New FJ Cruiser

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Joined
Jun 25, 2012
Threads
2
Messages
13
Location
Oklahoma
Howdy y'all, I just bought a 2008 FJ and am looking to make it a tough off-roader.
I can use any advice on parts and the order of the build.


This is the build I had in mind(granted over time)
ARB Deluxe Winch Bar
WARN M8000 Self-Recovery Winch
ARB Rear Bumper
Pro Comp Wheels: Series 87 Rock Crawler
BFG KM2 tires
Old Man Emu Suspension System or 3'' Hells Creek lift
TRD Cold Air Intake
ARB Safari Snorkel
MBRP Aluminized Off-Road Exhaust
 
Howdy y'all, I just bought a 2008 FJ and am looking to make it a tough off-roader.
I can use any advice on parts and the order of the build.


This is the build I had in mind(granted over time)
ARB Deluxe Winch Bar
WARN M8000 Self-Recovery Winch
ARB Rear Bumper
Pro Comp Wheels: Series 87 Rock Crawler
BFG KM2 tires
Old Man Emu Suspension System or 3'' Hells Creek lift
TRD Cold Air Intake
ARB Safari Snorkel
MBRP Aluminized Off-Road Exhaust

PS: ~$3000 parts limit, and must be done by August 10 2012
 
You'll have a very capable and tough off-roader with only the addition on of the KM2 tires, so get those first. The cold air intake, snorkle, and new exhaust do nothing to enhance off-road performance so leave those until last. The bumpers and winch are nice to have, but I would recommend some sliders and skid plates before those, if you're on a budget.

All IMO of course; YMMV.
 
^^ X2, I'm on the same page as what Lee advised above.

So much depends on what your general plans are. My build, tires were near the end, I went with sliders, upgraded lower control arms, OME kit, front bumper, tires (255/85/16's), skids, rear bumper, etc, etc, etc...
 
Okay well like I said it will be completed over time, as a college student I do no have the cash just sitting around lol.

As for the rock sliders, any good brands? ARB?
 
As for the rock sliders, any good brands? ARB?

Lots of choices, depending on how far you want them to stick out, whether you want a kick-out on the back end, etc. Everything BudBuilt makes is heavy-duty and made for the trail for sure. Demello, MetalTech and several others also make good ones. Look at photos and other people's trucks to see what you like.
 
Welcome to the fun, and say goodbye to expendable cash.

Understand, I'm not dogging your list, nor any specific components of, but all looks to be formulated from the last issue of a magazine.

Research all the options available, before spending, so you don't do it twice. Spoken hypocritically, in hindsight.

One consideration that I didn't give much credence to, originally, is weight. The FJC is a fat pig to begin with and I didn't consider the implications of skids, sliders, roof racks, bumpers, and all other adds until it was already a done deal, so have been on a diet, as of late.

Again, not dogging your list, nor the products, but I'm my OPINION there are better bumper options than ARB, from a weight, expense, and off road approach/departure angles.

Also, of you're going larger than OE tires, consider a swing out rear bumper. I didn't for the sake of a stupid ladder I never used, then sold, and have regretted for a year. Your rear door will thank you for it later.

Plan a larger winch, and research your options on. Can get a 12k spoiled synthetic for less money than the ARB, and 8k isn't enough.

I know OME is favored here, but there are other options, as well. I'm sure a debatable topic, but you get what you pay for, when it comes to ride quality on road, and performance gains off road.
Good product, good quality, better options that cost more money are out there.

Regardless, be realistic with the "why" and "for what" your building for, then research options based on that criteria. If a mall crawler, there's better, more economical options than a desert bomber, but by determining it'll save you a fortune in components you won't need.
 
Not how I did things, but if I had to do it again, this is how it would go...

Stage 1:

Sliders
Front Skid
Suspension lift

Stage 2:

Tires
Mid skid
Rear Lower Control Arms

Stage 3:

Front Bumper
Front Upper Control Arms
Rear Differential skid

Stage 4:

Rear bumper
gas tank skid
9.5K winch (simple formula is factor 1.5 times the weight of vehicle, including gear and passengers = more than 8K winch)

Things that do little to improve offroading capabilities:

CAI
Snorkel
Exhaust
 
Okay well I am still looking around, I think I am just going to do the lift and 30'' tires for now. When I get back to Oklahoma I am going to get a job and start funding this adventure myself.

I think I have settled on the BFG All-Terrians because I dont want to wear the tires
down when I drive back to OK from NY

On that note, which lift is the best; ARB OME, Rough Country 3'' or Hells Creek 3''.

As for the purpose of this vehicle, I will be using it everyday for transport, but plan to take it off road whenever the chance arises. I know this labor day weekend my friends and I are going camping in Colorado. So this car needs to be able to handle off roading.

And Delancy, you are not dodging my list. I came here for advice, and that list is a starting board. I am very willing to change it as I go.
 
I didn't know ARB even had a lift for the FJC, and have never heard of Hell's Creek. I'm no expert, but have participated for a little while.

In all honesty, keep researching and stashing away cash. I hate to suggest another source, but there's ample information for every lift/tire/wheel configuration, online. Just google "lifts for FJ cruiser".

For real world input, based on experience (I've never ran any of those listed lifts, but have ran OE, ProComp, King, Radflo in OE width, and Radflo in wider) all I can offer is that the BFG ATs are a solid tire for on road, but if you're running through the rocks, they chunk, even aired down.

All posted from Tulsa.
 
The FJC is VERY capable off the showroom floor. It really only needs a better set of tires and protection, as most advised above.

If I were in your shoes, I'd get it in my hands, drive it around and see where it takes you. I hope it was a typo saying your downsizing to a 30" tire, a 33" would be a much better option IMHO. With a set of tires, Budbuilts and sliders, you'd be able to do Rubicon with the right spotters...
 
So then I ask, will BFG MK2 be able to handle the 1700mile drive to Oklahoma? I will be making this trip 4 times a year.
 
Might wanna consider doing a body mount chop if ur going with 33"s. you'll prob rub if you don't, though all rigs and tires are diff. I run Baja MTZ's and def needed to chop. I would do the lift then BMC then tires IMO.
 
Might wanna consider doing a body mount chop if ur going with 33"s. you'll prob rub if you don't, though all rigs and tires are diff. I run Baja MTZ's and def needed to chop. I would do the lift then BMC then tires IMO.

Good point...

In my experience, the width of the tires will increase the chances of rubbing on the body mount. I found that a 255/85/16 will not rub w/o a lift while a 285/75/16, many times will rub w/o a lift.

Just my 2 cents...
 

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