Will New Toyotas Ever Be As Good As Old Ones?

My Toyota Tacoma and my 80 series Land Cruiser are both great off-road trucks. Clearly, many of you feel the same! This was a video idea inspired by many of you who asked for a comparison between the two. Both have the same 39" BFG km3s, both have RCV axle shafts, 5.29 Yukon gears, ARB air lockers, Powerstop brakes, etc.
But aside from the parts, these are definitely apples to oranges.
However, based on your questions I'm inspired to talk about what it's like to own each truck. When planning for this video I realized that we might not ever see an offroad-specific truck quite like the 80 series Landcruiser again.
That's a shame in my opinion.
What do you think? Is progress in offroad tech worth the compromise in offroad reliability?
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#toyotalandcruiser #toyota #toyotatacoma

[@tylerbuhite5432]

Nate is just the GOAT, humble, honest, actually builds his stuff. In a world full of deep pocket corporate offroaders. You sir have all my respect. Could we please see New jeep Vs Older jeep comparison. Being a TJ and WJ guy. Id love it

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you for the huge compliment 🙌. A Jeep version of this would be cool. I hope to get started on the TJ after sema 👊

[@andreyka64]

Nate’s gotta buy the new Land Cruiser and build it up , and compare all 3 !

[@DirtLifestyle]

Dude, I would love to! I'm very curious how basic you can buy the new LC. I would want to start with the absolute base model and turn it into a "weapon" as my friends in Australia say 😎.

[@J-P88]

Sadly America only gets what the rest of the world calls the 250 series Prado the baby brother of the 300 series Landcruiser

[@thepaddockengineer]

Good news 70 series news for 2024: It looks like some of them might even have electric windows and mirrors😂! (It also looks like some still have manual😂😂) And its been confirmed an auto will be available! Alternatively, there is of course the 2024 Toyota Defender😂!

[@CACressida]

@@thepaddockengineer 70 series land cruiser has had power window and mirror options since the 80s.

[@thepaddockengineer]

@@CACressida I stand corrected; I had thought the only electric mirrors available where msa, clearview, ocam, etc. (I'll have another look and see if they'll work for my Sierra😅)

[@EvanMoon]

The real difference is how much cooler that Land Cruiser looks, and it’s stock. The truck looks awesome with that custom camper bed but I just love old Toyotas.

[@jameswacker7483]

I’m glad you got to price point. Unfortunately new Cruisers were/are insanely expensive for a wheeler.

[@johnmadsen37]

Yeah. I’ve trashed a 21’ 4runner at 30k (panel damage everywhere). Now trashing a 22 gladiator at 58k. There are limitations to mods which is the real difference for off-roading performance. Ifs isn’t very good.

[@jonathanmoran1697]

I had an '85 Toyota pickup. It was great, but it was like sitting sitting in an Formula 1 car. The '90's were the turning point, where the American public wanted a pickup truck that rode/drove like a car. And like you pointed out, we will never see a simple truck again.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

Americas also want them bigger. It's obvious in how the "compact" segment morphed into the "midsize" segment. Compact trucks like the Ranger or the Tacoma basically disappeared into the 2000's. Companies like Ford with the Maverick are trying to bring back the compact truck, but it's a car platform, not a truck one. As you alluded to trucks have surged in popularity in a way that buyers use them as daily drivers just to and from work (I'm not talking about contractors - I'm talking about desk jockeys). So previously when blue collars guys using their trucks for work would look past some of the shortcomings of old trucks, now people want to load their families into their DD and take it to the movies or pick their kicks up from soccer practice. They want four doors and second row seating. Simple trucks died because now consumers instead of workers are the primary demographic. What used to be utilitarian is now expected to be more civilized, efficient and safe. The off road community is a tiny subset of vehicle buyers and almost no one buys a new vehicle to modify, despite what we see on KZbin. If we want something we need to build it.

[@Zatara113]

@@Fix_It_Again_Tony Not true. The ridiculous EPA regulations are reason we don't have small trucks anymore. There's a few videos covering that topic

[@foihdzas]

What’s up Nate. So, apples to pears here. I used to have a 2nd Gen Taco. The usual mods, small lift, 33’s bumpers. Loved it, wheeled it, miss it dearly. Now I’m in a 5th Gen 4Runner, same stuff. 33’s, small lift, stock limited plastics. Compared to the taco, it is a Mountain Goat. So much flex comparatively, and well balanced (weight) I’ve never had electrical gremlins. In EITHER trucks. 🤷‍♂️

[@slzbuildz]

I was going to buy a late model taco, but I bought an 80 series a year and a half go. So glad I did. I love this LC80 and just now started working on it. I think at least a 3 inch lift would do wonders on the trails.

[@rocksylvaniaoverland]

It might not be practical, but I'm a regular guy, who took 8 years to gradually save and 3-link my 05 tacoma. Absolutely love it. 💯

[@blackhillsbuilds]

As someone that has owned and built up both and 3rd gen tacoma and now an 80 series..... I have one reaction to everything you said in this video.... "YES"

[@Roks4life]

There has been so many times I have contemplated selling my ZJ. But always come back to the fact that i cannot afford a newer jeep (for me thats a JK) and taking a loan out for one when the ZJ is paid off and literraly owes me nothing beside a hope and prayer that it will continue to start up. Running an older rig for offroad use is reality while having a nicer tow rig/daily driver makes more sense.

[@matthewferrier9675]

Nate, this held my attention like no other video of yours has. You're well-spoken and reasonable in your presentation, without bluster or bravado. Keep up the good work.

[@CtrlTechKev]

Not sure if people are aware but with the 3rd gen Tacoma's cruise control you can bypass the radar and pre collision sensors by pressing and holding the cruise control button when you turn it on. Then you can use cruise control without the radar.

[@robinfly7303]

I used to wheel a GX470, and now my current 96 FZJ80. I love my 80 as a rock crawler but missed the GX V8 power when I was on the freeway until I installed a TRD supercharger on my 4.5 engine. It now drives like a V8 GX470 on the freeway and fuel economy is about the same as before supercharging. Most importantly for me, it is still California smog legal 😊 The way things go, I am very likely to keep this truck for life.

[@Relyk711]

NATE! IMPORTANT FUNCTION. I didn't learn it until 3 years of ownership of my 2018 Tacoma... If you hold down the Cruise control for an extra few seconds, it will use "classic" cruise control. No sensors, no adaptive what's whatever. Just here is a speed, do it. Just used it on a long stretch of i5 today and it is always much appreciated to stretch the legs a bit.

[@ChuckUnderFire]

I love that you actually spoke to all the legitimate reasons for the engineering involved in modern vehicles. It’s not just looks and preferences.

[@erichvonarnim8732]

I am an 80 owner so I am biased, but I think if you also gave the 80 a 3.5” lift, it would really start to shine and be a fairer comparison. Love the 80 content! My mouth waters when you mention doing a 3 link up front on the 80! Yes please!!!

[@BlackHawk295]

The other problem with light trucks in the 90's that weren't made in America is the "Chicken Tax" where we levied a 25% tax on foreign light trucks because they did the same to US poultry which made a lot of these rigs more expensive than other counterparts which kind of stunted the sales I bet. I still want a 79 series land cruiser here in the states XD

[@Richard-xv7yf]

Someone has a 2 door selling on fb marketplace in Florida. Think it's lhd too

[@DirtLifestyle]

I'm very firmilar! Killed the vw bus unfortunately 🤦‍♂️

[@yd4330]

The 80 is too low. My 80 was on a 4 inch lift on 39s. You would have no problems if you had more lift. I recently sold my 80 and went back to a 1st gen 4r for dual cases on 80 axles

[@chandleremerine6130]

agreed

[@DirtLifestyle]

I couldn't agree more. To low for the type of rocks I like 🤘. Easy fix...

[@mattyevil138]

Tacoma is awesome the way you built it, I’d still take the Lexus every day of the week. I know you want it to be low and not too top heavy but sounds like a lift is in the cards

[@matthewhofherr7690]

When looking for a new (work truck, not wheeler) I thought I was going to get a Tacoma but took one for a test drive and I absolutely could not get over the seating position. I ended up getting a 2019 Tundra. I also have an FJ62 and can’t believe the amount of glass in the truck and interior space. It’s amazing how much bigger the interior of an old truck is without airbags and modern creature comforts.

[@OldBlue62]

You are right on the money in the comparison between older mechanical connections to your vehicle and the newer computer controlled connections. Give me the older mechanical systems anytime.

[@willb3018]

Love hearing this comparison from a guy who really lives these vehicles. I am not an off roader but I love all kinds of vehicles and what can be done with them. This is one of the best channels for that.

[@mikesnyder2335]

I wheel with an 80 series , in fact we met y'all on trail to Sema on Holcombe creek trail. Sometimes I take an old T4r sfa , sometimes an 04 v8 4R on 35s with lockers . My conclusion is the 80 is probably the best Toyota ever brought to the US . Really Great content Nate .

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you! I agree. These 80s are the best toyota has sold here.

[@ratfarmers]

Just watched this on a plane on my phone with subtitles and can't wait to rewatch to hear the 0-60 comments! My SIL has 2 FJ62's in a garage that I've been trying to get but my wife says I have to get rid of 2 vehicles to add 1!?! Wife math.

[@manytreees2068]

Nate, when using your Tacoma CC, hold the CC on button for about 5 seconds, it will then revert to "old-school" CC without the sensor.

[@abpsd73]

Late 90's/early 2000s was pretty much the end date for easy to deal with electronics on vehicles, every system had it's own module and sensors/actuators, and it was relatively simple to add/delete something if you wanted to upgrade or eliminate an issue. Modern vehicles have so many systems co-integrated into each other sharing sensors, and the bulk of wiring has been slashed to a few sending CAN bus messages to each other. Even on my TDI swap, I have to figure out some sort of workaround for a check engine light and glow plug indicator, since there are no longer outputs from the ECU for them, it's CAN bus to the instrument cluster.

[@justinneuman5446]

Great video! Very realistic breakdown and valid points! Made me think haha keep em comin!🤙

[@blairskevington6631]

thats a great way of describing the 2 operating systems in the trucks asking vs telling

[@michaelanderson1587]

Great video and real topic of discussion. I have a 1998 4runner on tons, 39's and dual cases. I'm a die hard Toyota fan. Your analogy of apples to oranges is spot on but its all about function. Keep doing what your doing, love your honesty.

[@ectolle54]

I love the comparison between old and new and I think this comparison is pretty universal in a lot vehicles.

[@windex23]

I want to know what broke in your Tacoma's front diff when you went wheeling with Dave last winter!!! Great video!

[@toddbrewington2748]

I love the straight forward facts from your videos. I loved my 2nd gen Toyotas especially the SAS'd one. Keep up the good work man.

[@allentisthammer4763]

Nice comparison. I've got a 95 Tacoma SR5 and a 21 TRD Offroad Two different rigs that I have given me so much pleasure off-roading. The 21 electronic shifting is at times a real POS compared with the 95 like you stated! Watching you build the 21 along with off roading it had been great, thanks for taking us along!

[@michaelprince77]

They make a spacer lift for the tacoma seats. You could fab one and go as high as you want without hitting your head. Also, the dealership can disable the active cruise and crash system. The pdf can be found on the tacoma forums. Tss disabling.

[@Vse_yob]

I like this video a lot. Appreciate the unbiased opinion of both platforms.

[@sleepii15]

This was a cool comparison; excellent video!

[@Garcias_garage724]

Awesome comparison between the 2 and comparing the new tech vs the older simple rigs. My 98 4runner has been an eye opening rig for me in a good way. Different strokes for different folks

[@aaronscott2278]

Amazing video recently gotten rid of our 94 LC with factory triple lockers we daily drove it for years trans went out couldn’t afford fix it and for how expensive parts are we sold it and got back into a 3rd gen 4Runner I sure miss it but nice to drive and own something little more affordable and easier to get parts for amazing video man !! Loving the builds can’t wait to be able to build up our runner

[@JeepXJ8895]

Thank you for this diligent comparison and also the eating of your own words to a degree as well. I think there are a lot of harder offroad folks out there that will stand by their "old era" wheeling rigs for the same principle as you have(i completely agree with you btw). It is hard to deny the amenities that come standard now days, Functioning AC, adjustable Lumbar support, improved headlights/lighting - things have definitely come a long way. We gain in some areas but sacrifice in others.

[@ethanm5639]

I'm so glad you made this video. I'm always trying to explain to others why I appreciate the simple performance of old rigs. That's why I love my 1997 Jeep XJ. 90s to early 2000s, Japanese or old American = best cars .

[@BUTTSBMX]

Good comparison points! I come from wheeling old picks/runners with Matt back in the day, and currently have been wheeling my 19 Tacoma in places it shouldn't go. Definitely cant see out of it, the electrical gremlins are there sometimes, but like you said, cant beat the Ifs clearance up front, and all the comfort when driving backrounds/desert/across country compaired to an LC.

[@timcope6685]

Awesome job Nate!! I still wish I had my 1988 SR5 Toyota 4x4 pickup, 22R with a 5spd manual! That thing stock was able to hit and succeed most jeep trail's. Again Awesome comparison and Awesome work Sir!

[@protacodan4225]

Love my 2017 Tacoma on 38’s with Marlin RCLT, definitely not for the faint of heart when it comes to “build cost”. Thanks Nate

[@Beacon_Offroad]

I love both the trucks. Glad to see someone doing it right on Toyota platforms. I have a 20 Tacoma and 97 4Runner.

[@snowysysadmin59]

Very well done video. I used to have a 2003 Ford Ranger. Now, the highest trim level (FX 4X4) of those DID have the dual stick setup but mine was just a electronic transfercase. And while i was offroading or whatever, i was always concerned that one day, the electronic actuator would just fail on me. would just quit out. or like you said, a rock or something snags the wire and rips it out on the trail. So i was always after either a stick transfer case to swap in, or a different truck. Just recently, like 3 weeks ago, I bought a 1992 Toyota 4Runner. It needs some motor work, but if i cant fix it at a cheap price point, im LS swapping it, get a r150f to LS bellhousing, throwing a 6.0l in there and calling it a day. The transfer case having the stick vs an electric actuator, is like you said, telling it to go into 4low or 4 high, rather than asking it. The Ranger, stop, put in the clutch, switch the knob to 4 low, wait 3 seconds, hear some relays click and then it enables the 4low. In this thing, stop, put it in 4low, and keep going. takes a total of 2 seconds. I love it. and its so satisfying. and you just dont get that in modern vehicles anymore. people are like why do you want a 30 year old vehicle. BECAUSE OF THAT. Unfortunately theyre IFS but a 1 ton SAS swap is doable on these. Im very much considering get a d60 for it. I have a GM 14bolt i was going to use for a different project but very much considering for this truck in the rear IF i go through with a sas swap. dont want to get ahead of myself just yet.

[@jimmydst]

excellent video and analysis. This largely applies to all new vs. old 4x4's. I have a 2001 Discovery 2 TD5 and a 2019 Discovery 5. The D2 will drag you home as there is much less to go wrong but the D5 is very sensitive and could leave you stranded :-) Thanks - from the UK!

[@JohnGrit]

Bro, your builds are flipping Awesome! Tastefully done!

[@jessemangrum5733]

I remember the first thing I noticed when I bought my 80 is how massive the windshield was and being able to see out of everything not to many blind spots. Definitely my favorite out of all the yotas I own.

[@billboeck4644]

Good video thank you for sharing , Very helpful.

[@RustyJeepHole]

I really love what you did with the Land Cruiser. Awesome build, you are a bad ass!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Thank you!!!

[@4x406Offroad]

Good comparison. Your segment on the airbags and cage reminded me of another safety consideration I’ve been aware of for a while. I just spent 5 years on a college baja race team, where we built tube chassis cars and had strict requirements about the safety gear we use; 5 point harnesses, neck supports, wrist restraints, helmet, fireproof clothes and gloves and shoes. Since you have a lot of rigs with cages, I am curious what your thoughts are about putting a roll cage in something that gets used on the street. I have crashed our race cars plenty, the harness only works because you’re also wearing the neck support and helmet, because it doesn’t give like a seatbelt does but your head still carries that momentum and is not otherwise restrained. Those cars and all the safety gear were designed to be a rigid body, there is no absorption of energy through deformation of any of the parts. Putting a cage and harness in a street vehicle seems to only make things safer for the occupants (in an on road collision, I know if you roll on trail you’re probably much better off with the cage) if you are going to commit to wearing such safety equipment, helmet to prevent your head from hitting cage members, neck donut to prevent neck injury from the stiffer restraints, etc, but no one is going to suit up like that just to go to work, or the store, or the trailhead. So am I overthinking it, or is everyone driving around on streets with a cage just accepting that the threshold for injury in an accident is lower? I don’t ever hear much about this aspect except for the exo cage guys using it as a point in their favor that there’s no tubes to hit you head on. Sorry, long comment. Thanks in advance.

[@GrizzlyPath]

This is along a similar train of thought as offroad bumpers and sliders and the like. It's seriously worth considering the on-road safety when installing these things on our vehicles, something that many countries don't let you do for these reasons. Coming out of an accident with no damage to your heavy duty vehicle is great, but not necessarily at the expense of the person who's pancaked into you in their Honda Civic. IMO something that's more of an "overlander" would be better to retain as many safety features as possible, where something more offroad oriented could potentially be trailered. Where that line is is blurred obviously, and I'm someone with multiple on road safety affecting modifications just like many who might read this comment.

[@CVisionProductions1]

Try those skyjacker seat spacers from desert does it for your Tacoma. They are amazing. They really help the seat angle and I’ve never felt more comfortable.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I should get something like that 👍

[@deucebigs9860]

@@DirtLifestyle I got them for the front of mine from desertdoesit and they definitely made a huge difference in seat comfort, but now my head is even closer to brushing the ceiling which isn't great. I keep thinking about swapping in some Lexus seats or something.

[@stevew9247]

I agree with you on the Tacoma seating position. For what it's worth, the seating position on the FJ Cruiser is way better than the taco.

[@surferweller]

Would be interesting to compare the stock 1990s 80 series to a stock new tacoma :)

[@DirtLifestyle]

Stock 80 series > any stock tacoma

[@surferweller]

@@DirtLifestyle Better for sure, but the question is how much better..... 😁

[@DirtLifestyle]

@@surferweller lol

[@JacopoSkydweller]

The answer to how much better is MANY. Many better. @@surferweller

[@ChronicMasterHater]

I’m lucky enough to have a pretty built 2nd Gen Tacoma on 35s (not nearly as built as yours) and a fzj80 on 35s. Absolutely agree with everything you’ve said. Love them both. Feels like the 80 is an off-road vehicle that’s pretty good on the road and the Tacoma feels like a solid practical truck that’s pretty good off-road.

[@trailrunnah8886]

That's funny, that's exactly how I describe the modern Jeep Wrangler versus the modern 4Runner. 4Runners are street vehicles that can do okay off road, Wranglers are off-road vehicles that can do okay on the street. Pick your priority. I drive a 13 4Runner, would absolutely love to have an 80.

[@anthonyraines5951]

I love watching builds of all types and i love the stuff you've done but I'll still take my square body Chevy over anything new or old

[@nickmudd]

Great comparison! I love the 3rd gen 4Runner's for my do it all rig but one thing older vehicles can't beat newer ones in is the amazing AIR CONDITIONING lol. I hope to find a way to rig in a better AC system in my 98 4Runner one day cause wheeling in southern AZ 115F summer's is awful. The AC full blast only makes it bearable, not comfortable lol

[@danbenjamin9917]

Great build Nate! I was pulling (and voting) for you to make it back to OA2023. Can't wait to see the SEMA build 👍

[@joma13344]

I remember when I was looking for a truck, the driving position and visibility turned me off of the Tacoma. I ended up with a 2nd gen frontier, and while my ownership hasn’t been exactly trouble free, I feel like I’m glad I went with it. I feel like the frontier has superior parts and driving position and comfort while having an inferior build quality.

[@Fix_It_Again_Tony]

The transmission, transfer case and rear axle all are shared with the Titan. I think a bolt in V8 swap is possible but the bell housing might need to be changed - you would also want to reprogram the TCM. I am sure almost no one does this, but the hard parts are all the same as with the V8 truck. Some Frontier variants have the smaller C200 rear axle, but manual transmission and Pro4X models have the Dana M226, which is the same as a Rubicon rear. And you are right about the driving position, the seat is definitely higher relative to the floor than the Taco in the video. I love my second gen. Doing a SAS swap right now with 14" coilovers and 37x12.5" tires. I've been dreaming about this swap since I had a Hardbody in high school (ca. 2000), and now I have the means to pull it off. Old Ford axles (1977 F150 w/ D44 and 9") have just about the same WMS as the Frontier originally. Shows how much the trucks have grown in size over time. The compact truck segment doesn't exist any more. Now they are cars with beds (looking at you, Ford Maverick).

[@Thexkidd]

My buddy has a sas’ed hardbody. What year Nissan joma?

[@utahjohnnymontana3373]

People dog on the Frontier a lot...but my pro4x has given me no problems in five years now. I like the taller glass, taller seats, lower beltline and shorter hood. Visibility is important.

[@joma13344]

@@Thexkidd I got a 2016 pro4x 6mt

[@joma13344]

@@utahjohnnymontana3373 I agree. The semi truck I drive for work has better visibility than most of these pickup trucks.

[@You_Me_and_Glady]

Yo Nate, your FJ80 is awesome brother!, I had a 1991 I purchased for 3500.00 with 100k miles on it, bought in 2001. Had OME suspension w/ 33 mud terrains. Sold it for 6k several years later. I’m such an idiot. I miss that thing. Loving your build series. However, thank God for Jeep for having a very competent off road vehicle out of the box, and lots of accessories, etc. Cheers!

[@AatAdam]

You should build a 3rd Gen 4Runner 99-2002 IFS with front manual locking hubs and factory rear locker.

[@firestartercanti6636]

Just picked up a 100 series Land Cruiser and love it so far, but its never going to be as capable as either of those, unless I SAS it. Thanks to you that thought is in my head now. The other option for getting some badass Toyota trucks is talking to an importer. The age of most of the really cool ones is more than 25 years now which makes them easier and legal to import. Would love to see your channel get a RHD 60 or 70 series Landcruiser. Makes getting the diesel versions possible as well.

[@DirtLifestyle]

I want a 79 series soooooooo bad! Maybe one day...

[@LScout800]

Rear dana 70/14 bolt out of van, super wide, cut the driver side tube and sleeve it to make it the same legnth as a normal narrow truck axle and use a shaft from the narrower axle. The van axles are cheap and have disk brakes with parking brakes, even the newer ford ones from the early 2000's used 8×6.5 bolt patterns. Then get a set of knuckles and hubs off of a 92-97 ford dana 60 (they will bolt right up to the superduty inner c's) in order to get the 8×6.5 bolt pattern and ability to run 35 splone shafts without custom unit bearings.

[@garrettwagoner726]

i got seatjackers for my tacoma. they work fantastic for the seating issues and pain

[@404Offroad]

Would love to see you getting back to your channel roots and get your TJ up and running again.

[@robertblue7997]

Really enjoyed the comparison video!!! I live just over in Yakima as of the last couple years and love wheeling and exploring. Where up in the northwest to you go?

[@angelmvniz]

Yeah I’m staying with old trucks. Just recently scored a 99 Land Rover discovery 2 that I’m building into a rock lander. Hope to meet you in the trails soon Nate!

[@thomassanio8745]

Incredibly well done Nate. After 80, “the lame Landcruiser”, so true! Only question is with the 80 series only having a 1 inch lift, is it a fair comparison? Then the longevity, durability question? Gotta give that to the 80. That said I was impressed what the Taco with IFS went thru😁👍

[@adamsonofdon2766]

If I ever get the chance to build a rig, it’ll be an import 70 series. Great video and cheers from Sedro Woolley

[@imthedudemane]

Wow the breakdown at 15 min was great

[@thejourneyretold]

I wonder how these would compare if the Lexus had portals? Such a good video man!!!

[@ricksshop]

This illustrates the reason I'm hesitant to straight axle swap my Bronco II. The TTB is old school IFS without all the electronics.

[@hunter_pauley]

Love this comparison!

[@mrbrettdimarco]

The Land Cruiser looks good crazy low but with a little bit taller suspension really helps not just dragging it through the rocks constantly. Or just use the winch more. It’s a compromise either way. You made it over a rock and got hung up in the center so your front solid axle made it over, both have solid rears

[@johntaylor1947]

Yep my 05 4 runners transfer case decided to not shift out of 4 low due to a malfunction in its plastic motor shift unit. I replaced that mess with a manual shift Landcruiser transfer case and no more problems.

[@Jett125]

Would love to see this idea expanded into a versus! Between any 2 rigs

[@hotflashfoto]

I have a 2004 Xterra. Like your 1997 Lexus, it has the manual 4WD shifter. I don't like the electro-gimmickry for something that is so straight-forward.

[@garywinkel1831]

EXCELLENT video.

[@fishing_with_chaz]

To activate regular cruise Control in your tacoma and bypass the dumb sensor up front push and hold the radar cruise icon on the steering wheel for like 3 or 4 seconds this also works in the 23 frontiers I did a winch bumper upgrade and it pissed off the front radar on my truck so that's what I have to do and I prefer that over the smart cruise it came with

[@guyderagisch4964]

In a 94 pickup. Dual cased, beadlocked on 38s. The older trucks have more ground clearance on 31s than just about anything out there. On 38s and rough 2.5-3in of lift the frame height is 27in at the frame and 21in at the t case cross member. It's a huge advantage vs today's vehicles. Where Jeep advertises 12in at the frame on 35s.

[@mathewfitzpatrick5645]

Funny enough, earlier today I was coming up with some questions to ask you Nate about would would be the ultimate overlander/light crawler, and this video hasn't addressed any of those questions up yet, but answered a lot of other ones I hadn't even asked yet.

[@brycewilliam1984]

I can not wait for the one ton swap on the LC80! And I’m super curious what you land on for the offset rear axle. I just might have to do the same to my truck.

[@natecherful]

Great stuff!

[@AntonLinusson]

9:30 I think you mean the other way around. It used to be that way, smaller grills and lower hoods which were more safe for pedestrains. Now they are large and upright for styling purposes.

[@squeakin3]

1in lift LCG builds seem to work great in places like Moab but getting some more lift for rock garden type wheeling will probably do wonders.

[@aloharover5980]

There are so many people that would die for those Cruise axles to put into their Rover D1, RRC or Defender. It’s a very popular upgrade for us Rover folks And for your cruiser rear axle look at the Defender 110 Salisbury

[@Ironmerchant]

Man you hit a home run with me with the “asking my truck for permission” thing drives me freaking insane on my 2022 F150. It’s why my other stuff is all old jeeps and yota’s. Let me decide what’s best for my truck.

[@traviswilson4700]

Nate, I'd love to see you do something with an old FJ40 some day. That is a vehicle on my bucket list to own someday.

[@PNW_Rodeo]

I've said this in a previous video but I would love to buy the front axle out of your LX when you swap it. I have a 1998 Rodeo build and finding a passenger drop axle with wms I need is very hard. I've been watching you since you started and you do great work, man! I look forward to your Rubicon video!

[@DirtLifestyle]

Unfortunately, these axles won't be for sale. They are too good and too rare. They will be perfect for a lightweight build on my channel at some point 🤘

[@PNW_Rodeo]

@DirtLifestyle understand that. That's kinda the problem I've run into. I've been searching 6 months for a decent quality passenger drop axle to no avail. I may just fab a long travel kit and call it a day. 👍

[@Scoobienorth]

I bought my gladiator and it’s been awesome. It spins 37’s stock with ease, super capable, good on road but the modern electronics and “safety” stuff you talk about are really wearing on me and as time goes on I’m less attracted to it. I’m just importing a clean tj from Japan and building that for wheeling and I’ll build a “touring rig” that can explore or tow the tj.

[@kristoferfc6525]

I love it, you said I'm TELLING it not asking lmao

[@DirtLifestyle]

Lol 😎

[@bertbccfu9564]

That's the same exact cruise control stalk as my 1998, that's crazy they have used that all these years

[@kyhillbillys10]

Unfortunately the land cruiser might be too low for that type of terrain

[@DirtLifestyle]

Absolutely! Way too low. But that's an easy fix 😁

[@skiff27]

Like your channel very much . I like the taco . I had Jeep xj and friends had Jeeps nothing but problems.

[@jiggyquinn5635]

Thank you 😊

[@PortalPatrol]

Plenty of cheap easy things you can do to the Cruiser to make it better. Since you can fab anyways. I dumped a Taco in 2012 (an 04) and went to a Cruiser simply because I hated the seating position in it. The Cruiser is where it is at for field of vision and seating position. BTW, I build Cruisers for a living, I do like your build on the LX!

[@chrisc2431]

I love the TRD Tacoma and 4Runner because they have manual transfer cases…not computer controlled. Great video Nate!

[@rockie307]

Just wondering why you prefer manual transfer case over electric?

[@chrisc2431]

@@rockie307 no electric solenoid/actuator failure with a manual transfer case.

[@amorton94]

80 Series have been popping up on my local FB Marketplace a lot lately. Very tempting.

[@DirtLifestyle]

Dude, I have been seeing some great deals on 80 series lately! Finally 😁

[@RobertBrown-sh7ql]

Love the custom vinyl wrap hood on the 80..

[@caderidenour642]

Cool vid. So are leaf springs really that bad? Trail mater seems to get it done pretty good with them.