NOVA Runner

For off shelf OEM equipped off-road ability, which is better, 3rd Gen 4Runner Lmtd or FJ.

After closely comparing the specs on the great looking FJ, noticed many of the same specs comparible or the same to the 4Runner. Albeit the FJ's styling rocks, I'm curious why Toyota has designed 9" ground clearance, if pushing as a hardcore off-roader?

My '01 Runner Limited has near 11" clearance OEM, close to same rear diff ratio 4:1-4R to 3.91:1-FJ; Transfer case H1.0/L2.566 (same), ATRAC & VSC (same). FJ has less interior space/cargo volume, but more headroom. FJ is wider, higher and heavier w/ same wheelbase.

FJ has better engine (more HP/torque), slight mileage increase (VVT) and rear disc brakes.

Not sure about the FJ suspension? Does it have more range of vertical travel?

Localmotion

isnt the FJ locked f/r?

Bighead

No...rear only. Toyota's last OEM locked front was the 97 FZJ80.

EDIT: I don't know if that is true for non-US Toys.

914runner

What year of 3rd gen are you comparing? Because from what I understand, only the '01 and '02 3rd gens have ATRAC.

Good Times

both are capable vehicles. i think the fj sits slightly lower but very insignificant.

some differences though:
1. front diff is 8" vs the 7.5". this means stronger front end (including the axles) and the associated parts.
2. atrac system is much more improved (I'd say in the magnitude of like double digits) and even more fine tuned compared to the 4th gen 4runner.

the fj may lack the initial vertical height but does gain a more powerful atrac that helps. w/ both vehicles lifted, I'd go with the FJ if both were free

JHupp

If your comparing function over form, I would have to go with the FJ, ATRAC and a rear locker, are a win/win combo. 4runners could be had from 99-00 with a rear locker, and 01-02 with ATRAC, but never both. Ehh, when it comes to form over function, I think a 3rd gen has the FJs beat hand down, and I will take that little bit of a compromise off road for a much much better looking truvk. Come on, you know you want the hood scoop, 4 real doors, with some real back seat leg room, a rear view without a ginormous blind spot.

Jared

Completely agree. After offroading with a bunch of them out at Barstow, I'd have to say that they are REALLY capable offroad in stock trim. The ATRAC system is really amazing, their stock tires were spinning less that my SS's at times.

k_os

one the thing the FJ has on the 4runners Tacos etc.. It's the IFS, they are the same components but tweaked for an offroader. Slightly more down travel and for example the CV axles are at a bit of an angle so that when you lift it, the CVs don't suffer as much. Don't really know all the details but that's what I've gatehred form tother threads

Good Times

Actually the IFS system is exactly the same. The only difference is the coils since the 4runner is significantly heavier (esp the v8). The biggest difference between all of them is the sophisticated atrac that the FJ has. Since the first gen atrac there's been 2 full upgrades, 4th gen 4runner getting the big upgrade and the fj getting even a better upgrade.

k_os

Well, that's what the guys over at All-Pro said, I don't know the details but the basic lowdown it's the same components looks the same just "tweaked" if you will for off road terrain

lee

are we talking 3rd or 4th gen 4runner here?

k_os

The tittle says 3rd gen so I assume he was talking about 3rd gens but since he owns a 4th gen I think

X-AWDriver

Thread revival since it got interuppted 4th gen comments.

FJ40

The FJC has an advantage over both generation 4runners. The wheelbase is less on the FJ making it a better off road, assuming its the same ground clearence. Also the FJ has more wheel travel than the 4runner.

pat161

Not really going to say which is better, as I really don't know. But to say the FJC is better because it has less wheelbase is actually giving the argument to the 3rd gen. 3rd gen w/b = 105.3 and 66.6 width, FJC w/b = 105.9 74.6 width, so the 3rd gen is a bit shorter and a bit narrower. Unless you are saying a bit longer and wider is better.

Also the 4.10 in the 4Runner is lower than the 3.90 in the FJC, so another point for the Runner, and 3rd gens came w/ as low as 4.56. The Runner also has almost 2 inches more clearance. I would at least be willing to say a 96-00 elocked 4Runner or a 01/02 ATRAC 4Runner would be able to follow the FJC most anywhere.

And I think it is a bit too soon to say the 4.0 all aluminum motor is better than the trusty old cast block 3.4. It may be more powerful, but it has not proven itself the way the 3.4 and 2.7 have.

An 8" front ring gear is nice, I did not realize Toyota had switched from the 7.5" front. But with all the extra power, weight and traction devices how much extra strength does that translate to? The FJC is about 300lbs heavier than a LTD 3rd gen and all other 3rd gens are a bit lighter.

FJ40

You may have a point about the motor. The 3.4 was excellent, and had more power at a lower rpm than the 4.0. Being that the 3rd gen 4runner no longer exists, compared to the choices currently, the FJC wins. However, let us not rule out the Landcruiser, as that's probably much better than the 4th gen 4runner, and much closer to the FJC. Remember, the Landcruiser has better ground clearence even though its a little longer wheel base. The 4.7 is also a well proven iron block motor.

vudbster

The 4runner also wins in other offroad requirements. It has much better and thicker skid plates. (FJ has plastic gas tank skid??) The front skidplate on the FJ is more of a mud scoop if you ask me. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd gen 'runners had vunerable components like the exhaust system tucked away like they should be. Don't get me wrong, I really like the FJ but it doesn't seem like a step forward in the offroad department in some aspects.


Mike.

X-AWDriver

But the thread is about 3rd gens vs FJs not what's out currently out there which 3rd gens still exist and there's a few hundred thousand of them out there so this thread is relevant. The FJ doesn't win based on 3rd gens not being produced since there's plenty of them on trails all over.

Ric

I must be dreaming every weekend that Im wheeling..

the new FJs are w i d e, wider than my 99, and have been on some trails that the new FJ just would not fit. but them trails are few and far between, i would like to see one in action.

FJ40

They may be many on the road, but one cannot readily go out and buy one easily. Compared to current production, the FJ is the winner off-road.