SForrester

IT'S TRUE!

A completely stock 3rd gen 4runner on 31" tires has more running ground clearance than an FJ cruiser on 33's. Even more amazing is that the FJ is quite a bit larger vehicle! I never would have guessed.

I found this post on fjcruiser.com where a guy took several measurements on his fj - stock, with 33" tires, with 33's and the front leveled, and with 33's and 2" of lift. http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...fter-lift.html

I measured my 98 4runner with stock suspension and 265/75r16 tires (32") in the same places he listed (where there was a similar place to measure) and in almost all of the measurements the 4runner has at least an inch to an inch and a half extra clearance. That means a 31" tire should have at least the clearance that the FJ does with 33" tires.

I will probably write the measurements into a spreadsheet for a comparison a little later tonight.

Mahoney

nice work, 4runners are the best

SForrester

Here are the measurement points.

GREEN = Highest ground clearance of the group, greater than one inch difference
YELLOW = Highest ground clearance of the group, less than one inch difference

SForrester

Funny thing is most people would probably say the FJ is a better offroad vehicle just because of the look the designers gave it.

There are a few things on the FJ that I think were meant to give the illusion of a tall, offroad vehicle. The roof line is higher. The windows are narrow and made to look high off the groud. The mirrors are also fairly high on the vehicle.

BigBallsMcFalls

which is one reason why the 3rd gen 4runner is the
last best 4wd ever made. in stock config it is
pretty nimble around rocks

if u has the e-locker that is a bonus

Whitey13

I'd take a 4th gen with aTrac over a 3rd gen.

JC_ez

I heard the ATRAC on the 4th gens is way better than the ATRAC is in the 2001 and 2002 3rd gens and the V8 is awesome, but I think the 3rd is a better offroader than a 4th gen when comparing STOCK vehicles.

The 3rd gen has better offroading dimensions (smaller and narrower) and it is also lighter. The 3rd gen underbody is also much more neatly tucked away when compared to a 4th gen. If I remember correctly, the 4th gen even had some squished up exhaust tubes go UNDER a frame cross member.

I'm not bashing the 4th gens though...I do like them very much and I wouldn't mind having one. I'm just stating my opinion.

BigBallsMcFalls

ya but ya but...hmmmm


well, if the underside of your stock 3rd gen is as scraped up as mine
and has a history of crawling, it is height and driving skill not teh com-pu-tor

I drive a road every weekend that scrapes the skid plates, crossmember, plastic
transfer cover, and diff. I just go slow. if my 4runner was any lower I'd get stuck




otherwise yeah i would want the 4th gen goodies

BajaRunner

Theres a reason why are they called tha "F-Gay Cruisers"...

naksukow

You must have the good springs on your 4runner. My 01 is a low rider

X-AWDriver

Yeah,I don't think this applies to the stock ;01-'02s.

I guess the 3rd gen Runner vs 4th gen stock vs stock was decided so the FJs had to add to the argument.

Here's the link to J.A. site with comparison of his '99w/32"s vs his stock 4th gen and then lifted.

Stock 4th gen
http://top4runners.com/cgi-bin/image...fore_front.jpg

Lifted
http://top4runners.com/cgi-bin/image...fter_front.jpg

BigBallsMcFalls

real ok lifted

Albuquerque Jim

A-Trac can't compete with a pair of lockers and a crawler

Joshs98Runner

It sure can in the snow...how about a-trac and lockers??

tclong

I have an 02 and the trac control is awesome. it has taken me up snow covered climbs, while 2 jeep cherokees sat and watched from the bottom.

Albuquerque Jim

I have no problems in the snow

Jdizzydub

GO 3rd gen! j/k I wouldn't mind having the latter two either, but the new info is great. I'm not locked yet, and would like to be but i've always liked the FJ, and I just can't get over how much I LOVE my 3rd gen Runner.

Whitey13

Didn't know the third gen came stock with dual lockers and a crawlbox...

X-AWDriver

Off road I'd still take my locker over an A-trac but the FJs have the A-trac and a rear locker.