why are 4runners called jeep-killers?

[Hepar]

I've never heard of them being called Jeep Killers either. I do think that for the most part Jeeps can make a better platform to build a pure offroad vehicle. Good approach and departure angles, short wheel-base, solid front axle, etc etc. But for overall performance AND reliability as a DD, I don't think there's too many above these.

However if the States ever offered the 110, I'd seriously consider mortgaging everything. :naughty:

 

[brian2sun]

You can build any Toyota up to match the off road performance of a Jeep or Land Rover (or vise-versa). Jeeps generally come better equipped from the factory (especially Rubicons with D44s front and rear with dual selectable elockers) but the older LandCruisers have solid axles and dual lockers too so each company has made equal products at one time or another. However, many people use Toyota trucks and 4Runners in the off road world and many are serious pros. Often a longer wheelbase will help you get over steeper obstacles, but often a shorter wheelbase is nice. One is not better than the other IMO, unless you are talking about a certain specific trail.

You have to dump money into either to make them a great off roader. So end the end it comes down soley to reliability IMO because a Toyota with solid axles, big tires, and lockers will do equally as well as any Jeep or Land Rover out there, but you will have a much better chance of making it back home in a Toyota. No arguing that because #s don't lie. Toyota kills all when it comes to reliablility. And in military applications that is key IMO.

 

[willtell]

@The Kid, is the external roll cage with mounted machine guns a factory or dealer installed option? I'll have to read the option list more closely next time.

As to Jeeps/Land Rover Defenders/Toyotas. I agree with many, jeeps, at least the higher optioned ones are very capable stock and have nice features.

I don't have any personal experience with defenders, but I want one. Very nice. I don't know about reliability though. All other land rovers I've dealt with, discos, range rovers, and series trucks have had many problems, and are super expensive to fix.

Obviously, since I have a t4r, I like them very much. Offroad capability is very good stock and can be built up easily. The reliability factor is huge for the toyota's too. They generally just work.

Hummers look cool, H1s anyway, but are very heavy and large. And unreliable as best I can tell.

If money was no option, I think I would go for a UNIMOG. imo.

 

[JohnsD90]

However if the States ever offered the 110, I'd seriously consider mortgaging everything. :naughty:

You can get a 110, imported from the UK 1983-1986 as long as its 25 years old, with some good searching you can get a good one here for $10k.

 

[Hepar]

You can get a 110, imported from the UK 1983-1986 as long as its 25 years old, with some good searching you can get a good one here for $10k.

Yeah, I know. I more meant a new one.

 

[JohnsD90]

Yeah, I know. I more meant a new one.

Still can they can build you a 83-86 from the ground up for ya, but that will require the removal of all your organs, and arms and legs, and it will still be RHD, to get LHD you have to give up you house.

It really is quite a rip off for what you get IMO.

 

[Hepar]

Still can they can build you a 83-86 from the ground up for ya, but that will require the removal of all your organs, and arms and legs, and it will still be RHD, to get LHD you have to give up you house.

It really is quite a rip off for what you get IMO.

Is that all I'd have to give up? Deal. And a total ripoff, but it sure would be a lot of fun. To be honest, it's probably mostly the fact that you can't get it here that makes it so appealing. Always want what you can't have.

 

[Blitzkrieg]

Okay, I got to know.

How in the hell does a Hummer tranny blow and spray hot tranny fluid all over the occupants?

I've seen a LOT of transmissions blow (including drag cars) in my day and not one of them has much more than puked its guts and perhaps crack the bellhousing.

And the Hummer is a vehicle that is supposedly (perhaps nominally) supposed to protect from IED's which generally blow up under the vehicle, so a tranny that grenades and puts hot tranny fluid into the passenger compartment is not making a lot of sense to me.

 

[Maxil]

Okay, I got to know.

How in the hell does a Hummer tranny blow and spray hot tranny fluid all over the occupants?

I've seen a LOT of transmissions blow (including drag cars) in my day and not one of them has much more than puked its guts and perhaps crack the bellhousing.

And the Hummer is a vehicle that is supposedly (perhaps nominally) supposed to protect from IED's which generally blow up under the vehicle, so a tranny that grenades and puts hot tranny fluid into the passenger compartment is not making a lot of sense to me.

After reading the posts about Hummers, I wonder about some things as well. I never looked much into them as I can't even afford a down payment for one, but I thought the reason they cost so much was super reliability and toughness? Especially considering the military normally wants a very reliable vehicle.

I would never want one anyway, they are too big and I would likely take out too many mailboxes by accident.

 

[the great him]

Okay, I got to know.

How in the hell does a Hummer tranny blow and spray hot tranny fluid all over the occupants?

I've seen a LOT of transmissions blow (including drag cars) in my day and not one of them has much more than puked its guts and perhaps crack the bellhousing.

And the Hummer is a vehicle that is supposedly (perhaps nominally) supposed to protect from IED's which generally blow up under the vehicle, so a tranny that grenades and puts hot tranny fluid into the passenger compartment is not making a lot of sense to me.

im not sure exactly what happened, i never got a chance to look at it closely after it happend, as i was a gunner and pulling security, but all i know is i could smell ATF and see the driver and TC with it all over them and their gear and it was all over inside the cab. the best i can figure is that yes cause they are "impervious" to IEDs ect, that they are running the tranny lines inside the cab where they would be more protected by the armor. not sure on this as we only had 6 humvees (all of them died at least twice and only two managed to last the deployment after numerous fixes) and the rest where all MRAPs, which i spent most of my time in and around.

yes the humvee was made to last and be "all that", but really what do you expect from the lowest bidder... when you are thinking of buying a new lift or bumper for you T4R, are you gonna go with the cheapest possible one you can find? -fyi, the military does with everything

 

[Jon]

yes the humvee was made to last and be "all that", but really what do you expect from the lowest bidder... when you are thinking of buying a new lift or bumper for you T4R, are you gonna go with the cheapest possible one you can find? -fyi, the military does with everything

Yup lowest bidder for everything, I wouldn't have busy 12hr days if they'd invest in quality parts. But oh well.

I recently got back from Afghanistan and now that I have a 4Runner they all stand out over there. It felt so weird jumping in the right side to drive! Nothing but Hilux's, Surf's and LC's over there. Of course there's some 10ton plated Hummers but who cares about that!

I like to bad mouth my buddies because one has an old Wrangler and the other's got a 09 Liberty. Both lifted with 32's and I'm always going first through unfamiliar ground or pulling them out of holes or up hills. But the Liberty did pull my incapacitated 4runner off a bad 1hr long trail with no problems. Good peeps

I really don't care what you're driving Samuri or F-250 as long as it's 4x4 and you're not scared to throw it off road. My little 4Runner suits my need perfectly... size, power, modding, capabilities, and looks. I still wanna get the sticker that says "If you can read this then you're in a Jeep" and of course stick it upsidown.

 

[Satter]

when you are thinking of buying a new lift or bumper for you T4R, are you gonna go with the cheapest possible one you can find? -fyi, the military does with everything

I thought that was only partially true? Buy the cheapest quality, but paying the most. You know? The whole "$500 for a toilet seat" and all?

 

[99blackSE]

I've never heard of this phrase before either. Each make/model has their strengths and weaknessess. Fortunately the group I wheel with, we don't care what make you have, we're all out there to have fun.