landcruiser / toyota 4x4 pickup comparison

alfio · 08-22-2009, 10:50 AM

hello all

i realize this is entirely subjective but how much of a gap in terms of off road capabilities between a toyota land cruiser (what's the most capable land cruiser out of the box? an FJ40?) and a toyota 4x4 pickup (say something with a factory SAS)? i know cruisers go everywhere and they have cultivated their reputation on a global scale but i see pics of toyota pickups doing some amazing things everyday on this site. i'm not trying to start a war (i have tons of respect for land cruisers, wish i could afford one) but i am curious about the gap between the two (i.e. off road ability, durability in off road conditions, etc.)

it would be specially interesting to hear from people who've had both.

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Buhundred · 08-22-2009, 12:01 PM

I still think the most capable is the original, the FJ40 and the BJ40. The FZJ80 was also very capable. The pick ups and 4Runners are equally capable but are smaller which would help them fit on smaller trails. The Land Cruiser was always designed to be a very tough, well built vehicle though. The UN uses Cruisers A LOT.

JamesD · 08-22-2009, 01:04 PM

All Toyota trucks are excellent off-road machines. ANY FJ, BJ, Hilux, Taco, T100 and 4Runner make awesome trail rigs. It all depends and what suites your needs. Plenty of aftermarket parts for these trucks. Do not let anyone tell you that IFS is crap. It is pure BS. Many Taco guys run IFS and their rigs go the same places at MOAB that the solid axle guys do.

James

Matt16 · 08-23-2009, 02:34 AM

My guess is that the most capable Toyota 4x4 out of the box for pure go-anywhere ability would be a BJ74 with cable lockers and a 13BT diesel. Probably one of the toughest vehicles Toyota ever made as well... those things are pure BEEF. The reason this one would be my pick for most capable rig toyota ever built would be because 1) frt AND rr cable actuated diff locks 2) solid axle 3) short wheelbase 4) torque diesel motor- these things have a tonne of torque available way down at maybe 500rpm and 5) good break-over, approach and departure angles. you could even get these with a FACTORY PTO winch... how awesome is that?

Then the best expedition style 4x4 would probaly be the FZJ80- again, it was offered with twin lockers and solid axles but nice comfy coil spings and more room inside.

Nothing wrong with the hilux-minitruck platform. Especially with the solid axle they were quite capable rigs back when factory lockers were non-existent.

desertcamper67 · 08-23-2009, 09:35 PM

Flex aside IFS is not crap. They offer a nicer ride but don't take the same amount of abuse without the alignment suffering. Its hard to beat a SFA out of alignment. Especially with high steer.
Front ring & pinion is a little smaller in the IFS also. Harder and more expensive to lift. I see tham all over the trails and desert though.
IFS is here to stay. That being said, they shoud only get better and better.
You can't go wrong with a Toyota's dependability.

Matt16 · 08-23-2009, 10:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by desertcamper67

Flex aside IFS is not crap. They offer a nicer ride but don't take the same amount of abuse without the alignment suffering. Its hard to beat a SFA out of alignment. Especially with high steer.
Front ring & pinion is a little smaller in the IFS also. Harder and more expensive to lift. I see tham all over the trails and desert though.
IFS is here to stay. That being said, they shoud only get better and better.
You can't go wrong with a Toyota's dependability.

Agreed. But, if we are to come up with the BEST of the front axles for off-roading, then the SFA would win IMO, if for no other reason, for durability's sake.

desertcamper67 · 08-24-2009, 08:59 AM

I agree with you Matt 100%

What country has that Toyota in your 1st picture? I love it and want one. I'm just short enough I could probably even sleep in the back. Looks kind of like an old school Bronco. And it looks like the top comes off right to the windshield.
Sweet rig

FlyingLow · 08-24-2009, 11:11 AM

Offroad capability really depends on your stomping grounds. Wheelbase plays in alot and they have very different wheelbases. Some obsticles are easier in a longer wheel base and some are harder.

Cruisers will take more upgrades and abuse than a minitruck platform. The drivetrain will stand up to more mods and larger tires.

However there are MANY more parts and upgrades available to mini trucks at a much cheaper cost.

80s are extremely capable out of the box wheelers, just the rear overhang sucks.

snobdds · 08-24-2009, 01:58 PM

I am torn on this one, but I would have to say Landcruisers. I base this off their ability to behave much more like a tank in a stock form. They are unstoppable plain and simple. However, runners/trucks are just as capable with a few mods, (lockers, lift, tires, armor) if not more so. Landcruisers are expensive to work on, but that keeps them exclusive and sought after for the enthusiasts. Trucks are just plain fun to drive because they are like supped up ATV's.

In a perfect world, everyone would have both

Agent Orange · 08-24-2009, 11:39 PM

I love my 4-Runner, but with an FJ55, 2 FJ40s, and a 1st gen and a 3rd gen 4-Runner sitting in the driveway and garage right now, I'd have to go with the FJ40. Only disadvantage is no power steering, YET...

hellfire · 08-26-2009, 02:33 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt16

My guess is that the most capable Toyota 4x4 out of the box for pure go-anywhere ability would be a BJ74 with cable lockers and a 13BT diesel. Probably one of the toughest vehicles Toyota ever made as well... those things are pure BEEF. The reason this one would be my pick for most capable rig toyota ever built would be because 1) frt AND rr cable actuated diff locks 2) solid axle 3) short wheelbase 4) torque diesel motor- these things have a tonne of torque available way down at maybe 500rpm and 5) good break-over, approach and departure angles. you could even get these with a FACTORY PTO winch... how awesome is that?

I've been wheeling with a guy with a BJ73 Landcruiser on 38" tyres, 3" wheel spacers, lockers and 8" lift .. Thing was unstoppable, Straight 6 Gasoline engine...

This was when he got it:

And after a few mods..

Here's another guys BJ73....

colsoncj · 09-23-2009, 10:11 PM

After having a beefy 87 4runner, being around mini trucks and 4runners, and now having a FZJ80.... for me its hands down on the 80. I dont see myself ever going back to the mini trucks... dont get me wrong, I still love 'em, but the 80 just has way more to offer...

and the rear hang on the 80 is better than a 2nd gen runner....

alfio · 09-24-2009, 05:24 AM

ok, i think the consensus is clear: costs and the specifics of one model over another (40s vs. 80s, etc.) aside, cruisers are preferred but the 'gap' isn't huge. that is, at least from the comments here, it seems like we're talking about deficiencies (especially out of the box) in terms of hiluxes that can be overcome with mods and customizing.

alfio

poynter · 09-24-2009, 06:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Matt16

My guess is that the most capable Toyota 4x4 out of the box for pure go-anywhere ability would be a BJ74 with cable lockers and a 13BT diesel. Probably one of the toughest vehicles Toyota ever made as well... those things are pure BEEF. The reason this one would be my pick for most capable rig toyota ever built would be because 1) frt AND rr cable actuated diff locks 2) solid axle 3) short wheelbase 4) torque diesel motor- these things have a tonne of torque available way down at maybe 500rpm and 5) good break-over, approach and departure angles. you could even get these with a FACTORY PTO winch... how awesome is that?

.

I'm sold, where do I sign?

Bagger · 09-24-2009, 11:52 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by alfio

....how much of a gap in terms of off road capabilities between a toyota land cruiser (what's the most capable land cruiser out of the box? an FJ40?) and a toyota 4x4 pickup (say something with a factory SAS)? i know cruisers go everywhere and they have cultivated their reputation on a global scale but i see pics of toyota pickups doing some amazing things everyday on this site....

it would be specially interesting to hear from people who've had both.

I've had both, and I've bounced them both all over Wyoming -

'85 Toyota Pickup - 3" lift, 31" AT's, 3rd Gen 4Runner seats and not much more....

This truck was an absolute blast, just a little mountain goat. With no locker it would climb over & through just about anything. Once I swapped the seats out, it was pretty comfortable to drive. It always started, never left me stranded and cruised through deep ruts in the desert all winter long. About the only downside was the empty longbed. I had a few boxes of recovery gear back there, but not much weight, so it could get a little extra bouncy at times.

In hindsight, I should have never sold it but with a family of four and another truck (another green Toyota truck especially) in the driveway, it didn't seem to "fit us" at the time. Wish I could have taken it to Moab just once though...

I solved our "family of four loves Toyotas" dilemma when I got this 1985 FJ60 Landcruiser. 3" lift, 33" AT's, Aussie locker, custom bumpers and not much else -

I don't find the Cruiser any less capable, but it feels a lot heavier bouncing around in the bush. While the truck occasionally felt like a tin can, the Cruiser feels solid, like a tank. I've gone to most of the same places with the Cruiser that I went with the truck and again no problems.

Point a gun to my head and make me say which one is better and I would really struggle to give a clear cut winner. I just loved that truck and I could camp in the back. The Cruiser is great for hauling all of us... The only place I see the Cruiser as "better" over the truck would be in an accident of some kind. It's just more stoutly built than the truck and has a little bit better weight distribution than a truck with a 7' empty bed.

I don't think I answered your question, but it's a tough call to make. They are both winners in my book!

.

poynter · 09-24-2009, 11:59 AM

^nice shots! That 3rd one down makes me wanna be there.

FlyingLow · 09-26-2009, 05:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bagger

I've had both, and I've bounced them both all over Wyoming -

I don't find the Cruiser any less capable, but it feels a lot heavier bouncing around in the bush. While the truck occasionally felt like a tin can, the Cruiser feels solid, like a tank. I've gone to most of the same places with the Cruiser that I went with the truck and again no problems.

Point a gun to my head and make me say which one is better and I would really struggle to give a clear cut winner. I just loved that truck and I could camp in the back. The Cruiser is great for hauling all of us... The only place I see the Cruiser as "better" over the truck would be in an accident of some kind. It's just more stoutly built than the truck and has a little bit better weight distribution than a truck with a 7' empty bed.

.

I think you have summed it up pretty good right there...

I could never wheel with a pickup truck with a box let alone a long one! Many more trees than where you wheel!

Guys up here are now sourcing out 60 series front axles for their mini trucks (or whats left of them, more truggy than truck) because they are stripping ring and pinions (kryo treated) on a regular basis.

Brad. · 10-03-2009, 06:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bagger

I've had both, and I've bounced them both all over Wyoming - .

Where in Wyoming were these pictures taken?
Awesome land out there.

08-22-2009, 01:04 PM	#3 (permalink)
JamesD Registered User Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Binghamton, NY Posts: 1,829	All Toyota trucks are excellent off-road machines. ANY FJ, BJ, Hilux, Taco, T100 and 4Runner make awesome trail rigs. It all depends and what suites your needs. Plenty of aftermarket parts for these trucks. Do not let anyone tell you that IFS is crap. It is pure BS. Many Taco guys run IFS and their rigs go the same places at MOAB that the solid axle guys do. James __________________ New Tacome V6 transfer case http://www.yotatech.com/f107/sale-br.../#post50755569 Various Toyota truck/4Runner switches for sale http://www.yotatech.com/f109/various...trucks-148139/

08-24-2009, 11:11 AM	#8 (permalink)
FlyingLow Registered User Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Van Island BC Posts: 93	Offroad capability really depends on your stomping grounds. Wheelbase plays in alot and they have very different wheelbases. Some obsticles are easier in a longer wheel base and some are harder. Cruisers will take more upgrades and abuse than a minitruck platform. The drivetrain will stand up to more mods and larger tires. However there are MANY more parts and upgrades available to mini trucks at a much cheaper cost. 80s are extremely capable out of the box wheelers, just the rear overhang sucks. __________________ 77 FJ40 36 TSLs, 45 springs in rear, 8274, ARB rear, TBI 2F 97 4 Runner Ltd TLCA# 9203

08-24-2009, 01:58 PM	#9 (permalink)
snobdds Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Cheyenne, Wyoming Posts: 128	I am torn on this one, but I would have to say Landcruisers. I base this off their ability to behave much more like a tank in a stock form. They are unstoppable plain and simple. However, runners/trucks are just as capable with a few mods, (lockers, lift, tires, armor) if not more so. Landcruisers are expensive to work on, but that keeps them exclusive and sought after for the enthusiasts. Trucks are just plain fun to drive because they are like supped up ATV's. In a perfect world, everyone would have both __________________ 1988 4x4 Pickup 22 RE. Stock, But oh the places it's seen.

09-23-2009, 10:11 PM	#12 (permalink)
colsoncj Contributing Member Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Monett, MO (Springfield) Posts: 2,533	After having a beefy 87 4runner, being around mini trucks and 4runners, and now having a FZJ80.... for me its hands down on the 80. I dont see myself ever going back to the mini trucks... dont get me wrong, I still love 'em, but the 80 just has way more to offer... and the rear hang on the 80 is better than a 2nd gen runner.... __________________ Cory Eastern OK, Western/Northern AR, Southeastern KS, or Southern MO area: OZARKS 4ROC Click Here 04 Dodge 2500 Cummins - DD/Tow Rig 02 Z06 Corvette - Weekender 94 FZJ80 - Wheelin Rig. Build in progress: http://ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=129727 72 Buick GS - i.e. the project that will never get done.

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09-24-2009, 05:24 AM	#13 (permalink)
alfio Registered User Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: Bloomington, In Posts: 56	ok, i think the consensus is clear: costs and the specifics of one model over another (40s vs. 80s, etc.) aside, cruisers are preferred but the 'gap' isn't huge. that is, at least from the comments here, it seems like we're talking about deficiencies (especially out of the box) in terms of hiluxes that can be overcome with mods and customizing. alfio

09-24-2009, 11:59 AM	#16 (permalink)
poynter Registered User Join Date: Nov 2008 Location: Somerset, KY Posts: 128	^nice shots! That 3rd one down makes me wanna be there.