I tried posting this in the right place, won't let me
I'm new to Toyotas and 4x4. I'm looking at 3 different vehicles.


All are automatic and around $3000. I like the 4runner size. But what seems best deal for the money. Need some guidance.

 

The 98 is the best deal overall, if you want the rear factory locker the 96 is the best. It snot a deal breaker imho. The 89 is bound to need a good bit of repairs, it is an old truck and things are probably starting to wear out.

If you dont need the size of the landcruiser Id buy the 98 due tot he lower miles if its in the best shape, otherwise Id buy the 96.

 

So between the 96 and 98, how important is the rear locker? How capable will the 4x4 without it be compared to with the locker?

 

I have gone, in my 95 with open diffs, on some good trails only to realize when I go to unlock my hubs at the end of the trail, that I forgot to lock them... If you are just playing around in the woods, there's a good chance you won't need them. If you are hitting some tough trails with lots of flex and wheels off the ground, you will need it...

 

Plenty capable. I often dont even need 4wd offroad.

 

Do all 4runners have locking hubs?

 

That 96 fell through anyway..

 

Not all 4runners have locking hubs, they would have an automatic hub system instead.
As for the cruiser vs 4runner, they are two completely different vehicles - one will ride like a truck due to its solid axle and leaf springs, the other will be plush. There's also the MPG difference if it matters - expect very low teens on a good day out of the 60-series. You also have 10yrs of technology difference, may or may not make a difference to you.

If it was just for me and no family or others to consider I would get the cruiser becaus I love the 60 series body most of all cruisers and because I have another backup vehicle for DD use. To be practical I would probably go 4runner. If you can find a 3rd gen 4runner at only $3k I would somewhat question that too...can't say I've ever seen a 96+ 4wd 4runner or tacoma going for less than around $5-6k in CA yet unless there were issues.

 

An '89 Cruiser would be FJ62. It's auto trans so it's either a FJ62 or an FJ80, which came out in late '89, and generally considered 1990 model year though.

Big square body wagon with 4 rectangular headlights? (FJ62) Or more rounded body with 4 rectangular headlights? (FJ80). The reason I ask is, yes, the FJ62 will ride kind of firm since it's leaf spring suspension. Whereas the 80 has coils and rides nicer. They're both tough as a coffin nail.

But it's comparing apples and avocados here, like High stated...

 

I added my locking hubs. Saves on boots due to a slight lift on the front...

 

Thanks for the input otherwise guys.

 

Pics?? Lets see this sweet new rig

 

90% perfect body.

Needs some bushings replaced here and there. Front axle seals leak but gave me a $300 dollar kit new in box with receipt. Needs new belts soon, also included new. Tires are 80%.

 

Good looking FJ62. I love the 60/62 body style. Congrats on getting a BEAST!!!

 

Ummmmmm what i always wanted but prices in uk are stupid high. same age and mileage is thousands a breaker costs £3000. We have the toyota v8 diesel in ours. 200bhp and all the torque you will ever need. love to drop v8 diesel into a hilux.

 

Picked this up for $3300. Guy was nice, needed surgery and has to pay 3k out of pocket. Sold out of necessity. Great deal for me. Hope he's gonna be OK though. I do want to get some bfg all terrain kos on it. A little smaller. Just a little. These suckers are rough on road.

 

Thats one well tidy truck

 

The Land Cruisers are a heavier built truck and there are several that I am really starting to like. Even though they are Toyota, that is about the only thing they share is the name compared to the 4Runner. I would like to have an 80 series someday. Even the series is a whole different language in the Land Cruiser world.

http://www.ih8mud.com/ has a ton more information on the LCs.

 

Congrats on the rig. Hopefully it'll treat you well. I love that body style. Like mentioned, try ih8mud for your cruiser tech questions since they are a cruiser specific toyota forum and would be the most knowledgeable. Good luck!