FJ Cruisers of Northern California

New FJ, new to wheeling

Hi everyone,

Just wanted to say hi and introduce myself. I had been nagging my wife for a new FJ for a long time and she finally let me buy a 2012 TT a couple of weeks ago for my birthday. I told her it would be our family adventure vehicle. Have been watching lots of you tube videos lately with my kids and we can't wait to try some to those stuff we see. Of course, no extreme off-roading just yet. I'm still trying to figure when I will use Atrac, R diff lock and the works. I'm trying to see also where I can sign up for some instructions on off-roading.

I've always wanted to try to go off-roading in the past but never had a vehicle as capable as this. Currently trying to research and buy recovery gear for now before we start venturing out. I'll probably stay as close to stock as possible, but will most likely get some upgraded skids. Have to get approval from the "moneyger" first.

We're here in the peninsula-South SF. I hope to be able to meet up and join you on some trail runs in the future.

One question I have for you guys and gals, do I have to wait for break-in before I take it off-road? Still only have about 400 miles so far.

Thanks,

Mike

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Permalink Reply by Ross Woody on March 11, 2012 at 3:19pm

Also, on the tires. In all seriousness, I loved my BFGs that came on my TRD. They worked well in both mud and slickrock (Moab). I ran them for about 35 - 40,000 miles, and only switched them when my truck needed tires, so that I could upgrade to the KM2s.

You may also want to consider buying a Hi-Lift (cast, not stamped, about $75). It can act as a winch to get you unstuck. It's a very versatile item to carry, There are clamps made so that you can carry it on the side of the roof rack.

Good luck. Really love the new color!

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Permalink Reply by RJAMSOIL on March 12, 2012 at 8:20pm

Welcome! make sure to watch the events page for upcoming get togethers, beer nights trail runs etc. Love the color!

i wouldnt worry about the breaking just take it easy the first time out if you want to be safe then wait till after the first oil change. but like previous stated there isnt any real "break in period" in the manual again welcome watch the events page for get togethers and see you on the trails!!

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Permalink Reply by FJ luvr on March 12, 2012 at 11:21pm

Thanks. Can't wait to join in on the fun!

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Permalink Reply by Robo on March 12, 2012 at 9:56pm

Welcome to the site! Can't wait to see what pinstripes look like on the side of that adventure vehicle!!! I'd expect there to be a somewhat local run in the coming weeks. Keep your eyes peeled and see you out there!

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Permalink Reply by FJ luvr on March 12, 2012 at 11:23pm

Pinstripes...No! I'll have my wife drive so I can clear the brush up ahead.

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Permalink Reply by Blowtorch Betty on March 13, 2012 at 1:16pm

Welcome to the group! Yes, hard to stomach that your gleaming red rig will eventually be pinstriped. Although I bought mine used, the paint was still immaculate - looked like it had been stored in a garage under a car cover by the previous owner. Five weeks after I bought it, I pinstriped the side a little bit and cringed just thinking about it for the next couple of months. Then, a few months after that, I REALLY got the right side - front to back, top to bottom, door trim, side mirror and everything. Then, I decided that that's the price of fun, and that my Black Cherry ain't gonna be pretty, it's gonna be mean!

As for a "how-to" - I was in your situation last fall, and went to the Safety Clinic put on by Esprit de Four (based in San Jose) down in Hollister Hills. I had never driven in 4WD in my life. I thought the clinic was extremely helpful, and I learned a lot that has been very useful to me in my subsequent adventures. There is a classroom session, hi lift jack and winch demos, hands-on driving in the obstacle courses with tons of spotters, and finally a couple of trail runs in small groups. There is no pressure to do anything you are not comfortable doing. They group the newbies together, and they tend to put Toyotas with a Toyota-driving trail group leader (a majority of the trucks in Esprit de Four are Jeeps). I think the next Safety Clinic is in May, and there may be others new to NorCal who are going. Watch your spotters and you'll do well.

Enjoy breakin' in (but not breaking) the FJ!

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Permalink Reply by Aeon on March 13, 2012 at 1:59pm

I'm signed up for the May safety clinic, so maybe I'll see some newcomers there. :)

Like Betty says, don't be afraid to get that paint messed up! I've got a 2012 that's already pinstriiped! It's gonna happen! The sooner it starts the sooner you won't have to worry about it. ;) hehe

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Permalink Reply by Robo on March 13, 2012 at 2:39pm

You were on good spirits after yours Aeon. Pretty nasty ones too.

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Permalink Reply by Blowtorch Betty on March 13, 2012 at 3:09pm

It's a badge, not a blemish! :-D

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Permalink Reply by SJFJ 4x4 on March 22, 2012 at 2:16pm

Oh, nice! I'm signing up for the safety clinic, too. I'll probably see you there then.

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Permalink Reply by himynameismark on March 22, 2012 at 2:42pm

im signed up for may 19th too!

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Permalink Reply by FJ luvr on March 13, 2012 at 9:06pm

Thanks for the heads up. Will definitely check out the next clinic. I could probably stomach the pinstripe, just don't want the wife to get too upset.