Need a recommendation on picking options for a 2008

[alex e]

I am looking to get a new FJC as my daily driver and I need some input from you guys. I'd like to wheel and hunt from it too. I'm picking the convenience package and the off road package, and that's it. I'll add sliders and a bumper later.
Question is what about the Upgrade package 2 versus the ORP? How harsh is the Bilstein suspension day to day?
I figured these options would be the best combo of locker/trac controls.

Any opinions from the experts?

 

[BMThiker]

Save yourself some dough and just get the convenience package with a factory rear locker installed. The upgrade package has stereo and gauge cluster refinements, but with the same money you could upgrade to Old Man Emu suspension setup and then some. The stiffness is a welcome change once you've driven the stock suspension for a while. Less body roll and nose diving. And you'll want something better than the ORP suspension, if you add a steel bumper and sliders.

If you get a 4WD model with rear locker (and most come that way), then you can install a $50 switch on the dash console to enable the A-Trac function (normally bundled with one of the UP packages). The trick is that it is already prewired on FJC's with the rear lockers, so all you have to do is install the switch in the top row, third position, where the harness comes thru.

 

[Stinkyfinger]

X2 ^
Save your cash for some real mods

 

[alex e]

That was my other question. Why not just the dang convenience pkg and nothing else. OME suspension and ARB bumpers/sliders later.

 

[IB14A69]

if you are or arnt planning on getting new wheels the new 16'' wheels that came out for 08 only come on the off road package. but with the off road package you dont get the wrapped steering wheel and the radio controls on the wheel

 

[tburrell]

ARB Roof Rack

I'm not sure if this is something you're wondering about so I figure I'll toss it out there. I have the Toyota roof rack and I'm not so happy with it. You can only load stuff on the back 1/2 of the vehicle because the cross bars are too narrow to be moved forwards on the vehicle (I hope that made sense).

I'm planning on getting an ARB roof rack, eventually. I think it looks nice and you can put stuff on it all the way to the front. It mounts using the same points as the factory roof rack.

UNLESS you really want the Toyota roof rack. I know a guy in Denver who would be willing to sell you his.

 

[adso]

I'm not sure if this is something you're wondering about so I figure I'll toss it out there. I have the Toyota roof rack and I'm not so happy with it. You can only load stuff on the back 1/2 of the vehicle because the cross bars are too narrow to be moved forwards on the vehicle (I hope that made sense).

I'm planning on getting an ARB roof rack, eventually. I think it looks nice and you can put stuff on it all the way to the front. It mounts using the same points as the factory roof rack.

UNLESS you really want the Toyota roof rack. I know a guy in Denver who would be willing to sell you his.

I second the rack. I carry a canoe and the stock rack puts the canoe at a very awkward spot on the vehicle. Even the short ARB rack is an improvement.

 

[shane4x4]

I agree...go with the the convenience package & the locker. Everything else you can add. The stock roof rack is not very good if you actually want to use it.

 

[alex e]

This is exactly what I was thinking. Thank you!

 

[IB14A69]

i like the looks and the low profile of the gobi rack plus it has the wind-deflector up front

 

[Niner]

there is a aftermarket front roof rack attachment to fill the gap rather than scraping your factory one I'll have to look for who is selling it.

http://www.adv4x4.com/fjcrwiadrora.html

 

[adso]

I've enjoyed the GPS unit, but there are better units for less money.

 

[GsGmac]

4x4 with a locker is all you need.

 

[tburrell]

ARB vs. Gobi and front roof rack attachment

i like the looks and the low profile of the gobi rack plus it has the wind-deflector up front

I've seen that one and I prefer the ARB -- mainly because the ARB's bars are "flat." I just think it'd be easier to put stuff up there and strap it down. Plus, I think the ARB is cheaper ($815 at Slee including the "fit kit" -- http://www.sleeoffroad.com/products/products_roofracks_main.htm -- lower right hand corner).

there is a aftermarket front roof rack attachment to fill the gap rather than scraping your factory one I'll have to look for who is selling it.

http://www.adv4x4.com/fjcrwiadrora.html

I've seen that, too, and I still prefer the ARB -- one "flat surface" (so to speak) to put stuff on and if I sell my Toyota roof rack for a few bucks then the ARB isn't that much more expensive than the roof rack attachment.

That's my two cents. Of course, if you offered me a penny for my thoughts, you'd have change coming.

 

[Brock]

I am in much the same boat...about to take my dads FJ60 from him but wife wants an FJ Cruiser that I will use for long trips and hunting and in a couple years will be my daily driver in addition to hunting when she gets the bug for a new car...I HOPE

I get a good discount through USAA but looking at what I get the most out of and what I can do myself...I narrowed it down to Convenience Group, Upgrade #2, Savings Group and then adding rack with lights and wind deflector, sirius, all wx mats...and they are going to upgrade my tires to BFG MT or Toyo with me paying difference.

This will let me add the OME or RoughCountry lift, rock sliders, front rear bumpers with brush guards, relocate spare tire carrier to rear bumper hopefully, CAI and tuned exhaust, and front skid myself.....the above packages cover ATrac, Locker, etc...

enough comfort for wife...but giving enough utility for me until it is mine full time in a couple years...LOL

Dads FJ60 is in great shape...original paint and interior....warn hubs...locker...3" lift....aggressive tires...lights...etc. Cant wait to get it and get it checked out and then see how she handles....as he has never let me drive it before offroad or on road...and I am 44 years old.

 

[woooody]

I would say rear locker and convenience pack. Beyond that, it's personal. If it affects your financing ability, package up what you can from Toyota. But I will say
No factory roof rack - go ARB
No tire cover
no "dash blister" (temp gauge, compass, level gauge)
No subwoofer, but if you do get one, you can sell it for ~$300.
Steel wheels seem to have as good of a resale value as the alloys.
Rock Rails are OK, but aftermarket sliders have better protection.

That's all I got.

 

[bigjer]

THe ARB roof rack produces a lot of wind noise even at 40 mph.

 

[Brock]

i go by what i would not want to run and install myself.....or that which cannot be easily found or installed afterwards since I am not a mechanic or such....so i ordered a package that gave me roof rack with lights so I would not have to worry about installing lights and running wiring and then having my holes leak and look like crap.......rear locker and ATrack....as I am no mechanic or tranny guy....and enough creature comforts for daily commutes or trips to make wife and me happy...so the upgraded stereo system and such.

I would say to find one with every conceivable option you MIGHT LIKE and then do another with the bare minimum you can get buy with if you were really really tight on money....then go for what gives you the most impact for your money on the rest.

 

[Runamuck]

Just Got Mine!

After a year of looking, longing, and laboring, I finally got an fjcruiser. I went with the trail team package. I liked the all white. I got it Friday and put 400 miles on it. It rides very nice. Two things I would have changed - make the lighter work even when the engine is off for charging my phone, and figure out some way to have cargo net hooks in the back with the bass speaker. I love it! My wife finally pried the keys out of my hand and she took it for a spin. Now I can't get it back!

CruisinKyle

 

[Cruiser08]

After a year of looking, longing, and laboring, I finally got an fjcruiser. I went with the trail team package. I liked the all white. I got it Friday and put 400 miles on it. It rides very nice. Two things I would have changed - make the lighter work even when the engine is off for charging my phone, and figure out some way to have cargo net hooks in the back with the bass speaker. I love it! My wife finally pried the keys out of my hand and she took it for a spin. Now I can't get it back!

CruisinKyle

Same here. I have to chase her around the house with a broom to get the darn keys back!