this debate skitters around the net so often. Toyotas endless durability legends are justified.
the argument i make is this: the rigs are neck and neck with Mitsu being the preference due to ride quality and attention to engineering detail.
I don't think "ride quality" is something that would go in favor of a Gen1 vs an FJ100.
Automatic transmissions the same.
Not likely. Only the first couple years of the FJ100 had the A340.
axles mitsu rear gives nothing away to toyota toyotas "full floater axle design proved unnecessary and expensive. the goofy offset pumpkin makes it impossible to swap out with any other axle. $$$
Don't need to swap it out, it's stupid strong and has millions of cheap R&P options.
3.0 to 3.0 engine both with their problems but most would agree the mitsu a better more reliable engine 6g72 -3vze
3vzfe isn't awesome, but it also never came in Land Cruisers, so it's not really part of the discussion. Personally, i think both the 6g72 and 3vzfe are less-than-desirable. The comparison in this case is 6g72 vs. 2UZFE, which isn't even apples to bananas.
Steering: i took my badly neglected (before me) 91 apart after 250K and the factory parts were still serviceable mitsu tops toyota here.
Single anecdote doesn't really say much. My Mitsu stuff is completely destroyed on my Gen2 after 170k miles. My FZJ80 looks and feels oem fresh after 209k miles.
live axle to IFS. this is a personal preference issue as such there can be no comparison. the toyota axle , like the mercedes axle and the dana axles are very durable. so no surprises there.
The toyota does not have a live front axle. This is an FJ100.
rear axles some toyotas had the double spline axle, i mean full floater design axle. which is way over designed for the weight of the vehicle and is needless engineering.
Double spilnes are much more durable for heavy torque and heavy loads neither of which is evident in these little rigs. so it adds complexity and unneeded engineering. toyota agrees and dropped it.
Little rigs? FJ100s are nearly 6000lbs. It also makes twice the torque that the Gen1 does.