Build help

[AGCP3]

Here's the deal:

I just got my 07 FJC back from my brother and finally have the money and time to do some mods. Right now its totally stock with the atrac and locking rear. I was referred here and have been perusing a lot of the threads and already decided on some things I want. I'd like to know what things everyone else would have done and in what order.

For example; I want to get a skid plate, but I also want to get a lift, new wheels, and bigger tires so is this something I should do first in case I need to get it regeared?

Right now I'm thinking a 2-3" lift with 33" tires (will this work?), total chaos upper control arms (will I also need lower control arms?), locking front, and skid plate.

I'm a total noob to the offroad scene so any help is greatly appreciated.

Also I'm located in Oklahoma City so if anyone knows a place around town for parts that'd help too. Thanks!

 

[Delancy]

Be lucky to find any stocked components in OKC.

Wouldn't worry about regearing for 33s. Drive it for a bit, then determine if you "need" to do.

No need for LCAs either, unless planning duals on the front. The TC LCAs are nice, but not necessary.

I'm in Tulsa, and gladly help install any.

 

[Delancy]

Not to send away from Mud, since it's an invaluable tool across the Cruiser spectrum, but check out FJCruiserforum.com, too.

Most the guys here have a presence there, as well, but a lot of threads on every aspect you're seeking info for.

 

[Mtbcoach]

Here's the deal:

I just got my 07 FJC back from my brother and finally have the money and time to do some mods. Right now its totally stock with the atrac and locking rear. I was referred here and have been perusing a lot of the threads and already decided on some things I want. I'd like to know what things everyone else would have done and in what order.

For example; I want to get a skid plate, but I also want to get a lift, new wheels, and bigger tires so is this something I should do first in case I need to get it regeared?

Right now I'm thinking a 2-3" lift with 33" tires (will this work?), total chaos upper control arms (will I also need lower control arms?), locking front, and skid plate.

I'm a total noob to the offroad scene so any help is greatly appreciated.

Also I'm located in Oklahoma City so if anyone knows a place around town for parts that'd help too. Thanks!

One of the first things to address is to see if you'll have a focus when using it off-road. If you plan on doing expedition, desert racing, rock crawling, all of the above, none of the above...get the picture?

The main reason is that the FJC is very competant right out of the box. Things like front lockers are only used in rare situations and, most of those times, its "smarter" to pull cable than to put one's CV axles at risk. But, that's a story for another day.

For me, sliders are very high on the list for first expenses, then comes a set of Budbuilt skids, front bumper/winch for self-recovery, lift, tires and on and on. I try to build something that is protected and will get me home as first priorities...

And, by the way, welcome to ih8mud...

 

[AGCP3]

Thanks! I realize everyone probably has their own opinion but can you recommend a brand of sliders?

 

[Delancy]

A recommendation is determine the width really necessitated, be it hardcore crawling with extra width, or general usage where wider may not be necessary.

Issue I have with mine is they're of the wider variety. Not wide enough to alt as a step, but wide enough to make entry and exit less than graceful.

I installed MetalTech's on another FJC, and the version was plenty of protection, without being a hindrance, so a possible option for mine, when and if I replace.

 

[Delancy]

Pic of what I have, for reference.

 

[Delancy]

Second MTB's BudBuilt skid recommendation. I have front to back, along with the diff skid and they're tough. Don't have to worry about anything.

Would add rear link armor to your list, but to be used as a welded reinforcement to the frame. Rocktek seems to be a good alternative to the product I have, that's no longer available. Literally bolt it up, stitch weld it to the frame to reinforce the OE link mount.

 

[Mtbcoach]

Here is a pic of what I ran, Demello Hybrid sliders...

I frequent tight spaces and liked a skinnier profile. Yet, I wound up modifying them a bit in the end...

 

[Delancy]

Much better, considering how tight they hug.

It's a feat to get in or out with wider, even being tall and skinny........well, tall and not-too-fat, at least. Hahaha.