assuming you garage it). Also, because of it's size you are going to get more scratches/dings on tight trails if that is an issue.
With that said, parts are more expensive than a 4Runner. It was more comfortable for my family of 4 for the space but was louder and less comfortable on the road than the 4Runner. In the end I could only keep one and my love affair with my 4Runner was much older and I think I made out pretty good with the sale of the 80. I would strongly consider your needs/goals and base your decision off of that if this is a purpose based decision. If you are just having a mid life crisis then practicality doesn't matter...buy what you want, enjoy it and sell it later.
A couple pics of the 80 and a the 4Runner up in the air.
I have a built 99 4Runner (s/c, dual locked, dual cased, blah blah blah) and had previously built a 97 LC. The LC was bad to the bone, no doubt about it...35s triple locked, etc...never failed, went over every obstacle and was a head turner. Bought for 5-6K, built and enjoyed for a couple years and sold for 17K. Still had the original motor with 280K+ or so miles. The market for LC's is crazy and every time I was out and about I would end up talking to 2-3 folks about it that were staring and taking pics. Proud daddy moment of sorts. The 80 is much bigger...so parking might be an issue if you have a small garage (assuming you garage it). Also, because of it's size you are going to get more scratches/dings on tight trails if that is an issue.
With that said, parts are more expensive than a 4Runner. It was more comfortable for my family of 4 for the space but was louder and less comfortable on the road than the 4Runner. In the end I could only keep one and my love affair with my 4Runner was much older and I think I made out pretty good with the sale of the 80. I would strongly consider your needs/goals and base your decision off of that if this is a purpose based decision. If you are just having a mid life crisis then practicality doesn't matter...buy what you want, enjoy it and sell it later.
A couple pics of the 80 and a the 4Runner up in the air.
I totally agree Both would be the way to go. My wife wants me to keep the T4 now and just keep building it up and once its done we can get a LC. So at least i have her on my side (for once LOL) So i may continue on with my T4 build. I was thinking about what would be better as a Daily Driver and all signs point to me keeping my Rig. With your info about 13 MPG with a LC makes me rethink a few things. Thanks for your input it really helps!
Thats a very interesting idea. Maybe i need to really consider that rig.
My 2c's...
I have a built 99 4Runner (s/c, dual locked, dual cased, blah blah blah) and had previously built a 97 LC. The LC was bad to the bone, no doubt about it...35s triple locked, etc...never failed, went over every obstacle and was a head turner. Bought for 5-6K, built and enjoyed for a couple years and sold for 17K. Still had the original motor with 280K+ or so miles. The market for LC's is crazy and every time I was out and about I would end up talking to 2-3 folks about it that were staring and taking pics. Proud daddy moment of sorts. The 80 is much bigger...so parking might be an issue if you have a small garage (assuming you garage it). Also, because of it's size you are going to get more scratches/dings on tight trails if that is an issue.
With that said, parts are more expensive than a 4Runner. It was more comfortable for my family of 4 for the space but was louder and less comfortable on the road than the 4Runner. In the end I could only keep one and my love affair with my 4Runner was much older and I think I made out pretty good with the sale of the 80. I would strongly consider your needs/goals and base your decision off of that if this is a purpose based decision. If you are just having a mid life crisis then practicality doesn't matter...buy what you want, enjoy it and sell it later.
A couple pics of the 80 and a the 4Runner up in the air.
Those pictures you added make it so hard! Gahhhhhh I love that J80 and your Runner! Thankfully the wife said finish my current Non 4X4 4Runner and build it for a daily driver, fishing etc and we can figure it out the next step about a J80 or maybe 4x4 Sequoia. My wife drove my runner for the first time this past Monday and she said "Nope, Keeping it" she likes driving it especially with the lift. Thank you for your input and those sweet pics! Might have to use those and my wallpapers now lol
I sold my 3G4R (4wd e-locker) and bought a 96' LX450 without diff lockers (will be getting ARB lockers in a week or two though). As far as offroad ability goes its a far superior vehicle and one you should make the jump to.
Pros - Full float axles and disc brakes (93+ I think?), SFA, easier to fit bigger tires, more head room. It's far easier to service and parts aren't any more or less expensive than a 4R. 35's can be installed easily while 37s are a bit of work to do if you want less than 3" lift.
It's a marginally bigger vehicle and the only major trade off is fuel consumption in my opinion. If you're not doing trails in which you need a crazy 3-link/4-link stuff sell the 4R and buy a 80. I will say that you should be looking at 93+ 80s at a bare minimum, the 1fz-fe is a much better engine.
Pros - Full float axles and disc brakes (93+ I think?), SFA, easier to fit bigger tires, more head room. It's far easier to service and parts aren't any more or less expensive than a 4R. 35's can be installed easily while 37s are a bit of work to do if you want less than 3" lift.
It's a marginally bigger vehicle and the only major trade off is fuel consumption in my opinion. If you're not doing trails in which you need a crazy 3-link/4-link stuff sell the 4R and buy a 80. I will say that you should be looking at 93+ 80s at a bare minimum, the 1fz-fe is a much better engine.
Ohhh man there go my tastes buds again for a J80. You bring some intersting facts about the J80 up. I know its easier for me at least to find a J80 93+ instead of a 96-97+ only. That opens up the options by a ton. Just when i thought it was a solid point to keep the 4runner for my Daily and get a J80 to now i think i just want the J80 and move on to that only.
Thanks for your input it really opens the mind up to options.
lockedlex
Member
I've had both and felt that the 4runner made a better daily driver, which seems to be what you're using it for. I bought a 97 Locked LC (LX450) and thought I'd sell my 00 runner... ultimately I sold the LC and kept the runner and built it up.
I find the Runner road manners to be much better. The steering is much more precise and it's faster (esp. with S/C). Off-roading, the problem I encountered with the LC was it was just too large for the places I like going. Canyon and forest trails... I was always worried it was too wide. HOWEVER, those triple lockers were crazy! But I do well with just a rear locker on the 4runner. The good part was I kept it for almost 2 years, didn't really do anything to it, and sold it for what I paid for it.
I modified the LC to have reclining middle seats and the center diff lock button. I thought it would be a comfortable highway cruiser with more "space" but in reality, it was sort of a pig to drive around. It looked great, but getting behind the wheel, I was always reminded it was designed almost 40 years ago, lol. It might almost get the same mileage as my Runner, but it's much slower.
I instead built up my 4runner and truly enjoy that immensely more. I also like having the power rear window, and more parts available. I also have sliders and armor ready to put on, but since I have literally no where to go because of COVID, I've placed a pause on those mods.
I hear you about computers and gadgets... that's why I like the 98-00 4runner (before atrac, etc)... I also considered the first gen GX, but with melting dashboards and computers everywhere, I felt it would not be the best fit for me. The current GX is too large, same for Sequoia but I think it would drive "better" and they're pretty cheap actually. I think if I'm mostly driving myself.. and not family though, I'd rather have the Runner.
I've decided my Runner is THE one... I've even considered buying a low mileage JDM motor and trans, just in case the ones I have ever go out, lol. But I wouldn't have a place to store them.
EDIT: for 400 bucks, you can change out the TB, WP, Radiator, hoses, belts, seals and gaskets, etc. doing the work yourself. It would take about 3-4 hours and is one of the easiest jobs I've ever done. I could actually do it now in maybe 2 hours. You should consider doing it rather than paying someone else. It would really give you an appreciation for that engine and engineering.
I find the Runner road manners to be much better. The steering is much more precise and it's faster (esp. with S/C). Off-roading, the problem I encountered with the LC was it was just too large for the places I like going. Canyon and forest trails... I was always worried it was too wide. HOWEVER, those triple lockers were crazy! But I do well with just a rear locker on the 4runner. The good part was I kept it for almost 2 years, didn't really do anything to it, and sold it for what I paid for it.
I modified the LC to have reclining middle seats and the center diff lock button. I thought it would be a comfortable highway cruiser with more "space" but in reality, it was sort of a pig to drive around. It looked great, but getting behind the wheel, I was always reminded it was designed almost 40 years ago, lol. It might almost get the same mileage as my Runner, but it's much slower.
I instead built up my 4runner and truly enjoy that immensely more. I also like having the power rear window, and more parts available. I also have sliders and armor ready to put on, but since I have literally no where to go because of COVID, I've placed a pause on those mods.
I hear you about computers and gadgets... that's why I like the 98-00 4runner (before atrac, etc)... I also considered the first gen GX, but with melting dashboards and computers everywhere, I felt it would not be the best fit for me. The current GX is too large, same for Sequoia but I think it would drive "better" and they're pretty cheap actually. I think if I'm mostly driving myself.. and not family though, I'd rather have the Runner.
I've decided my Runner is THE one... I've even considered buying a low mileage JDM motor and trans, just in case the ones I have ever go out, lol. But I wouldn't have a place to store them.
EDIT: for 400 bucks, you can change out the TB, WP, Radiator, hoses, belts, seals and gaskets, etc. doing the work yourself. It would take about 3-4 hours and is one of the easiest jobs I've ever done. I could actually do it now in maybe 2 hours. You should consider doing it rather than paying someone else. It would really give you an appreciation for that engine and engineering.
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I've had both and felt that the 4runner made a better daily driver, which seems to be what you're using it for. I bought a 97 Locked LC (LX450) and thought I'd sell my 00 runner... ultimately I sold the LC and kept the runner and built it up.
I find the Runner road manners to be much better. The steering is much more precise and it's faster (esp. with S/C). Off-roading, the problem I encountered with the LC was it was just too large for the places I like going. Canyon and forest trails... I was always worried it was too wide. HOWEVER, those triple lockers were crazy! But I do well with just a rear locker on the 4runner. The good part was I kept it for almost 2 years, didn't really do anything to it, and sold it for what I paid for it.
I modified the LC to have reclining middle seats and the center diff lock button. I thought it would be a comfortable highway cruiser with more "space" but in reality, it was sort of a pig to drive around. It looked great, but getting behind the wheel, I was always reminded it was designed almost 40 years ago, lol. It might almost get the same mileage as my Runner, but it's much slower.
I instead built up my 4runner and truly enjoy that immensely more. I also like having the power rear window, and more parts available. I also have sliders and armor ready to put on, but since I have literally no where to go because of COVID, I've placed a pause on those mods.
I hear you about computers and gadgets... that's why I like the 98-00 4runner (before atrac, etc)... I also considered the first gen GX, but with melting dashboards and computers everywhere, I felt it would not be the best fit for me. The current GX is too large, same for Sequoia but I think it would drive "better" and they're pretty cheap actually. I think if I'm mostly driving myself.. and not family though, I'd rather have the Runner.
I've decided my Runner is THE one... I've even considered buying a low mileage JDM motor and trans, just in case the ones I have ever go out, lol. But I wouldn't have a place to store them.
EDIT: for 400 bucks, you can change out the TB, WP, Radiator, hoses, belts, seals and gaskets, etc. doing the work yourself. It would take about 3-4 hours and is one of the easiest jobs I've ever done. I could actually do it now in maybe 2 hours. You should consider doing it rather than paying someone else. It would really give you an appreciation for that engine and engineering.
I hear you 100 percent. That was one thing i was worried about which is how slow it would be. Since i live in Orange County area which is a nightmare to drive in for all you out of town folk lol. I was thinking about 3 scenarios.
1) keep the 4Runner continue to fix it up for my daily driver. Since i do coach baseball and fastpitch softball the room in the back works well enough for my needs. To go fishing etc it also works fine for my needs. Also cheaper to keep her. Parts etc seem to be so easy to find for the most part. I have personally only did minor engine work to it and i am in no way a mechanic but i can do the basics, breaks, tune ups etc. Timing belt on the other hand is a bit scary to me. Never tried it.
2) Get a land Cruiser and start all over with finding parts that can come at a premium from the stealership. I have never owned a LC so it will be a totally new experience and there is the possibility of a mobile money pit. Unlike the 4runner it doesn't take much financially to keep her going. If they engine died in the LC or the 4Runner what would be cheaper to find a new Tranny or parts to replace? I would imagine the Runner.
3) Which will give me more adventure off road with the 4R or LC? 4Runner is smaller and can get in and out better. LC larger and comes standard with 4x4 unlike my runner is 2x. So that sucks! I have buddies that use there 2x to go to the dessert etc not rock crawling and they are fine. So thats a hard one to figure.
It all boils down to like what some of you have said. What are my needs "Daily Driver, Off Road Fun, Fishing, NOT Rock Crawling, Cheaper to maintain, Do i need it, or do i want it, and or both?" what are my plans in the future is uncertain but i know i want to find new trails and adventures on the weekends and i want something that will get me there and back without breaking the bank in the process.
By the way your 4runner looks similar to mine so 2 tone color minus those sweet bumpers i assume are ARB ?
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19963.4lsr5
New member
I’ve also been on the “Land Cruiser wanting” trip.
I read a article from a guy names Wes from an outdoor mag explaining why the LC isn’t for most people but for him living in the sticks of Montana it’s perfect. Great article I still want one but it’s not practical, I can put arb’s or Eaton TrueTracks in the axles and have just as capable of a vehicle.
Wes did mention that the LC’s are designed to last 25 years before a major breakdown instead of 15 which is why they are more expensive than its competitors.
In my south central PA area the LC’s for sale are 300,000 mile rigs that are still above 6k dollars for a 97.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I read a article from a guy names Wes from an outdoor mag explaining why the LC isn’t for most people but for him living in the sticks of Montana it’s perfect. Great article I still want one but it’s not practical, I can put arb’s or Eaton TrueTracks in the axles and have just as capable of a vehicle.
Wes did mention that the LC’s are designed to last 25 years before a major breakdown instead of 15 which is why they are more expensive than its competitors.
In my south central PA area the LC’s for sale are 300,000 mile rigs that are still above 6k dollars for a 97.
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
lockedlex
Member
Thanks they're 4xInnovation bumpers (I like them because they didn't require any drilling, modification or welding and they're one of the only rear bumpers with an actual tow rating).
Oh, wait I just reread your OP... lol. I didn't pick up the fact that you said NON 4x4. Hmm... I've gotten stuck so many times in the desert when I used to have a 2wd... and when I'm in 2WD on a trail... there have been many times it would get stuck (and these are easy trails).
So that changes things a bit. Frankly, I'd just pick up another 4runner 4x4, swap your mods over and sell the one you have. It's the 4x4 component that's really important. I would also not off-road by myself... and I definitely wouldn't do it in a 2wd. That includes just being out in the dirt, far from a paved road (because the issue is if you break down/get stuck, how is a tow truck going to get to you, even if you had cell service).
I visit clients in OC often.. driving a LC in those highways, as a daily driver in 2020, would be painful to me.
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Thats in interesting idea to get a 4x4 Runner however, the issue is they both would cost nearly the same as with a LC. Im sure you have seen the prices of both here is California and they are close to the same in price. I do like the idea of getting a 4x4 Rig Runner and slapping some of my mods on it and picking up where i left off sorta speaking. The problem is i would have to sell my Rig as is to be able to get a 4x4 rig with nothing on it. So im back to square one again as if i would do the same with an LC. I see your point of view about driving it as a Daily driver and yea that would be a pain. But it would also be a pain to get a 4x4 Runner and start essentially over. It would almost make sense to keep my 2x and save for another Runner / Sequoia or a LC thats 4x.
Its a tough one to figure out thats why im here asking. Thank you again for your reply.
Thats true. I dont live in the sticks and can see how that would be better there. Maybe i should just consider getting a different type of Yota all together that has the 4x Capabilities and keep my 4Runner as a daily.
Tough one for sure. thank you for your advice!
I see people mentioning the size of the 80 series compared to a 3rd gen, here's some actual information for reference :
1998 Toyota 4Runner
179″ L x 67-71″ W x 68-69″ H
1996 Toyota Landcruiser
188″ L x 76″ W x 74″ H
It's less than 1 foot longer, about 6-8 inches wider, and 5 inches taller. Frankly I prefer the head room as well. It's really not that much bigger. As a reference point
2006 Toyota 4Runner
189″ L x 75″ W x 69-71″ H
2015 Toyota 4Runner
190-191″ L x 76″ W x 72″ H
the claims that the 80 series is such a huge pig isn't based in reality. It's more or less the size of a 4th gen but far superior offroad to a 3rd/4th/5th gen.
I mean if you're doing crazy trails you're better off with something else than a standard 3rd gen anyways.
1998 Toyota 4Runner
179″ L x 67-71″ W x 68-69″ H
1996 Toyota Landcruiser
188″ L x 76″ W x 74″ H
It's less than 1 foot longer, about 6-8 inches wider, and 5 inches taller. Frankly I prefer the head room as well. It's really not that much bigger. As a reference point
2006 Toyota 4Runner
189″ L x 75″ W x 69-71″ H
2015 Toyota 4Runner
190-191″ L x 76″ W x 72″ H
the claims that the 80 series is such a huge pig isn't based in reality. It's more or less the size of a 4th gen but far superior offroad to a 3rd/4th/5th gen.
I mean if you're doing crazy trails you're better off with something else than a standard 3rd gen anyways.
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Road manners? My LX450 doesn't feel any more or less different than my 3rd gen that had a ton of work done to it. A supercharged 3rd gen is a bit of cheating since its not an apples to apples comparison (likewise wits end is trying to do a carb legal turbo kit that'll wipe a s/c 4runner I'd imagine).
Thank you for the info it really does line up size wise nearly the same. I dont do crazy trails and dont really plan to. But wouldnt mind giving them a go in the future of course i wont be able to with my 2x Runner
Here's something else to keep in mind, an 80 series/LX-450 will be far cheaper to maintain offroad wise. SFA compared to IFS is cheaper to lift, easier, and requires way less maintenance. Look at how many people rip CV boots when lifting and break cv axles.
Frankly if I ever buy another IFS vehicle I'll just cut the stuff off and SAS it to begin with.
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