Talk me out of a Land Cruiser

[JSparky]

The 5th gen has better angles with respect to offroading and if that was my primary concern I'd give the edge to it, but neither are great choices. They're not jeeps. These are long-distance all terrain comfort wagons, and I think the land cruiser excels in every regard at this versus the 4runner. I think you'd be hard pressed to find a situation at which a 5th gen could make it further than a 200 series offroad.. the cruiser just travels those roads in superior comfort. My two cents.

 

[Jetboy]

I second this strongly. There are several 5th gens on here that could hang with that one. Yours for one would probably be fine. Hell, I've done some really hard trails in mine and am pretty mildly modded. Any harder and I'd be coming back with serious body damage. I can't imagine tiptoeing that beast through whatever "real trails" we're talking about

I haven't seen any. Show me just one 4runner that can roll with these 200s.

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WD61JA0wHFo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[Ammomac]

I haven't seen any. Show me just one 4runner that can roll with these 200s.

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WD61JA0wHFo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

???

I can spin doughnuts in the mud as good as that. got anything else?

 

[Jetboy]

???

I can spin doughnuts in the mud as good as that. got anything else?

Show me. I'm not seeing any 5th gens doing anything my trail rig can't do in 2wd. A 200 is simply a better base to build a capable offroader. It's not a good value new. But it is better. Engine, gearing, suspension, axles, are all better.

 

[mo_mo]

Arctic Trucks

150 platform on 44s

 

[Ammomac]

Show me. I'm not seeing any 5th gens doing anything my trail rig can't do in 2wd. A 200 is simply a better base to build a capable offroader. It's not a good value new. But it is better. Engine, gearing, suspension, axles, are all better.

I'm not disagreeing with you, just saying your video doesn't really support your claims. and yes, I watched all 5 minutes... waiting... waiting... waiting... for something to happen that would be worthy

 

[Taco04]

I haven't seen any. Show me just one 4runner that can roll with these 200s.

<iframe width="854" height="480" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WD61JA0wHFo" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Love the "BALLER" wheels on the white one! I would also hope the 200 is a better base considering it cost almost twice as much as a runner. Any way whats the point its like saying your 40 sucks at crushing cars compared to a monster truck! Apples to oranges.....

 

[Jetboy]

Love the "BALLER" wheels on the white one! I would also hope the 200 is a better base considering it cost almost twice as much as a runner. Any way whats the point its like saying your 40 sucks at crushing cars compared to a monster truck! Apples to oranges.....

The point is that a 200 is stI'll a better platform. If offroad is the goal a $30K used 200 is probably the better buy. By the time you have 35-37" tires the mileage is going to be the same. That's the only reason I have a 4runner. 20mpg is way more palatable than 13.

 

[Taco04]

The point is that a 200 is stI'll a better platform. If offroad is the goal a $30K used 200 is probably the better buy. By the time you have 35-37" tires the mileage is going to be the same. That's the only reason I have a 4runner. 20mpg is way more palatable than 13.

Honestly I would not touch a 200 for $30K as it would either have a ton of miles or a salvage title which would really question its reliability. When I bought my runner I looked into a LC 200 and the first thing I found was lack of aftermarket support compared to the runner. Ever seen a 200 with long travel suspension? While I believe the 200 is a great rig I have built a reliable & capable "trail rig" out of a 5th gen for far less money...

 

[marshal]

Honestly I would not touch a 200 for $30K as it would either have a ton of miles or a salvage title which would really question its reliability. When I bought my runner I looked into a LC 200 and the first thing I found was lack of aftermarket support compared to the runner. Ever seen a 200 with long travel suspension? While I believe the 200 is a great rig I have built a reliable & capable "trail rig" out of a 5th gen for far less money...

There is more global aftermarket support for the 200 than the 4Runners. A whole slew of companies make suspensions for them and bumpers to boot

The only difference between the 2nd gen tundra front suspension and the 200 series LC is that the LC has slightly narrower control arms. That said, a tundra long travel suspension will bolt right up to a 200 without any issues.

 

[Taco04]

There is more global aftermarket support for the 200 than the 4Runners. A whole slew of companies make suspensions for them and bumpers to boot

The only difference between the 2nd gen tundra front suspension and the 200 series LC is that the LC has slightly narrower control arms. That said, a tundra long travel suspension will bolt right up to a 200 without any issues.

So where is the rear long travel set up for a 200 in the US? Sure you can get it custom built but at this point an imported 70 or 80 series is a far better game...

 

[Steamfitter]

These guys all make valid points. But if I could afford a used 200 with around 50k miles or so, my 4Runner would become an endangered species. I love my truck, but LC's are on another level.

LC's are awesome, but you have to ask yourself how much are you really going to use all that fancy offroad technology? Things like down-hill assist in reverse are nice, but how much will you use that?

Also, most people are not knowledgeable enough to understand what the history and capabilities of the LC are. They will just look at it and say "Nice highlander!" unintentionally because they don't know what a LC is, and then they'll say you should've got a new Ram Hemi instead, because "that's not a truck!" Then when you tell them how much it costs, they'll wonder why you bought it.

Yes LC are awesome, but you already have a brand new TE that probably will last you 20 years and go most of the places that LC would, while saving you money on gas.

 

[Taco04]

There is more global aftermarket support for the 200 than the 4Runners. A whole slew of companies make suspensions for them and bumpers to boot.

If the US had the "Global Market" I would have a Hilux and 70 series in my garage and wouldn't give a turd about the 200.........

 

[marshal]

So where is the rear long travel set up for a 200 in the US? Sure you can get it custom built but at this point an imported 70 or 80 series is a far better game...

Just because it isn't marketed doesn't mean it's not difficult to make. I could make a rear long travel setup of my own with a box of hockey pucks, Jeep JK rear coils and bilsteins.

As it stands the only rear LT option for a 5th gen is from metal tech, and they won't even let you get good shocks with it.

Of course the old school solid axle builds will be more capable. They have less restraints and are smaller and lighter. But stock vs stock, and modified vs modified (if you have the money) the 200 rocks the 5th gen, which is the whole reason behind the nature of this thread. Not, does the 150 series land cruiser (4Runner) compete with 20 year older 80 and 70 series cruisers.

 

[BlackWorksInc]

So where is the rear long travel set up for a 200 in the US? Sure you can get it custom built but at this point an imported 70 or 80 series is a far better game...

To be fair, there's a lot of "close enough" marketing for aftermarket stuff for the J120/J150 frame as well. i.e. there isn't an official 4th/5th gen 4Runner beefed up rear axle, but Currie sells a damn well built full axle for the FJ Cruiser, which can be bolted on just the same. Additionally much of our suspension components and aftermarket offerings tend to be repurposing the Tacoma/FJ aftermarket. Besides things like Skids, Bumpers, ect. much of the 4th & 5th Gen aftermarket support is a byproduct of the similarities in the Tacoma/FJ vehicles and/or Land Cruiser Prado. If it weren't for those two platforms being very similar to the 4th & 5th gens, I imagine our aftermarket support would be much smaller for quite a few years until they became commonplace/cheap enough to pick-up as off-road toys like the older Toyota trucks and SUVs are relatively speaking.

 

[Taco04]

Just because it isn't marketed doesn't mean it's not difficult to make. I could make a rear long travel setup of my own with a box of hockey pucks, Jeep JK rear coils and bilsteins.

As it stands the only rear LT option for a 5th gen is from metal tech, and they won't even let you get good shocks with it.

Of course the old school solid axle builds will be more capable. They have less restraints and are smaller and lighter. But stock vs stock, and modified vs modified (if you have the money) the 200 rocks the 5th gen, which is the whole reason behind the nature of this thread. Not, does the 150 series land cruiser (4Runner) compete with 20 year older 80 and 70 series cruisers.

Please sell yell your JK-HP-LT on "MUD" and let us know how it goes! And when did Metal Tech sell their LT with their shocks only? I can order all the parts and run what ever shocks I want! Also Never did I say the Runner was better than a LC200 I just stated it had a current better after market support in the States!

 

[Taco04]

To be fair, there's a lot of "close enough" marketing for aftermarket stuff for the J120/J150 frame as well. i.e. there isn't an official 4th/5th gen 4Runner beefed up rear axle, but Currie sells a damn well built full axle for the FJ Cruiser, which can be bolted on just the same. Additionally much of our suspension components and aftermarket offerings tend to be repurposing the Tacoma/FJ aftermarket. Besides things like Skids, Bumpers, ect. much of the 4th & 5th Gen aftermarket support is a byproduct of the similarities in the Tacoma/FJ vehicles and/or Land Cruiser Prado. If it weren't for those two platforms being very similar to the 4th & 5th gens, I imagine our aftermarket support would be much smaller for quite a few years until they became commonplace/cheap enough to pick-up as off-road toys like the older Toyota trucks and SUVs are relatively speaking.

I agree but it's the US look how many independents aftermarket manufacturers there are its a totally different market! Plus as you stated everything crosses over which makes it even easier to make a profit so more options. Obviously overseas is a different animal more options on vehicles so a bit less aftermarket support.

 

[marshal]

Please sell yell your JK-HP-LT on "MUD" and let us know how it goes! And when did Metal Tech sell their LT with their shocks only? I can order all the parts and run what ever shocks I want! Also Never did I say the Runner was better than a LC200 I just stated it had a current better after market support in the States!

I'm already running 4" JK Currie coils in the rear of my 4Runner and have been for the last 60,000 miles. The only thing I have to do to make it long travel is adapt a longer bodied shock and adjust my bump stops after removing my KDSS. It'll be a far cry cheaper than metaltechs kit.

Also, metaltech won't hand out the shock specifications, atleast the two times I tried they wouldn't - not that it matters. But they want you to source all the parts directly through them and use Icon shocks.

I never said you said the runner was better than a 200, but that's what this thread is about.

All those global aftermarket parts are able to be sourced in the states if you're willing to pay for shipping.

 

[Salvo]

LC's are awesome, but you have to ask yourself how much are you really going to use all that fancy offroad technology? Things like down-hill assist in reverse are nice, but how much will you use that?

Also, most people are not knowledgeable enough to understand what the history and capabilities of the LC are. They will just look at it and say "Nice highlander!" unintentionally because they don't know what a LC is, and then they'll say you should've got a new Ram Hemi instead, because "that's not a truck!" Then when you tell them how much it costs, they'll wonder why you bought it.

Yes LC are awesome, but you already have a brand new TE that probably will last you 20 years and go most of the places that LC would, while saving you money on gas.

I totally agree. But if I could afford either, I would get an LC hands down. I'm fine with people not knowing what it is. I know what it is. That said, my Trail is more than enough for me.

 

[Pkniland]

While I love all things Toyota the answer to all questions in life is an 80 series land cruiser.