FJ Cruisers of Northern California

Getting Started Off Road

Hi All,

I'm Michael, and am new to this site as well as to off roading. I purchased an FJ Cruiser in late 2009 but have never really done any off roading with it, accept on some dirt roads near my home, so I have some questions:

1) What's the best way to start learning how to go off road? I know, the best way to learn is by doing~but what are some good tracks for beginners? Are there any pointers for newby's? Any good material re the various instruments and stuff on my FJ (the owners manual is somewhat vague)?

2) What modifications are essential, if any, to go off road? I don't have a huge budget to do lots of modifications but know some may be necessary.

3) I'm in need of new tires. Any recommendations? I'm considering BF Goodrich All Terrain or Rough Terrain.

Thanks for your help.

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Replies to This Discussion

Permalink Reply by Sonof40 on January 19, 2011 at 5:36pm

Whereas I am the most bad-ass terror in the group.

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Permalink Reply by Estysalinas on January 19, 2011 at 6:19pm

I'm thinking i'm a tie for first if not a very close second!

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Permalink Reply by magicthechemist on January 19, 2011 at 6:36pm

! yeah, right.

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Permalink Reply by MoHillFJ on January 22, 2011 at 10:41am

I plan to come out the 29th. Thx for the invite :)

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Permalink Reply by 5AND5TORM on January 19, 2011 at 3:25pm

Welcome Michael,

The best way to learn is to go out w/ a small group of experienced wheeler. People are always willing to do a ride along to give you pointers. You are close to Hollister Hills SVRA, that is where most of us cut our teeth after purchasing our FJs.

Practice running over small rocks when on a dirt road/trail, this will teach you where your tires are. Practice left foot breaking when in rocks--very important to know when wheeling stock (not lifted).

No mods needed if you do not plan to do anything too tough. I wheeled mine stock for about a year and was able to go everywhere people w/ mods went.

Can't go wrong w/ BFG, but gotta say I love my M/T Baja ATZs more everyday.

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Permalink Reply by MoHillFJ on January 22, 2011 at 10:44am

Great advise. Thx. This is practical stuff.

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Permalink Reply by Lance on January 19, 2011 at 5:37pm

being a newb myself I can agree with everything people have said here. Spend time with these guys and listen. Ask questions. Go to hollister (with someone who knows makes for a better learning experience).

I would (and did) get skids and rock rails as soon as you can afford them. The protection under the fj is not quite what you would want.

I was amazed the first time I took it out stock.

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Permalink Reply by PBn'FJ on January 19, 2011 at 10:33pm

Very good advice from Esty and others. The FJC is very capable stock. Come out to a trail run and follow along. Folks here are very understanding of newer members, will explain, spot you through obstacles and offer advice along the way. After doing a few runs, you will see if this is for you and what mods you'd like to try. Name of the game is to enjoy the outdoors and have some fun.

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Permalink Reply by Boss73 on January 20, 2011 at 6:42am

Yes it is !!

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Permalink Reply by Matt on January 20, 2011 at 8:21am

Good to hear that everyone here is sympathetic to newbies. I have a little off road experience as I have run some hollister trails before in my lifted diesel. My stock tires are the highway types and will have to switch those to some AT's when I get the chance but for now I have what I have. Been looking at some cheap mods as well, interesting how I find ways to empty my wallet instead of putting money in it.

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Permalink Reply by A.J.Cruiser on January 22, 2011 at 3:28pm

Hey Matt as everyone been mentioning and they mean it is the FJ is capable off-roading bone stock...Trust me I didn't think it was possible at first. But I went the second week I got my FJ with slick tires(highway tires). You'll do fine

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Permalink Reply by CV Kurt on January 23, 2011 at 7:17am

My suggestion would be to just go out with some fellow FJ'ers or 'Yota'ers... you immediately start learning, you'll figure out what mods are actually essential, and what tires are best for the kind of travels you intend (AT are good all round choice). No need to rush into anything, the FJ is well capable "as is"...

If I was going to recommend anything as 'essential' for off-roading, I suggest a snatch strap, a couple of shackles (D-rings), and a friend's vehicle to attach it them to.

I also highly recommend getting your ham license and a 2m radio. (CB sucks)

I've been out a few times now with the Battle Born Cruisers (of Reno). Still quite stock (mine came with ATs). I have yet to need a recovery. Almost got stuck yesterday when I hit a mud pit not realizing I was still in 2Hi (after a stretch of fast dirt roading). Fortunately I was able to shift into 4Hi half way through and barely pull myself through. Ended up turning around as one vehicle (a Jeep wagon) didn't have a water tight rear end (it was the guys stock DD, his 'yota was in the shop).