Do you have experience comparing LCÆs and 4RÆs on the dirt?

IÆm looking to purchase either a Land Cruiser or a 4Runner for riding on rough, washboard dirt roads in Baja and the Colorado plateau. I plan on buying a mid-90Æs model.

Which rig will ride most smoothly on rough dirt roads?

Which rig will be most durable and hold up to a good pounding over many dirt miles?

Any feedback will be appreciated.

hrm... since the LC's are solid axle i'm gonna have to say the 4runner with a total chaos long travel kit...

The LC a 100 times over the 4R

A 90s model Land Cruiser 80 series maintains its plush caddy like ride even offroad. I have ridden in both and they are not even close to the same ride offroad. Hell test drive both on road and you will see right away the 80 series is a much more plush ride even on road. Oh, and if you do buy an 80 series get one with the front and rear diff locks or you will regret it. Trust Me.

I would agree w/ dario on durability and if you went with the fj80 more smoothly as well. the IFS only helps to a point and if you are on them a lot then the weight of a 4runner will take a toll to a point where the smaller LC woould be better over time. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

While not part of the original question, another issue to consider is repair/replacement/upgrade parts. I had a 72 FJ40, and now drive an 85 4Runner. The parts for the LC are typicaly more expensive, and in my experience a bit harder to come by. A majority of the 4runner parts are interchangeable with the truck parts, and are ubiquitous, whereas most of the the landcruiser parts are specific to the LC, and thus can't be interchanged.

If your going to be wheeling in a foriegn country, probably ought to consider the availability of repair parts.

I think the LC is built more sturdy than the 4runner, and would probably stand a bit more abuse, but truly, I think you'd be fine with either.

Just my $.02.

Erik <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />
P.S. I'm planning to do a trip to Baja within the next year or so, and at this point I'm more concerned with gas than repair parts or breaking. The LC being a heavier vehicle probably won't get the same gas milage as the lighter 4Runner.
Erik