FJ Does Rubithon - PICS!

[roosterdo]

I have set it up to the pics can be downloaded for your fun and amusement, enjoy.

I just as i you use one in a commercial context let me know, and if you need better resolution send me an IM and I try to send you it. Though sorry to disappoint, I will have to charge for the pictures of me! (woody, I know that's what you wanted)

Rod

[erfworm]

Originally Posted by Beowulf

erfworm,
It is not likely that you will be able to create a hi-res image from a low-res (ie "thumbnail") image.
-B-

Yeah thats what i was thinking but thought I might be missing something.


Thanks Roosterdo, I really like that pic, would look good on my desktop.

[greenfox]

I have so many pics of fjc on the Rubithon what do you whant to see. The pics that were posted were of cadilllac hill going out to Tahoe

[greenfox]

Here some real pics from Rubithon

[greenfox]

Big sluice,

[tnegiet]

Great pics rooster

[petescoffee]

I concure with Wooody on the FJ cruiser team and was ultimately happy the Cruiser team was with us on the trail and participated at the event. I was with "Yellow team" on the Wed. Breakfast run and they did well. I should have taken more time going through sections of the trail like they did, then I would have had less body damage. But I tend to say F..It as well. Instead I dented my new paint job on my FJ40. Thank god for the new fender protection that I had Decker's put on. I would be putting on 2 new fenders if not for them.
The Cruiser team was slower than most, but not all. We had a large group of about 24 or so rigs including, FJ40's, 80's, Mini trucks and the FJ Cruisers. That is a large group to get through the Con. The Crew was very cordial and had a good attitude especially when Gustav had to wade in the water to hook up the winch. They would not have gotten stuck if someone had told them about the rock in the water crossing. Gustav told everyone behind his team though.
I saw the Double locker run Wooody was on a couple of times. They were headed into Loon LAke when we were headed into the con. Then they caught us again before Big SLuice. They got held up more because of the 80 with a tire that lots it's seat. The Double Locker crew worked to set the tire and guide the 80 through that section of the trail. The double locker crew moves on the trail as all of the rigs and drivers were quite capable.

I think a little more lift and the FJ Cruisers would have had a better time getting through the trail. It was fun to see them go through though and fun to drive around the springs.On my test drive I found the rig to be much more capable than I thought it Would be.

For swag The Team did donate to the raffle as well as pass out back packs and info at the trail head for the breakfast run. They were also snapping pictures galore on the trail.

Any way just my $.02 and look forward to seeing them on the trail.
Dave Thomas

Originally Posted by woooody

We had this discussion over on Pirate, and I think there are a couple of points both sides should consider. For background, I was on the Double Locker Run, and we came up behind the Trail Team on Wednesday.

I think there is a huge difference between team #1 (Yellow) and team #2 (Blue).

It's unfortunate, but the guidance that Toyota Corp gave to the trail teams was "no paint scratch, no dent". Having your employer give you that directive TOTALLY changes how you run this trail. If minor carnage was acceptable, they would have been much faster.

Having said that, I ultimately was happy that they made the trip in. I wish it would have went faster for them, but they took care in spots that I would have said "F... it". Of course, that's why my rig looks the way it does.

The reality is there will be more and more FJC's on Rubithons. I may be driving one. I hope that by that time there are better options for bumpers, sliders and exo-cages.

There is a whole running thread about exclusivity, and public access on the Rubicon. We need to work together to make the trail accessable and passible by properly modified rigs. Fixing some of the bad spots will reduce erosion and trail damage, but proper mods will also allow faster access for all.

my 2 cents
__________________
Ross Woody
Vallejo, Ca
TLCA #7704
TLCA Western Individual Rep
72 FJ40 * "Mudrak Improved"®

[ginericLC]

Originally Posted by TexasBadlands

I am not going to be here debating this. It is in the Land Cruiser line, it is classified as the "FJ" model, instead of 100 120, or whatever. It is a Land Cruiser, and this site is "Exclusively for Land Cruisers".

DUH.

There is no Land Cruiser line in the North America, it is a vehicle of one. The having a choice from the line ended in 1984. I'm not knocking the vehicle but there is a huge difference between the current Land Cruiser offered and the FJ Cruiser. I'm definitely not saying it doesn't belong here or in TLCA. As matter of fact I've been trying hard to make sure it is accepted in TLCA and have been active in recruiting FJ Cruiser owners for membership. I'd be busting your chops on classification, if you called a diesel Land Cruiser a FJ I'd correct you there too. This is a Land Cruiser forum and also includes minis, 4Runners, Tacos, Tundras, Sequoias, etc... That doesn't mean that any of them are Land Cruisers they are just related. And I think it is a happy family. My worst day of wheeling with other Toyotas is better than my best day of wheeling with Jeeps. I've never wheeled with a Jeep that didn't break on the trail.

On a side note: originally FJ stood for Foreign Jeep. Later the F went to designate the F line of motors found in them. The current Land Cruiser is not an FJ in terms of motor, it is a UZJ as it has the 2UZJ motor. The FJ Cruiser would meet the guidelines of being an FJ in the original terms of what Toyota defined FJ to mean but not in the secondary definition because it does not have a motor from the "F" line of motors. And another interesting thing is that as early as 1993 Toyota dropped the FJ from the VINS. My 94 is a FZJ80 model but the VIN is DJ81 instead of FJ.

There is no negativity in my tone. I'm just trying to make sure people clarify what they are talking about. I actually ordered 4 FJ Cruisers trying to make sure I got one, I plunked down $2500 on them. So I'm definitely excited about it. 2 of the orders were canceled as the dealers did not have enough stock to fulfill their orders. Tom Scott Toyota had an 18 month waiting list after the first 2 arrived, so they canceled all orders they could not fullfil by Nov. 2006. One has yet to appear and the other was a color I didn't like without the equipment I wanted so I let it go. I'm not spending 30k on something I don't want. And I've sort of changed my mind about them and I'm not sure it meets my needs. They are awesome on the trail and in my opinion much better off road than anything Toyota currently offers. My issue has to do with small children and dogs. The rear seating and visibility is not so good for how I want to use it.

I have no comments on Rubithon. I wasn't there. However, at CM the FJ Cruiser trail team and the FJs both co. owned and privately owned were great. It was a true showing of how capable they are. I'm amazed at the ATRAC. I wish I had that weapon in my arsenal. And FJ Trail Team was top notch and I appreciated all they did for the event and their willingness to help out.

So probably more of a long winded answer than anyone wanted. But to me it is all about the details.

[saskdiesel]

Originally Posted by ginericfj80

There is no Land Cruiser line in the North America, it is a vehicle of one. The having a choice from the line ended in 1984. I'm not knocking the vehicle but there is a huge difference between the current Land Cruiser offered and the FJ Cruiser. I'm definitely not saying it doesn't belong here or in TLCA. As matter of fact I've been trying hard to make sure it is accepted in TLCA and have been active in recruiting FJ Cruiser owners for membership. I'd be busting your chops on classification, if you called a diesel Land Cruiser a FJ I'd correct you there too. This is a Land Cruiser forum and also includes minis, 4Runners, Tacos, Tundras, Sequoias, etc... That doesn't mean that any of them are Land Cruisers they are just related. And I think it is a happy family. My worst day of wheeling with other Toyotas is better than my best day of wheeling with Jeeps. I've never wheeled with a Jeep that didn't break on the trail.

On a side note: originally FJ stood for Foreign Jeep. Later the F went to designate the F line of motors found in them. The current Land Cruiser is not an FJ in terms of motor, it is a UZJ as it has the 2UZJ motor. The FJ Cruiser would meet the guidelines of being an FJ in the original terms of what Toyota defined FJ to mean but not in the secondary definition because it does not have a motor from the "F" line of motors. And another interesting thing is that as early as 1993 Toyota dropped the FJ from the VINS. My 94 is a FZJ80 model but the VIN is DJ81 instead of FJ.

There is no negativity in my tone. I'm just trying to make sure people clarify what they are talking about. I actually ordered 4 FJ Cruisers trying to make sure I got one, I plunked down $2500 on them. So I'm definitely excited about it. 2 of the orders were canceled as the dealers did not have enough stock to fulfill their orders. Tom Scott Toyota had an 18 month waiting list after the first 2 arrived, so they canceled all orders they could not fullfil by Nov. 2006. One has yet to appear and the other was a color I didn't like without the equipment I wanted so I let it go. I'm not spending 30k on something I don't want. And I've sort of changed my mind about them and I'm not sure it meets my needs. They are awesome on the trail and in my opinion much better off road than anything Toyota currently offers. My issue has to do with small children and dogs. The rear seating and visibility is not so good for how I want to use it.

I have no comments on Rubithon. I wasn't there. However, at CM the FJ Cruiser trail team and the FJs both co. owned and privately owned were great. It was a true showing of how capable they are. I'm amazed at the ATRAC. I wish I had that weapon in my arsenal. And FJ Trail Team was top notch and I appreciated all they did for the event and their willingness to help out.

So probably more of a long winded answer than anyone wanted. But to me it is all about the details.

Well said.
The TLCA, which I have been a member of for 9 years now, is open to all Toyota vehicles. As are all the TLCA sanctioned events.
I enjoy seeing Land Cruisers, mini truck/Hilux, Surfs, 4Runners and now the FJ Cruiser at theses events.

The FJ Cruiser is not a Land Cruiser, but that makes no difference when people enjoy all sorts of vehicles at an event. I like variety!

I hope to see a new FJ in action at the BHCC later this month, but since some of the trails are rather nasty, we shall see.

[alvarorb]

Here's one of mine:



It's nice to see new Toyotas on the trail.

Regards

Alvaro

[Behemoth60]

I will reserve judgement on the FJ Cruiser. Certainly a fine truck at a competive price point, and I look forward to seeing properly modified FJ's suitable to the trails they are running. My problem is more with Toyota, rather than the truck itself, or the talented trail teams that were driving them.

What I really felt was per Loewenbrau's comments about Toyota's support for the event as a whole. I think of vendors like Mudrak and Marlin. Little guy outfits, that somehow manage to donate thousands of dollars in major prizes to the events, then buy hundreds of dollars in tickets, lead trail rides with thier expert experience, and provide more parts and tools and trail fixes to participants than you can imagine. Then you think of the FJ Team... nice guys, for sure. But held up more traffic than they helped, thier raffle donations amounted to a few trinkets like watches and pocket knives that were bundled with significant donations from much smaller vendors, and I was left with the bitter tastes of commecial self interest rather than a sense that Toyota was there to genuinely support the community. I would have thought Toyota could have donated a major prize to the raffle.

Now, I must confess my personal Bias about the FJ Cruiser as a Canadian. First of all, they stopped bringing in any Land Cruisers in 1989. Last year, our club was putting on the first Canadaian TLCA sanctioned event, the 2005 River Shiver. We approached Toytoa Canada, and thier offical response was that they no longer support the Land Cruiser brand in Canada. Then, in Late 2005, they went to to length of actually blocking parts availability through their dealer network for JDM import parts that were previously available as special order through the dealers. Then, in 2006, they come to our club with offers of event sponsorship, and want Land Cruiser enthusiasts help in flogging the FJ. Then, I get to the Rubithon, and see what I feared... Toyota offering little to the success of the event, and using it primarily as a venue for test drives.

I really hope that TLCA gets the membership numbers that they desire from FJ owners, and that this somehow makes the TLCA somehow better, and not just bigger. But at this time, all I see is Toyota getting wealthier, and the trail rides getting slower. I truly hope I am just jadded and bitter.

Peter Straub

[FirstToy]

Peter,
That's a great insight. it is disappointing that they didn't do more.

Do you think it was the organizers of Rubithon's responsibility to tell Toyota that they have to ante up at least as much as small vendors to participate?

I'm not trying to shift blame, I'm just thinking if TLCA has different expectations of the Trail Team coming into it...

My turn to be jaded- I can see Toyota marketing wanting the maximum visibility and press for the least investment of $$. Then it's up to TLCA to set the bar of 'price of entry'
But I think there is a relationship there? that I have no idea about between TLCA & Toyota.... heck, might be a good topic for the TLCA section

[ginericLC]

Long story short, TLCA has tried to get Toyota on board like Jeep and Rover are for their vehicles. Getting Toyota to run an ad in each issue of TT is about the best we've been able to do. Toyota has a dilemma they can't really show support for the off road community too much because they also sell cars to the SUV hating evironazis, remember they also make the Yaris and Prius. That is an advantage Jeep and Rover have over Toyota, their market is only 4wds. Their entire image is off road. The FJ marketing is rather interesting. Notice there are no big newspaper ads or TV commericals. They are trying to go directly to the 4wd community. Whether or not TLCA is getting taken advantage of is something that is debateable. I still haven't been out on the trail with an FJ. I ran pretty tough trails in Moab and there were no FJs to be found. But the ones I saw in camp and the video I saw impressed me greatly. I sort of like it. Someday I might eventually get one even though I'm disappoineted in the visibility. In a few years, I know there will be FJs out there kicking LCs butts on the trails.

[alvarorb]

Eric,

I would not think that Toyota's position on suporting up the off road community has anything to do with the environmentalists. Remember, they are going into NASCAR, they now have a Formula 1 team. They are big involved in racing.

J##P is part of Daimler Chrysler. Rover is part of Ford Motor Co. So they are on the same boat. I think it has more to do with numbers than anything else. We might be the most loyal customer base that they have, but we are a drop in the bucket. Toyota is building 45000 FJs this year, they will build 3 times as many Tacomas in the same time frame.

It's the same reason why we've never seen ads for the Land Cruisers. I seem to recall that they imported 5000 FJ60s per year. And that a total of 58,000 80 series were imported through out the the product life.

Why put a lot of resources into this community, when any other vehicle in their lineup outsells the ones intended for this market. Don't get me wrong, I'm on your side. I'm only playing devil's advocate. I would love to see them more engaged with the off road community.

It would be nice to see more generosity on their part, but I understand that is part of a greater marketing budget. But they could do stuff that would mean a lot to us and cost very little. Like Toyota Land Cruiser engineers on the trail with us. Giving a chance to us user talk one on one to the developers.

Regards

Alvaro

[dustin]

We were there and saw the cruisers. my 2 cents- if you have alot of time and stack enough rocks, you can get through anything.. A highway was paved through a couple spots for them. Though they made it a little easier than the 80 through Old Sluice, infront of the yellow cruiser. That guy was having a hell of a time and was kinda panic'd.

Luke was saying that they brought two of them to his shop, but the wrong coils were delivered, so they could not install the lifts.

I didnt drive one, only sat in it. I am not a fan. I would rather have an 80 or 60 or Taco, or keep my 4 Runner. Or best of all- keep my 40.

-Dustin

[roosterdo]

My two cents, it is result of you guys who wheel the 40,60 80, 100's, runners and tacos that the FJ Cruiser is on the market. For if it was not your commitment and enthusiam for the Toyota brand the truck would be just another intersting concept vehicle that suffered from the failure to achieve concepetion. For in a capitalistic society it is how money is spent that is a relflection of values. In that context the fact that Toyota is willing to invest in a trail bias vehicle, only to produce less then 50,000, it becomes a statement of appreciation as much as one of profit. So despite that the FJ Cruiser may or may not be your cup of chai, each time you see a voodo blue, a sun fusion yellow or any other sibling of the numeral normancalture clan, smile and pat yourself on the back. The truck is in honor of your madness and reiterates Toyota a renewed rededicated towards your favorite divertisment. In conclusion, I say thank you all.

[woooody]

Originally Posted by dustin

Luke was saying that they brought two of them to his shop, but the wrong coils were delivered, so they could not install the lifts.

-Dustin

They did get the parts the next day. They did have enough lift for 33's

[fullnelson]

Thank you all for the feedback, both positive and negative. This Trail Team program has never been done before, so it is a learning experience. You have brought up some very good points, and we listen.

Thank you also for a great time on the Rubithon for those who attended. I offer my sincere apology to anyone that was affected negatively by the Trail Team. I am sorry for holding people up. Please try to remember that many of the vehicles on the Rubithon were trailored there. We were 'wheeling our tow rigs. I did my best to pull over when there was opportunity without environmental damage in order to let people by.

We love this community, and Toyota has taken an iterest in us. Since the mid 1980's Toyota has imported only wagons to the U.S. and have been quite successful in so doing. They have produced something new for our community and the Trail Team is their way of introducing it. They did not need to do any of this to keep running a successful company. I beleive this support is a good thing for the future of our beloved community and our recreation.

Toyota is listening to you. Thank you.

Chris Nelson

[Ba-Outfitters]

Just an aside to all of the comments about the FJ Cruiser not being a landcruiser. I was at the Coal Mine Landcruiser Classic in PA. I had the opportunity to test drive the FJ Cruiser and was pretty impressed for a stock rig. The trail team was extremely friendly and helped out more than they needed to when called upon.
The sad point to my story is that there was not one single 100 series landcruiser at the event that ran any of the trails. Not one. In my mind I saw the FJ-Cruiser as THE new landcruiser, as I'm sure next year there will be several there...

Flame Suit on...
Bill Atkinson
76 Fj-40
04 Tundra

[ginericLC]

Originally Posted by roosterdo

My two cents, it is result of you guys who wheel the 40,60 80, 100's, runners and tacos that the FJ Cruiser is on the market. For if it was not your commitment and enthusiam for the Toyota brand the truck would be just another intersting concept vehicle that suffered from the failure to achieve concepetion. For in a capitalistic society it is how money is spent that is a relflection of values. In that context the fact that Toyota is willing to invest in a trail bias vehicle, only to produce less then 50,000, it becomes a statement of appreciation as much as one of profit. So despite that the FJ Cruiser may or may not be your cup of chai, each time you see a voodo blue, a sun fusion yellow or any other sibling of the numeral normancalture clan, smile and pat yourself on the back. The truck is in honor of your madness and reiterates Toyota a renewed rededicated towards your favorite divertisment. In conclusion, I say thank you all.

I'm not sure I agree with this line of thought. Toyota does market research and they know their markets well. I think they looked around at the Xterras, Liberty, the Wrangler Unlimited, h3s and saw a market where they could make money. They are business people. I have no doubt they will be the largest automobile company in the world by 2010. It would be neat if this was a result of Toyota diehards, but I'm a little skeptical on your theory.

[roosterdo]

Originally Posted by ginericfj80

I'm not sure I agree with this line of thought. Toyota does market research and they know their markets well. I think they looked around at the Xterras, Liberty, the Wrangler Unlimited, h3s and saw a market where they could make money. They are business people. I have no doubt they will be the largest automobile company in the world by 2010. It would be neat if this was a result of Toyota diehards, but I'm a little skeptical on your theory.

I do agree with you and your points regarding Toyota is in business to make $$$$. Thought your points and my points are not in confilict . The fact Toyota made over 400 billion profit in 2005 the amount of profit the FJ will contribute at a production level of 49,000 will amount to less then rounding error (1/100%) for the company. That means there must be other motivations to offer the product, such as those of my earlier statements, confimation of loyalty and heritage as keeped alive by those on this board.

[AngryCorgi]

Originally Posted by roosterdo

The two that did the run did have 1 inch larger tires and a 3 inch lift. This gave us about 11 inches of clearence or about 1.5 over stock becouse of what we lost with the modified skid plate and the arb bumper.

Probably closer to just at 10.5"; but then maybe your 1" larger tires are actually 2" larger!

Then again, maybe everyone else that measured the distance from ground to rear diff with their 33" BFGs used bad measuring equipment/protocol??

[powderpig]

We never measured the rear diff clearence. We were more concerned with the front clearence between the custom skid plate and the ground. Which did increase from a little over 8 inches(1.5 inches less than stock due to the extra weight on the front) to a little over 11 inches. later today I can get the rear diff clearence on the lifted one. Yes there are other bits that hang down low and can only get higher with bigger tires. But the increase of tire size from 32-33 is a net of 1/2 inch under the bits that are tire dependent. Sorry if any post may be confusing. later robbie

[TexasBadlands]

Originally Posted by Ba-Outfitters

Just an aside to all of the comments about the FJ Cruiser not being a landcruiser. I was at the Coal Mine Landcruiser Classic in PA. I had the opportunity to test drive the FJ Cruiser and was pretty impressed for a stock rig. The trail team was extremely friendly and helped out more than they needed to when called upon.
The sad point to my story is that there was not one single 100 series landcruiser at the event that ran any of the trails. Not one. In my mind I saw the FJ-Cruiser as THE new landcruiser, as I'm sure next year there will be several there...

Flame Suit on...
Bill Atkinson
76 Fj-40
04 Tundra

The FJ Cruiser IS the new Land Cruiser, regardless of what others think.