bulldog
03-24-2006, 10:47 PM
Reading the FJC magazine tonight I noticed a couple of subtle changes between the FKC and the 4Runner. Apart from the obvious difference in overall length and wheelbase there are some other touches to take note off.
The suspension is tweaked from the PRado and 4R suspensions a bit and this might explain the reason why some mags rated its on road handling less than what they did compared to the 4R in the past. However these changes will help offroad. They made the swaybars in the front and rear smaller to allow easier articulation (maybe get one of these in the future for the 4R). To avoid flaky handling they beefed up the front coils to something like 620lb/in according to the mag, for comaprison the OME coils are 590lb/in and Hoes are 650lb/in. They also increased the rear shock lenght by 10mm (1/2") for extra travel. The swaybars are the biggest deal since the other components will most likely get changed with aftermarket stuff anyhow. One thing to note will be that people need to be careful when considering spacer lifts for the front, that spring rate with the light V6 will make for a harsh ride with preload spacers.
It also seems they changed the gas tank shape a bit on the front part to sit higher and more level with the frame, till it is inline with the rear control arm bracket where they lower it for capacity. Pretty nifty, but I would have prefered it to be underneath the cargo area. This explains the 3 or so gallans less capacity.
Another nice little touch was the addition of the welded bolt areas for the factory sliders to the frame. Time will tell how well this holds up, but so far nobody seems to think it will be an issue.
What I find interesting is that the same folks that was poopooing the 4R initially, now think the FJC is the second coming. I think it is just a matter of people finally realizing what this platform is capable off.
I still would like to see the ATRAC of the FJC offroad, with the ability to turn it off they have probably calibrated it more agressively. Will only know after seeing it in action.
The suspension is tweaked from the PRado and 4R suspensions a bit and this might explain the reason why some mags rated its on road handling less than what they did compared to the 4R in the past. However these changes will help offroad. They made the swaybars in the front and rear smaller to allow easier articulation (maybe get one of these in the future for the 4R). To avoid flaky handling they beefed up the front coils to something like 620lb/in according to the mag, for comaprison the OME coils are 590lb/in and Hoes are 650lb/in. They also increased the rear shock lenght by 10mm (1/2") for extra travel. The swaybars are the biggest deal since the other components will most likely get changed with aftermarket stuff anyhow. One thing to note will be that people need to be careful when considering spacer lifts for the front, that spring rate with the light V6 will make for a harsh ride with preload spacers.
It also seems they changed the gas tank shape a bit on the front part to sit higher and more level with the frame, till it is inline with the rear control arm bracket where they lower it for capacity. Pretty nifty, but I would have prefered it to be underneath the cargo area. This explains the 3 or so gallans less capacity.
Another nice little touch was the addition of the welded bolt areas for the factory sliders to the frame. Time will tell how well this holds up, but so far nobody seems to think it will be an issue.
What I find interesting is that the same folks that was poopooing the 4R initially, now think the FJC is the second coming. I think it is just a matter of people finally realizing what this platform is capable off.
I still would like to see the ATRAC of the FJC offroad, with the ability to turn it off they have probably calibrated it more agressively. Will only know after seeing it in action.