In the midst of looking at the 4runner towing abilities, I stumbled upon the 100 series landcruiser. They look pretty nice with a good size motor and platform. I know it isn't the spritely 4runner which can go anywhere...and really it is a land yacht.

I checked the landcruiser forum here and it looks....dead. Are there any good, informational forums?

Also, am I on crack to give up my go anywhere 4runner (with diff lock I might add)?

 

go over to ih8mud.com - thats the cruiser site. And my wife has a 03 cruiser and i have repededly beat the crap outta it in baja and just asks for more. Lockers are easy to be had - just throw some arb's in. The great thing about the cruiser is its full size, super strong, can tow anything, center diff lock, built like an iron horse, but are a tad more expensive to buy and on parts. Go for it.

 

I think your on crack for trading the 4runner for a 100.
Id trade it for an 80 series if possible

 

http://www.lcool.org/ Most of these guys are in Australia but who knows 4X4 or cruisers better than Aussies?

 

I agree on the solid axle vs. IFS. However, the 100 will ride nicer, have greater tow capacity, higher MPG etc. And...it will have a V8.

 

About MPG's....you'll probably be in the very low teens. You have to remember that they were $50k+ vehicles. They are expensive to own and maintain. Personally, I don't need that space or towing capacity, so a 3.4L V6 is perfect for me. But they are sweet vehicles. Good luck on the purchase.

 

oOPS, I didn't mean higher MPG. It would actually be less.

 

I have a 2000 cruiser and absolutely love it. However, it is not my wheeling truck. I use my 86 pickup when I do any wheeling beyond mild trails. The cruiser rides super well, is comfortable, and has plenty of power. If I'm entertaining family or friends, I sometimes take them on some backcountry fire roads up in the mountains. I usually take both my pickup and the cruiser. After riding in the pickup for an hour on a fire road, getting in the cruiser feels like you are riding on air.

The main downside is its mpg. If you don't need the extra size or towing capacity, you might be better off with a 4runner.

 

If it'll be a family hauler, just get a Sequoia. It's slightly bigger than the 100 and slightly better MPG's, as well.

 

X2
My sister has a 2009, that thing is a beast. It'll uproot oak trees. She just uses it as a grocery getter. Just her, no family. I asked her about this. Her reasoning is that it's part of her life insurance plan, "better safe than sorry."

 

The Sequoia is cheaper, and just as powerful, but there is something about the Land Cruisers that just appeals to me. I guess I see the Cruiser as a descendant of the original utilitarian vehicle that started all of this, whereas I see the Sequoia as another SUV created for big families who don't want a minivan. Nothing wrong with the latter, but that's just the way I see it. Kind of a dumb reason for picking the Cruiser over the Sequoia, I know, but oh well...