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06-30-06, 12:25 PM
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#1 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 17
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What kind of off-roading can a 4x2 FJ do?
I just got my FJ last week and I am quickly becoming obsessed by it. This is also my first truck/SUV. I used to only drive cars/sedans and was staunchly opposed to SUVs - I thought that only super pretentious and or mindless people (mostly the OC soccer mom types) drove them. Then the FJ came along and for some reason I had to have one...it was a calling I think. I am very happy to be an FJ owner...
So with all of that background, my question to the forum is; how far can my 4x2 take me off of the pavement? I realize that this is a true 4x4 enthusiast’s website, and I am sure most of you here do not even have a 4x2, but I had to find out from knowledgeable people about this. Your advice is truly appreciated here. I feel like I have a whole lot of options open when it comes to driving now - especially when I used to drive a Volkswagen Golf! Thanks again... BTW: I do like to go hiking – for those of you that might know of the Holy Jim trail in Saddleback, I have gone there with friends and it takes a pretty sturdy ride to get to the trailhead – I am sure my FJ can take it, but I want to be certain… |
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06-30-06, 12:37 PM
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#2 |
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80s muncher
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: HIDING!!
Posts: 5,081
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PUT A LOCKER IN it and you'll go far.
i run trails in 2wd and use 4wd only when i need it. __________________ SOLID ROCK OFF-ROAD http://www.solidrockoff-road.com/ 1991-92 80 series sliders available, WITH CAT PROTECTION! It's how YOU want it, i'm just here to build it for you. SLIDERS FOR 40s' 60s' and 80s' plus a little bit more 
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06-30-06, 12:39 PM
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#3 |
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The quick brown fox .....
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: Somewhere in the foothills...
Posts: 10,620
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Hello Butsu and welcome to 'Mud.
You are correct that most here, at least in the other sections, are pretty serious about off-roading Toyotas. It is important to understand that taking a vehicle off-road opens us to critique by those that would like to close all trails. Most of us are very aware of this and very aware of trail etiquette. This means creating as little damage to a trail as possible. That being said, a 4x2 will have a harder time with a trail that a 4x4 will breeze through. By "harder time", I mean there will be more wheel spinning and you will have to use momentum to clear an obstacle where the 4x4 will simply crawl slowly over the obstacle. You don't have a 2-speed transfer case so there is no Low Range in your 4x2. This puts you at a major disadvantage off-road. But all is not lost! There are plenty of Backcountry Byways and dirt roads and fire roads that are suitable for your high-clearance 4x2. You can have a lot of fun, just be careful about the way you use the trails and go with others if you are unsure about the terrain. You can always take a strap in the tough spots.  -B- __________________ 97 FZJ80 - Wing Nut MAF, locked, 315 Toyos, 4.88s, Slee 4", George's sliders, Slee bumpers, M12000, OBA, Outback drawers + other stuff. Transformation in progress... Sometimes you find yourself in the middle of nowhere. And sometimes in the middle of nowhere, you find yourself. |
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06-30-06, 12:56 PM
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#4 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 17
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Beowulf - thank you for the good words. I will most definitley mind all trail etiquettte and customs when I do look into finding my way. I think that the areas that you mentioned will be the extent of my off roading (at least for the time being) I want to enjoy the new shine of this FJ for a little bit.
2badfjs - You mentioned putting in a locker - would you mind explaing a little more about what that is? There might just be a breakthrough moment in my life where I would want to experience off roading beyond standard 4x2 capabilities....perhaps the next purchase down the line will be an actual 4x4.... |
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06-30-06, 01:05 PM
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#5 |
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That's "Greyt" "Andy"
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As stated by others, you can have a lot of fun offroad with a 4x2. Just use common sense and don't attempt any path/obstacle you don't feel comfortable with. You can also help your cause by getting more aggressive tires. If you want to put your FJC to the test, go with a friend who has a 4x4 and a tow strap!
__________________ 1970 FJ40 (AKA "Big Red") 2007 FJ Cruiser (Black Diamond  ) |
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06-30-06, 01:30 PM
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#6 | |
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IH8MUD Addict
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Memphis Tennesse
Posts: 868
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Quote:
Here is a very good explination of them. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Locking_differential __________________ 1996 LX450. 33" BFG A/T TA KO, TJM T17, OME 2.5 Hvy, Warn X8000i |
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06-30-06, 03:25 PM
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#7 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 17
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Thank you for the clarification and the link. My FJ has the "RR Locking Diff" on the control panel - my understanding is that it is to be used in slippery road conditions. I am not sure how well that would fare out on semi rough trail. I'm sure I will find out. My concern (of course) is not to F up the truck. I can't believe how novice I am in this realm...
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06-30-06, 03:38 PM
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#8 |
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Admin
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There "are" times when a rear locker in a 2wd will out perform a normal 4wd truck with open/unlocked/no-ATRAC diffs.
The rear locker will help you a great deal in low-traction stuff...I do strongly suggest practicing it's capabilities tho, and having a 4wd rig with you while you determine the limits. Also, a length of chain, a couple straps, and a 60" highlift jack will do wonders for getting your vehicle unstuck, with some rigging practice.... you WILL get it stuck....most likely in soft sand....some forethot on what recovery gear to have handy is a good idea... (Experience speaking....stuck a FWD Mazda 323 in the sand....oops - walked for about 10 miles to civilization to get pulled free - and bought my first FJ40 about a month later ~fall 1989) __________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln |
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06-30-06, 03:43 PM
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#9 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 17
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BTW: How do you guys add a pic under your names like that - didn't see an option in the User CP....graz...
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06-30-06, 03:44 PM
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#10 |
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Admin
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4 posts...patience grasshoppah...
__________________ Brian 'woody' Swearingen 1974 FJ40 'The Raisin' - Pitbull Rockers, 30-spline Longfields, SOA - 1/4 ellip 1996 FZJ80 'Gretchen' - MetalTech, ARB, OME, IPOR, 4x4Labs 2003 2500HD Duramax - Edge/Juice/Attitude, 285 Nitto Terra Grapplers, 4" exhaust Forum Questions? Click Here! 'America will never be destroyed from the outside. If we falter and lose our freedoms, it will be because we destroyed ourselves.' Abraham Lincoln |
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06-30-06, 03:48 PM
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#11 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 17
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Yo Woody - damn good to know...thanks. having this kind of knowledge is what I must have before I try anything. My first posting to this forum has proven to be very helpful. Much appreciation for you all. If there is anything else that you can think please let me know...I am pretty stoked that I have a Cruiser in my life....
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06-30-06, 05:57 PM
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#12 | |
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That's "Greyt" "Andy"
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Quote:
 
__________________ 1970 FJ40 (AKA "Big Red") 2007 FJ Cruiser (Black Diamond ) |
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06-30-06, 06:53 PM
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#13 |
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springfield user
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are the two wheelers front or rear drive?
__________________ it's only metal, we can out think it. 77-fj40 20th anniversary edition 87-fj60 216K mile DDer 93-fzj80 mall crawler toyota material distribution center. your source for Factory Service Manuals. they're alot cheaper than you think. 1-800-622-2033 |
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06-30-06, 07:11 PM
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#14 | |
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That's "Greyt" "Andy"
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Quote:
__________________ 1970 FJ40 (AKA "Big Red") 2007 FJ Cruiser (Black Diamond ) |
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06-30-06, 08:07 PM
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#15 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: May 2006
Posts: 34
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Its RWD because although not a 4X4, its still a full framed truck.
Its not a Honda Pilot/CRV/Ridgeline or Yota Rav4. Its a truck. |
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06-30-06, 11:57 PM
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#16 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Bountiful, Utah
Posts: 54
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I thought the 4X2 came with a limited slip diff.
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07-01-06, 07:19 AM
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#17 |
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IH8MUD Regular
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Sell that thing and get a 4WD FJ. I think some of the dealers are still charging a premium for FJ's on the lot in S. Florida. Otherwise you have to wait a month or 2 and take one of your 3 choices (whichever they get). You MAY be able to sell it for a decent price (not sure). You might be able to make most of your money back and get into a 4wd. Maybe I'm wrong, but SoCal probably has a similar market as S.FL. On the downside, the 4wd will cost you way more money in the end (aftermarket equip). My buddy just got his ARB bumper yesterday. It looks sweet. I'll try to post some pics when I get them.
__________________ 1982 FJ40 - 95% finished...forever 2004 4Runner - Client Shuttle xxxx - FJ something - ready to do it again 'Tryin' to reason with hurricane season' |
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07-01-06, 09:11 AM
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#18 | |
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That's "Greyt" "Andy"
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Quote:
__________________ 1970 FJ40 (AKA "Big Red") 2007 FJ Cruiser (Black Diamond ) |
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07-01-06, 09:51 AM
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#19 | |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 230
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Quote:
 Im surprised that there hasnt been more discussion on this (of offroad performance in 2wd) until now...... maybe I just missed it. __________________ '96 black/tan, no lock, no lift, 285 ta ko's, 230,000, synthetic xfer case/diff's, dino engine & trans, removed cleaned & reinstalled carpets, starter rebuild, gonna be doing axles & fan clutch soon www.waylandsphere.com who knows crosseyed and painless vamoos |
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07-01-06, 11:04 AM
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#20 | |
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That's "Greyt" "Andy"
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Quote:
__________________ 1970 FJ40 (AKA "Big Red") 2007 FJ Cruiser (Black Diamond ) |
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07-02-06, 01:33 AM
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#21 |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: May 2006
Location: San Antonio, Texas
Posts: 256
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4x2 FJ ... Total blasphemy. Trade it up for a real FJ!
__________________ 2007 6-Speed Toyota FJ Cruiser 2002 Land Rover Discovery II 1978 Toyota FJ-40 Cruiser I UNDERSTAND THE JEEP THING, THAT'S WHY I DON'T OWN ONE. 
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07-02-06, 01:37 AM
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#22 |
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IH8MUD Lifer
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Cuyamaca, CA and Las Vegas, NV
Posts: 2,572
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Dry dirt roads, fire roads, stuff like that will be no problem.
If you find yourself wanting to go farther, you will trade it in for a 4x4. Enjoy your new SUV. __________________ 2000 UZJ100 - OME - sold Currently looking for the right FJ60 TLCA #14734 Calamaridog
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07-02-06, 02:45 AM
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#23 | |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 17
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Quote:
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07-03-06, 02:49 AM
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#24 |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Raleigh, NC
Posts: 392
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4x2 off roading experiences.. in my high school days I owned a 87 chevy cavalier.. and I believe it or not went mudding with it.. off course.. it was just for being stupid sake but.. I with enough momentum.. I went through some stuff that you'd be like.. no effin way.
 that's me with my FJC.. that same mudpit I went through with my RIP chevy.. off-course I was going like 40mph
__________________ 07 FJC 33" STTs, OME lift |
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07-03-06, 11:10 AM
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#25 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Southern California
Posts: 17
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k_os - Top knotch man. That's what high school was all about. Thanks for the visual...looks fun...
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07-03-06, 08:49 PM
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#26 | |
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IH8MUD Regular
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 230
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Quote:
this thread was kicking around in my head today - so I figured I better add this other comment airing down the tires works for 2wd vehicals just as well (might actually be more of a benefit to a 2by than a 4by) as 4wd........ I got a 2wd chevy half ton stuck one time - one wheel just spinning away like mad - dropped the air pressure & drove right out of the rut I had made its nice to be able to air that tire back up when you are done though! another thing - bigger tires for more ground clearance helps your 2wd FJ just as much as it does 4wd FJ's........ something to think about when it's time to replace the factory rubber __________________ '96 black/tan, no lock, no lift, 285 ta ko's, 230,000, synthetic xfer case/diff's, dino engine & trans, removed cleaned & reinstalled carpets, starter rebuild, gonna be doing axles & fan clutch soon www.waylandsphere.com who knows crosseyed and painless vamoos Last edited by Rusty Phillips; 07-03-06 at 08:54 PM. |
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07-06-06, 02:04 PM
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#27 |
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IH8MUD Rookie
Join Date: Sep 2005
Posts: 58
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I used to have a 4x2 Geo Tracker that I took off roading all the time. Stock tires, it was an absolute blast. I miss it sometimes, sure my samurai is a hundred times more capable than it was, but I miss blasting down dirt roads and sliding around turns, basically using it as a little rally car. I got through stuff 4x4s would get stuck in, the trick like others have said is to keep your momentum up, pick a line and make absolutely certain that you want to try the obstacle, because there is no backing out in 2wd, most of the time you either make it or you don't, you can't hesitate.
All that said, you will be missing a lot with a 4x2, and you will want find yourself wishing for 4x4 a lot, I know I finally got sick of being the one to get yanked out all the time. Now I do the yanking 
__________________ 1988 Suzuki Samurai |
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07-06-06, 03:13 PM
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#28 | |
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That's "Greyt" "Andy"
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Quote:
__________________ 1970 FJ40 (AKA "Big Red") 2007 FJ Cruiser (Black Diamond ) |
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2badfjs
Beowulf
woody