2-door vs 4-door vs FJ Cruiser?

[NTRubicon]

Being in the same family situation as yourself (wife and 2 kids) the 4DR is a great option for us, the only limiting factor is the amount of space in the cabin for transporting of all the stuff that 4 ppl require, and the limitations of the GVM for insurance purposes (Jeep does not lead the field in this regard). Whilst I shortlisted an FJ cruiser, the hassle comes with how old the children are. Sure at 3 and 5yo they are easy to get in an out, but if your children are coming up to 8,9 or 10 then they're likely to be changing shape and size faster than you can push food into their mouths, and the rear seats in an FJ will create more trouble than they are worth. I would compare the FJ to the Jeep 2DR for passenger comfort, and the Jeep 4DR for storage capacity (the FJ has more).

Have you considered the Defender 110, G Wagen, Landcruiser 4DR Wagon (70 series) - is budget a consideration

[bradsm87]

Originally Posted by Wazza D

According to the spec sheets I checked, the FZR is actually longer than the JK by 1/8" and the FJ is shorter by about 6, which isn't really that much.
In the scheme of things I think there are more issues than wheelbase to consider for off road capabilities.
I drive landcruiser wagons, utes, Parados etc. on a daily basis in mining applications, which they are ideal for, but certainly not for me in achieving off road excellence.
The ones which I have been with haven't faired too well.
To heavy cumbersome and boring for me, but to each their own.
They are better tourers though, and more reliable too.

I agree about the heavy and cumbersome nature of LandCruisers and Patrols in general and the newer you buy, the heavier they are too! an FZJ105R with an LS engine would weight about 2100kg empty, so very close to a JKU. Not much in it.

Shortcomings of vehicles are usually modified out easily, but things like size and wheelbase are much harder to "modify out" hence why I'm looking for something with the right dimensions as either option will be heavily modified anyway. With the type of off-roading I do, 90% of the time when people get stuck, it's the belly every time, which is why wheelbase and breakover angle is of huge importance to me.

[bradsm87]

Originally Posted by NTRubicon

I would compare the FJ to the Jeep 2DR for passenger comfort, and the Jeep 4DR for storage capacity (the FJ has more).

That's exactly what I want. This vehicle is for about 4% of my driving, and of that 4%, probably 10% of that would be with all four of us in the car. Not a daily and not a family car. I just need a 2-door JK with more storage space.

Originally Posted by NTRubicon

Have you considered the Defender 110, G Wagen, Landcruiser 4DR Wagon (70 series) - is budget a consideration

I want coil all round with the mods I want to do. Leaves work but I'm just not a fan. Also I really want as small as possible. This is why the FJ Cruiser is ticking all the boxes (except crappy IFS from factory but that can be improved greatly with a proper long travel kit).

[V82xist]

I've got a 105 series petrol manual GXL with approx. 3" lift and 33" mud tyres and it's great off road, however my JKU Rubicon with approx. 3" lift and 33" mud tyres is in another league. Having also owned ifs Toyotas I would warn against lifts as without spending mega bucks you run the risk of blowing CVs due to the increase in drive shaft angle. I had to get a diff lock on the front to prevent blowing CVs in a 200 series cruiser. Also have a chat to some people who own FJs as they use a lot more fuel than Toyota say like average 16ltrs/100.

[bradsm87]

Originally Posted by V82xist

I've got a 105 series petrol manual GXL with approx. 3" lift and 33" mud tyres and it's great off road, however my JKU Rubicon with approx. 3" lift and 33" mud tyres is in another league.

Have you got any examples? I'm just trying to understand why. I am very much open to any vehicle. If it's due to things that can be had with mods (eg. lockers or more suspension travel), that's not the type of differences I'm really interested in.

Originally Posted by V82xist

Having also owned ifs Toyotas I would warn against lifts as without spending mega bucks you run the risk of blowing CVs due to the increase in drive shaft angle. I had to get a diff lock on the front to prevent blowing CVs in a 200 series cruiser.

I plan to do full long-travel setup which lengthens everything and keeps driveshaft angles much better and only planning to run 2" lift (but plenty of droop available. The drooping wheel rarely has much torque going through it because it's the one with much less weight on it). Also it's same CVs as bigger, heavier cars so stronger considering the application.

[samft]

seriously, what are you even asking now?

[bradsm87]

Originally Posted by samft

seriously, what are you even asking now?

Mainly just the pros and cons of each vehicle that I haven't thought of. I also asked one user of an example of the JKU being much more capable than a 105 so I can get a better understanding

Spending $35k-ish total on something that I'll be lucky to use once a week is one of the hardest decisions I'll ever make. I'll be downgrading the daily driver to one half the price and selling the camper trailer to buy it. I want to make the best choice for me.