What will my mpg be if I modify a LC 250 to have the ground clearance of my lifted 2014 4Runner?

[geomars]

My 4Runner is a 2014 Limited (full-time 4wd) with 2-3" Sonoran Steel lift. The clearance to the rear differential is 10". Tires are 265/70R18. Combined mpg is 19.7.

My recollection is that someone on this forum reported that the LC clearance is limited to 8.7" by the front skid plate, and that the clearance at the differential is 9.25". This means that increasing the tire diameter by 1.5" will increase clearance at the differential by the 0.75" needed to match my 4 Runner. The LC would need a front lift of ~0.5" - 0.8" added to the 0.5"-0.75" from the larger tires to increase clearance at the front skid to equal the 10" of my 4Runner.
The question for readers of this forum is what mpg can I expect on a LC 250 if tire diameter is increased to ~33.5" to 34", and the vehicle is lifted by 1-2"?

All of this is to help me decide whether to upgrade to a LC250, or to a 2025 4Runner TRD PRO, or stick with my 2014 4Runner (that has all my weekend DIY work to install the lift, hidden winch, and build drawers).

On a related issue, does anyone know how the stock LC shocks compare to the TRD PRO Fox QS3 (on pavement, off road, washboard roads)?

Thanks.

 

[RideWithYanu]

The weight of the tire will have a much larger impact on fuel efficiency than the diameter will.

 

[D-mac]

If clearance is your main priority, then the 4Runner is going to be the better choice, because you can get about 10" straight from the factory. MPGs should be about the same as your current 4Runner within a mpg or two.

 

[jenos96]

If you have money to burn you can replace the wheels with something lightweight. The OEM wheels are pretty heavy.

 

[APIOQM]

If you were getting 2 MPG over EPA in the 4Runner (impressive given the modifications), you can expect similar from the 250, so around 25 MPG. Remember, the 250 takes 91 octane, which will negate some of the improvement.

It's not all that clear to me how there would be a difference in ground clearance between the new 4Runner and 250, since they share the same frame and suspension.

 

[Browndirtcowboy]

A normal driver can expect 16-18 mpg with 34's on a land cruiser. 25 mpg is not normal. I drive all freeway to work and cruise @ 70 mph I'm lucky to get 19 on stock wheels. if I drive at 55 I can get 21.

 

[LCOceans]

Someone please correct me if I am off base here but in my mind it would seem that the MPG's will not be that impacted by a 2' lift. Maybe a fraction off for aerodynamics but not very noticeable.
The impact on mpg's would come mostly from tire weight, next width, and then diameter of tire.
To me the best way to get your clearance would be to do a 2" to 2.5" lift and then look for slightly larger tire in SL load range so the weight remains similar to stock. Something like the General Grabber AT/X at 44lbs and 33.1".
Just my thoughts.

 

[Mclaren]

-15.7 MPG currently

• 3in front, 2in rear lift
• 34” tires

 

[LCOceans]

When discussing mpg's with the land cruiser 250 I think there are so many variables that affect the fuel expenditure that it is hard to really compare from one driver to another by looking at stated MPG's on the dash. I mean I have never had a vehicle that varies so much from one day to the next driving the exact same roads. Cold weather seems to have a huge hit on the mileage.

 

[surf fishing offroader]

285/75/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers (34")
-got about 15-17 mpg

315/70/17 Toyo Open Country RT (35")
-ranged from as low as 9mpg up to about 14 mpg

285/70/17 Toyo Open Country RT (33")
-getting 18-21 mpg

All on a Westcott lift

 

[Skidaddl]

Someone please correct me if I am off base here but in my mind it would seem that the MPG's will not be that impacted by a 2' lift. Maybe a fraction off for aerodynamics but not very noticeable.
The impact on mpg's would come mostly from tire weight, next width, and then diameter of tire.
To me the best way to get your clearance would be to do a 2" to 2.5" lift and then look for slightly larger tire in SL load range so the weight remains similar to stock. Something like the General Grabber AT/X at 44lbs and 33.1".
Just my thoughts.

I would tend to agree with that. My plan is to put an SL rated 275/70/18 with +30 offset rims on for now (33.2") and see how she goes. Maybe a slight lift in the future, but maybe none at all. I suspect the fuel economy difference will be experienced mostly with the tires and new offset as opposed to a minor lift.

 

[LCOceans]

285/75/18 Nitto Ridge Grapplers (34")
-got about 15-17 mpg

315/70/17 Toyo Open Country RT (35")
-ranged from as low as 9mpg up to about 14 mpg

285/70/17 Toyo Open Country RT (33")
-getting 18-21 mpg

All on a Westcott

There you have it. A great comparison of our three favorite tire sizes and mpg's. thank you!