Techie ideas for FJ

[Ratfink1970]

a nice solid axle in the front instead of crummy ifs with a locker just like the rear

[three%hero]

Originally Posted by Blues Dawg

Low tech but nice to have would be for the rear windows to vent open

Those back windows have got to open. My passengers get angry with me. I'm trying to find a way to install hinges and what not to make them swing open like a minivan, but I know nothing about this sort of thing...

[Niner]

Originally Posted by three%hero

Those back windows have got to open. My passengers get angry with me. I'm trying to find a way to install hinges and what not to make them swing open like a minivan, but I know nothing about this sort of thing...

It would be great for the pooches in the back to get some fresh air.

[spaldam]

Originally Posted by Niner

It would be great for the pooches in the back to get some fresh air.

I agree. Poor hot doggies.

[HummerHater]

OK, I understand. Things Toyota can change or add realativly easily rather than things like SFA or a Diesel. How about relocate the Sub Woofer above the left wheel well to allow use of the compartment on the right side. Also the aforementioned forward dome light and handle above glove box.

Keep up the great work Toyota!!

[three%hero]

Originally Posted by HummerHater

How about relocate the Sub Woofer above the left wheel well to allow use of the compartment on the right side.

That's a no-brainer. How'd they miss that one?

[spaldam]

Originally Posted by three%hero

That's a no-brainer. How'd they miss that one?

The gas tank filler hose is in the way. Otherwise they could have just put an extra compartment on that side to begin with.

[makaser13]

First thing's first. Why would it be difficult for them to offer a diesel? Tehy already have one that fits in the Prado. Although I'd like to see it offered in the FJ in the US, but I'd also like to see it put out more than 145 HP. That might be tougher for them to do.

I'll second the need for more power outlets, both up front and out back. Maybe a fuse panel pre wired for add ons like lights, winch, or those extra outlets we've got to add.

Also second the forward map light.

REAL skids, not this aluminum bling garbage they try to pass off as a skid.

Rear seats that fold FLAT. It was done in the concept wasn't it? So it shoudn't be that tough to do.

rear facing cameras since the back up sensors can't work in a steel bumper that will inevitably replace the plasic POS.

Of course that brings me to steel bumpers. Why the hell did they use plasic? The wrangler still has a steel bumper, why can't the FJ?

Dual batteries/alternators.

more configurable roof rack

and of course, pop out rear windows

[URFJSUX]

I can't be the only one who gets terrible gas mileage! I only get 10 mpg (14 highway)!!! I get worse mpg than my dads chevy 2500 with a 7" lift!!!
I saw a suggestion for a turbo diesel, which I've thought of myself...
The 6 cylinder has less hp which sucks for highway, but more torque which we need for off-roading! I just think that it being 4,290 lbs (before mods: winches, bumpers, ect.) is a lil much, and a V8 could be a nice alternative!
I think maybe the new tundra motor might be a good replacement as far as daily driving, but not sure how effective it would be off-road!

ANY IDEAS?!?!?!

Rear windows really need to be bigger! less blind spots the better!
Beeping could deff be reduces!
I would like to have my back window hatch open without it saying a door is!
Auto on the passenger window would be nice!
Back seats that fold down flat instead of at an angle!
A better factory skid plate! After my first run mine was SHOT!

Also, if anyone has gotten water or mud inside you should know, the plastic interior isn't really attached to the floor board! you can pull it up! debres/water/mud gets under and is near impossible to get out! I would like it to be sealed! Especially considering all the talk about them being water proof!
It is resistant, but no where near PROOF!

[makaser13]

10 MPG!!!!!????? What the hell are you doing? I get a little better than14 on the street with 33" TOYO MTs and 3" lift and just under 19 on the highway. Are you running premium gas? When was the last time you checked your air filter?

[spaldam]

I average around 15mpg in my TRD SE, but I think it's getting a little better as I put more miles on it. I think the v6 engines is great, but I wouldn't mind a Super Charger to boost up the output a bit.

Also, there's really no such thing as a perfect seal. What really needs to be done is take out the padding, and put in some drain plugs. Of course then it'll be really noisy in the cab.

[spaldam]

Originally Posted by makaser13

First thing's first. Why would it be difficult for them to offer a diesel? Tehy already have one that fits in the Prado. Although I'd like to see it offered in the FJ in the US, but I'd also like to see it put out more than 145 HP. That might be tougher for them to do.

I'll second the need for more power outlets, both up front and out back. Maybe a fuse panel pre wired for add ons like lights, winch, or those extra outlets we've got to add.

Also second the forward map light.

REAL skids, not this aluminum bling garbage they try to pass off as a skid.

Rear seats that fold FLAT. It was done in the concept wasn't it? So it shoudn't be that tough to do.

rear facing cameras since the back up sensors can't work in a steel bumper that will inevitably replace the plasic POS.

Of course that brings me to steel bumpers. Why the hell did they use plasic? The wrangler still has a steel bumper, why can't the FJ?

Dual batteries/alternators.

more configurable roof rack

and of course, pop out rear windows

Although I too don't understand why those rear-side windows don't pop out, if they put all the rest of it in from the factory, it would add another 10K to the price and they'd have to sell it as a Lexas.

[URFJSUX]

Originally Posted by makaser13

10 MPG!!!!!????? What the hell are you doing? I get a little better than14 on the street with 33" TOYO MTs and 3" lift and just under 19 on the highway. Are you running premium gas? When was the last time you checked your air filter?

I use premium only, I've had it serviced every 5,000 miles at the dealership, and had them check everything! I can't understand why I get such terrible mpg!
But knowing that no one else is having this problem I'm even more concerned!

Toyota did do a supercharged V8 FJ with a truck conversion at sema last year! I'm not sure on all the details but it seemed to be a big hit...TRD has a supercharger that I've checked out...I just don't wanna be the first to do anything! I like learning from other people's mistakes!

[woooody]

How many miles do you get before you refuel? It sounds like you either floor it all the time, idle way too long, or you have a serious engine issue.

[spaldam]

How are you calculating your gas milage?

[TomasMas]

I had a thought. The compass/temp/inclimeter cluster, make that a optional muti-use plug-in cluster.
Offer Various vehicle computer modules, such as a backup or front end camera display (I often thought when inclined a such a degree you cant see the trail, a small camera on the front bumper would be cool.), or what about a radar detector, iPod dock, you get the idea. Design a mult-purpose locking interface and toyota could sell multiple modules. Open source the interface to encourage after-market products.

[MrMoMo]

What gives? Over 100 Posts and only SIX people wanting DIESEL!!! What is wrong with you people?? I don't have an FJC, havn't been in an FJC but of all of the things keeping me out of one is the powerplant! (and the cash!)

Lots of amazing ideas in the posts I read here, and many things for me to keep my eyes open when I do go and look at them - but really - I can't see myself buying one that is not diesel...

[utah tojo]

A diesel would be nice but not a deal breaker. Here in utah diesel fuel is 50 cents more a gallon. There is good in both engines, each has its plus and negatives. I can remember when I was in ausi land they had both diesel and petrol (gas) versions in the 40s. the diesel was great offroad but more gutless on road than the gas version. I guess it all comes down to how you will be using it and what size diesel they would even put in it.

[spaldam]

I think the V6 6-speed is awesome. I just wish the Super Charger had been available when I bought might so I could have rolled that into the deal. They should offer them as factory install options.

O, and Flex Fuel options would be cool too.

[fatback]

Flexfuel is a good idea , with the price of gas anymore I would pay 50 cents less for fuel I could use for daily driving. I would still use the premium fuel for off-road use though.

Robert

[Hutch51888h]

I know I have seen these ideas but I would like:
Power rear cargo window the vent idea is a good one
Make the windows Auto up as well as down
Dome light up front and all the way in the back
Some factory fog lights wouldn't bother me its gets hella foggy in Germany
Keep putting all the stuff in a base model so I only have to buy a switch
A Turbo Diesel
A locking compartment in the back Cargo Floor for hunting rifles

I have only had mine for a week so I am sure once I start wheelin I will find more stuff that would be nice to have

[powderpig]

It is real funny that many people can not read or did not read fully. This thread is mostly about techie ideas for the FJ. Not about a solid front axle or diesel engines. The solid front axle is not going to happen unless it is after market(unless toyota changes some of it safety ideas). Diesel may come, but is not really a techie idea. Stuff about the windows not popping out , more electrical power ports, rear camera options, are great and helpful. If you want to rant about Diesel and SFA, make another thread.
Keep the great Techie ideas coming. I know they read this and other threads(they employ some people to read all the internet action on all the Toyota products). Now where they want to do some of the stuff is up to the marketing and other design staff. later robbie

[fj40nutts]

Two months into owning my Fj and for the most part happy...I love the retro styling and the modern conviences. The power is adequate and it handles great. One big bummer is the driver conveiniences, only 1 power point..come on?? only one 12v outlet up front. With all the 12v gadgets we have in our rigs..cell phones, I pods, navigation, cb's ect..come on toyota give us more power !...one that is allways hot for charging when the key is off would be nice. Also the 110 converter is great, but could we have an outlet near the drivers compartment. Sometimes we need to charge our lap tops while watching a dvd up front (he he)...Also the passanger windows need to vent somehow, I have dogs and no way to get air in the back without opening up dr or pass windows, its a pretty weak design for the pupps. I tried running with the back window popped but it gets fumes inside at slow speeds on the trail. Seatbelt beeper is definatly annoying, esp when my dog sets the passenger side off with every bump! (I know you can do a trick with the odo to turn it off but it would be nice to just have a switch.)
Inside lighting weak in front of cab, how about a light on dash or at the mirror. I cant find things at night!.. These are small issues to a really great machine, overall I am pissing myself happy with the thing, but its our nature to improve right...Oh yes can we make top removable and the winshield fold down please! Love my 40 for that!

[utah tojo]

I like the Fj being basic. It gives you the chance to personalize it the way you want so that it can be different than every Tom Dick and Harry. Keep the cost low and add what you want to. It seems that our nature to improve has changed to our nature to whine. I'm whining right now because I don't have one yet. Congrats on your new rig. I'm jealous.

[DonC]

Please! Part time 4wd with the manual 6-sp. !!

And unlockable front hubs too. We really need to maximize over the road MPG and minimize drivetrain wear.

thanks!

DC