Honestly, the concept of the Third Eye was derived directly from the third windshield wiper of the FJ. From it, flow all things (rain), and with it all things can be seen
Tommy, You forgot to mention on the FJ you can also use the rear locker & the A-Trac at the same time. It works great when you don't have a front locker.
Crawl control is definitely a neat feature to have but when it comes to off roading how many people want to just sit back and just turn a switch?? I'm a firm believer in that all you really need is a rear locker, good tires, and good ground clearance. I've seen a rear locker make 2wd vehicles badass off road.
People who aren’t off roading for fun, but for necessity and appreciate the fact that they don’t know much about off roading and don’t want to damage their expensive vehicles. So like 99.9% of people on earth.
I had an old mid-80s Ford Ranger 2WD with an aftermarket LockRight locker in the rear and it was like driving a rally car in the dirt. Sideways all day long. Tons of fun but probably a little dangerous too.
Toyota's A-trac can get you out of bogged situations much more effectively than someone trying to modulate the pedals. It's got amazing capability to get unstuck.
2wd trucks with rear locker are great for getting a heavy boat out of the lake and up a steep ramp, but for offroad obstacles you often need to pull over them with front drive wheels. I'd still rather have a 2WD truck with a manual diff lock than without, auto-lockers like G80 is also better than open but still a big compromise.
I’ve had 5 RAV4 from 96-00 between my wife and my son. Incredible in the snow and mud. Pulled a full sized Silverado out of a huge snow bank with one. Survived my son’s college years. Loved them.
The 4×4 system itself is definitely far improved in the new generation, however they shoot themselves in the foot by the newer vehicles having terrible angles for off-roading. The amazing 4×4 system is wasted
They don't have a choice, govt mandates make them chase MPG targets at the expense of looks and off-road capabilities. You can always mod your truck to get the angles
They have not improved so much the 4x4 system... it is because he used an old FJ Cruiser with no locking differentials. But if it had them it would have destroyed the 2 modern options!
Remember as a kid my dad would take us four wheeling with a 70's fj40. Thing was a beast. Had a transmission driven winch that he would pull people out during snow storms in denver. Good times.
Nice video. I think my favorite part was in the FJ40 saying "Come on, figure it out" after saying I'm letting it spin giving the open differentials a chance to grab. Sorry Tommy, it was entirely up to the driver to figure it out back when that one was made and without enough traction on one tire or the other the open differential is never going to grab. I know you know all this of course. I just thought it was kind of a funny example of how used to more modern systems we've become.
The moral of the story here is technology is really cool and definitely makes an off-roader more capable. But that technology is also part of the reason why vehicles are nowhere near as affordable as they were in the '70s, and lockers are cheap.
It makes the vehicle more capable that what it would be. But just throwing some lunch box lockers in the 40 it would out do both the FJ cruiser and lx600 easily. Theyre just make comfortable vehicles more capable than they would normally be, not making vehicles more capable than they used to be
@@Lon1001 but I daily drove a Suzuki Samurai for years, the only reason why people feel they need so much comfort is because they're spoiled.... We want everything, right now, and we want it to be the best. That's partially why this country is so screwed up now. We don't need $7 cups of coffee and $60 pairs of jeans. At some point in time we're going to have to realize that we are living outside of our means.
@@balisongman07 facts. (Toyota)Straight axle with front and rear lockers 35’s 4.88 gears travel the earth as is. Best 4x4 setup in the world in my opinion.
I live in Australia. I own a 2014 FJ Cruiser. Do I love it? Yes. Would I sell it? Absolutely never. I have owned my FJ for 6 years now. I just love it.
Friend had a 76 diesel in college. What a fun beast it was. He had actually owned the same vehicle years before and bought it back. (We we’re mature students lol) Whenever someone reviewing these says A track my old ears hear 8 track. Lol
I agree with Tommy, a locker plus brake based traction is the way to go. Unless you can get two lockers and brake based traction control :) More options are always better.
there is no auto locking hub for FJ Cruiser. It's just stick to the CV joint all the time, there is no way to "unlock", unless you want to say it's locking up all the time. Manual hub is good that you can reduce unneeded drag for 2wd, so it's not "nice" to have an unlockable hub
2013/2014 fjs had crawl control as well. These electronic features are good in dry terrain but a mechanical locker is what it takes to get you through snow and mud
I absolutely love my FJ and watching this just puts a smile on my face. It's such a capable vehicle. I like that it has a mix of modern creature comforts without too many bips, beeps, and whistles of some other models. No shade at the Lexus, I would get one of those too, but never giving up my FJ
I just see 3 different owners. The classic FJ is for people who are in it purely for sport, the Lexus is people who just want to get to their destination, and the FJ cruiser is for people who enjoy the sport but are also interested in arriving at their destination.
One of the best and more honest compare !! Many times I saw old vehicles abandoned at the first wheel spinning marked with "no chance", you have demonstrated that there is a way to get off with some momentum and obviously this is not the best, but is not a total mess. I completely agree with your last statement FJ with rear locker is the best solution, since it is added to some brake traction control. Another great video, thanks for sharing!
I really like the AWD Stellantis uses. The transition from RWD to AWD is flawless. And when the AWD is active, you can really feel the four corners of the vehicle suctioning to the road when it's slick out.
The manual transmission FJ Cruiser has one of Toyotas best transfer cases of all time, the VF4A. Full time 4WD with a Torsen centre diff, lockable, low range, and also featured a rear diff lock
I use my crawl control the most when going down a steep incline. An automatic transmission just doesn't give you the same compression braking as a manual but the crawl control does an excellent job maintaining your speed.
I've wheeled in an FJC, 4runner and LC200. All of them do anything you'd reasonably need and have mechanical rear lockers for when you really need them. Only ever used the crawl control to see how it worked, if you've gone offroad more than 3 or 4 times those systems are completely unnecessary. I have 'trail control' in my Raptor and have only used it once as well. Manufacturers keep adding these features but it begs the question who actually uses them to make it worth the development time/expense/complexity?
I 80% agree. The one spot I’ll cede to traction control is where I’ve nearly gotten myself stuck in sand, and before really getting myself toasted, used sand mode on my Land Rover and it notched itself right out
@@johnbillings2283 Crawl Control isn’t traction control though. Crawl control is literally just cruise control at the low end torque. I don’t know about Land Rovers but Ford’s traction control modes are way different than crawl control. I think the Toyota closest equivalent to traction control would be A-Trac, and I do think that’s provably good tech worth the extra cost.
Agree, Jeep select speed is virtually useless to me. I’d rather modulate speed over obstacles and proactively boost torque right at an obstacle. Those systems are just gimmicks . I thought the US LC200 only had a center diff lock though.
My '07 FJ is a 6 speed manual, and they come full-time 4wd - no 2wd. It has a limited slip torsen center diff, with 4lo. It also has locking rear diff & Atrac. The newer Trail Teams editions had crawl control as well.
Was pretty happy with my 07 FJ offroad especially once I upgraded to Walker Evans Adjustable Coil Over Shocks with a 3" lift. Not a Jeep but pretty competent and the 4.0 engine was bulletproof.
As an old school guy and former owner of an FJ-40, don’t forget about “poor man’s locking diffs.” When one wheel starts to spin - just add a little brake. Spinning wheel stops and power goes to the wheel with traction. Got me through tough obstacles more than once. Yeah, all the electronic stuff is cool - but let’s not forget about the basics.
@@drm6007 Of course, you are absolutely correct! I suppose my poorly made point was that there are work arounds for not having some of the newer features. For example, tilting your (manual) mirrors down so you could see your rear tires was a "poor man's 360 degree camera." New systems are nice, but I do miss that ritual of stepping out of my rig, upon hitting the dirt, locking in the hubs - rather than figuring what mode button to push. Do the new systems work better? Sure. I just really enjoyed the visceral feeling of hearing those hubs snap in. The adventure was about to start. Thanks for your comment!
I’ve owned the FJ 40 1968 and the newer FJ 45 2009, In the rough you have to give the FJ 40 a bit more momentum to get you through the rough. Independent suspension does give you far more articulation plus the traction control with the FJ 45. Technological advancements are great for the driver but way more to break in the rough. Some of the off-roading I did in the old FJ 40 I wouldn’t dream of doing in any newer models. I currently drive a 2014 79 series V8 turbo Land-cruiser utility, solid axels manual hubs with the diff lockers in 5 speed manual. It gets a workout twice a week on a 5000 acre property hunting and it’s extremely rough going.
Very well-done video. I'm a huge advocate for locking differentials and this video shows the true capability they provide. I'd like to see something like my 2WD truck with an OX locker rear end drive a course like this.
I canˋt wait to see someone give an LX600 the full chequebook overhaul with suspension, lockers, and bumpers with decent approach/departure. Itˋll be an unafordable thing of beauty. Going to enjoy my LX450 while I wait 10 years to become a 2nd or 3rd owner who gives it the life it deserves.
The FJ is based on the Prado rather than the 4Runner and was manufactured by Hino. The FJ does not have "Automatic hubs", the hubs are locked at all time, the disconnect is in the differential. The real fun in the FJ starts when you get the manual transmission, rather than a 2/4wd system it comes with 3 Torsen differentials, AWD/4WD, with the middle and rear diffs being lockable.
Great episode! Love the new Lexus 600 but that HUGE grilled-nose that hangs so low says only affluent-mall-crawler to me. Kind of a waste of ability. Toyota needs to do a "Toyota" version that has more capable approach/departure angles. It's wasted on the Lexus version. Love the the FJ .. but it's a gas pig! Yikes. Good comparison Tommy!
A toyota Prado vx-l have, what the fj has + kdss + crawl control +full time 4x4, that is a very nice setup that doesn't get much attention. I believe you can get that setup like that in the 4runner in the USA
We hit the peak mix of mechanical 4WD systems and computer-managed technological systems about 10 or 15 years ago, when we still had solid axles, real transfer cases but the electronics to make engaging them easy and convenient. Since then it's been a downward spiral all because manufacturers are being legislated to optimize fuel efficiency ratings thus removing old school mechanics and trying to make up for it with delicate parts and complicated algorithms that fail the driver too much stranding on the trail and leaving them with $4000 repair bills.
I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.2l V8 and the 5spd, its a single cab short bed with posi loc, or limited slip diffs sitting on 32s, super basic with 4x4 on the fly, but still comfy enough to drive around town
That old school, small vehicle, basic 4x4, manual transmission off road fun can still be had on a relatively small budget, in a manual transmission mahindra roxor. The trouble these days is that off roading is push button. Like many here, I grew up having a more interactive experience shifting gears and modulating a clutch, having to get out to lock hubs, a real 4wd lever on the floor, and so forth. It took skill. I miss that. Probably why these days I prefer atvs and utvs as I feel somewhat more involved in the experience than I do with any vehicle made since 2000.
Looks like a perfect & more practical spot to test other systems as well? Subaru symmetrical awd, Honda & Acura SH-AWD/I-vtm4, BMW Xdrive, Audi Quattro, Mercedes 4matic, etc?
I call my 2010 FJ Cruiser my little tank and my A-Trac and Diff Lock buttons my magic "get outta jail" buttons. I consider them emergency tools. I sure don't want to get stuck someplace with them engaged. It will probably take a bulldozer to get me out if I do!
For an all around vehicle, the Torsen center diff in the LX600/LC300 really makes it a much more capable vehicle for everyday use. You get true AWD, all the time, at all speeds. You have it at 1mph and 100mph. Both other vehicles are 2wd for all normal on-road scenarios. Thinking slushy snow, ice, and rain on the roads. You can also lock the center diff, use low range, and also use gentle brake pressure to quasi-lock the open diffs and assist the ATRAC system.
@ScH75 My '07 FJ is a 6 speed manual, and they come full-time 4wd - no 2wd. It has a limited slip torsen center diff, with 4lo. It also has locking rear diff & Atrac. The newer Trail Teams editions had crawl control as well.
No wizardry in a locker. By connecting both wheels you allow torque to flow to wherever the grip is. An open diff is always 50:50 split even torque, so lift a wheel and it cannot generate resistance to build torque then the opposite wheel will get the same torque (none). Issue with this is that it’s reactive which losses momentum and also requires much more torque. Remember, open diff is even torque so if you lift a wheel the brakes need to generate the amount of torque needed so the other wheel can get it which means you need double the axle drive torque in that situation. . Lockers are proactive and you need to overcome the traction of all wheels locked together before any can spin. They shuffle torque around instantly which can also cause issues with breaking parts.
@@scotturich I’ve owned one for a few years and it seems to work for me, but probably not necessary. A-Trac senses wheel spin side to side ...NOT front to rear....so the combo does not effect the system, as the rear, locked, will never have a side to side difference.... But it's a BRAKE based system....it works great on high traction surfaces when you know a tire might end up in the air....BUT...it'll kill mometium if you need it....so it's not good for sand and mud.... For that ...use the locker.... As far as using both....when you don't think there is any chance in hell that you'll make it....use both!!!
I think you missed the awesome BTC technology in the '40. Bounce Traction Control automatically cuts in when you have a little momentum and ensures that sooner or later at least one wheel with a little traction hits the ground and pulls you through. Toyota discontinued this when cars got too nice and drivers stopped smiling and started grimacing when the trail got a little rough.
You're too young for this but us old off-roaders did use a brake based technique for situations like you demonstrated or in winter with two tires on ice and two tires with grip. We used the two foot technique applying the brake and throttle at the same time. With close modulation of each you could force more torque to the wheels with traction and get yourself out of gnarly difficult spots. Easier with an auto but still doable with a manual.
Love your videos! Just wanted to mention that the 40 series did come with cable actuated locking differentials as an option in a lot of markets. With those it would make pretty easy work of most off-road tasks. But I don't know for sure if they were ever offered in the United States. Anyway - just a thought that most of the world markets were the 40 series was popular did have locking differential options from the factory.
I love my FJ Cruiser, it’s a great blend of old school and new school systems. Atrac is great if your already in a sticky situation as the rear locker is temperamental about flat surface, wheels straight etc.
Checkout the FJ40s cousin, the Daihatsu F20. It wasn't sold here in the US, but it's a popular vehicle in places like Brasil and Colombia. There's plenty of them running around. Not to mention inexpensive to buy.
They really only used the rollers for slip-based awd crossover systems. It's still really valid, though those systems often seem affected by steering angle, meaning the real world can be more revealing of their limitations.
@@drm6007 I believe 08+ had the ECU upgrade that allowed them to be used together. 07 NON TRD there is a hack you can do to allow it. Mine is a 13 6MT Trail Teams & can use them together but I have no Crawl Control because I have the 6-Speed
It's the difference between glamping and camping. The hagerty insurance and the low entry point on the FJ40 will buy as many Detroit lockers that you want. Besides a nice long scratch from a thorn bush is going ruin your day in the other 2.
Good thing full time 4wd was included... it's only the 25 year old system in GXs, v8 4runners, limited trim 5th gen 4runners, and lc100/200s.... very new and unique system lmao It's been around for 25yrs in the USDM models.
He'll yeah man I got a 2022 4Runner TRD off-road premium and it's a beast the FJ cruiser And the 4Runner are built on the same platform but my 2022 4Runner has all those Goodies including the rear locker crawl control multi train select and arac
Give the FJ40 a rear locker and it instantly becomes a beast. Would also be cool to see how a locked Jeep rubicon with coil overs (JL) made short work of this. I am a Toyota guy but love the solid front axle off road. Thanks Tommy nice video👍
I,m 66 years old and I,ve been driving Landrovers since I was 10 years old (on the farm). when I was old enough to have my own Landrover I fitted Free Wheel Hubs (locking hubs)...I found that the economy benefits were so negligible that it wasn't worth the extra - something that can break.....I did try again years later when Petrol (gas) was Much more expensive...Same again the gains were negligible. Nowadays I drive....a couple of Jeep Wrangler CRDs and a Unimog U1300L......I would not ever go back to locking hubs....anachronism. Note: one of my Jeeps has Brake Lock which mimics diff lock.....it is good.........But the other Jeep is a Rubicon with real locking diffs.....the difference is noticeable. Ps...my Unimog with chains on the 14.5Rx20 wheels and diff locks all round will go places that nothing that You have ever tested will go. Yes I know Unimogs are so expensive to buy......but if something is expensive at first but is so well made that it needs no 'special' maintenance. Test a Unimog one day.....and not one of those 1960's 404s that are so popular in USA.
The FJ40 has more torque at any RPM than the BJ40, also has more engine braking so the FJ40 is actually a lot better at driving the foot off the accelerator.
The FJ derives its true power from the 3rd windshield wiper.
Facts.
It's right there in the driver's manual
Yet the windshield is is weak point
Modeled after Achilles himself
Honestly, the concept of the Third Eye was derived directly from the third windshield wiper of the FJ. From it, flow all things (rain), and with it all things can be seen
Tommy, You forgot to mention on the FJ you can also use the rear locker & the A-Trac at the same time. It works great when you don't have a front locker.
If you can't get through something with both of those engaged, you probably shouldn't be there. I consider that "emergency mode" in my FJ.
@@jimbeaumont1353 I haven't found that place with mine yet lol 35s & 4.56s are great.
TFL easily the best channel these days for 4x4 trucks and proper comparisons .
Amazing work !
Crawl control is definitely a neat feature to have but when it comes to off roading how many people want to just sit back and just turn a switch?? I'm a firm believer in that all you really need is a rear locker, good tires, and good ground clearance. I've seen a rear locker make 2wd vehicles badass off road.
People who aren’t off roading for fun, but for necessity and appreciate the fact that they don’t know much about off roading and don’t want to damage their expensive vehicles. So like 99.9% of people on earth.
I had an old mid-80s Ford Ranger 2WD with an aftermarket LockRight locker in the rear and it was like driving a rally car in the dirt. Sideways all day long. Tons of fun but probably a little dangerous too.
Toyota's A-trac can get you out of bogged situations much more effectively than someone trying to modulate the pedals. It's got amazing capability to get unstuck.
2wd trucks with rear locker are great for getting a heavy boat out of the lake and up a steep ramp, but for offroad obstacles you often need to pull over them with front drive wheels. I'd still rather have a 2WD truck with a manual diff lock than without, auto-lockers like G80 is also better than open but still a big compromise.
@@MrNicholg this is what I came here to say.
I’ve had 5 RAV4 from 96-00 between my wife and my son. Incredible in the snow and mud. Pulled a full sized Silverado out of a huge snow bank with one. Survived my son’s college years. Loved them.
The 4×4 system itself is definitely far improved in the new generation, however they shoot themselves in the foot by the newer vehicles having terrible angles for off-roading. The amazing 4×4 system is wasted
I absolutely agree with you what’s the point of having a 4 by 4 if it was not used often and I some case never .
thats lexus for ya
They don't have a choice, govt mandates make them chase MPG targets at the expense of looks and off-road capabilities. You can always mod your truck to get the angles
@Matt Mann I think it’s for people who want capability at a moment’s notice. Not for off roading adventures
They have not improved so much the 4x4 system... it is because he used an old FJ Cruiser with no locking differentials.
But if it had them it would have destroyed the 2 modern options!
Remember as a kid my dad would take us four wheeling with a 70's fj40. Thing was a beast. Had a transmission driven winch that he would pull people out during snow storms in denver. Good times.
Nice video. I think my favorite part was in the FJ40 saying "Come on, figure it out" after saying I'm letting it spin giving the open differentials a chance to grab. Sorry Tommy, it was entirely up to the driver to figure it out back when that one was made and without enough traction on one tire or the other the open differential is never going to grab. I know you know all this of course. I just thought it was kind of a funny example of how used to more modern systems we've become.
The moral of the story here is technology is really cool and definitely makes an off-roader more capable.
But that technology is also part of the reason why vehicles are nowhere near as affordable as they were in the '70s, and lockers are cheap.
That 70's vehicles... horrible comfort level. Who'd want to drive that rattly tin-box regularly?! I'm spoiled... love the modern fluff and comfort.
It makes the vehicle more capable that what it would be. But just throwing some lunch box lockers in the 40 it would out do both the FJ cruiser and lx600 easily. Theyre just make comfortable vehicles more capable than they would normally be, not making vehicles more capable than they used to be
The technology allows a 4WD to be a daily commuter and drive really comfortably on the highway, but like you say adds huge $ onto the sticker price.
@@Lon1001 but I daily drove a Suzuki Samurai for years, the only reason why people feel they need so much comfort is because they're spoiled....
We want everything, right now, and we want it to be the best.
That's partially why this country is so screwed up now.
We don't need $7 cups of coffee and $60 pairs of jeans.
At some point in time we're going to have to realize that we are living outside of our means.
@@balisongman07 facts. (Toyota)Straight axle with front and rear lockers 35’s 4.88 gears travel the earth as is. Best 4x4 setup in the world in my opinion.
That LX is stunning.
I live in Australia. I own a 2014 FJ Cruiser. Do I love it? Yes. Would I sell it? Absolutely never. I have owned my FJ for 6 years now. I just love it.
I will never sell my 07. The thing is a tank
Friend had a 76 diesel in college. What a fun beast it was. He had actually owned the same vehicle years before and bought it back. (We we’re mature students lol)
Whenever someone reviewing these says A track my old ears hear 8 track. Lol
I agree with Tommy, a locker plus brake based traction is the way to go. Unless you can get two lockers and brake based traction control :) More options are always better.
there is no auto locking hub for FJ Cruiser. It's just stick to the CV joint all the time, there is no way to "unlock", unless you want to say it's locking up all the time. Manual hub is good that you can reduce unneeded drag for 2wd, so it's not "nice" to have an unlockable hub
2013/2014 fjs had crawl control as well. These electronic features are good in dry terrain but a mechanical locker is what it takes to get you through snow and mud
The FJ Cruiser is one the best looking trucks ever.
I absolutely love my FJ and watching this just puts a smile on my face. It's such a capable vehicle. I like that it has a mix of modern creature comforts without too many bips, beeps, and whistles of some other models. No shade at the Lexus, I would get one of those too, but never giving up my FJ
I just see 3 different owners. The classic FJ is for people who are in it purely for sport, the Lexus is people who just want to get to their destination, and the FJ cruiser is for people who enjoy the sport but are also interested in arriving at their destination.
Tommy, This video would get a million views on TFL Off Road.
One of the best and more honest compare !!
Many times I saw old vehicles abandoned at the first wheel spinning marked with "no chance", you have demonstrated that there is a way to get off with some momentum and obviously this is not the best, but is not a total mess.
I completely agree with your last statement FJ with rear locker is the best solution, since it is added to some brake traction control.
Another great video, thanks for sharing!
I really like the AWD Stellantis uses. The transition from RWD to AWD is flawless. And when the AWD is active, you can really feel the four corners of the vehicle suctioning to the road when it's slick out.
Love the 4runners have all that tech Atrac, Crawl, Multi Terrain Select, Rear locker.
Great explanation and demonstration of open/locking diffs and ATRAC/DAC systems. Tommy does a fantastic job. Thanks guys
My dad had a 73 FJ40. We did a lot of wheeling in it. That thing crawled up grades like a beast. I’d love to have one some day.
The manual transmission FJ Cruiser has one of Toyotas best transfer cases of all time, the VF4A. Full time 4WD with a Torsen centre diff, lockable, low range, and also featured a rear diff lock
I use my crawl control the most when going down a steep incline. An automatic transmission just doesn't give you the same compression braking as a manual but the crawl control does an excellent job maintaining your speed.
I've wheeled in an FJC, 4runner and LC200. All of them do anything you'd reasonably need and have mechanical rear lockers for when you really need them. Only ever used the crawl control to see how it worked, if you've gone offroad more than 3 or 4 times those systems are completely unnecessary. I have 'trail control' in my Raptor and have only used it once as well. Manufacturers keep adding these features but it begs the question who actually uses them to make it worth the development time/expense/complexity?
I feel it’s to justify added cost on the consumer’s end at this point. Maybe at first it was genuine but now it’s not, in my opinion.
@@XxCrankyMoosexX bingo
I 80% agree. The one spot I’ll cede to traction control is where I’ve nearly gotten myself stuck in sand, and before really getting myself toasted, used sand mode on my Land Rover and it notched itself right out
@@johnbillings2283 Crawl Control isn’t traction control though. Crawl control is literally just cruise control at the low end torque. I don’t know about Land Rovers but Ford’s traction control modes are way different than crawl control. I think the Toyota closest equivalent to traction control would be A-Trac, and I do think that’s provably good tech worth the extra cost.
Agree, Jeep select speed is virtually useless to me. I’d rather modulate speed over obstacles and proactively boost torque right at an obstacle. Those systems are just gimmicks
.
I thought the US LC200 only had a center diff lock though.
My '07 FJ is a 6 speed manual, and they come full-time 4wd - no 2wd. It has a limited slip torsen center diff, with 4lo. It also has locking rear diff & Atrac. The newer Trail Teams editions had crawl control as well.
You guys are appreciated, thanks for all the great content!
Was pretty happy with my 07 FJ offroad especially once I upgraded to Walker Evans Adjustable Coil Over Shocks with a 3" lift. Not a Jeep but pretty competent and the 4.0 engine was bulletproof.
As an old school guy and former owner of an FJ-40, don’t forget about “poor man’s locking diffs.” When one wheel starts to spin - just add a little brake. Spinning wheel stops and power goes to the wheel with traction. Got me through tough obstacles more than once. Yeah, all the electronic stuff is cool - but let’s not forget about the basics.
That's essentially what A-Trac is.
@@drm6007 Of course, you are absolutely correct! I suppose my poorly made point was that there are work arounds for not having some of the newer features. For example, tilting your (manual) mirrors down so you could see your rear tires was a "poor man's 360 degree camera." New systems are nice, but I do miss that ritual of stepping out of my rig, upon hitting the dirt, locking in the hubs - rather than figuring what mode button to push. Do the new systems work better? Sure. I just really enjoyed the visceral feeling of hearing those hubs snap in. The adventure was about to start. Thanks for your comment!
I’ve owned the FJ 40 1968 and the newer FJ 45 2009, In the rough you have to give the FJ 40 a bit more momentum to get you through the rough. Independent suspension does give you far more articulation plus the traction control with the FJ 45. Technological advancements are great for the driver but way more to break in the rough. Some of the off-roading I did in the old FJ 40 I wouldn’t dream of doing in any newer models.
I currently drive a 2014 79 series V8 turbo Land-cruiser utility, solid axels manual hubs with the diff lockers in 5 speed manual. It gets a workout twice a week on a 5000 acre property hunting and it’s extremely rough going.
How did you get a 79 series LC in the US?
@@zarakdurrani7584 I live in Australia, they are the biggest selling 4x4 by far.
Very well-done video. I'm a huge advocate for locking differentials and this video shows the true capability they provide. I'd like to see something like my 2WD truck with an OX locker rear end drive a course like this.
PS: I live near your headquarters if you wanna try it. ;)
Gotta do a jeep CJ, jeep JK, and a Fiat LJ next!
Haven’t seen any CJ video for a long time !
I canˋt wait to see someone give an LX600 the full chequebook overhaul with suspension, lockers, and bumpers with decent approach/departure. Itˋll be an unafordable thing of beauty. Going to enjoy my LX450 while I wait 10 years to become a 2nd or 3rd owner who gives it the life it deserves.
I can’t do it, it’s so ugly 😩
The FJ is based on the Prado rather than the 4Runner and was manufactured by Hino. The FJ does not have "Automatic hubs", the hubs are locked at all time, the disconnect is in the differential.
The real fun in the FJ starts when you get the manual transmission, rather than a 2/4wd system it comes with 3 Torsen differentials, AWD/4WD, with the middle and rear diffs being lockable.
Great demonstration and explanation!
Great episode! Love the new Lexus 600 but that HUGE grilled-nose that hangs so low says only affluent-mall-crawler to me. Kind of a waste of ability. Toyota needs to do a "Toyota" version that has more capable approach/departure angles. It's wasted on the Lexus version. Love the the FJ .. but it's a gas pig! Yikes. Good comparison Tommy!
Something like a land cruiser 300 gr sport
A toyota Prado vx-l have, what the fj has + kdss + crawl control +full time 4x4, that is a very nice setup that doesn't get much attention. I believe you can get that setup like that in the 4runner in the USA
We hit the peak mix of mechanical 4WD systems and computer-managed technological systems about 10 or 15 years ago, when we still had solid axles, real transfer cases but the electronics to make engaging them easy and convenient. Since then it's been a downward spiral all because manufacturers are being legislated to optimize fuel efficiency ratings thus removing old school mechanics and trying to make up for it with delicate parts and complicated algorithms that fail the driver too much stranding on the trail and leaving them with $4000 repair bills.
I am probably not the only one here who wants that classic FJ.
There is even 3 LOCKERS (center, rear and Front, with selectable buttons) in the Land Cruiser 300 GR Sport.
I have a 2001 dodge ram 1500 4x4 with the 5.2l V8 and the 5spd, its a single cab short bed with posi loc, or limited slip diffs sitting on 32s, super basic with 4x4 on the fly, but still comfy enough to drive around town
That old school, small vehicle, basic 4x4, manual transmission off road fun can still be had on a relatively small budget, in a manual transmission mahindra roxor. The trouble these days is that off roading is push button. Like many here, I grew up having a more interactive experience shifting gears and modulating a clutch, having to get out to lock hubs, a real 4wd lever on the floor, and so forth. It took skill. I miss that. Probably why these days I prefer atvs and utvs as I feel somewhat more involved in the experience than I do with any vehicle made since 2000.
Looks like a perfect & more practical spot to test other systems as well? Subaru symmetrical awd, Honda & Acura SH-AWD/I-vtm4, BMW Xdrive, Audi Quattro, Mercedes 4matic, etc?
14:00 of specs of each vehicle (that we have heard 10x already) 00:37 of actual off roading :)
Atrac works great in conjunction with the rear locker as long as you don’t give it too much throttle, which will temporarily turn off Atrac
As an FJ owner I couldn't agree more. Cheers!
I call my 2010 FJ Cruiser my little tank and my A-Trac and Diff Lock buttons my magic "get outta jail" buttons. I consider them emergency tools. I sure don't want to get stuck someplace with them engaged. It will probably take a bulldozer to get me out if I do!
For an all around vehicle, the Torsen center diff in the LX600/LC300 really makes it a much more capable vehicle for everyday use. You get true AWD, all the time, at all speeds. You have it at 1mph and 100mph. Both other vehicles are 2wd for all normal on-road scenarios. Thinking slushy snow, ice, and rain on the roads. You can also lock the center diff, use low range, and also use gentle brake pressure to quasi-lock the open diffs and assist the ATRAC system.
@ScH75 My '07 FJ is a 6 speed manual, and they come full-time 4wd - no 2wd. It has a limited slip torsen center diff, with 4lo. It also has locking rear diff & Atrac. The newer Trail Teams editions had crawl control as well.
@@skrsys Your truck is absolutely KILLER, but that's a VERY rare spec, as I'm sure you know.
@@DBravo29er Thank you! Yeah, not a lot of manuals out there, but it was definitely available back then.
@@skrsys It's the killer app for the FJC, IMHO. Soooo underrated!!
@@skrsys I'm currently running a bone stock 2017 GX460. Trying to decide if I'm going to trade for a full on LC200 (2018+) or mod this thing.
No wizardry in a locker. By connecting both wheels you allow torque to flow to wherever the grip is. An open diff is always 50:50 split even torque, so lift a wheel and it cannot generate resistance to build torque then the opposite wheel will get the same torque (none). Issue with this is that it’s reactive which losses momentum and also requires much more torque. Remember, open diff is even torque so if you lift a wheel the brakes need to generate the amount of torque needed so the other wheel can get it which means you need double the axle drive torque in that situation.
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Lockers are proactive and you need to overcome the traction of all wheels locked together before any can spin. They shuffle torque around instantly which can also cause issues with breaking parts.
Excellent explanation of all 3 systems Tommy. Thanks for the video! 👍🏼
Surprised Tommy thought the FJ40 was 'shot'. Looks just about perfect to me.
I think you can run A-TRAC and rear locker simultaneously.
Maybe on some of the other newer Toyota products but not on the FJ.
@@scotturich I’ve owned one for a few years and it seems to work for me, but probably not necessary.
A-Trac senses wheel spin side to side ...NOT front to rear....so the combo does not effect the system, as the rear, locked, will never have a side to side difference....
But it's a BRAKE based system....it works great on high traction surfaces when you know a tire might end up in the air....BUT...it'll kill mometium if you need it....so it's not good for sand and mud....
For that ...use the locker....
As far as using both....when you don't think there is any chance in hell that you'll make it....use both!!!
I think you missed the awesome BTC technology in the '40. Bounce Traction Control automatically cuts in when you have a little momentum and ensures that sooner or later at least one wheel with a little traction hits the ground and pulls you through. Toyota discontinued this when cars got too nice and drivers stopped smiling and started grimacing when the trail got a little rough.
Yeah, you either got traction or broke an axle shaft lol.
The FJ also offers crawl control ✊🏻💪🏻
You're too young for this but us old off-roaders did use a brake based technique for situations like you demonstrated or in winter with two tires on ice and two tires with grip. We used the two foot technique applying the brake and throttle at the same time. With close modulation of each you could force more torque to the wheels with traction and get yourself out of gnarly difficult spots. Easier with an auto but still doable with a manual.
Love your videos! Just wanted to mention that the 40 series did come with cable actuated locking differentials as an option in a lot of markets. With those it would make pretty easy work of most off-road tasks. But I don't know for sure if they were ever offered in the United States. Anyway - just a thought that most of the world markets were the 40 series was popular did have locking differential options from the factory.
To my knowledge the cable lockers appeared with the 60 and 70 series.
On the last 40 series a rear LSD was available.
My FZJ80 with F/R Lockers and a locking center diff, coupled with live axles will outperform all of them and do it with acceptable creature comforts.
Love to watch progress at its finest!!! Great video!!!👊🏽👌🏾🤟🏾
Why am I getting the Engineering Explained vibe here with the tone? Is he your brother or smth?:) Great content!
I love my FJ Cruiser, it’s a great blend of old school and new school systems. Atrac is great if your already in a sticky situation as the rear locker is temperamental about flat surface, wheels straight etc.
Checkout the FJ40s cousin, the Daihatsu F20. It wasn't sold here in the US, but it's a popular vehicle in places like Brasil and Colombia. There's plenty of them running around. Not to mention inexpensive to buy.
More like the cousin of the Toyota Blizzard which could be a nephew of the FJ40. Quite a smaller vehicle but very cool yes.
atrac is always the answer 👌
Did this test course fully replace the roller test?
They really only used the rollers for slip-based awd crossover systems. It's still really valid, though those systems often seem affected by steering angle, meaning the real world can be more revealing of their limitations.
Being a FJ owner it's nice to see someone else happy with it's system
Crawl control is also available on the FJ, you can also use the rear locker & A-trac simultaneously.
I believe that works on certain models. On some, it's one or the other at a time. My 2007 TRD SE can have both activated simultaneously.
@@drm6007 I believe 08+ had the ECU upgrade that allowed them to be used together. 07 NON TRD there is a hack you can do to allow it. Mine is a 13 6MT Trail Teams & can use them together but I have no Crawl Control because I have the 6-Speed
@@zebgates I learned something today
Absolutely great review!!! Excellent job! Thank you!
Great video, Tommy!
It's the difference between glamping and camping. The hagerty insurance and the low entry point on the FJ40 will buy as many Detroit lockers that you want. Besides a nice long scratch from a thorn bush is going ruin your day in the other 2.
Good thing full time 4wd was included... it's only the 25 year old system in GXs, v8 4runners, limited trim 5th gen 4runners, and lc100/200s.... very new and unique system lmao
It's been around for 25yrs in the USDM models.
I know it’s easier said than done but how cool would it be to see the Rivian r1t in that trenches course?
R1S should be coming soon.
Great review dude.
Love my FJ Cruiser! Definitely agree with you!
Superb video! Thanks!
He'll yeah man I got a 2022 4Runner TRD off-road premium and it's a beast the FJ cruiser And the 4Runner are built on the same platform but my 2022 4Runner has all those Goodies including the rear locker crawl control multi train select and arac
Exactly!
Give the FJ40 a rear locker and it instantly becomes a beast. Would also be cool to see how a locked Jeep rubicon with coil overs (JL) made short work of this. I am a Toyota guy but love the solid front axle off road. Thanks Tommy nice video👍
This fj40 is a heap. Put even comparable tires on and it’d be great
Use SeaFoam in the oil of the old LC to see
If the lifter noise decreases.
Love these Toyota compare videos
The LX600 lockable center diff is basically the same as any 4th Gen V6 4Runner right? Granted the 4th Gen 4 runner does not have crawl control.
That FJ is sweet! Awesome ride
Fj Cruiser is a legend 👍🏻
I,m 66 years old and I,ve been driving Landrovers since I was 10 years old (on the farm). when I was old enough to have my own Landrover I fitted Free Wheel Hubs (locking hubs)...I found that the economy benefits were so negligible that it wasn't worth the extra - something that can break.....I did try again years later when Petrol (gas) was Much more expensive...Same again the gains were negligible. Nowadays I drive....a couple of Jeep Wrangler CRDs and a Unimog U1300L......I would not ever go back to locking hubs....anachronism. Note: one of my Jeeps has Brake Lock which mimics diff lock.....it is good.........But the other Jeep is a Rubicon with real locking diffs.....the difference is noticeable. Ps...my Unimog with chains on the 14.5Rx20 wheels and diff locks all round will go places that nothing that You have ever tested will go. Yes I know Unimogs are so expensive to buy......but if something is expensive at first but is so well made that it needs no 'special' maintenance. Test a Unimog one day.....and not one of those 1960's 404s that are so popular in USA.
Great comparison video!
Great video Tommy!
Gotta love A-trac, hasnt got me stuck compared to my friends…yet 😂
The 300 series has front and rear lockers. Does the Lexas version have them too?
Was Tommy making reference to the Roman Mica Dynasty?!
We need a comparison of the Jeep CJ all the way to the current JL! All in stock form.
Very cool episode. Lean and fun
A BEV FJ Cruiser in that body style 👌🏼
It still looks great.
I'd take an R1S as it stands right now, but I hope there's more competition up and down the price range soon.
The FJ actually did come fitted with crawl control, every model just didn’t get it. I have a 2014 that does have it.
If you took the BJ40, the one with the diesel engine , you could also take your foot of the accelerator as you did with the Lexus.
Just about anything with Low Range and a manual can crawl.
The FJ40 has more torque at any RPM than the BJ40, also has more engine braking so the FJ40 is actually a lot better at driving the foot off the accelerator.
What is difference from 2008 FJ and 2014FJ. Also difference between manual and automatic FJ’s. The manual is also full time 4wd.
Love the land Cruiser!
I see you guys traded in the FJ cruiser
Full time 4WD for the wins!
Front and rear lockers in the old FJ40 would make it the best.
I wish they would put out an off-road version of the LX if they're not going to give us the Land Cruiser.
Run all 3 through the full course!!!