Body on Frame vs. Unibody Discussion Continued
#61
Driver
Thread Starter
Wow, you really are not sure of what makes an off road vehicle worthy, the 4Runner Trail Editions 33/26 approach/departure angles are far superior to the GX's 28/25. Also, the 4Runner has 1.5 inches more ground clearance than the GX. Lets also not forget that the GX is 400 lbs lighter than the GX.
#62
First you start talking how 4Runner is superior to GX then you change your opinion 180 degrees and claim they are all the same.
#63
Lexus Fanatic
The trail may have the approach angle advantage but it doesn't have the Torsen 4wd system and it was replaced by an inferior 4wd system. I'd rather have full-time 4wd than trying to slow down or slow to a complete stop and engage it when road conditions can change fairly quickly.
The full time 4WD is nice, but full time comes with the electric switch that locks the differential into 4H, to me that is inferior to the mechanical lever that locks you into 4WD. Not a big fan of electric 4WD or anything electric in an off road vehicle.
I believe Toyota went back to a lever activated 4WD in some 14 4Runners. It is offered on the Trail for reliabily reasons
Also, Toyota does offer the Torsen in the 4Runner range, so why are looking elsewhere?
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 10-06-13 at 09:12 AM.
#64
Lexus Fanatic
The 4Runner at one time was sold worldwide, it was called the Hilux Surf.
#65
I suggest you write Toyota's CEO and tell him they should stop wasting money on making the same vehicles with different names on top of treating people like fools.
#66
If I needed to go far into the bush offroading, there are whole bunch of vehicles I would take over the GX. A basic 4Runner with a mechanical 2H/4L lever will be superior to the electronic dash switch in the GX. Also, the GX adaptive variable suspension and KDSS will have more stress and fail points than a 4Runner with a basic nuts and bolts set up.
Not to sure about Cherokee but my thoughts are is that they are highly electronic like the GX.
Can you imagine the GX electronic transfer case malfunctioning while in 4L with a malfunctioning adaptive variable suspension stuck in the low position. No thanks.
Not to sure about Cherokee but my thoughts are is that they are highly electronic like the GX.
Can you imagine the GX electronic transfer case malfunctioning while in 4L with a malfunctioning adaptive variable suspension stuck in the low position. No thanks.
Koz
#67
Lexus Fanatic
Don’t take this the wrong way but you may want to do a little research (since you apparently do not have any actual experience) before you give your opinion on a particular subject! The 4Runner and the GX use the same mechanical transfer case that is enabled by an electronic switch (just a different type). The mechanical lever to enable low range is long gone and for good reason. The KDSS system has been around for some time and has proven to be extremely capable/reliable system and makes a huge difference on/off road! Just to clarify the two systems ; KDSS is a mechanical system that adjusts the sway bars (yes, electronically controlled which makes it more reliable). The AVS has nothing to do with the height of the vehicle. It is an electronically controlled dampening system that stabilizes the suspension (adaptive shocks).
Koz
Koz
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 10-06-13 at 09:39 AM.
#68
Lexus Fanatic
#69
2. Why sell both FJCruser and 4Runner in the US? Why not sell Prado in the US?
3. Why GX is a luxurious version of Prado instead of 4Runner?
That's like claiming Toyota Tundra is the same as Toyota Sequoia because they share the same frame.
#70
#71
Lexus Fanatic
From what I heard, the enthusiasts complianed to Toyota that there was no lever, the real loyal owners know that the lever has been tradition on the 4Runner and was sadly not offered on the 03-09 model.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 10-06-13 at 09:54 AM.
#72
#73
#74
Lexus Fanatic
The electric switch is one of the major flaws of the GX and Torsen diff.
The only way to lock the Torsen is with the electric switch. The part is IDENTICAL to the same system as the GX.
Last edited by Toys4RJill; 10-06-13 at 10:07 AM.
#75
Since you insist on giving opinion instead of fact, please explain how a limited-slip locking center diff has anything to do with the transfer case. The fact is the Torsen is a more versatile way (and other advantages) to distribute torque between the front and rear diffs and because it is more expensive it was dropped by Toyota on the 4Runner (other than on the Limited model).
Koz