When is a vehicle too big for off-roading?

We compared my 4r with standard travel shocks against his. He still had a little bit to go before a tire would lift. I was lifting my rear tire a little over half way up that pile.

Jeeps have enough articulation to
make things get weird at the limit. The body is much more level while the whole system is close to tipping. One wrong move flexed out, and you get flipped way faster than expected! I guess the same applies to 4runners, but the body angle at least gives a you more of a hint as to what might happen.

 

Not to do a jeep thread jack, but I was actually having trouble finding helpful jeep forums. Most I found in searching seemed to have no responses to technical questions. Anybody have any good recommendations?

 

Was down at Thanksgiving with the family this week and a member had bought a bronco raptor that had 37s on it. Everyone was oohing and aahing over it because it's rare in their area. There is one in our neighborhood and I've been behind it on the way home - looked like a granddaddy long legs to me because it is ridiculously wide.

Not gonna lie, a little jealous they had 37s (from factory?) and I can barely cram 33s without serious mods. But the 33s get me everywhere I want to go so far and I have reliability and peace of mind.

Can't imagine it actually fits on any mountain trails - seems more of an open area rig like the desert or other places out west

 

37s on an IFS doesn't mean anything in my book. If I had to go that big, I would go Jeep.

 

Doesn't Ford market the Bronco Raptor as a desert runner like the F-150 Raptor?

Either way, it's overkill. If I spent that kind of money, I wouldn't wanna desert run it and risk crashing it. But yes in mountain off-roads, this monstrosity is way overkill and you'd probably have to change those plastic fender flares constantly. It's a cool truck, but meh I wouldn't spend that kinda money. I'd rather get 2 4Runners at that point

I wonder how reliable it will be long-term tho

 

Jeeps are overdone in the area. I'd be surprised if it actually goes offroad. I was happy that they were happy and kept my thoughts to myself because... we were there for family

 

Hate to ask, but wtf do they do to afford such a monstrosity??? I might need to change careers.

 

If I had 80k to spend, I am rebuilding a TJ, with a diesel engine and 44s.

 

There are no east coast deserts. You could almost make the argument for mud but we are mountain people (east coast mountains, the rockies would disagree).

Have no idea what they paid because it probably would have annoyed me - I know they are rare in the area so can't be cheap. As I get older, spending money on vehicles becomes more childish (he says with modded 4runner).

I haven't visited the forums but seems the broncos have leaks and engine issues. 37s probably don't help that turbo.

I'm still split between childish grin myself and practical disappointment finger wagging

 

Don't know for sure but can tell you what it was like growing up in the deep south. Some of the kids with nice trucks in high school lived in trailers and their parents drove mercs - everyone has different priorities

 

TJ with Cummins I4

 

Ok I'm about to sell my house and live in a trailer

 

4Runner on 37s. I wouldn't do that. Stop destroying your bulletproof truck, get a cheap Jeep, a trail toy.

 

Exactly!

I always say I'm keeping my 4Runner stock. I just ordered TRD Pro wheels and will get Wescott Designs rock sliders.

I hope to get an ATV soon, not sure about SxS since everyone hates the owners because they tend to be obnoxious alcoholics.

 

Not exactly. But, I found Tacomaworld by googling questions about my Taco. Just think, if that thing didn't turn into a kazoo in a crosswind on the freeway, I might not have wound up over there.

Maybe Google some specific questions and see if a particular forum keeps popping up.

I saw one recently and thought it looked ridiculous. You're probably correct in guessing that it won't see much off-road action.

Says the guy already on 34's a couple of months in.

I'd probably import a 70 series, or build an old Willy's or something. Maybe both.

 

Even 34s are too much for this truck. My mpg went down the toilet. It drives and handles perfectly fine though

 

Bronco Raptor? Nah, I would get this and spend $35k on mods

 

How much cutting did you do?

 

34s didn't help my flex

 

Suprisingly very little

 

Whatever you do go diesel. A 70 LC with a 6.7L Cummins would be sick

 

It'll be fine with a regear. And, taking a sledge hammer to the firewall. And a body mount relocation or chop. And some other stuff.

 

70 LC, 6.7L Cummins and 6 spd Aisin transmission

 

Mostly the front wheel wells?

 

I'm not saying my family is trailer trash - pretty sure their house has a foundation. But keeping up with the Jones's in vehicles is pretty common. Funny to see the mercs and nice vehicles parked in dirt driveways in front of a trailer. Completely different perception when dropping the kids off at school.

I just don't see how the Bronco raptor fits east coast other than "hey, look at what I have".

Have an uncle who had throw away money and got the f150 raptor and found out quick it doesn't work well in his area

 

The 5.9 would be better. But, either one of those would be massive overkill. No reason for it.

I'd probably go for a supercharged 1FZ, so I don't have to smell diesel smoke.

 

Yeah. Zero rubbing, even at full flex

 

That's hard to believe. I looked into fitting 34's and changed my mind because of the work others have had to do. Even with 295/70/17, my tires hit the firewall on a good bounce.

 

This shops knows their shit

 

I kinda get it. I'd rather live somewhere modest and have a nice vehicle. With the amount of travelling I do, it's just more of a priority for me. When I retire, I hope to own a boat that's nicer than my home.