80 or 100

alvarorb

Adventurer
Mlachica said:
:iagree: Even if I didn't need a front locker I'd put an arb just to strengthen the front diff.

I completely agree. From my experience in/off trail, I think ARB locker in the front is a must on the 100.

Alvaro
 

4Rescue

Expedition Leader
Mlachica said:
:iagree: Even if I didn't need a front locker I'd put an arb just to strengthen the front diff.
So what does the ARB DO to strengthen the Diff??? Is it a carrier or a pinion issue?
 

LandCruiserPhil

Expedition Leader
I just removed a blown front end out of a '99 100 series (not mine) and it was the ring & pinion that failed not the 2 pinion diff. FWIW


As for 100 MPG in town I get 14-15 regularly with 285's on 87 octane
 

Brian894x4

Explorer
The gas mileage on the 100 seems fairly impressive compared to the 80. Although I'm curious if lower gears would improve or reduce mileage on an 80 with taller tires, such as 33s.

As far as the blown diffs, It's interesting that we don't hear too much about blown 80 front diffs (except for extreme cases) when they supposedly use the same size ring gear. Of course, everything else should be completely different as the 80 diff and housing is an entirely different animal.

I wonder if the issue with the 100 is the housing and it somehow flexes more there is weakness in the system.

I'm sure this has been discussed at length, but I don't get on the 100 forums often.
 

Bighead

Adventurer
ginericLC said:
NOPE! The 4 pinion fails too! Basically if you have a 100 series you have a weak front diff and the way to fix it is an ARB.

Agreed and that is what I will be doing to my '04 front and rear diffs in the future. I was trying to answer the "is a 4-pinion diff a direct replacement for the 2-pinion" question. ;)
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
ChuckB said:
Just curious if you care to share, why ONLY '98-99?

Well, Mark (MLachica) was right about the rear locker. I originally was set on finding a rig with a OEM rear locker, but since reading about this week front diff possibly needing an upgrade, i am not so set on the rear locker! :D

I think after doing more research that i am possibly going to go with a 00+

Plus, the color combo i am searching for is "Thundercloud" Exterior with a dark grey interior! :punk03:
 

4Rescue

Expedition Leader
Boston Mangler said:
Well, Mark (MLachica) was right about the rear locker. I originally was set on finding a rig with a OEM rear locker, but since reading about this week front diff possibly needing an upgrade, i am not so set on the rear locker! :D

I think after doing more research that i am possibly going to go with a 00+

Plus, the color combo i am searching for is "Thundercloud" Exterior with a dark grey interior! :punk03:
I think they're talking about front diff failures, I haven't heard of the rears failing...
 

ChuckB

Expedition Leader
Boston Mangler said:
Well, Mark (MLachica) was right about the rear locker. I originally was set on finding a rig with a OEM rear locker, but since reading about this week front diff possibly needing an upgrade, i am not so set on the rear locker! :D

I think after doing more research that i am possibly going to go with a 00+

Plus, the color combo i am searching for is "Thundercloud" Exterior with a dark grey interior! :punk03:

Makes sense. As I'm sure you are aware most people on 'Mud advocate the '00+ and if you can afford it the '03+ with the 5spd auto. There is a VERY long thread in the 100 section on this topic. From what I have read it basically comes down to the decision between having the rear locker or having TRAC. Assuming the same level of mods, it seems ARB lockers would eventually find their way onto the rig. Therefore, you eventually end up with either just lockers('99) or TRAC and lockers('00+). In either case eliminating the front diff issue.

My biggest concern is if I keep a 100 for 10-15 years, are the electronics (TRAC/VSC) going to cause potential problems down the road? Not having a lot of experience with them, I can't honestly answer this question. I do realize though that there is definitely an increase in the safety factor with those gizmos.

As I get closer to bringing children into this world I'm am looking at the 100's. I'm interested to see what you will decide. I'm also moving back to SD in the AUG/SEP time frame, so we'll have to compare notes! Anyone for the San Diego Brewing Company again?? :D
 

Brian894x4

Explorer
Toyota has an excellent record when it comes to the electronics, so I wouldn't be worried about them 10-15 years from now at all.

It's not like GM or Ford, where modulars and computers and relays going out are a given thing every few years.

There are computers and electronics from Toyotas from 20 years ago that are still running just fine. So long as the part was designed and made in Japan (and it should be on the Land Cruiser) you should be good to go.

Personally, I'd be more concerned about where gas prices are going to be in 10-15 years and whether any of us will even be able to afford to drive them.
 
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RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
4Rescue said:
I think they're talking about front diff failures, I haven't heard of the rears failing...

Yes, i know, but the 98-99 that have the REAR locker, also have the weaker 2pinion front diff! Hmmmm, decisions! :D
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
ChuckB said:
Makes sense. As I'm sure you are aware most people on 'Mud advocate the '00+ and if you can afford it the '03+ with the 5spd auto.

Yes, but it is family/safety based. I am interested in safety, but also interested in the mechanically differences in the years, not seeing much mentioning of that!

ChuckB said:
Assuming the same level of mods, it seems ARB lockers would eventually find their way onto the rig.

Probably not into my rig! I am not a big fan of ARB air lockers, i think they are too problematic, and they require too much maintenence for their price. I want the ultimate in reliability and dont want to be messing with solenoids or O-rings in the middle of no where. Yes, i am sure tons of you have them with zero problems, but i have been offroading a long time and see LOTS of different people with lots of different rigs, having issues with them!

Thats just my .02, lets not get off topic here! :D

ChuckB said:
My biggest concern is if I keep a 100 for 10-15 years, are the electronics (TRAC/VSC) going to cause potential problems down the road? Not having a lot of experience with them, I can't honestly answer this question.

Yes, this is also one of my biggest concerns. The more sophisticated the vehicles become, the harder they are to dianosis and the more expensive the failing parts are! :D

ChuckB said:
I'm interested to see what you will decide.

I am set on a 100 series for sure, which year and such still isnt decided, i guess i should go rear up on mud! :D

ChuckB said:
I'm also moving back to SD in the AUG/SEP time frame, so we'll have to compare notes! Anyone for the San Diego Brewing Company again?? :D

FOR SURE!!! :friday: :chef:
 
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Mlachica

TheRAMadaINN on Instagram
Boston Mangler said:
Yes, i know, but the 98-99 that have the REAR locker, also have the weaker 2pinion front diff! Hmmmm, decisions! :D

2 pinion or 4 pinion, they're both prone to failure.
 

RAM5500 CAMPERTHING

OG Portal Member #183
Mlachica said:
2 pinion or 4 pinion, they're both prone to failure.

Yeah, true. From everything i read, its a wash for me.

Might stick to the 98-99 with the rear locker, as i dont see myself EVER needing a front locker and dont ever see myself doing hard enough wheeling to blow a front diff!

My 80 was built to the hilt and i only engaged the front locker once in a blue moon to make sure it didnt seize!
 

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