Techie ideas for FJ

[wa97fzj80]

As I look for more excuses to trade in my fiancee's Camry (NOT my 80!) on a Sandstorm FJC, some of the practical things that help me hold back at this point are:

VISIBILITY: Specifically, first and foremost that hugemongous D (or whatever letter it is) pillar! Don't see what the point is - it's not retro IMO, and the practical complaints about it have surely piled up to the point where I would hope they'll fix this ASAP. I have some hope after seeing the convertible concept from SEMA 07; while a soft top, it didn't try to mimic the pillar so hopefully they'll also fix it on the hard top. I think the truck would just look better (maybe even more retro) as well.

FRONT SEAT BELT: Attaching to the suicide door is SO impractical; again, WHY?!? Shouldn't be too hard - Ford pulled it off on my 2000 F-150.

SUICIDE DOOR ENTRY: Just add an exterior handle for easy access without opening the front door, a la the suicide doors on the old Tundra.

OPERATIONAL REAR WINDOWS: I'd vote for manual sliding rear quarter windows (80-series) and/or roll-down suicide door window (also vote for the power up/down rear window), but anything to allow some ventilation back there would be appreciated.

LARGER TIRES: A 33" factory tire option would be awesome, but at least allow for reasonable upsizing without having to mess with frame components, etc. Also a la Land Cruiser, would be nice to easily fit 33" without a lift if you're not going to be hitting the trails hard.

FENDER/ENGINE BAY BULGE: This and any other quality/durability issue that's come up needs to be fixed yesterday - it's a Toyota!

Those are probably the issues that, if addressed, would likely make it near impossible for me to resist any longer. Other realistic things I'd love to see (many or most already brought up here or elsewhere) are:

FULL-TIME 4WD OPTION WITH AUTO TRANS
2ND GEAR START OPTION WITH AUTO TRANS
BEEFIER REAR DIFF - Full floater preferably
GRAB HANDLES - Passenger glove box, rear passengers
SIDE-ROUTED EXHAUST
SUNROOF
REAR SEATS FOLD FLAT
CONTROL ARMS - strength & location
STRONGER (STEEL!) & MORE FACTORY SKID PLATES
WIDER FACTORY ROCK RAILS - more side (door) protection vs. just rockers
SPARE TIRE MOUNTED TO BUMPER/FRAME (NOT BODY/SWING GATE)
GEAR-DRIVEN T-CASE - Throw in a timing chain (vs. belt) while you're at it...
LOWER T-CASE GEAR RATIO OPTION - Both ~2.5: AND 4:1, not one or the other.
FACTORY FRONT LOCKER - Nice-to-have, though it sounds like ATRAC helps make up for lack of it.
4.7L V8 AND/OR DIESEL OPTION - Probably unrealistic, but since it's the Prado/4Runner platform...also wouldn't mind seeing Toyota bring back an indestructible inline 6.
'GRANNY' (5:1 OR LOWER) 1ST GEAR OPTION (MANUAL TRANS) - Already at (a respectable) 4:1...why not?
MORE FJ40 COLOR OPTIONS - Freeborn Red, Mustard, Olive, etc.
TT SE BLACKOUT TREATMENT - Standard color scheme option

LISTEN TO THE TRAIL TEAMS - And the rest of us...especially when it's very practical and realistic feedback!

[Niner]

Originally Posted by wa97fzj80

SIDE-ROUTED EXHAUST

This Option is available with the TRD exhaust.

[IBFJC]

Grab handles for getting to back seats...power back window...back side windows that open...side exhaust exit...read wind deflector...the back gets incredibly dirty...

[Woodeye]

How about making the engine idle spdde lower. AND putting in a lower reverse gear? Mine backs up WAY too fast! It's got to be hard on the clutch, having to keep slipping it to keep from "launching" the car backward into aparking spot or out of the garage.

Woodeye

[ckline]

I installed the TRD CAI last night. I reconnected the battery, reset the clock and turned the seatbelt alarm off. The compass is kicking my a though. Its flashing, and wont stop. I have followed the manual and forum advise. Drivin in about 25 circles in both directions. Started and turned off and restarted my truck and it wont stop flashing. Everytime I try I get the error message. I have tried in a few different places to reset it. ANY SUGGESTIONS AT ALL BEFORE THIS DRIVES ME EVEN MORE CRAZY!! thanks.

[Blues Dawg]

Originally Posted by ckline

I installed the TRD CAI last night. I reconnected the battery, reset the clock and turned the seatbelt alarm off. The compass is kicking my a though. Its flashing, and wont stop. I have followed the manual and forum advise. Drivin in about 25 circles in both directions. Started and turned off and restarted my truck and it wont stop flashing. Everytime I try I get the error message. I have tried in a few different places to reset it. ANY SUGGESTIONS AT ALL BEFORE THIS DRIVES ME EVEN MORE CRAZY!! thanks.

I haven't recalibrated my compass in a while, but I believe it is in the button pushing time - you hold the button 10 seconds and then do your circles at 5 mph or so for a minute?

[ckline]

Originally Posted by Blues Dawg

I haven't recalibrated my compass in a while, but I believe it is in the button pushing time - you hold the button 10 seconds and then do your circles at 5 mph or so for a minute?

Thanks Blues Dawg. I had tried that a number of times, and had no problems in the past doing it. My service guy sent me PDF with instruction from the Tech manual, which had me do the same thing. NO LUCK at all. He told me to come up there and he would fix it in 10 seconds...I laughed!! but I do know him. After about 15-20 minutes he tried another trick, I didn't see in the manual. Its a 4 point turn. Stop your truck, press the normal buttons until the lines go in circle on your dash then pull forward straight, back up hard left, pull forward straight, back up hard left and so on until you have complete 360 degrees. That worked!! So if any of you are having trouble using the 360 turn, or just using your zone #...try the 4 point turn.

[UTFJFAN]

How about better stock tires like michelin. stronger ends on the frontbumper. The first day I had it a friend almost riped one off. blindspot mirror and maybe a little taller windshield to see the red go green. Last a Diesel or hybrid or natural gas something for better fuel economy. otherwise I love the dam thing

[Brock]

Originally Posted by UTFJFAN

How about better stock tires like michelin. stronger ends on the frontbumper. The first day I had it a friend almost riped one off. blindspot mirror and maybe a little taller windshield to see the red go green. Last a Diesel or hybrid or natural gas something for better fuel economy. otherwise I love the dam thing

some vehicles are not meant to be everything to everyone....and their shortcomings or attitude is what makes them different. The old Jeeps and FJs were hot in summer...cold in winter...noisy as hell....would make your kidneys bleed. the new FJ has blinds spots but learn how to setup and use your mirrors correctly and you wont have an issue.....cant see out back then follow the rule the RV drivers and big rig drivers follow....never back further than 2 feet unless there is no other way out....i drove one for years and if you always look for way you can usually find a way to keep from backing. if in doubt...use a spotter. windshield not tall enough....I am 6'2" and not had that problem yet then again I have seat setting all the way down as far as it can go in the adjustable seats. To me these things are all part of the feel and flavor of the FJ...without them it would be like any other soccer moms vehicle and the rubber floor and spartan interior, the flat windshield, the poor rear visibility are all reasons they wont buy one and I will. Just like my vtwin motorcycle....not water cooled like rice...does not have abs....is loud.....does not have stereo or air ride suspension...and breaks or fails on me when i am far from home and in middle of night...but that badge of honor is what I love about her.


Be safe and enjoy wheelin your FJ.....

[ckline]

Originally Posted by Brock

some vehicles are not meant to be everything to everyone....and their shortcomings or attitude is what makes them different. The old Jeeps and FJs were hot in summer...cold in winter...noisy as hell....would make your kidneys bleed. the new FJ has blinds spots but learn how to setup and use your mirrors correctly and you wont have an issue.....cant see out back then follow the rule the RV drivers and big rig drivers follow....never back further than 2 feet unless there is no other way out....i drove one for years and if you always look for way you can usually find a way to keep from backing. if in doubt...use a spotter. windshield not tall enough....I am 6'2" and not had that problem yet then again I have seat setting all the way down as far as it can go in the adjustable seats. To me these things are all part of the feel and flavor of the FJ...without them it would be like any other soccer moms vehicle and the rubber floor and spartan interior, the flat windshield, the poor rear visibility are all reasons they wont buy one and I will. Just like my vtwin motorcycle....not water cooled like rice...does not have abs....is loud.....does not have stereo or air ride suspension...and breaks or fails on me when i am far from home and in middle of night...but that badge of honor is what I love about her.


Be safe and enjoy wheelin your FJ.....

BUMP!!

[El_THEEB]

Instead of having the 6speed manual with full time 4wd make it part time 4wd. That would be awsome.

[aloonda]

just put some better lighting inside
some more hidey holes or storage places like in the giant d pillar inside?

35,000 miles on mine and no troubles other than a leaky windshield--

aha

while on that

put in a dang clear aluminum windshield from star trek so i don't get a jeelion chips and cracks in my windshield please