Talk me out of a Land Cruiser

[wfo9]

What exactly is "Ground Pressure" being measured in?

Sorry, updated it a bit. It's PSI. I will measure contact patch with my truck with 2 different size tires I have (285/70, 305/70) at different pressure and come up with some more accurate data to chew on.

 

[Dalko43]

I would suggest the fuel economy either goes away entirely or actually flips in favor of the 200 once you go to say 37" tires. That's one of the reasons I think it's a better base for a more heavily built vehicle. Actually I'd even bet that a LC200 with 1000lbs of bumpers and other crap bolted on and 33" tires would best a 1gr with the same setup. On the bright side, there is an OEM 40 gallon tank for the LC200, so at least you can carry enough.

Not everyone will want 37's on their offroader. A lot of offroaders/overlanders/explorers have done just fine with 33's or even smaller tires.

And if you really want an estimate of how much the 5th gen's mpg will take a hit when loaded with offroading gear (tires, bumpers, armor, ect.) I'd suggest heading over to Expedition Portal's Toyota Section:

Toyota: FJ, Hilux, Tacoma, 4Runner - Expedition Portal

Plenty of people use the 5th gen 4runner as a part-time or even full-time expedition rig, so the empirical data on mpg is out there.

 

[Dalko43]

OP here. My has this thread taken some interesting turns.

The thread is making me lose interest in the LC, frankly. I really appreciate the utilitarian nature of the older LC's. I love the 100s (overall package, size, looks, capability). While I know the 200 would ultimately be the rig to depend on if I was going on an African safari with no backup and couldn't afford for anything to break, I'm not.

My driving is 99% road. I do some towing. I haul a bunch of stuff. I run in snow up to the mountains some. I'm on mellow dirt roads out at our cabin. Seriously if the 4r had more grunt (torque), it'd be perfect. I agree w/the folks saying the LC isn't worth the cost and complexity just to get torque.

Plus, I like my cars "as light as they can be while doing what I need them to do". I buy forged wheels because I hate unsprung weight. I removed AC from my old GTI because I could feel the difference. I just can't get past the extra 1000lbs in the LC. That means more gas, bigger engine, bigger brakes, and ultimately beefier components all around. The 4r is pretty proudly minimalistic, which I like.

I'd give a nut for a turbodiesel. My buddy is having a Discovery 110 turbodiesel restored for him over in England and shipped over. I'm going to be drooling over the torque, Im' sure.

Thanks everyone. Sticking with the 4r. The LC itch is *gone*, unless I find a low mileage 100 unicorn out there.

I like that comment about the 4r being "proudly minimalistic." I think that sums it up nicely. This is the kind of vehicle that has enough capability, including horsepower, to get you through most situations, including high elevation roads....it's just not going to set any records doing that. IMO, it's the closest vehicle, other than the Jeep Wrangler, that we have here in the US to a dedicated, focused offroader like the Land Rover Defender.

I agree with you on the turbo diesel. If Toyota had put one in their Land Cruiser or 4runner, I certainly would have picked one up by now...I think they make so much more sense than a regular gasoline V8 for truck duties.

 

[philsey]

What exactly is "Ground Pressure" being measured in?

This chart assumes a 285/70 ish tire and makes some additional assumptions that may not be all that accurate, but I think the general thrust of it is correct. It gives you an idea of what vehicle weight and tire pressure have on ground pressure (in psi).

.......

 

[cbielat]

My take on this is, if you're going to be using a vehicle for off roading, I'd stick with the 4Runner. I feel the Land Cruiser is just too big for the trails(assuming it's a 200 series you're thinking about). The 4Runner is big enough through the woods. I like everything about a LC but I just wouldn't use it for wheeling. Too expensive for me although there's some of us out there who's Runners are approaching the cost of a new LC.

 

[wfo9]

My take on this is, if you're going to be using a vehicle for off roading, I'd stick with the 4Runner. I feel the Land Cruiser is just too big for the trails(assuming it's a 200 series you're thinking about). The 4Runner is big enough through the woods. I like everything about a LC but I just wouldn't use it for wheeling. Too expensive for me although there's some of us out there who's Runners are approaching the cost of a new LC.

:iagree:, but thankfully I have a long way to go to get close to the cost of a new (ish) LC. I think I have 35k total invested in my 4r (26k for the truck + upgrades). And I have gotten about 20k of fun out of it so far. I did all the work myself and made a bunch of custom stuff on the cheap. I do like the minimalist feel of it. It's still super comfy... But I've got no fancy stuff in mine, Manual t-case, analog gauges, simple AC and heat controls...What a truck should be in my mind.

 

[Cheers!]

A land cruiser would be awesome. But to have to strip one out to decontent it would be insane. That is just throwing money you spent into the garbage.

I would argue that a base model SR5 in any generation would be the way to go if you are going to heavily modify it.

 

[77Bronc]

Not to change the subject, but a local dealer has a 1989 LC with 100K miles for sale, I believe it is listed for $20K.

I need another vehicle like a hole in the head, also, seems $20K is real steep, but I just may take a ride today and look at it.

77

 

[Jetboy]

A land cruiser would be awesome. But to have to strip one out to decontent it would be insane. That is just throwing money you spent into the garbage.

I would argue that a base model SR5 in any generation would be the way to go if you are going to heavily modify it.

I agree. Especially talking about new. But used ones can be pretty similar price. It's unfortunate we can't special order a vx model with the vinyl floors and light weight seats and such. Plus the 40 gal dual tank setup would be nice too.

For the 5th gen I might even consider a Ltd. If you're tossing the axles and suspension anyway no reason to buy a trail edition. The nicer interior would be okay though.

 

[jwkilgore]

If I could get a Land Cruiser 200 in GX trim from Australia (with left-hand drive), I'd be all over it. Or a Land Cruiser 70 (still being made), even an old J40. Buy and hit the trail. My brother had an old LC J40 several decades ago and it just wouldn't stop. No other vehicle in our area could touch it off-road. Need to cross a river? Pick up your feet and dive right in.

But it would take about $95-$100k to get a new LC 200 in American trim to decent off-road shape. First there is the astronomical MSRP, then proportionally astronomical taxes, fees, registration, etc., then the thousands you would have to spend removing and replacing all the low-hanging trim and other luxury items that would hold you back off road.

You can buy a base SR5 and build a helluvan off-road tank for half that.

 

[Dalko43]

If I could get a Land Cruiser 200 in GX trim from Australia (with left-hand drive), I'd be all over it. Or a Land Cruiser 70 (still being made), even an old J40. Buy and hit the trail. My brother had an old LC J40 several decades ago and it just wouldn't stop. No other vehicle in our area could touch it off-road. Need to cross a river? Pick up your feet and dive right in.

But it would take about $95-$100k to get a new LC 200 in American trim to decent off-road shape. First there is the astronomical MSRP, then proportionally astronomical taxes, fees, registration, etc., then the thousands you would have to spend removing and replacing all the low-hanging trim and other luxury items that would hold you back off road.

You can buy a base SR5 and build a helluvan off-road tank for half that.

See now if we are going to talk about getting our dream rigs (Australian-style), then I say skip the 200 series and just go for the cream of the crop:

Land Cruiser 70 with work tray:
Toyota LandCruiser 70 Home Australia

That is an offroader's dream rig right there.

 

[EEEliminator]

Probably talking about 3rd row.

yes, was talking about the 3rd row. Forgot that its optional... I personally could deal with the leg room, but the head room is a no go...

 

[MinecraftGriefer]

Bumping thread cuz I sat in a brand new 2016 Land Cruiser Blizzard Pearl with Terra Interior at dealer and Im in love!

 

[wadle5]

Bumping thread cuz I sat in a brand new 2016 Land Cruiser Blizzard Pearl with Terra Interior at dealer and Im in love!

Did the same thing last night here at the local dealership. Thing was unlocked after hours, so I figured what the heck. . . .Amazingly comfortable just to sit and plenty of room. I believe it was stickered at about 85k

 

[Trail-AMMO]

Did the same thing last night here at the local dealership. Thing was unlocked after hours, so I figured what the heck. . . .Amazingly comfortable just to sit and plenty of room. I believe it was stickered at about 85k

Everyone is going to have there own take on a subjective thread like this... The points can be argued indefinitely as to what make a good trail rig vs. expo rig and so on. Light vs. heavy with more power ect...

All that said, it would be like packing to climb Mount Everest vs. doing a day hike.

Everest take more gear, and cost more $$$ then a simple day hike...

If you want to build a 200 series, and plan on running trails with that sort of $$$ investment that's upto you. For me, I'd get a 80 series for trails / rough expo. And a new runner for DD / long haul... Or vice versa new cruiser old runner...

But I'm partial and have built and rebuilt my rigs dependent on the intended use.

-A

 

[LandCruiser]

 

[airbusa380]

Everyone is going to have there own take on a subjective thread like this... The points can be argued indefinitely as to what make a good trail rig vs. expo rig and so on. Light vs. heavy with more power ect...

All that said, it would be like packing to climb Mount Everest vs. doing a day hike.

Everest take more gear, and cost more $$$ then a simple day hike...

If you want to build a 200 series, and plan on running trails with that sort of $$$ investment that's upto you. For me, I'd get a 80 series for trails / rough expo. And a new runner for DD / long haul... Or vice versa new cruiser old runner...

But I'm partial and have built and rebuilt my rigs dependent on the intended use.

-A

very nice truck!!
80 series probably the best LC ever...
second best IMHO was the FJ55 ...I drove them in the middle east in the late 70's indestructible vehicles!
I used to own a 2003 and then a 2005 , great vehicles solidly built.

the current version 200 is great but as someone said way too many luxury things standard so the price new cannot be justified ...however a used 2013 is about the price of a new TRD pro I believe, now that would be a tough choice! the 200 is probably the most reliable and toughest vehicle there is.

my current 2016 SR5 4WD non premium reminds me of the older generations of land cruiser simple with just the right amount of technology...I love my 4runner!
Erick.

 

[Knight-Errant]

very nice truck!!
80 series probably the best LC ever...
second best IMHO was the FJ55 ...I drove them in the middle east in the late 70's indestructible vehicles!
I used to own a 2003 and then a 2005 , great vehicles solidly built.

the current version 200 is great but as someone said way too many luxury things standard so the price new cannot be justified ...however a used 2013 is about the price of a new TRD pro I believe, now that would be a tough choice! the 200 is probably the most reliable and toughest vehicle there is.

my current 2016 SR5 4WD non premium reminds me of the older generations of land cruiser simple with just the right amount of technology...I love my 4runner!
Erick.

Agree that the 80 is one of the best. Interesting to note, the dimensions of the 5th gen aren't far off from the 80 dimensions. The 5th gen is somewhat wider, and also has a shorter wheelbase (which would likely improve break-over angle...wheel base is also two inches shorter than a wrangler unlimited). The 5th gen is lighter too, but you have to rev more to get a similar amount of torque. In many ways the 5th gen is the affordable stripped down Land Cruiser that everyone is always asking for.

(measurements in inches)
FJ80
Height 73
Width 72
Length 189.7
Wheelbase 112.2
Unladen Weight 4510 lbs
Torque 275.2 lb-ft @ 3200 RPM
215 HP @ 4600 RPM

4runner 5th gen
Overall height: 71.5
Overall Width: 75.8
Overall Length: 190.2
Wheelbase: 109.8
Curb weight: 4,400 lbs
Torque: 278 lb.-ft. @ 4,400RPM
270hp @ 5,600RPM

Edit: I've found slightly differing measurements on different sites, and it appears that things like height differed by year for the FJ80, so don't go bonkers if you disagree with the measurements....I got them from the internet and so take them with a grain of salt )

 

[chiz45]

Agree that the 80 is one of the best.
Edit: I've found slightly differing measurements on different sites, and it appears that things like height differed by year for the FJ80, so don't go bonkers if you disagree with the measurements....I got them from the internet and so take them with a grain of salt )

Dude WTF?! you have the 80 series width wrong!! moron!!! :bounce:

Just kidding, dimensionally, the 80 and the 5th gen are very close. Cars.com lists the 80 at 76" wide.

1996*Toyota*Land Cruiser Specifications

 

[Knight-Errant]

Dude WTF?! you have the 80 series width wrong!! moron!!! :bounce:

Just kidding, dimensionally, the 80 and the 5th gen are very close. Cars.com lists the 80 at 76" wide.

1996*Toyota*Land Cruiser Specifications

Ha! Yeah, I agree that 72 inches for the width seems narrow but a few sites seem to list that at the width...I have no idea for sure )

TOYOTA Land Cruiser FJ80 (1989 - 1997)

Toyota Land Cruiser - Toyota Wiki