NorCal FJs

FJ Cruisers of Northern California

So my '13 FJ is still about 3-4 weeks out but i already have a mod list i will be doing pretty much right off the bat and i am seeking opinions and advice. I am getting the offroad and convenience package. 

Usage plans include general trails,some desert, ohv parks and occasional snow and sand no serious rock crawling yet though. 

I am pretty much a newb to offroading with the exception of some stock fun at hollister,tahoe and panoche hills area in my 2000 tacoma and 2001 xterra over a decade ago.

 i will have approx $6g to play with.So here's my current list

Suspension:

Metaltech/icon long travel kit with

  • 58645/58647 - Icon 2.5 Extended Travel Coilovers
  • MT-GSJ-4175 - Metal Tech Long Travel Rear Suspension Kit
  • MT-GSJ-4025 - Metal Tech 4x4 Offset Lower Links

And front  UCA's (undecided on weather to go with TC or Icon on these)

Skids and sliders:

Budbuilt  4 piece skids with rear diff skid

Budbuilt  sliders (undecided between HREW standard or throw in the extra $150 for the DOM HD sliders)

Wheels and tires:

I plan on going 16in have not decided weather to go steel or alloy (looking at black rock yumas)

Tires 285/75r16 either Goodyear duratrac's or  MT/R K's (not sure if i really need the MT on an allrounder but the sure look the part!)

Misc items:

Hilift 48in,liftemate & jack mate (Plan on interior mounting of tools using qucik fists etc. no plans for roof rack at this time)

ARB snatch,extension,snatch block (for planned winch) ,tree saver and 4 D shackles

Tow hitch d ring adapter block

Some 3/8in chain

Shovel,axe,bow saw(All probably fiskars)

TRD  air filter

Fire extinguisher 

 I Already have a tool kit  and basic first aid kit that ride with me.

Radio gear:

Kenwood D710a  2m/440 and a Uniden 680 or 980SSB CB 

Larsen 2m/440 antenna NMO roof mount and Firestick on Boztec mount.

And that pretty much wipes out  $6,000 + radios

A few months down the road once i can save up another 2-$2500 i plan on an expo one front bumper,warn  M8000 and 2 KC slim lights.

Any input would be appreciated! Thanks

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No, 33's will not rub on the rear mud flaps. The wheel wells on the FJC are pretty big and fit tires better than the 4runners. 

On the topic of the mud flaps do you guys remove them(or is it a good idea)  to avoid snagging,dragging or ripping them off at all? 

I've noticed most of us have them removed. I personally think the FJ looks better without them (I kept mine on as a courtesy to drivers behind me, but decided to remove them anyways).

Thanks,That's what i figured. 

33's will fit on stock suspension but will likely rub the body mount at full lock. 

MT's look cool but are noisy and heavy. The weight of a large MT will destroy your gas mileage. Several guys on here have stock rims with highway tires on them for daily driving. Also, in general MT's suck in the snow so I'd look at all terrains or a hybrid like the Duratrac if you go to the Sierras during the winter. 

You also need to keep an eye on the weight of the truck. You are adding alot of armor, tools, and recovery gear. The weight will slow you down and again, impact your MPG. I am not questioning your choices just giving you something to consider. I know that a few guys have aluminum skids for weight savings since they are not doing much rock crawling. I had bud built's on my FJC but only installed them for harder trails. 

Best advice I have is to keep asking questions and check out others trucks at meet and greets or trail runs. Finding someone who does the types of trails you do and learn from their gear choices can save you money and headaches. 

Good luck with your build!

Thanks for the reply.

Yeah am am aware of possible rub on the body mount just curious about other areas.. As for the AT vs MT  The Duratracs are my first choice and will be what i go with although i have talked to several guys i have seen running MT/R's on jeeps around here and got positive reviews for local dry terrain but the Duratracs will more than do for my use and the MT's are overkill for me.

As for MPG or performance the FJ will not be a DD so at this point added weight from that respect does not matter to me and hey added weight down low could be somewhat of a good thing

If you get the bumper, you should get the suspension. Those bumpers are heavy and will cause the front to sag a bit. And if you will have 33's then you will definitely rub with the added sag.

I never planned to do the bumper until after i do suspension . But thanks for the Tip!

So here is my updated list

Skids and sliders:

Budbuilt  4 piece skids with rear diff skid

Budbuilt  sliders DOM HD

Wheels and tires:

285/75R16 Duratracs (these are E rated but from what i have read still air down quite nicely and i like the thicker sidewall for puncture resistance) on 16x8 alloy or steels wheels

Misc items:

Hilift 48in,liftemate & jack mate 

ARB snatch,extension,snatch block (for planned winch) ,tree saver and 4 D shackles

Tow hitch d ring adapter block

Some 3/8in chain

Shovel,axe,bow saw(All probably fiskars)

TRD drop in air filter

Fire extinguisher 

 I Already have a tool kit  and basic first aid kit that ride with me.

Radio gear:

Kenwood D710a  2m/440 and a Uniden 680 CB 

Larsen 2m/440 antenna NMO roof mount and Firestick on Boztec mount.

You should get the BozTec diff skid instead :-)

Yes,Yes i should more coverage and a local company.

Skip the chain, straps are much safer.

With a bumper & skids your front end will be noticeably lowered. That is about 300 lbs of steel. I put my Expo 1 bumper on the front before my suspension and wished I had not. The alignment will be off and you will be more likely hit something on a trail with less clearance. Don't ask how I know!

Just my $0.02 again.

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