Yeah, my whole truck was coated by the contractor that lines the barrels for the military in Austin, TX by the PO.
Help Bill Upgrade his FJC Thread
- Thread starter CandyPants
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Airbags operate from two accelerometers that sense the sudden change in momentum (deceleration). When the FJ hits something, once the accelerometer senses the factory specified limit, it triggers the electronics to fire the airbag. With that, the factory sets this limit considering how much impact is absorbed in the crush zone, front bumper included. Just like in Indy/F1 cars, parts are meant to be crushed/destroyed which dissapate forces, reducing the G's transmitted into the passenger department. Thus, the soft plastic front bumper of the FJ.
Considering how "soft" the stock bumper is and how much stronger the aftermarket bumpers are, it is possible that the airbag will go off sooner, since the sensor is set for the softer stock bumper. With the stronger bumper, more force will be applied to the frame (where the accelerometers are mounted), the "easier" the air bag will deploy.
Regarding claims that the bumpers are "air bag compliant", I doubt that any have actually tested their bumpers by ramming them into a wall at any speed. Particulary the kid making the Lucrum bumpers. He is a backyard mechanic who has done a nice job of marketing his product but I'm confident that he has not done any testing regarding air bag operations with his bumper.
Considering how "soft" the stock bumper is and how much stronger the aftermarket bumpers are, it is possible that the airbag will go off sooner, since the sensor is set for the softer stock bumper. With the stronger bumper, more force will be applied to the frame (where the accelerometers are mounted), the "easier" the air bag will deploy.
Regarding claims that the bumpers are "air bag compliant", I doubt that any have actually tested their bumpers by ramming them into a wall at any speed. Particulary the kid making the Lucrum bumpers. He is a backyard mechanic who has done a nice job of marketing his product but I'm confident that he has not done any testing regarding air bag operations with his bumper.
Kay.
Dan I guess I won't be able to get my bumper toxic proof.
Jerry thanks. At least they'll still work (suspected they would). If I hit something I'll try to hit it hard enough to need the airbags
Nobody but the Lucrum guy claimed anything about their bumpers re: airbags. And I agree with you about him.
I guess the one place to be careful is when approaching a major vertical obstacle like, say, Slick Rock. Can't hit it at 'Jeep speed'. Too bad you can't turn them off for wheelin' but I guess that's out. The first thing I read about the FJ was the Trail Team attacking Oldsmobile Hill at Glamis and he was fretting over setting off his airbags.
b
Dan I guess I won't be able to get my bumper toxic proof.
Jerry thanks. At least they'll still work (suspected they would). If I hit something I'll try to hit it hard enough to need the airbags
Nobody but the Lucrum guy claimed anything about their bumpers re: airbags. And I agree with you about him.I guess the one place to be careful is when approaching a major vertical obstacle like, say, Slick Rock. Can't hit it at 'Jeep speed'. Too bad you can't turn them off for wheelin' but I guess that's out. The first thing I read about the FJ was the Trail Team attacking Oldsmobile Hill at Glamis and he was fretting over setting off his airbags.
b
Bill, just see if you can source some polyethelene epoxy locally and you can do it, same stuff.
OME heavy lift all the way. Will support you in what you do now, and when you get the armor on. It will come with shocks, springs, etc. The ATL crew is pretty darn good at putting them on too, we are down to 1.25 hours start to finish on the last one I think
I spent some time on the forums this morning looking at lift info. I am becoming convinced that I won't be happy with the larger lifts requiring drop brackets. Too much drivability lost and also durability.
I probably will be looking instead to improve what I'm already getting with upgrade struts and maybe shocks and whatever else is suggested. But for now I'm committed to what's already in the works.
People talked about running 35" tires under the 3" lift. Is this at all conceivable or just for mall posers?
Now that I've decided to definitely stay 3" tires will certainly be next. I'd like to go as tall as possible, will skinnier help me get taller?
I note that options diminish rapidly with the 17" wheels. I'd rather not (because I've boogered up my alloys so bad at Tellico and because I don't want to turn my garage into a tire store) but if it really makes sense I could get a set of 16s for off-road and keep my 17s with the Dunflops for the street.
And I'd like to do this DIY with help. I quoted you Dan to say thanks for the offer and maybe I can take you up on it when the time comes.
There will be upgrades to the Rough Country lift, the bumper/winch install, and skids when I decide which. Should I try to get all the pieces together for a one shot marathon or is that a bit ambitious?
BTW speaking of skid plates I've been all over and see bits and pieces everywhere. Has anyone seen a comparo like the one coach gave me for bumpers? So far all I've seen is they look about the same. Is this pretty much a commodity, buy wherever you get the best freight or something?
Maybe I can find some help around Greenville for the light work and come to ATL for the suspension work since that's where the experience is.
Just kiting some early Sat AM musings.
Once again thank all for your support and encouragement.
b
Bill I think there is a skid comparo on the FJCruiserForums under 4x4/offroad tech section. Yeah, go here:
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/4x4-off-road-tech/15359-complete-skid-plates-comparison.html
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/4x4-off-road-tech/15359-complete-skid-plates-comparison.html
Tall skinny will fit MUCH better on an FJC with a 3" than a tall wide. BMThiker proves that point. 35s on a 3" lift is possible, not sure what kind of trimming is required.
Thanks Dan. Problem being the limited availability of 17" sizes. I'm thinking 35x10.5 might work. I guess that's about 265/85/17. Or maybe better would be 265/80/17 if there is such. That should be about 34" eh?
35s would be swell but I don't want to bust something cranking down at max articulation somewhere. From what I'm reading with the spacer lift the ball joints are going to be overstressed anyway.
Questions, options, questions, options. My head is spinning.
Thanks Rick. This comparo was dated November. Do they keep them updated?. Bud-Built makes it almost a no-brainer with their package price.
I guess I'll need to put a compressor and paint sprayer set on my list. Powder coat still doesn't seem to me to make much sense for these such things.
LMAO. My poor Toyota aluminum pieplate front skid is such a mess. Another one of those rush jobs, trying to get half-ass ready for Uwharrie back in Dec.
I'll take a look underneath while my lifts are going on next week and see just what is getting bruised and how much. Tellico should have been a pretty good test site with Bonnie unlifted.
Coach mentioned Sonoran Rear Trailing Arms. Here's a laugh: I just googled that subject and the #1 return was a link to this page and Jerry's post. Got a link, coach?
I'll need to do something about the LCAs. After URE I had to get under there with a crowbar and unfold the mount off one of the arms. Maybe my shop can just weld on a little piece of channel? Or are there things to $buy$?
I'm such a moron. I had Jerry's link to the suspension forum way back and looked at it and examined the choices and clicked out. I went back this morning and realized there were 21 PAGES of comments following. D'oohhh.
I'm learning.
But the ironic thing is that after all those pages of sometimes very insightful info the last post there was somebody saying they had just ordered a Rough Country 3"
b
To be honest the tires Rick is running are pretty ideal for the FJC. He had 34x10.50 LTB Swampers. Not the best DD tires, but man, they dig well on the trail.
Bill - here is the link to Sonoran Steel parts for the FJ.
Yes, there are some that have just welded a (for lack of better words) a ramp/support to the bracket. Helps make the transition when sliding on them so they don't get bent.
I know that All-Pro has introduced a new part in square tubing. Haven't looked at the part with any detail but just glad others are looking at this weak link on the FJ.
Yes, there are some that have just welded a (for lack of better words) a ramp/support to the bracket. Helps make the transition when sliding on them so they don't get bent.
I know that All-Pro has introduced a new part in square tubing. Haven't looked at the part with any detail but just glad others are looking at this weak link on the FJ.
Oh my! That's heavy duty indeed.
Actually it was the bracket I had trouble with but I like those arms.
But for $450 I think I'll wait until I ruin one before I buy.
Jerry where is this Discount Tires you're getting Swampers for a buck fifty?
The google I got didn't carry Super Swampers. And none of the 17's they had were narrow enough for me. That's going to cause me a problem I can see. All the 17's are 285 or wider.
b
OK I've spent a lot of time looking for tires in the size I need which is 34X10.5/17 and about all I've found are the Super Swamper LTBs. I love the looks of them (and price, $138 plus shipping) although on pavement I'm sure they'll feel like riding a motorcycle on full knobbies. I can live with that, these look like they'll be a bear on the trail and I have been wanting to start driving the Mustang more anyway ha ha. Plus I'm racking up too much mileage on Bonnie.
The Hankooks would have been the same I guess but anyway they don't come in the size I need.
Rick I believe runs these tires. Jerry runs TrXus but I haven't been able to find my size in that. Heather what do you run?
I suppose this is the way I'll go unless otherwise advised. I don't guess I'll be able to get them on before Cullowhee without miraculous delivery and anyway I'm trying to curb my impulsivity.
Does anyone have advice on someone to mount and balance these beauties? From the FJC Forum it sounds like they can be a bear to balance.
I would bite the bullet and go with new wheels but I don't see 16's giving me that skinny height either, probably less likely.
BTW the LTB calls for an 8" rim. Anybody know offhand what width the FJC alloy rim is or where I can look that up.
Somebody? Anybody?
Next step the bumper. Probably Demello. Gotta figure out how to coat it.
The Hankooks would have been the same I guess but anyway they don't come in the size I need.
Rick I believe runs these tires. Jerry runs TrXus but I haven't been able to find my size in that. Heather what do you run?
I suppose this is the way I'll go unless otherwise advised. I don't guess I'll be able to get them on before Cullowhee without miraculous delivery and anyway I'm trying to curb my impulsivity.
Does anyone have advice on someone to mount and balance these beauties? From the FJC Forum it sounds like they can be a bear to balance.
I would bite the bullet and go with new wheels but I don't see 16's giving me that skinny height either, probably less likely.
BTW the LTB calls for an 8" rim. Anybody know offhand what width the FJC alloy rim is or where I can look that up.
Somebody? Anybody?
Next step the bumper. Probably Demello. Gotta figure out how to coat it.
- Thread starter
- #33
Super Swamper SSR's on 17" stock steelies for off road (but mine are smaller...32X11.50). My truck came with TRD wheels (16") and BFG's, so I upped the size when I lifted it to 285's and run ProComp AT's when not offroad (and when I get off my a$$ and change them).
I also have 16" wheels. I believe that the stock 17" wheels are 7.5" with 4.5" backspacing.
Yes, the Discount tire website does not list SS tires. You have to call them and they will order them. Mine are coming in next week. The online prices varied for this tire (TrXus 255/85/16 Mud radial) from $132 (Sams offroad store) to $142 (4 wheel parts) but shipping from Sams was almost $200 and 4 wheel parts $100. With Discount at $149 each, no shipping and the option of paying for their "no questions asked" replacement policy (for $22 each). For the amount I would pay for shipping, I can get an insurance policy from Discount that if I tear a hole in the sidewall, rip off a lug, I get a fresh tire, no questions asked (yes, I asked this specific question and they said no problem...).
They can get any of the SS tires, you just have to go in or give them a call. I would go with a more aggressive tire if I didn't have to use mine as much on road. I use mine as a DD when I'm to whimpy to drive the BMW R1150RT back and forth daily.
Yes, the Discount tire website does not list SS tires. You have to call them and they will order them. Mine are coming in next week. The online prices varied for this tire (TrXus 255/85/16 Mud radial) from $132 (Sams offroad store) to $142 (4 wheel parts) but shipping from Sams was almost $200 and 4 wheel parts $100. With Discount at $149 each, no shipping and the option of paying for their "no questions asked" replacement policy (for $22 each). For the amount I would pay for shipping, I can get an insurance policy from Discount that if I tear a hole in the sidewall, rip off a lug, I get a fresh tire, no questions asked (yes, I asked this specific question and they said no problem...).
They can get any of the SS tires, you just have to go in or give them a call. I would go with a more aggressive tire if I didn't have to use mine as much on road. I use mine as a DD when I'm to whimpy to drive the BMW R1150RT back and forth daily.
Jerry wrote: "They can get any of the SS tires, you just have to go in or give them a call. I would go with a more aggressive tire if I didn't have to use mine as much on road."
SNAP. This is a great post to come home to from church!
Discount Tire Co. has two shops in Greenville. Now I can just sashay in there and order what I want, they will mount them (and balance them, that's the part that scared me). I like the warranty too> Cut a lug and the replace it? That's unbelievable.
I've always thought the Super Swampers are the coolest LOOKING tire I've ever seen. If they're going on the other three FJC's in the club they'll surely go on mine as well.
If they're open I think I'll go see them Today. I will look at the SSR's, the LTB's and the TrXus, climb in the back of my cruiser, assume the lotus position and go "ommmmm, cruiser cruiser cruiser, ommmmmm" and await enlightenment.
If I get them on before Gulches that's great. If I have them for Cullowhee that would be more than for what could be asked.
And then he said: "I use mine as a DD when I'm to whimpy to drive the BMW R1150RT back and forth daily."
Dude I knew when I saw that yaller monster coming up Daniel Trail at URE there was somebody inside I would enjoy getting to know.
I rode a well modded K100RS to work every day (if it wasn't raining when I left in the morning) back in 95-96. More than once I rode her home in snow and ice. When a ditz in a Lumina turned it into a boat anchor I had a leased R1100LT for a while until I got my leg and arm healed then got a K1, made a stripped cafe monster out of it. Beemer riders are like Cruiserheads . . . discriminating, quality and performance oriented and more into what it does than how it looks. Very little poseurs in that crowd. My club, the Conebutts, was named for Eric Henne, holder of several hundred world speed records in the 30's. Before aeros came along for bikes he wore a streamlined helmet and strapped a cone on his butt. Conebutts were the terror of the mountains when I was riding with them, haven't had much to do with them since I bought the old electraglide. They are slightly bigoted the beemer boys. Like I said, a lot like cruiserheads. Gotta love it.
Ride on cat.
Once I get Bonnie squared away I need to get my other DD's back in action (if there's any gelt left at all). Pickup needs the carb rebuilt (runs, but badly), Mustang has an mysterious intermittent fuel supply problem, Harley needs a rear axle bearing and the Beemer sat too long and the fuel pump mount dissolved leaving gooey sh*t all over the inside of the tank.
But first . . . Bonnie the hump jumper.
bw (Amusing himself until the day his 13' Boston Whaler is his DD.)
SNAP. This is a great post to come home to from church!
Discount Tire Co. has two shops in Greenville. Now I can just sashay in there and order what I want, they will mount them (and balance them, that's the part that scared me). I like the warranty too> Cut a lug and the replace it? That's unbelievable.
I've always thought the Super Swampers are the coolest LOOKING tire I've ever seen. If they're going on the other three FJC's in the club they'll surely go on mine as well.
If they're open I think I'll go see them Today. I will look at the SSR's, the LTB's and the TrXus, climb in the back of my cruiser, assume the lotus position and go "ommmmm, cruiser cruiser cruiser, ommmmmm" and await enlightenment.
If I get them on before Gulches that's great. If I have them for Cullowhee that would be more than for what could be asked.
And then he said: "I use mine as a DD when I'm to whimpy to drive the BMW R1150RT back and forth daily."
Dude I knew when I saw that yaller monster coming up Daniel Trail at URE there was somebody inside I would enjoy getting to know.
I rode a well modded K100RS to work every day (if it wasn't raining when I left in the morning) back in 95-96. More than once I rode her home in snow and ice. When a ditz in a Lumina turned it into a boat anchor I had a leased R1100LT for a while until I got my leg and arm healed then got a K1, made a stripped cafe monster out of it. Beemer riders are like Cruiserheads . . . discriminating, quality and performance oriented and more into what it does than how it looks. Very little poseurs in that crowd. My club, the Conebutts, was named for Eric Henne, holder of several hundred world speed records in the 30's. Before aeros came along for bikes he wore a streamlined helmet and strapped a cone on his butt. Conebutts were the terror of the mountains when I was riding with them, haven't had much to do with them since I bought the old electraglide. They are slightly bigoted the beemer boys. Like I said, a lot like cruiserheads. Gotta love it.
Ride on cat.
Once I get Bonnie squared away I need to get my other DD's back in action (if there's any gelt left at all). Pickup needs the carb rebuilt (runs, but badly), Mustang has an mysterious intermittent fuel supply problem, Harley needs a rear axle bearing and the Beemer sat too long and the fuel pump mount dissolved leaving gooey sh*t all over the inside of the tank.
But first . . . Bonnie the hump jumper.
bw (Amusing himself until the day his 13' Boston Whaler is his DD.)
Heaven and Hell
Life is like hiking in the mountains; you get to the top of one and there's another one behind it. Or like the ocean; the tide goes out, you build a sand castle, it comes back and washes it away.
This afternoon I was feeling pretty good about the upgrade project. Lift coming, tires solved, bumper chosen, winch bought.
So I watched some Daytona qualifying (rootin' for Toyota now) and took a nice nap. Woke up, some daylight still, feeling good, went out and did the ATRAC hack. Made a really nice job of it too; nice fittings, looks like it was made that way, easily restorable to stock. Felt pretty PROUD about it.
Then the truck wouldn't start. Cranks but won't fire a lick.
D'oohhh there I go again. Sometimes I get so tired of being ADD. I've studied the threads on this subject many times and I've never heard of this happening but I can guess what I did wrong.
Cardinal rule of auto electronics repair: Disconnect the bloomin' battery.
So now I'm high centered in the Rock Garden without a winch. I PM'd Mtbcoach who hooked me up with this in the first place and also Alex the original inventor and Superstar 555 the guy on the other forum who did the Illustrated Guide to the ATRAC Hack.
All I can do now is pray I don't end up having to have it towed and face the dealer with my sorry tale of sin.
Can anybody help this poor schmuck?
b
Flash, Jerry just PM'd and he didn't remember disconnecting the battery so now what?
I'm distraught.
Ommmm, cruiser cruiser cruiser, Ommmmm.
Life is like hiking in the mountains; you get to the top of one and there's another one behind it. Or like the ocean; the tide goes out, you build a sand castle, it comes back and washes it away.
This afternoon I was feeling pretty good about the upgrade project. Lift coming, tires solved, bumper chosen, winch bought.
So I watched some Daytona qualifying (rootin' for Toyota now) and took a nice nap. Woke up, some daylight still, feeling good, went out and did the ATRAC hack. Made a really nice job of it too; nice fittings, looks like it was made that way, easily restorable to stock. Felt pretty PROUD about it.
Then the truck wouldn't start. Cranks but won't fire a lick.
D'oohhh there I go again. Sometimes I get so tired of being ADD. I've studied the threads on this subject many times and I've never heard of this happening but I can guess what I did wrong.
Cardinal rule of auto electronics repair: Disconnect the bloomin' battery.
So now I'm high centered in the Rock Garden without a winch. I PM'd Mtbcoach who hooked me up with this in the first place and also Alex the original inventor and Superstar 555 the guy on the other forum who did the Illustrated Guide to the ATRAC Hack.
All I can do now is pray I don't end up having to have it towed and face the dealer with my sorry tale of sin.
Can anybody help this poor schmuck?
b
Flash, Jerry just PM'd and he didn't remember disconnecting the battery so now what?
I'm distraught.
Ommmm, cruiser cruiser cruiser, Ommmmm.
umm, I am assuming you did the harness hack and not the addition of the button? Or the hack where you can ATRAC with rear locker?
If you did the plain ATRAC hack, you should have bought the $43 button and called it day.
Either way, if you messed with wiring with the battery connected you could have fried an expensive ECU or two. I can say that the ignition should NOT be in the same harness as the traction control...but I don't have a wiring diagram to help....if you have it so you can put it back to stock...do so, and call the dealer
If you did the plain ATRAC hack, you should have bought the $43 button and called it day.
Either way, if you messed with wiring with the battery connected you could have fried an expensive ECU or two. I can say that the ignition should NOT be in the same harness as the traction control...but I don't have a wiring diagram to help....if you have it so you can put it back to stock...do so, and call the dealer
Yeah, I think he is talking about the simultaneous Atrac/locker hack, since he mentions superstar555.
umm, I am assuming you did the harness hack and not the addition of the button? Or the hack where you can ATRAC with rear locker?
If you did the plain ATRAC hack, you should have bought the $43 button and called it day.
Either way, if you messed with wiring with the battery connected you could have fried an expensive ECU or two. I can say that the ignition should NOT be in the same harness as the traction control...but I don't have a wiring diagram to help....if you have it so you can put it back to stock...do so, and call the dealer
Sorry Dan I wrote a reply last night but I guess it evaporated in the aether.
Yes ATRAC w/rear locker.
None of that expensive factory smoke escaped from the wires so either fried a processor or tripped a fuse or breaker.
I haven't been to fjc forum to see if I have any bites yet.
I talked to Rick at Ralph Hayes Toyota, he didn't know about this stuff but send it on over he said.
b
Yes ATRAC w/rear locker.
None of that expensive factory smoke escaped from the wires so either fried a processor or tripped a fuse or breaker.
I haven't been to fjc forum to see if I have any bites yet.
I talked to Rick at Ralph Hayes Toyota, he didn't know about this stuff but send it on over he said.
b
Bill - any update yet? I have exhausted my resources and can't come up with any good answer other than what has already been posted. Upon stirring the brain cells, I did remove the battery cables when I did the mod, sorry for my initial failing response.
I'm waiting on my tires, they said 2 weeks to get in, supposedly back ordered. But, gives me time to get the body mount trimmed. Think I found a local guy that can do it, refered from cruiser4life and the NCTLCA board. Talked to the shop on the phone, sent pics and see when we can get it done.
Hope things sort out on Bonnie and she gets back on the road soon...
I'm waiting on my tires, they said 2 weeks to get in, supposedly back ordered. But, gives me time to get the body mount trimmed. Think I found a local guy that can do it, refered from cruiser4life and the NCTLCA board. Talked to the shop on the phone, sent pics and see when we can get it done.
Hope things sort out on Bonnie and she gets back on the road soon...
