Hello Everyone I am new to the Toyota world but have decided that my next project will be a Toyota trail rig. I am not interested in a rock crawler. but want to build a very capable and dependable back country truck. I have done several projects and have made many mistakes so i am trying this one a little different. I would like to get the right platform then build from there. I have done a lot of research and think I have a plan. I am thinking a 3gen 4runner with the optional electric lock. I have $5k cash and would like to be well under way under $10K. my other thought is to save up some cash and buy a 96 or newer land cruiser.Opinions would be greatly appreciated and things to look out for or something i am missing. I have located 91 4runner in good condition 227K miles for $1800. I am afraid this is the wrong way to go based on the milage.

 

you want offroad either

a 93 + fj80 with dual elockers, or an 85 toyota pu or 4runner.

 

psht. you dont NEED a SFA. FZJ-80s are awesome though- factory SFA, front/rear locker (if equipped) 4.5L i6 engine, and lots of room


227K miles is pretty normal. What engine does it have?

 

3.0L What is SFA (sorry NEW)

 

SFA is straight front axle.
Get an FJ80 land cruiser with dual lockers if you can afford it that will be your best platform

If thats too much get a pre 86 pickup or runnner.

 

Straight Front Axle ( it took a minute)

 

Besides the "lockers" What makes the FJ80 better?

 

Solid Front Axle, or like Al said, Straight Front Axle.

 

Larger engine (4.5L i6) more cargo/people room, and they just ARE BA

You could definitely have a stock F(Z)J-80 for under $10K. I've been seeing them for around and under $5K with under 200K miles.

 

Seems like he wants something for trail exploring, I think hewould be fine with ifs

 

Well theres that stuff an they are SFA


But like that one guy said, ifs would be sufficient for exploring

 

I agree.

 

This will be a daily driver but i want to build more than i will need. power is always good.
Do all land cruisers come with lockers?

 

Is there a year range FJ80 that is better than others? what should I stay away from?

 

No. They were only available on '93+ FJ-80s, and they don't seem to be very common. LC's only get like 16 mpg, so maybe consider that if its a DD.

 

It's not like your average 22r wil surpass that gas mileage

 

Well starting off with a Toyota is a good choice. I think a lot of it will come down to personal preference. If you want a hard core trail/rock crawler then you will want a SFA whether you start with a SFA or do a conversion is up to you(you are limited in the years that come with the SFA but the conversion will cost more) For a good capable trail explore, IFS is fine and for a dual purpose truck like you want it may be the better option. And as for more power, yes sometimes more power is a good thing but it can also lead to more/easier to break, broken parts.

As for what it sounds like you want to do that 91 4Runner would be a good base then I would go with a locker in the rear, some good AT tires and some Armour to protect it and start wheeling (if you run 31" tires you won't need to regear or lift) All in all you could be on the trail for $4,000 or less including the purchase price and have a very capable rig. Then as you learn more and get a feel for the truck you can start making other mods

Good luck and welcome to YT

 

true. I was getting 15mpg city in 2wd without the hubs locked this winter...

...but about 22mp+g hwy