Questionable ground clearance and concerns?

[2013Trail]

BTW, KCcarguy, what is "front diff drop" and what is a "TACO?"

 

[KCcarguy]

I do plan to upgrade my tires and do a number of other mods, but I don't like to put on lift kits because they often adversely affect handling and ride characteristics--we've all heard plenty of complaints about vibrations, pulling, etc. after a lift kit has been installed, and then the multiple attempts to try to fix the problems.

Most of my offroading is done on old mining trails. They can be very steep, very rough, and very narrow, and often suddenly come to a dead end with nowhere to turn around. They also often run through narrow washes with deep soft sand. Vehicles take a beating on these trails. My Trooper thrives on these trails because it's ruggedly built, very narrow, has a very small turning radius, great ground clearance, and an excellent 4WD system. But the old Trooper is on it's last leg for highway use and that's why I bought the 4RTE, so I could continue to enjoy the best of both worlds--on and off road as I have for the past 14 years.

There are a lot of guys running lifts with minimal to no problems, but it's true you can't beat stock for reliability. In my experience (which is a fraction of what a lot of guys on here do) the 4runner is a capable off-roader, but it does have it's compromises vs more purpose-built trucks like Jeep Wranglers. Of course, that also gives you better road manners and more interior room. For what it is, the 4runner is tough to beat, and nothing else on the new-car market beats it, IMO.

BTW, KCcarguy, what is "front diff drop" and what is a "TACO?"

A "taco"=Toyota Tacoma

Front diff=front differential

Diff drop=spacers used to slightly drop (rock forward on our trucks) the front diff to theoretically reduce CV angles after a lift.

-My advice would be to take a look through the off-road pics section and see what some of the guys on here are doing in their trucks. These guys do WAY more than I would ever do, but it's fun to see what these trucks are capable of. It's also a great place to find those who wheel their trucks hard so you can PM them, etc. if you have any questions or need any info on the capabilities/ weaknesses of the 4runner.

 

[jam46283]

My money's on the TE over the trooper.

 

[1engineer]

Toyota claims the 4RTE has 9.6" minimum ground clearance. I thought the ground clearance on the skid plate below the engine looked to be less than that so I measured it. Mine measured 9" at the lowest point on the skid plate directly below the oil filter but that 9" measurement expands three feet across the width of the skid plate. It was the just under 8.5" ground clearance at the back of the skid plate near the bottom of the oil pan. And, the four foot long fuel tank skid plate is only 10.5" above ground. That's a mighty long chunk of steel hanging out to get hit. My biggest concern was that where the exhaust pipe crosses over behind the cross member--it's lower than the crossmember by about 3/4" with a clearance of only 9.5 inches. Seems to me this pipe needs protection. What are your all concerns, if any regarding ground clearance on the stock TE, and have you had any probs with it?

I really prefer not to put a lift kit on it. Toyota markets it as a specialized offroad vehicle but it has 3 inches less clearance under the motor than my stock 1999 Isuzu Trooper. And nowhere on my Trooper is the ground clearance less than 9 1/2 inches and nowhere is there any piece of skid plate chassis or anything else under 12 inches of clearance that's four feet long like the gas tank or three feet wide like the engine skid plate on the Toyota. Just one of those things I didn't think to check when I bought it. I'll be writing Toyota a letter.

I do plan to upgrade my tires and do a number of other mods, but I don't like to put on lift kits because they often adversely affect handling and ride characteristics--we've all heard plenty of complaints about vibrations, pulling, etc. after a lift kit has been installed, and then the multiple attempts to try to fix the problems.

Most of my offroading is done on old mining trails. They can be very steep, very rough, and very narrow, and often suddenly come to a dead end with nowhere to turn around. They also often run through narrow washes with deep soft sand. Vehicles take a beating on these trails. My Trooper thrives on these trails because it's ruggedly built, very narrow, has a very small turning radius, great ground clearance, and an excellent 4WD system. But the old Trooper is on it's last leg for highway use and that's why I bought the 4RTE, so I could continue to enjoy the best of both worlds--on and off road as I have for the past 14 years.

Here you go...1999 Isuzu Trooper S 4dr SUV 3.5L V6 4x4 5-speed Manual Features and Specs The Specs say 8.3" of ground clearance stock.

I had one of these vehicles. It was OK except it used about a quart of oil every 3K miles from mile one. I don't remember any great amount of ground clearance so that's why I looked it up. Either you or Edmunds is telling a tale.

 

[Intruder]

BTW, my "POS" has locking diff, Torque on Demand Electronically controlled 4WD. Push of a button, I'm in traction-sensing 4WD.

if you can't effectively drive your 4R offroad in WITHOUT all those gizmos you brag about, you don't know how to 4wheel.

Uh, yeah.

 

[Blacksunshyne]

Uh, yeah.

That is when the OP lost credibility.

Reminded me of this guy:

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

If you are an old guy you will get it, if not look up Joe Isuzu on You tube, those commercials where hilarious!

Back on topic, I have a friend with an Isuzu Trooper, and it is a hearty, dependable off road platform...but it has yet to out perform my 4runner, even before the lift.

 

[1engineer]

Uh, yeah.

haha!

 

[2013Trail]

That is when the OP lost credibility.

Reminded me of this guy:

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

If you are an old guy you will get it, if not look up Joe Isuzu on You tube, those commercials where hilarious!

Back on topic, I have a friend with an Isuzu Trooper, and it is a hearty, dependable off road platform...but it has yet to out perform my 4runner, even before the lift.

Well, get yourself a stock TE, give me a call and follow me out into the bush. You can lead the way if you want. But I'll pass you. You'll be pleading for mercy before the day is over. BTW, "OP?"

 

[2013Trail]

My money's on the TE over the trooper.

No problem. As I said: My choice of trails you drive a stock TE and you follow me in my stock Isuzu Trooper. I'm not afraid of dents, dings, and scratches. Are you?

 

[2013Trail]

That is when the OP lost credibility.

Reminded me of this guy:

:lmao::lmao::lmao:

If you are an old guy you will get it, if not look up Joe Isuzu on You tube, those commercials where hilarious!

Back on topic, I have a friend with an Isuzu Trooper, and it is a hearty, dependable off road platform...but it has yet to out perform my 4runner, even before the lift.

"lost credibility" One more thing, you will find that I always try to show respect to everybody on these threads. I expect the same but I can dish out the insults too. Even with humor injected. I know you guys are proud of your 4Rs and I respect that. I should get the same respect. But again, anytime any of you want to have the argument face-to-face aka on the trail in your stock 4R versus my Trooper, come on out and let's do it. Bullhead City, AZ. I pick the trail. You follow. Then you pick the trail....I'll be home first. Oh, you can give Joe Isuzu a ride back to the fort.

 

[phillyd2]

BTW, "OP?"

either Overly Pretentious or Original Poster :shrug:

 

[2013Trail]

"Here you go...1999 Isuzu Trooper S 4dr SUV 3.5L V6 4x4 5-speed Manual Features and Specs The Specs say 8.3" of ground clearance stock."

Ok. But it will be a very small contact point--probably at the lower ends of the stabilizer bars, only in a couple of places and not in a critically exposed area.

 

[2013Trail]

either Overly Pretentious or Original Poster :shrug:

LOL!Thanks.

 

[2013Trail]

BTW, I apologize if I offended any of you proud (and I say that with good intent) 4R owners. I wasn't whining either. Re-read my original post. I just had some concerns and asked for your experiences and opinions regarding the vehicle. I don't plan for every thread I start or participate in to be saying something about my Trooper, which is going up for sale. But we all compare vehicles we've owned to each other. I like my new TE. I'm just giving it a thorough check-out.

BTW, told the wife today that I want sliders for Father's Day. Told daughter I want new tires for Father's Day. Told my old man I want a brush guard for Father's Day. Told my mom I want a Canvasback cargo cover for Father's Day. Then we'll talk about my birthday!

 

[2013Trail]

1Engineer, I went out and remeasured ground clearance on my Trooper. You are right, there are several spots where ground clearance is around 8.5" and not "And nowhere on my Trooper is the ground clearance less than 9 1/2 inches." My bad. But here's a pic for ya. Under the Isuzu engine skid plate at the oil filter--about 12". I make mistakes but I do not lie. 12" ruler is on the left side.

 

[Greg_Canada]

1Engineer, I went out and remeasured ground clearance on my Trooper. You are right, there are several spots where ground clearance is around 8.5" and not "And nowhere on my Trooper is the ground clearance less than 9 1/2 inches." My bad. But here's a pic for ya. Under the Isuzu engine skid plate at the oil filter--about 12". I make mistakes but I do not lie. 12" ruler is on the left side.

Subtract the 1/2" that the ruler doesn't measure as well...
So basically, the ground clearance on your trooper is very similar to your T4R. However, it may have better approach / departure angles.
The only real way to gain ground clearance, is a "tummy tuck" or larger tires. Or portal axles...(think hummer or unimog)

 

[FatTiresRollin]

BTW, told the wife today that I want sliders for Father's Day. Told daughter I want new tires for Father's Day. Told my old man I want a brush guard for Father's Day. Told my mom I want a Canvasback cargo cover for Father's Day. Then we'll talk about my birthday![/QUOTE]

You must have some big spenders in your family! Your daughter is getting the shaft if she is responsible for new tires....

 

[KCcarguy]

BTW, told the wife today that I want sliders for Father's Day. Told daughter I want new tires for Father's Day. Told my old man I want a brush guard for Father's Day. Told my mom I want a Canvasback cargo cover for Father's Day. Then we'll talk about my birthday!

If you're really concerned about off-road performance, you might think twice about the brush guard. All those I've seen for the 4 runner look like they hurt approach angle.

 

[KCcarguy]

either Overly Pretentious or Original Poster :shrug:

"Obnoxious Prick"?

 

[Eagle]

1Engineer, I went out and remeasured ground clearance on my Trooper. You are right, there are several spots where ground clearance is around 8.5" and not "And nowhere on my Trooper is the ground clearance less than 9 1/2 inches." My bad. But here's a pic for ya. Under the Isuzu engine skid plate at the oil filter--about 12". I make mistakes but I do not lie. 12" ruler is on the left side.

BTW, I apologize if I offended any of you proud (and I say that with good intent) 4R owners. I wasn't whining either. Re-read my original post. I just had some concerns and asked for your experiences and opinions regarding the vehicle. I don't plan for every thread I start or participate in to be saying something about my Trooper, which is going up for sale. But we all compare vehicles we've owned to each other. I like my new TE. I'm just giving it a thorough check-out.

BTW, told the wife today that I want sliders for Father's Day. Told daughter I want new tires for Father's Day. Told my old man I want a brush guard for Father's Day. Told my mom I want a Canvasback cargo cover for Father's Day. Then we'll talk about my birthday!

LOL!Thanks.

"Here you go...1999 Isuzu Trooper S 4dr SUV 3.5L V6 4x4 5-speed Manual Features and Specs The Specs say 8.3" of ground clearance stock."
Ok. But it will be a very small contact point--probably at the lower ends of the stabilizer bars, only in a couple of places and not in a critically exposed area.

You know you can write more than one thought in a reply, right? 17 replies to your own thread and it's not even a build thread?