Four Wheeling is Becky's and my main hobby. Riding these trails in such a nice and reliable vehicle as a Toyota Land Cruiser offers us an experience second-to-none. Both Cruisers are amazingly capable and can traverse the toughest terrain and with relative ease. Combine the safety of a long wheelbase, a suspension lift, 35-inch tires, and front and rear locking differentials and you've got vehicles that easily complete 4+ rated trails (1-5 scale).

Our '93 FZJ80 and '97 Lexus LX450 (clones) have the edge off-road over our 2001 UZJ100. The '93/'97 have a solid front axle whereas the '01 is IFS. The majority of 4-wheelers out there say the 100-series IFS Cruiser is way behind the SFA 80-series ('91-'97), though few have ever off-roaded one of the new IFS models. From my experience, wheeling both on identical trails, the IFS model gives up very little to the live axle model especially since I've completed the long-travel shock mod on the 2001. Both can basically traverse the same obstacles and successfully.
The main reason that the new IFS 100-series model takes a backseat to the 80-series off-road is in it's larger overall size. It is larger (both longer and wider) and that usually is what limits it's capability over the older Cruiser. Though the places this comes into play are rare, there are some obstacles better suited to the older '93/'97.

In every other way, the newer model (100-series) is notably improved over the older models. Ride quality, larger and more powerful engine (V8 vs a 6), braking, solidity, technology (traction control, skid control, electric brake booster, etc) and internal comfort are all bettered by the 100-series model.

Both trucks are also featured on our good friend's website, Scott and Stephanie Brady from Expeditions West at: http://www.expeditionswest.com/vehicles/adventurepartners/index.html