JK or FJ, WHo's best

[Buckeye]

I was looking at a Toyota FJ Cruiser Off Road last week and was impressed. The stock lift is higher, it has a locking rear dif and 20" tires, better gas milage and much more HP than my '07 JK. Let's hear some opinions out there.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/ToyoFJ.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Rubi/DSC00324.jpg

[Don]

I think you are a NUT JOB :) :) How is that for an opinion :D

BTW, you would look good driving that FJ :D :D Could Carolyn even get in it?

[minesweaper]

All I can say is ifs...

[d-rockXJ]

I have driven FJ's before(used to work for a Toyota dealer) and you are right: ton of power, pretty good gear ratio for 4 wheel low, good height, etc. One thing I did not like was the blind spots when trying to look over the shoulder to switch lanes. It was very tough to see IMO(but i am only 5',9"). I have nothing against Toyota's except for the fact that they ARE NOT A JEEP! :D :p

[minesweaper]

They look good, but looks don't make a good wheeler. For DD it would be nice.

[Buckeye]

I have driven FJ's before(used to work for a Toyota dealer) and you are right: ton of power, pretty good gear ratio for 4 wheel low, good height, etc. One thing I did not like was the blind spots when trying to look over the shoulder to switch lanes. It was very tough to see IMO(but i am only 5',9"). I have nothing against Toyota's except for the fact that they ARE NOT A JEEP! :D :p

My JK has almost no rear window vision. Not only does the spare block but that is where they put the woofer for the "premium" sound system.

[Buckeye]

I think you are a NUT JOB :) :) How is that for an opinion :D

BTW, you would look good driving that FJ :D :D Could Carolyn even get in it?

As far as Carolyn is concerned.......... she uses a folding stool now ............. she could graduate to a step ladder.

[Buckeye]

They look good, but looks don't make a good wheeler. For DD it would be nice.
I don't think the JK makes a good wheeler either. More useful as a stagecoatch around the Mall!

[minesweaper]

I dare to say its better than the FJ. What does the FJ have the jeep doesn't? Power? Fixed with gearing. Power breaks parts. Additionally the new jks are supposed to have that fixed. Also the pictured one is a trd edition right? That's eqivalant to a rubi. With 4:10s and lockers, the rubi would leave that at the trail head I bet.

[RecycledTeen]

A pillar is a pain to see around in the toy.

[frozengi]

I recently got rid of My FJ. I wheeled with some of the guys on here and they could attest that it performed great off road. I had it locked front and rear along with 35's and a 6 inch lift. Only complaint for off road is that it was pretty wide and has allot of blind spots. There was nothing at Turkey Bay I was unable to do with IFS. I did however want a Solid front Axle so I sold it and got a CJ5 that I am starting at square one with.. If I had about $35.000 laying around I would get the 2012 COD rubicon. If you get an FJ be prepared to put allot of MODS on it if your gonna wheel it. Out of the box the Rubicon is better. just my Opinion. I love Toyotas and Jeeps.

[frozengi]

I recently got rid of My FJ. I wheeled with some of the guys on here and they could attest that it performed great off road. I had it locked front and rear along with 35's and a 6 inch lift. Only complaint for off road is that it was pretty wide and has allot of blind spots. There was nothing at Turkey Bay I was unable to do with IFS. I did however want a Solid front Axle so I sold it and got a CJ5 that I am starting at square one with.. If I had about $35.000 laying around I would get the 2012 COD rubicon. If you get an FJ be prepared to put allot of MODS on it if your gonna wheel it. Out of the box the Rubicon is better. just my Opinion. I love Toyotas and Jeeps.
you can see my FJ by clicking on the link.

[Buckeye]

you can see my FJ by clicking on the link.

Well......... the first two pics were sweet.

[YJason]

Buy the FJ and join FJ Cruiser Forums (http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/), then we won't have to here you whine about your crappy JK. :p :rolleyes:

[Buckeye]

Buy the FJ and join FJ Cruiser Forums (http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/), then we won't have to here you whine about your crappy JK. :p :rolleyes:

Hey, I can take a hint!:p

[peej08]

I have owned both, my out of the box fj did great. My out of the box rubicon does better.
That being said, I got rid of my fj because anybody who rode in it got car sick, even in the front seat. I always blamed the thin windshield and how far away it was. My wife got sick on the 35mi drive to Henderson every time we went. I just had a friend look at a fj and after riding in it he said his wife had same problem.
So my advice is to drive it with a passenger for a long test drive!
As for off road, rubi is smaller and more agile in woods.
Good luck with your decision! ::))

[frozengi]

I have owned both, my out of the box fj did great. My out of the box rubicon does better.
That being said, I got rid of my fj because anybody who rode in it got car sick, even in the front seat. I always blamed the thin windshield and how far away it was. My wife got sick on the 35mi drive to Henderson every time we went. I just had a friend look at a fj and after riding in it he said his wife had same problem.
So my advice is to drive it with a passenger for a long test drive!
As for off road, rubi is smaller and more agile in woods.
Good luck with your decision! ::))


What he said.

[jgarner74]

Well, I will put my crappy JK up against any FJ you can throw at it.

[Turfzilla]

Fj blindspots suck, almost dangerous to drive IMO

[Steve]

I remember 5 or 6 years ago, a FJ group (Tri-States Toyota?) invited us to join them at Wooly's and I think Mt Etna. Most of them had show-room vehicles, I don't think any had agressive tires nor aftermarket armor. I was impressed how they were hanging with the TJs with 33s. The trees and trails were tight at wooly's then, they didn't mind minor body damage.
They were all good folks, it'd be nice to join them again.

[isolated1523]

you can see my FJ by clicking on the link.

Hey mike is that you? If so, didnt know you sold the FJ...

-Mullendore

[isolated1523]

My JK has almost no rear window vision. Not only does the spare block but that is where they put the woofer for the "premium" sound system.

What "woofer" do you have that blocks the rear window??? lol

-Adam

[frozengi]

Hey mike is that you? If so, didnt know you sold the FJ...

-Mullendore
Sure is. I did the unthinkable and sold the FJ. Not sure what I was thinking. I do however have an old CJ5. Long term is to make that a full-time trail rig.

[Don]

What "woofer" do you have that blocks the rear window??? lol

-Adam

Don't let Mr. McGoo fool you, from the driver's seat, he can't even see the rear window :) ;)

[Buckeye]

Don't let Mr. McGoo fool you, from the driver's seat, he can't even see the rear window :) ;)

Looking between the passinger headrests, speaker box, spare tire......... just leaves a very small rear window. Not only that, the rear view door mirrors aren't even remote operated. JK's are Only Good for Mall Crawlin'!
:cool:

Unless you want to spend $10000 to upgrade 'em! And that doesn't include the engine upgrade!:eek:

[minesweaper]

Why did u buy one? I have never seen anyone complain so much about their own vehicle.

[pirate_over50]

Why did u buy one? I have never seen anyone complain so much about their own vehicle.
You have to know Buckeye.... Crotchety old fart. :)

[minesweaper]

Ah I see!

[Buckeye]

Why did u buy one? I have never seen anyone complain so much about their own vehicle.

A fool and his money are soon parted!:(

[Don]

You have to know Buckeye.... On a GOOD day, he is a Crotchety old fart. :)

Fixed it for you Pirate :)

[Buckeye]

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/EMOCONS/avatar120499_1.jpg

[isolated1523]

Sure is. I did the unthinkable and sold the FJ. Not sure what I was thinking. I do however have an old CJ5. Long term is to make that a full-time trail rig.

I knew youd come to the dark side sooner or later! lol welcome to the addiction---i just went to 38" tires a few weeks ago and im lovin it. Need to get out wheelin soon...

-Adam

[isolated1523]

Looking between the passinger headrests, speaker box, spare tire......... just leaves a very small rear window. Not only that, the rear view door mirrors aren't even remote operated. JK's are Only Good for Mall Crawlin'!
:cool:

Unless you want to spend $10000 to upgrade 'em! And that doesn't include the engine upgrade!:eek:

Not sure if you've done this yet, but try turning your rearview mirror over 180 degrees so its upside down...having the wide part up top will give you a better view around the spare tire :D

-Adam

[Buckeye]

Not sure if you've done this yet, but try turning your rearview mirror over 180 degrees so its upside down...having the wide part up top will give you a better view around the spare tire :D

JK Crap! Maybe I will take it off-roading. If I roll it off a clift, State Farm will buy me a new FJ Cruiser! :cool:

-Adam
http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Rubi/DSC00812.jpg

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Rubi/DSC00813.jpg

[frozengi]

I knew youd come to the dark side sooner or later! lol welcome to the addiction---i just went to 38" tires a few weeks ago and im lovin it. Need to get out wheelin soon...

-Adam
Did you upgrade your axles? Seems like a dana 44 would wanna break with 38's. I am actually at Rucker now but I have been wanting to drive up for a weekend at TB. I just worry I would break something and be stuck. I need a trailer and truck now..

[minesweaper]

i dont see the big sub blocking your view.

[isolated1523]

Did you upgrade your axles? Seems like a dana 44 would wanna break with 38's. I am actually at Rucker now but I have been wanting to drive up for a weekend at TB. I just worry I would break something and be stuck. I need a trailer and truck now..

Got C-gussets for the front that i'm about to have welded in. The D44 can actually handle a decent amount of abuse, provided you dont wheel with a heavy foot lol. Plus the geolandars are a very light tire for the size. But either way, dont jinx me! lol

-Adam

[Buckeye]

i dont see the big sub blocking your view.
Your right. That's the huge rear window wiper motor housing. The sub-woofer is on the floor taking up precious storage space. My CJ had a wiper motor the size of a coke can. Of coarse that's "Old Timey:.

[minesweaper]

Guess u should have kept it Huh?

[Buckeye]

Guess u should have kept it Huh?

Sold the CJ, sold the XJ, trailer and the PU tow vehicle. Still have the Sammy though. :D

[jgarner74]

Your right. That's the huge rear window wiper motor housing. The sub-woofer is on the floor taking up precious storage space. My CJ had a wiper motor the size of a coke can. Of coarse that's "Old Timey:.

Have you thought about running a soft top? There would be no rear wiper moter. The sub foot print is maybe 5x8 inches on the floor space. You might carry much more cargo than me, but to me that is not taking up that much space. It is removeable if you are dead set against not using it.

[Buckeye]

Have you thought about running a soft top? There would be no rear wiper moter. The sub foot print is maybe 5x8 inches on the floor space. You might carry much more cargo than me, but to me that is not taking up that much space. It is removeable if you are dead set against not using it.

I had thought about getting one like this for the summer.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Rubi/Trecktop.jpg

[Don]

I LIKE :cool: :cool:


I had thought about getting one like this for the summer.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Rubi/Trecktop.jpg

[YJason]

It"ll just burn up faster in the fire..............

[RecycledTeen]

Buckeye, now you are on the right track!

[minesweaper]

i like it too!

[smokie99]

visiblilty in the fj is crap. it has ifs. thats crap. cant take the doors off. more crap. itsa a toyota.........on the fence there cause ive been buying the wife toyotas for a coupla years now. highlander/camry. good warranty and run forever. good. ifs............crap

[Buckeye]

I like that bumper too. Hummm! :rolleyes: Wonder if they makem for the FJ?:cool:

[frozengi]

I like that bumper too. Hummm! :rolleyes: Wonder if they makem for the FJ?:cool:
Allpro offroad makes a bumper for the FJ that is similiar to that style. I never had an issue with the IFS in mine other than the lack of articulation. No front Diff to get hung up on.

[jgarner74]

I had thought about getting one like this for the summer.

http://i65.photobucket.com/albums/h215/amos_pentagram/Rubi/Trecktop.jpg

You mean like this one?:D

http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx245/jgarner74/Jeep%20Stuff/ramp2.jpg

I run this top all year long. It is quiter than the factory top and to me also the hard top. It fits very snug and no play at all.

[Buckeye]

You mean like this one?:D

http://i760.photobucket.com/albums/xx245/jgarner74/Jeep%20Stuff/ramp2.jpg

I run this top all year long. It is quiter than the factory top and to me also the hard top. It fits very snug and no play at all.
Yea, that's nice. Is that one frameless?

[jgarner74]

Yea, that's nice. Is that one frameless?

Yes, it isframeless. The door surrounds do most of the work. There are two aluminum spreader bars that run over the front and rear seats to keep the rain from puddling up on top when sitting still. The side windows that slant back actually have reinforcement built into the curved section of the windown that "creates" a stiffened frame within the window. Pretty clever design actually. For what it is worth, I got it for $540 shipped to my door the next day. If interested I will let you know where I got it from.

[Buckeye]

Yes, it is framess. The door surrounds do most of the work. There are two aluminum spreader bars that run over the front and rear seats to keep the rain from puddling up on top when sitting still. The side windows that slant back actually have reinforcement built into the curved section of the windown that "creates" a stiffened frame within the window. Pretty clever design actually. For what it is worth, I got it for $540 shipped to my door the next day. If interested I will let you know where I got it from.

Where?

[jgarner74]

Where?

Check your PM.

[JeepJeep]

Can you take the top off the FJ?

[Buckeye]

Can you take the top off the FJ?

Don't know, haven't gone to that level yet. However the fuel economy is better and the hp is MUCH better which is a concern if I want to tow a pop-up over a 12000' mountain pass in Colorado. The fact that it is a Toyota tells me that the drive train will probably run longer than me.

[YJason]

The new JK's have a lot more ponies over the previous. IIRC: 288 hp, not a hemi but a huge improvement.

[jgarner74]

Don't know, haven't gone to that level yet. However the fuel economy is better and the hp is MUCH better which is a concern if I want to tow a pop-up over a 12000' mountain pass in Colorado. The fact that it is a Toyota tells me that the drive train will probably run longer than me.

I guess if I had my stock jk for tooling around town and towing I would not be happy with it. Now with that being said, I also would have not purchased it for that reason either. I knew when I bought mine I was buying an under powered brick with small towing capacity. However, that were not my intentions. I bought it it mod and wheel it. For me I have the perfect vehicle. I don't need a trailer and I can confidently tackle just about anything I can throw at it. Then when I am done I can air up the tires and set the cruise on 80 down the interstate.

I think we should look at the big picture or even compare. If you had a stock TJ would you be happy with it if you where asking it to perform the same duties? Towing would be less and it would not be near as comfortable. Just something to think about. If you want an stock everyday car for towing and vacation, any type of wrangler will probably fall short. Yes, it is a $30k Jeep, but when it is all said and done remember it is still a jeep.

Just a few thoughts to ponder over. So m question is....

What are your expectations of your JK.

[Buckeye]

The new JK's have a lot more ponies over the previous. IIRC: 288 hp, not a hemi but a huge improvement.

I'm not concerned with the new generation JK's as I have a 2007 and just bought it last spring. It's not likely I'm going to fork over $38000 for a new one. My angst is that I always thought (dumb me) the Rubicon was a quality off-road machine only to discover all of the Damler cheapola engineering flaws.

[minesweaper]

Such as?

[RecycledTeen]

I will take that crapola Rubiola off your hands since you are so despondent over it. After all, what are friends for? I know Don would never help a friend out like that!

[YJason]

I'm not concerned with the new generation JK's as I have a 2007 and just bought it last spring. It's not likely I'm going to fork over $38000 for a new one. My angst is that I always thought (dumb me) the Rubicon was a quality off-road machine only to discover all of the Damler cheapola engineering flaws.

Sorry, I thought you were looking at a new FJ.

jgarner74, makes some valid points. As for me, I'm getting rid of my YJ as soon as I find a deal on unlimited Rubi TJ or JK.

[Buckeye]

Such as?

Oh, Dude. You must have not been reading my posts. They are well documented. Do a web search for JK problems.

Let's start of with the very underpowered failure prone minivan engine that gets shameful gas milage.

Trannys overheat, boil tranny fluid out into the engine compartment and catch fire. http://www.itsajeep.org/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=19267&page=2
http://www.wranglerforum.com/f33/resolution-to-overheating-auto-transmission-hot-oil-warning-50189.html

2007 engines made in Mexico have faulty crank bearings that cause disasterous failure. Many owners have complained of the engines burning excessive oil at as little as 40000 miles. A friend of mine has 70000+ miles on his '07 and smokes.

Hard Tops are ovens in the summer.

No oil pressure guage.

Muffler mounted in a very vulnerable spot.

Expensive adj, track bar unprotected with plastic skid plate.

Limited visibility out back window.

Engine heat through the floor.

Plastic fenders

Plastic bumpers.

Tow package does not include a tranny oil cooler.

[minesweaper]

I have read ur post u just seem to be upset with issues that u have not experianced just read about. Seems like the vehicle that fixes the second half of the issues does not exist in stock form. As for bearing issues and tranny, have u personally experienced these problems? U asked for opinions and I can give u a handful of reasons a jk is better but u are so closed minded about it u won't recognize it. I can give u a dozen problems with every vehicle.

[Buckeye]

I have read ur post u just seem to be upset with issues that u have not experianced just read about. Seems like the vehicle that fixes the second half of the issues does not exist in stock form. As for bearing issues and tranny, have u personally experienced these problems? U asked for opinions and I can give u a handful of reasons a jk is better but u are so closed minded about it u won't recognize it. I can give u a dozen problems with every vehicle.


I have been driving-and wheeling Jeeps for atleast 20 years. I've owned four XJs, and a CJ-5. I have always been impressed with the quality dependability and performance of all of them.

I purchased this 2007 JK 4-door with 10500 miles thinking it would probably last long past the time when I will ever need it. I wanted a vehicle I could tow a pop-up across the country during my retirement years and drive it off road without having to tow it. It's rated to pull over 8000 lb., it struggles to pull 4000. I figured with these low miles it was like buying a new Jeep at a used price, win win situation. Then I began to read about all these problems and the shoddy manner that Jeep dealt with it's loyal customers. Now, instead of a dependable well built Jeep, I have all these issues hanging over my head, it's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Have I experienced all these issues, no, not yet, but they are out there and they shouldn't be. Jeep got their money and they, just like Ford, don't give a crap!

[Buckeye]

I have read ur post u just seem to be upset with issues that u have not experianced just read about. Seems like the vehicle that fixes the second half of the issues does not exist in stock form. As for bearing issues and tranny, have u personally experienced these problems? U asked for opinions and I can give u a handful of reasons a jk is better but u are so closed minded about it u won't recognize it. I can give u a dozen problems with every vehicle.


I have been driving-and wheeling Jeeps for atleast 20 years. I've owned four XJs, and a CJ-5. I have always been impressed with the quality dependability and performance of all of them.

I purchased this 2007 JK 4-door with 10500 miles thinking it would probably last long past the time when I will ever need it. I wanted a vehicle I could tow a pop-up across the country during my retirement years and drive it off road without having to tow it. It's rated to pull over 8000 lb., it struggles to pull 4000. I figured with these low miles it was like buying a new Jeep at a used price, win win situation. Then I began to read about all these problems and the shoddy manner that Jeep dealt with it's loyal customers. Now, instead of a dependable well built Jeep, I have all these issues hanging over my head, it's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Have I experienced all these issues, no, not yet, but they are out there and they shouldn't be. Jeep got their money and they, just like Ford, don't give a crap!

[Turfzilla]

Enough of the JK pity party. You bought it, and are worried about stuff that might happen. Start driving it like a rental and beat on it some - toughen it up a little, quit babying it around. Until your little minivan motor actually goes up in flames...........BE HAPPY - DONT WORRY!!!!;)

BTW: you are starting to repeat yourself... must be old age:p

[Turfzilla]

Enough of the JK pity party. You bought it, and are worried about stuff that might happen. Start driving it like a rental and beat on it some - toughen it up a little, quit babying it around. Until your little minivan motor actually goes up in flames...........BE HAPPY - DONT WORRY!!!!;)

BTW: you are starting to repeat yourself....and see double. must be old age:p

[jgarner74]

I have been driving-and wheeling Jeeps for atleast 20 years. I've owned four XJs, and a CJ-5. I have always been impressed with the quality dependability and performance of all of them.

I purchased this 2007 JK 4-door with 10500 miles thinking it would probably last long past the time when I will ever need it. I wanted a vehicle I could tow a pop-up across the country during my retirement years and drive it off road without having to tow it. It's rated to pull over 8000 lb., it struggles to pull 4000. I figured with these low miles it was like buying a new Jeep at a used price, win win situation. Then I began to read about all these problems and the shoddy manner that Jeep dealt with it's loyal customers. Now, instead of a dependable well built Jeep, I have all these issues hanging over my head, it's like waiting for the other shoe to drop. Have I experienced all these issues, no, not yet, but they are out there and they shouldn't be. Jeep got their money and they, just like Ford, don't give a crap!

If your JK is rated to pull 8,000 lbs you have the only one in the USA that is. The rating for a JK unlimited is 3,500 lbs, regardless of package. A two door is rated at 2,500 lbs. So, if you are expecting to two 8,000 lbs, yes, you are going to be very disappointed. Now granted I have towed about 5,000 with my JK for a short distance. Did it like it? No, but if I wanted a tow rig I would have purchased a full size truck or SUV.

I have also owned Jeeps for close to 15 years YJs, TJs and my JK). My TJ threw a rod at 35k miles and shot it through the oil pan. That is a very rare instance, but yes things happen.

I don't think you can hold all those other issues over your Jeep if you have personally not experienced them. If you wheel you JK you are going to run into issues that you have not discovered too. That is just nature of the beast.

I mean we could ask Toyota if you have the same gas pedel as the Prius...:D

[1fastR]

Eat your hearts out! ?

http://www.itsajeep.org/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=18977

[1fastR]

Oh, Dude. You must have not been reading my posts. They are well documented. Do a web search for JK problems.

Let's start of with the very underpowered failure prone minivan engine that gets shameful gas milage.





Hard Tops are ovens in the summer.

No oil pressure guage.

Muffler mounted in a very vulnerable spot.

Expensive adj, track bar unprotected with plastic skid plate.

Limited visibility out back window.

Engine heat through the floor.

Plastic fenders

Plastic bumpers.

Tow package does not include a tranny oil cooler.



Good reasons why you should not buy a vehicle sight unseen. Always go check out the car before you buy, include a good long test drive.

[Buckeye]

[QUOTE=jgarner74]If your JK is rated to pull 8,000 lbs you have the only one in the USA that is. The rating for a JK unlimited is 3,500 lbs, regardless of package. A two door is rated at 2,500 lbs. So, if you are expecting to two 8,000 lbs, yes, you are going to be very disappointed. Now granted I have towed about 5,000 with my JK for a short distance. Did it like it? No, but if I wanted a tow rig I would have purchased a full size truck or SUV.

Ypo're right. Combined weight 8083 lbs. Max trailer wt. 3500lbs.

[Buckeye]

Enough of the JK pity party. You bought it, and are worried about stuff that might happen. Start driving it like a rental and beat on it some - toughen it up a little, quit babying it around. Until your little minivan motor actually goes up in flames...........BE HAPPY - DONT WORRY!!!!;)

BTW: you are starting to repeat yourself... must be old age:p

Yea, I figure I'll just replace it with a Jasper. I don't know who else other than them.

[Buckeye]

Eat your hearts out! ?

http://www.itsajeep.org/vBulletin/showthread.php?t=18977

I was flush with ignorance when I made that post.:rolleyes:

[Buckeye]

Good reasons why you should not buy a vehicle sight unseen. Always go check out the car before you buy, include a good long test drive.


It was purdy! :eek: I was blinded by her good looks. :D I thought I was man enuf to handle her.....:p

[Buckeye]

I will take that crapola Rubiola off your hands since you are so despondent over it. After all, what are friends for? I know Don would never help a friend out like that!

Well, right now, Don is lucky to be able to walk. Near death's door as he tells me.