Help a newbie - 4Runner v. Cruiser

[Henry]

I’m new to ExPo. With so many knowledgeable and helpful souls I’m sure to get valuable insight into the question that brings me here. I’m not sure where this post belongs but here it is.
I live in Colorado and intend to drag my wife and young kids to camp in beautiful and increasingly remote areas in the western U.S. (backcountry adventure). Of course the truck must be built for the “last mile” but I must also travel many pavement miles. A reliable and safe (and comfy) vehicle is a must.
I own a stock 2005 4Runner. This is not getting me where I want to go. I have read the Land Cruiser is better vehicle for this use. In my neck of the woods I can trade my stock 4Runner w/ 40K miles for a stock Cruiser w/140K miles (circa 2003). Is the Cruiser platform enough better that I should consider the higher mileage vehicle?
Considering my intended purpose, what modifications should take priority?
Thank's for your help.

 

[mph]

I have had both; well and still do Both are built about the same...bumper, sliders, winch, lift, tires, etc. The 4runner is quicker and faster...The lc is a tank, solid and heavier...The LC is built stronger and heavier...just look underneath and compare both platforms.

LC is bigger inside in my opinion...both are great...i don't think you could go wrong with staying with your 4runner.

Is this going to be your daily driver?

 

[Klierslc]

I don't think that a 100 series Land cruiser can go anywhere an 05 4runner can't. It is bigger, heavier, wider, and still IFS.

What Mods do you have on the 4runner?

An 80 series would give you a more capable rig stock, is cheaper, and would free up some cash for mods.

What is it about the 4runner that is limiting you? Clearance? wheel travel? size?

 

[Mr. Leary]

4th generation 4Runners and 100 Series Landcruisers will be very similar in capability, but they will surmount obstacles in a very different fashion. THe 4Runner is powerful, quick, and relatively nimble. The LC is, as mentioned above, a tank. It is powerful, solid, large and in charge, and reliable, but lacks the capability of the earlier 80 series.

Look at some of the builds of 100 series and 120 series(4Runner) cruisers around here... if you need a little more capability, you may want to look at a an 80 series or a LR Discovery II. That being said, there are plenty of reasonably beefed 4Runners that routinely traverse Level 3 and 4 trails... so I'm not sure exactly where you are trying to go that it can't get to...

 

[Henry]

mph and Klierslc - Thanks for the input.
Let me answer your questions.
Yes this will be a daily driver.
No mods - stock 4runner.
Clearance has been an issue.
Vehicle size can be an issue in the mountains - many narrow trails. Even so, these two large vehicles fulfill the safe and reliable (and comfy) criteria required by long distance travel with the family.

As for the 80 series - I'ld like to stick with the V8 since I tow a trailer.

It seems likely I would modify either vehicle in some way.
Since traveling with wife and small kids, being able to drive back home is critically important. This will influence vehicle selection, modifications and travel routes.

This is hopefully the start of a multi-year build that is accompanied by ever wilder adventures. At the start of this journey, I see two seemingly good ways to jump off the cliff. I want to get some expert opinions before I leap.

Is it correct to say the LC has more off road modification options?
If some day I travel abroad would the LC be more servicable?

 

[toy_tek]

Also wondering what about the 4runner that is holding you back? Even with some mildly aggressive tires (AT's) and A-trac you should be able to get through most trails short of rock-crawling. This is not meant to sound condescending, but some info on your offroad experience and/or training might help the forum help you get to where you want to go easier.

 

[toy_tek]

Looks like you posted while I was typing...

I'm of the mindset "use what you have" unless there is a serious issue. You've got a great low mileage vehicle to start with. Sounds like you could use just some slightly larger more aggressive tires and possibly a mild 1-2" lift to gain a little clearance, and maybe a little armor (sliders, etc). When you "hit the wall" so to speak with those improvements, you'll have a much better idea of where to go from there. I don't think a LC is necessarily the answer for you at this point. The 4Runner is a tremendously capable vehicle. You didn't say, but I'm assuming its 4WD, correct?

 

[77cruiser77]

I have an imported 60 series which I love. Every series is a bit different. 60 series seems a bit tougher than the 80 but the 80 is a very capable rig loaded with comfort. A stock 40 will likely please your needs in off roading aside from the comfort and it being a DD, and then passengers and seeing you are in the states you'll have a gasser which is terrible on gas, then its also 40-30 years old so there would be fixes. Don't get me wrong though I love my 40!

Get an 80 is what I say. In the states you can get them locked with coiled suspension that is a lot cheaper to lift than my solid axle. They have much bigger differentials than your 4runner and just tougher parts all around. You can simply just count on them a lot more. a "new" 4runner I'd toss into the category of the new trucks made to last ten years and then crushed. Meanwhile a cruiser which has been tested and proved (people are driving 20 year old 80 series now) and made to last under punishment while delivering on road comfort at the same time.

Concerned about power? Test drive one and see what you think with the FZ engine. I'm a diesel driver so I haven't been behind the wheel of one of those engines but hear good things. If they lack toss in a super charger. After all if you are doing mild stuff a stock and locked 80 is going to be enough. The only thing you might upgrade it with is a lift because I think they are too low stock.

I recommend this www.ih8mud.com go to the forum and check out the 80 series. do a search on towing with an 80 series and ask questions and they can steer you into what to get.

 

[mph]

IMO-if it is going to be your daily driver; I would stick with the 4runner...

I have a 2 yr. old and pull a Fleetwood E-1 trailer. Way more comfortable in the LC. It is a great, solid ride. The 4runner is great but there is no comparison on the room and ride IMO. However, if I didn't buy the LC 100; I would have been super happy with the 4runner. (by the way; ours is the V-6 version)

Not sure if your fiances...but is it possible to have a designated expo rig????

 

[Henry]

111db - Thanks for your comment - no offense taken. There is no doubt that many can pilot a vehicle through the rough better than I. I agree with your comments and it was my initial intention to do just as you suggest. I felt that good tires (currently original tires- bald), 2" lift and some skills would get me a long way. (Yes it's 4wd V8 sport)
As I said, this is hopefully a long term project and I wanted some reassurance that I would not get down the path only to find I should have started with a different vehicle. The overall impression I am getting is that I have presented two very good vehicle choices and can't really go wrong.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

I agree with Henry...an 80-series is "out" for him. Wheezy engine that loves to overheat, etc, etc. He tows...has the killer 4.7L already. If he got an 80 he'd hate it (like the two I've had).

Keeping what he has could be converted into a rig of his needs. I have a good friend with a very nice 4Runner (I have a pic somewhere) and it does quite well on technical trails though my 100 has a clear edge overall.

I think if Henry needs added capacity and a tad more capability then a move to a 100-series is in order. If the Runner suits his size now and can run what he needs then I'd give it a go.

He should steal my buddy's Hundy that he just marked down. It's loaded to the gills and ready for anything!

http://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-s...j100-roklimo-clone-goes-up-sale-tomorrow.html

 

[Henry]

I'm not only new to ExPo but this is the first time I have been on any forum. The forum thing is interesting. There is some lag time in the reply process. Perhaps I don't quite know how to do this right. Should I be using the "quick reply" icon?
Anyway -
77cruiser77 - I must confess that part of what is driving this is my love of the LC. I have loved this vehicle in all its incarnations. Perhaps what I am really looking for here is an excuse to buy one! Despite it's reliability reputation I am a little concerned about a 20+ yr old vehicle for this purpose. As a dedicated trail vehicle it would be awesome and I hope some day to have one. A late model 80 would be nice but I am worried about the power. Especially at altitude - a lot less power at 10,000 ft.

mph - I would love to have a dedicated expedition rig but it's not in the cards today. I mentioned that this hopefully will become a long term project and the initial vehicle will hopefully morph into a full-on dedicated expidition rig someday. I don't want an expensive rig that I am too poor to travel in. I will have to slowly work on it so I can continue to travel.

 

[Henry]

ShottsCruisers
Wow! That is defintely more truck than I am driver and definetly more than I need but tempting. You bring up an interesting concept. Would I be better off to buy an already built vehicle?

 

[ShottsCruisers]

ShottsCruisers
Wow! That is defintely more truck than I am driver and definetly more than I need but tempting. You bring up an interesting concept. Would I be better off to buy an already built vehicle?

That vehicle for $15K! Absolutely! He has almost $10K in well done mods! Imagine buying a 1999 with low miles for $5K and then adding it all on yourself. This one's already done...and right.

 

[Mr. Leary]

I'm not only new to ExPo but this is the first time I have been on any forum.


Perhaps what I am really looking for here is an excuse to buy one!

Welcome to ExPo! :wavey:


... and to help you out with the second one, see the new Old Spice commercials, and combine them with the Dos Equis commercials, and then insert the Land Cruiser.

Look at your truck, now at the Cruiser, now back at your truck, now back at the Cruiser. Sadly, your truck is not the cruiser...

... I don't always drive off road... but when I do, I prefer a Land Cruiser.