First FJ... what to do first?

[Horner3]

Hey all- New to the forums here- so hello!
Just purchased an 07 FJ- has rear locker and A-Trac- currently on 285 70's

It will spend most of it's time on asphalt- but hunting and camping every other weekend calls for 4x more often than not. I'm going to start with a 3" leveling kit before any other mods... I have to use 'marriage credit' for my toys so they will be spread out. What would you do next?

 

[1911]

There is a great sticky thread on the blue forum about how to spend your first $2,000. I recommend that you find and read that.

 

[winnie]

welcome to the Forum ... I wanted to get rid of the factory tires so I went with a 3" lift and aftermarket upper control arms (Total Chaos) ... the UCAs aren't mandatory but its easier to get the truck into factory alignment spec after the lift with them ... I did the lift to run 285s (which you have) without a body mount chop ... good advice from 1911 re the Blue Room thread(s) ...

 

[fjcruzn]

I'd consider a 3-inch lift vs. spacers.

cheers,

dale

 

[Mtbcoach]

I say...DRIVE IT! Put the money in the bank while you learn about your new ride. You can fit 255/85/16's (33" tire) at stock height and can wheel it like that through most any trail.

As you drive it in your daily life, you'll find out what you need and want to modify it for how you use it. You will probably run into some preventative maintenance issues also, so, I'd drive it a while before I make any decisions...

 

[shane4x4]

We also did a little article on the first $3k (inspired by the Blue Room thread):
http://tctmagazine.net/january-2013/first-3-000-in-fj-cruiser-mods

We broke it down by how you'll be using your truck, since we're all different. Just like everyone else

 

[BMThiker]

Tires/suspension lift first. A spacer lift will get you some clearance, but it also raises your CoG without correcting the inherent handling deficiencies of the stock suspension.

Then it depends on what terrain you will encounter. If it's just old fire roads or the occasion mud hole, then skids, sliders, armor in general is probably not a high priority.

If you see any rocky terrain, then sliders and a front (oil pan) skid are a start. One often overlooked weak point in the FJC factory setup is the rear lower control arms. If you come down too hard with the weight of the vehicle on one, it will bend. Once it's tweaked, it just gets worse and will need immediate attention. If you don't want to spend the money on beefier ones, then at least pick up a spare set from the junkyard or someone else's takeoffs.

 

[winnie]

I say...DRIVE IT! Put the money in the bank while you learn about your new ride. You can fit 255/85/16's (33" tire) at stock height and can wheel it like that through most any trail.

As you drive it in your daily life, you'll find out what you need and want to modify it for how you use it. You will probably run into some preventative maintenance issues also, so, I'd drive it a while before I make any decisions...

I agree with this for FJCs and 40s ... aside from learning about the truck, its a chance to enjoy it ...

 

[SammyT96LX450]

Drive it. I ran mine stock for 3 years before I did any mods.

 

[iwashmycar]

Here is a short list. PROTECT your investment. I dont care if you are just running forest service roads. Only takes one large rock to damage some stuff!. ANY gain in ground height goes a LONG way, so I would say lift first. Plus you will be exceptionally happy with the look. Next, sliders protect a LOT for one piece...and they double as a step (unless you go OEM, which are also fine). I found the rear LCAs get hit easily and a lot...once they bend, no fun. Then protect the rest with skid plates...tons of other conversations on those...depends on the use...aluminum or steel, ect ect.

Lift or Level.
Sliders.
Rear LCA armor.
Skids.