FJ Frame

Peanut · 10-12-2006, 05:01 AM

I was under the FJ today looking at how stuff was set up and I noticed the frame does not seem as sturdy as my past vehicles. I have never seen a frame welded in sections all along the top and in some cases around top to bottom in no clear order. It almost looks like they had a bunch of left over metal and made a frame out of it. Is you frame like this??

CACressida · 10-12-2006, 05:03 AM

Take the peanut out of your head and put a brain in place of it. This is an extremely sturdy fully boxed frame. The FJ has one of the best frames in the world in a 4x4.

Peanut · 10-12-2006, 06:29 AM

So is your frame welded together like it was made of spare metal? Have you ever really looked at it?

NECruiser · 10-12-2006, 06:35 AM

Go here and learn about the Prado frame, less chance of you getting flamed for your comments.

Toyota.com : Vehicles : FJ Cruiser : Bulletin

**1911** · 10-12-2006, 06:46 AM

The FJC frame is nothing like my FJ80 frame for heft and weight, but if it was then the gas mileage would be more like the FJ80 too.

I've never seen a Prado in the flesh, but if you crawl under a new Taco pickup at the dealer that frame looks amazingly familiar.

superdafe · 10-12-2006, 09:21 AM

I think peanut may be thinking of the old detriot frames which essentially looked like an extrusion with holes drilled in it for mounting body panels.

KSKONDOT · 10-12-2006, 09:45 AM

I've been under it with a fabricator who has done a ton of experience with jeeps and even big rigs. He was very impressed with the way it was put together, and how thick the frame was. Just an opinon but one I put a lot of faith in.

MudHunter · 10-12-2006, 10:14 AM

I am in construction so I can say this...

As with anything else...things evolve and building techniques are constantly changing to acheive better performance, economy, and strength. This can also apply to vehicle manufacturing since all these area apply to it as well. Ever heard of do more with less?? It may visually look weaker since its not as thick...and be constructed differently than older models...but it is a superior frame.

Just get out and watch the Trail team guys take their stock FJ's unimaginable places...you wont have any more issues with the frame!

Thai · 10-12-2006, 12:25 PM

Quote:

1911 previously said:

The FJC frame is nothing like my FJ80 frame for heft and weight, but if it was then the gas mileage would be more like the FJ80 too.

I would bet that FJC's frame is stronger than your FJ80 frame. FJ80 frame was OK in it's time, but it did not set any strength record...it was inferior to Range Rover's frame at the time (early and mid 1990's). This was why Toyota made sure that the TLC100 frame (debut in 1998) was significantly stronger (something on the order of like 50% or more torsionally rigid than FJ80 frame). Among the mass produced SUV in late 1990's, the TLC100 frame was the strongest (according to Toyota) with RR's frame (before they went to unibody) being second.

FJ's frame comes from Prado, which is a version of the 4runner/GX frame. The frame made it's debut in 2003 with the 4runner/Prado. I am sure that this new frame is probably as strong or stronger than the older Toyota frames.

The current Tacoma frame is based on the Prado...BUT, Tacoma frame is NOT fully-boxed like 4runner/GX/FJC/Prado.