Moderator: volvite
To answer your original question, no, there is not much difference in clearance (3/10") or anything else performance wise between the Pathfinder and 4Runner. They both have independent front and rear suspension which limits most new SUVs from being true or hardcore off-roaders. But let me assure you, it is very capable off-road. I've been in many different types of terrain and it has surprised me every time. Whether it's been going thru deep sloppy mud or a very steep climb or descent at 13000 ft in snow and slush, it has not failed me and I doubt a new 4Runner would do any better.07Finder wrote:I am very happy with my 07 'finder and I'm not into off roading on such a scale as I used to be (Or I would have bought a 4Runner, Land Cruiser or Land Rover).
But, it seems like the R51 is not designed to do any real off roading. Just after looking at many pages of posts regarding mudding and off roading, other than slopes and mud holes, it seems that not much else is tackled. I'm not bashing, beleive me, I own one (and wanted it). I am just wondering is there that much of a difference between for example a Toyota 4Runner of the same year and our R51's?
I'd like to also get input from those out there that have done the lifts and such to see whether the 4Runner/Pathfinder true off road capabilites are equaled out when this happens. (I am only using the 4Runner as an example because I had a 95 that was VERY capable off road)
I know the pics you are talking about and I had the same questions. Some people don't push their vehicle to their capabily or just don't know how to off-road. Sometimes it's not a question of what the rig can do, but what the driver can do with it. I hate that the Pathy has all that plastic on the front and rear, but the 4Runner is the same way. I'm removing that stuff as soon as I can. I just hope a rock or stump doesn't do it for me before I get the chance.07Finder wrote:Thanks for the input. To be honest I wasn't bashing the 'finder. I'm not really doubting that it's capable, it's just that all the posts I've seen with pictures of off roading on the forum here have been pretty mediocre when compared to what I've seen on other forums under the off road adventures category.
I appreciate your reply. Again, I'm not looking to be a rock jock or anything like that but... ok, I'll give you an example. The gentleman with the maroon '07 (I believe) went to a place with his buddy with a lifted Jeep Cherokee for off roading and it showed a pic of his buddy pulling up on a mound roughly 3 feet high, no steeper than a 12/12 pitch and the pic of the 'finder showed him barely on grade and he states that his front bumper would be scraping if he had went any further.
This then raised the current question posted by me on this thread. I'm thinking at the time seeing those pictures that either he was inexperienced or the Pathfinder isn't capable for more than smaller obstacles.
Also I did note that he pulled his friend out of a jam (great, I think 6k is figgin awesome for a midsized SUV for pulling ability).
That was me. One thing you have to understand is the cherokee has. 6.5in lift on 35s and he has no front bumper that hangs down or anything else at that point that would get in the way. Also the fact that he has A LOT shorter wheelbase then the pathfinder.. Due to me being at stock height/tire size.due to the angle of the mound and the fact that we pathys have a front number that hangs down pretty low imo so going head on at it I was only willing to go so far before I started to push the bumper.in and cause damage to the truck. I don't have pics of it but I was able to get it up higher going in at a slight angle. And yes im new to wheelin a truck so I only went as far as I felt comfortable. Im lifting it within the next 2-3 weeks so it should help boost my confidence and take it a little further.07Finder wrote:
I appreciate your reply. Again, I'm not looking to be a rock jock or anything like that but... ok, I'll give you an example. The gentleman with the maroon '07 (I believe) went to a place with his buddy with a lifted Jeep Cherokee for off roading and it showed a pic of his buddy pulling up on a mound roughly 3 feet high, no steeper than a 12/12 pitch and the pic of the 'finder showed him barely on grade and he states that his front bumper would be scraping if he had went any further..
Here are a couple videos that best show what the Pathy is capable of. I've had mine in similar situations, but I was not able to video it.07Finder wrote:Thanks for the input. To be honest I wasn't bashing the 'finder. I'm not really doubting that it's capable, it's just that all the posts I've seen with pictures of off roading on the forum here have been pretty mediocre when compared to what I've seen on other forums under the off road adventures category.
I appreciate your reply. Again, I'm not looking to be a rock jock or anything like that but... ok, I'll give you an example. The gentleman with the maroon '07 (I believe) went to a place with his buddy with a lifted Jeep Cherokee for off roading and it showed a pic of his buddy pulling up on a mound roughly 3 feet high, no steeper than a 12/12 pitch and the pic of the 'finder showed him barely on grade and he states that his front bumper would be scraping if he had went any further.
This then raised the current question posted by me on this thread. I'm thinking at the time seeing those pictures that either he was inexperienced or the Pathfinder isn't capable for more than smaller obstacles.
Also I did note that he pulled his friend out of a jam (great, I think 6k is figgin awesome for a midsized SUV for pulling ability).
I second this. There really is zilch in terms of difference between the two. I've been on a number of ass puckering roads, and I've only been stopped once, but that was because of lack of clearance.richardekirby wrote:To answer your original question, no, there is not much difference in clearance (3/10") or anything else performance wise between the Pathfinder and 4Runner.
Sorry, Richard, but I have to disagree. The problem is that if you have a true Baja type independent suspension, you get yourself into the non-street legal territory, although I'm sure there are still some states out there that will license anything on wheels.You just can't get very good travel with any kind of independent suspension.
I should have been more specific. I meant in terms of production vehicles. With the exception of the H1, independent suspension has been the off-road downfall of many vehicles like our Pathfinders, 4Runners, Grand Cherokees, full sized trucks, ect. It limits the amount of lift that can be gained without expensive mods and the amount of suspension travel. I have seen purpose built machines with independent suspension that had crazy amounts of travel, but nothing stock.NVSteve wrote:
Sorry, Richard, but I have to disagree. The problem is that if you have a true Baja type independent suspension, you get yourself into the non-street legal territory, although I'm sure there are still some states out there that will license anything on wheels.You just can't get very good travel with any kind of independent suspension.
Gotcha. I kind of miss being able to buy shackles, add-a-leafs, etc. for a few dollars a pop, offering up 1/2" to 10" of lift. I'm curious to see what happens with the next gen Pathfinder & Xterra (if they even have one). I fully expect the next X to have this type of articulation:richardekirby wrote: I should have been more specific. I meant in terms of production vehicles. With the exception of the H1, independent suspension has been the off-road downfall of many vehicles like our Pathfinders, 4Runners, Grand Cherokees, full sized trucks, ect. It limits the amount of lift that can be gained without expensive mods and the amount of suspension travel. I have seen purpose built machines with independent suspension that had crazy amounts of travel, but nothing stock.
If so, sign me up. That thing is insane. It pretty much makes the RTI ramp obsolete.NVSteve wrote:Gotcha. I kind of miss being able to buy shackles, add-a-leafs, etc. for a few dollars a pop, offering up 1/2" to 10" of lift. I'm curious to see what happens with the next gen Pathfinder & Xterra (if they even have one). I fully expect the next X to have this type of articulation:richardekirby wrote: I should have been more specific. I meant in terms of production vehicles. With the exception of the H1, independent suspension has been the off-road downfall of many vehicles like our Pathfinders, 4Runners, Grand Cherokees, full sized trucks, ect. It limits the amount of lift that can be gained without expensive mods and the amount of suspension travel. I have seen purpose built machines with independent suspension that had crazy amounts of travel, but nothing stock.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w_F7QrR4 ... r_embedded