I have similar needs if differing aims.
I cruise ghost towns, see cool geology and fish. And I camp. Used to hunt.
I like a bit of challenge on the road into these activities, but don't care to bust up equipment anymore than I have to—been there done that in the '70s & '80s.
Got the repair reciepts, no t-shirt.
I require reliability and the best MPG I can get. Also a rig in which I can sleep.
I've a de-smogged FJ60 rather than 62 so some of this may not be applicable, you'll have to ask the FJ62 guys.
Regarding your wish list:
Exhaust:
I've got but haven't installed a tri-y Man-a-fre full exhaust, heat to tail. Back in the '70s I had a '74 FJ55 that by running slightly advanced ignition timing a K&N filter, headers and a turbo muffler delivered 22 mpg on the highway and 18 in town. I'm a believer in exhaust systems. If for no other reason than it offsets MPG losses elsewhere. Somewhere after T/C, springs and tires.
T/C rebuild:
If it's worn out, rebuild it or replace it. Do it first.
If you've the bucks—about $2500+--consider an H-55 5 speed tranny & T/C swap. Lot to be said for a 10% overdrive 5th.
4” Lift:
If your springs are shot—mine were, 3 broken leaves—do this right after the T/C if that's shot.
Go with the Old Man Emu 3” lift, match the kit to the anticipated vehicle weight.
IMO 4” is too high. Makes the vehicle top heavy, screws up steering geometry, screws up alignment. The only advantages are a little bit (1.5”) more clearance and you can run bigger tires which will kill your low-end power, your fuel mileage and screw up both your steering and alignment. Not to mention driveline issues.
33” Tires:
I have been running 10.50/31-15s for a long, long time. I usually get where I'm going.
33's are heavier, cause more stress on your axles and steering gear, screw up your speedo, odo, and fuel mileage. Not that you'll be able to figure it since your odo is off. (I figure MPG using a GPS)
On Board Air:
My freon leaks down in about a month so after I take care of some more pressing items, I'm going to convert my A/C compressor to on board air. I've also got an '02 Jeep TJ that the air works fine on—considering a CO2 tank for that. The A/C conversion s supposed to cost around $100, the tanks around $250.
Rear lockers:
I'm going to do that one of these days but would prefer a switchable locker because it makes the vehicle's road manners in the snow much more pleasant. I'm liking Ox. All that said I've run without lockers for forty years and got where I was going. Not a high priority for me anyway given the cost.
Front Bumper:
I want one. The 4+ bumper. The stocker is made of cheese and looks seriously boring.
Not a high priority because of. . . see 'winch.'
Winch:
I want one. X20 waterproof, I think.
But with these considerations:
Bunch of weight on the front end.
I've been pulled out front-ways maybe twice in 40 years, back-ways maybe 100 times and with a winch –someone else's, once. Kinda begs the question—if you go out backwards lots more than you go out front-ways, how does that work, exactly?
At least $400—given my getting-pulled-out record, is it worth it?
OTOH, good for pulling out other people and the resultant good karma.
Rear bumper:
I have one, a 4+. I got it because: It replaces the clearance-robbing trailer hitch I had on it. It moves the clearance-robbing spare tire up (even more important if you're gonna run '33s). It allows me to haul either 10 gallons or gas or water or 5 gallons of each. It provides a place outside the vehicle for shovel and pulaski (axe/mattox combo) and outside storage for my propane tanks. (See pic at end)
Put it on after the three at the top.
Snorkel:
40 years without one. How deep of water are you planning on fording?
Roof Rack:
Had one on the FJ55, mostly 'cause no one built a rear bumper with a tire carrier on it for 'em so I threw the tire up there. Also hauled my camp gear up there on extended trips so I could sleep in the back when the road got too long without unpacking the whole rig. Be careful what you put up there, depending on where you're going and what sort oif side hills you'll encounter, you don't want to get too top heavy. I don't have one on now but may in future.
I don't like roof-top tents. I don't like awnings that attach to the vehicle. Oft times (like hunting and fishing for example) I'll pick a campsite and venture out from there on day trips. If you're awning is attached to your rig you have to take it down and make other provision to protect your gear and camp from rain etc. If you've got a RTT you have to fold it up every time you leave camp. With my rig, I've a free-standing fly that covers my kitchen and camp gear and I sleep on a Cabela's Alaskan Guide double mat in the 'Cruiser. I just hop out in the morning, make coffee and drive off.
I also took out the hinge bolts for the bottom of the rear seat and replaced them with pins retained with 'hairpin' clips so that pops right out giving me about 10” more length for my 6'1” length. And I've got screens for the rear windows that secure with magnets so I can roll the window down and not get 'et.
Storeage compartments:
I prefer a cargo net (gonna make one from paracord) and use bungees to hold it down. Keeps gear secure and allows much more flexibility in the load-out.
I'm also gonna put rock sliders on. We didn't have those in the day and they would have been useful. Not a really high priority though.
Hope this helps.
**propane tanks**
