Off-road Test

I found this very interesting video of heavy off-road test for Land Cruiser 250. All off-road control features are excellent.

• It would be better with a bit higher clearance. Probably 2” lifted kit (Fully lifted suspension. Not spacer or preload stuffs) and AT 35” tires
• Rock slider and full skid plates are must.
• Spare Tire carrier to help the clearance
• Extra protection (Not a must. Damn Heavy penalty): Front Bumper+Bush Guard, Rear bumper



I chose LCFE over GX550 trail plus because of its off-road features standing out with sway bar disconnect, approach angles, etc.
I want the vehicle can go “every where / Land Cruiser” than just “city cruise”
I guess “many” of us had same reasons

That's a great video that shows exactly what I found about the LC vs the 4Runner I spent 9 years in: the LC always keeps the tires on the ground! And the difference is not small. The 250's stock suspension articulation surprised even this guy, the Aussie King of Offroading; I think that says something, despite the achilles heel being the ground clearance.

I personally will strive to retain that ground clearance by not lifting my vehicle, regardless of whether or not it would look better lifted (it would, admittedly). I'd planned on replacing the OEM shocks once there are some choices, but the stock ride is a welcome change from the TRD Pro suspension that was on my 4Runner; the softer ride of the LC is a bit worse on-road, but much better off-road. I think I'll wear them out and then search for a similar after-market ride.

For those currently buying this vehicle and immediately considering lifting it, I'd suggest using the vehicle first, and then assess whether you want to potentially degrade the offroad performance of the vehicle in pursuit of 'looks'. So many are quickly installing the Westcott puck lift and saying it drives identically (on-road, it might), and yet no one that I've found have measured whether or not it affects suspension articulation, the LC's notable offroad trait. I'd bet a dime to a donut it does, despite the marketing-speak selling these $500 chunks of metal like hotcakes.

If anyone has measured the flex of their LC after lifting, I'd love to see their results compared to stock.

Agreed.
With stock high clearance, you can do most light and medium off-road trails.
If need lifted, has to go with professional fully lift kit
No preload collar or spacer for me on this “expensive” rig

Excellent video. Clearance clearance.

LCOceans said:

Excellent video. Clearance clearance.

Click to expand...

For full / professional lifted kit, this is the best I found so far. That is the one worthy for our $ to spend with the optimum results or just keep the stock suspension.
Your opinions ?

t3lcfe said:

I found this very interesting video of heavy off-road test for Land Cruiser 250. All off-road control features are excellent.

• It would be better with a bit higher clearance. Probably 2” lifted kit (Fully lifted suspension. Not spacer or preload stuffs) and AT 35” tires
• Rock slider and full skid plates are must.
• Spare Tire carrier to help the clearance
• Extra protection (Not a must. Damn Heavy penalty): Front Bumper+Bush Guard, Rear bumper



I chose LCFE over GX550 trail plus because of its off-road features standing out with sway bar disconnect, approach angles, etc.
I want the vehicle can go “every where / Land Cruiser” than just “city cruise”
I guess “many” of us had same reasons

Click to expand...

Following up the 1st video of heavy off-road test, here is another one about LC 250.
My next modification/upgrade for my off-road use is higher clearance with Total Chaos UCA+King shocks and 2.5” springs lifted.
Today I just went to Annual King Shocks Toy Drive 2024 in Garden Grove to talk to vendors and check out that lifted kit installed in shown GX550. (See the photos)