New FJC and looking to do minor mod

[ArkansasLarry]

Hello to all. For a brief moment I have transitioned from the FJ40 forum to the FJC forum. I have recently purchased a 2007 FJC for my oldest boy’s first ride. We test drove it over the weekend and I told him I was taking it back to the dealership because I just didn’t think it was the right vehicle for him (all the blind spots and short front windshield was the primary reason – and to be honest I’m still a bit concerned about this but I’m sure I’ll get over it). The plan is to give it to him on Christmas. So I’ve been thinking about the following modifications/dress-up and would like some opinions.

1. 2” OME lift
2. 285/65/18 or 285/70/17 Nitto terra grapplers AT
3. Moto Metal Skull Wheels

I would also like to do a “black-out” paint job (roof, bumpers, mirrors and door handles).

Cheers

Larry

 

[Mtbcoach]

Nice looking FJC for being an '07, well done.

Regarding the lift...OME is a great choice though there is no "X" amount of lift. You will have a couple spring choices (883, 884 or 885 front, 894 and 895 for the rear), the choice being how much weight one might have equating to X amount of lift. If you put a heavy bumper and winch, one might go with the 885's, some use the 886's even though OME doesn't "authorize" it.

Regarding the tire wheel combo...be careful of backspacing on the wheels and the tire size "may" rub on the body mount, you may have to do the "body mount chop" to fix. Its not a big deal, just something to be aware of when you are making your plans.

Regarding the black out...easy, just takes time and easy disassembly. As with any painting, its all about the prep...

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Thanks Jerry. I'll work with the local off-road shop to get their opinions on the springs. I did see some other post about the wheel off-set and the potential of cutting down the body mounts. This is nice to know when talking with the guys who will be doing the work.

I will be taking the FJC to a local body shop (the same shop who did my FJ40 frame off) for the "black-out" paint job.

I'll post pics throughout the process.

Cheers

 

[WilsonTRDParts4u]

TRDParts4u has all OME products at an additional 10% off. Use discount code "black10" until Dec 1st. Discount code box found on the leftside of the page while reviewing your cart BEFORE going to checkout.

 

[Old Cruiser]

With the front end being stock meaning no aftermarket bumper or winch, I would say stay with the medium springs. OME stuff rides great and for those who are all caught up in the coilovers are best really should ride in an FJ with this set up. Plush on the road and great off road too. I was surprised when I hopped in an FJ at WTF with it.

The wheels might have a BS issue as Larry eluded to. The TG run true to size and will be larger than other manufacturers AT's So either get the Caster dialed up to +3.5 degrees or higher or get the BMC.

Stay away from wheel spacers if you can- they make the whole rear body mount/ fender well contact worse. They do help fix the BS issue if you love the wheels and cant do with out them. Also keep tires off the UCA's (also an issue of BS)

Have fun!

 

[VegasNick]

I'll add in one more thing from personal experience. Depending on where you plan on wheeling, the Terra Grapplers may not be the best choice. I have them, and while they are excellent all around tires, they do chunk out terribly on the trails that I run. (desert, mountainous, lots of embedded rocks) Good thing is that discount Tire has replaced several under their warranty so no big deal. I did speak with Nitto and Discount Tire about the issue, and they said I had the wrong tire for what I do on the trail. (High speed desert trail driving, again, mountainous terrain, etc)

 

[puulboy]

Nice looking FJ

Here are my suggestions
If your son plans on hitting a few trails eventually
I would
The OME lift sounds good
285/70/17's instead of anything 18
Less rubbing issues and a great look
I would put on the hankook RT03 M/T instead of the Terra grapplers. The hankooks look and perform better than the terra grapplers . They also ride nice on the road. If you keep them rotated they will have pretty good life. I have owned both.

Remove the brush guard and sell it, to put toward a real bumper, demello, expo one etc. he probably has birthdays too

Remove the faux steps, sell them and put the money toward real sliders. You can even get the Toyota Factory slidiers on CL for a good deal . I wheeled those for 3 years . Groundhog day?
Never know, you may want to join your son for some family wheeling fun . At least then he will have what is really needed for wheeling and ground clearance, plus it will look correctly set up .
Last thing for next Christmas could be skid plates. Ricochet makes some sturdy aluminum ones .

FYI he will probably want new tunes inbetween the wheeling mods LOL

have fun he is a lucky boy
thanks
Don

 

[jmylie]

Just another excuse to post some pictures:

OME lift, 285/70/17 Goodyear Wrangler MT's

New tires 285/75/17 BFG MT T/A KM2's:

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Update:
Thanks to all the comments, I had to move pretty fast so I went with what I had originally planned, however I did go with the heavier OME suspension. With this being his first ride and with the “boys will be boys” I suspect some off-road, but not sure he will go extreme. NW Arkansas has some really nice trails that a young’un can get some fun experience.

@puulboy – I stayed with the 18s from the standpoint of just a larger wheel to look at. BS was not an issue and there is no rub. Also, I’ll keep the hankook tires in mind for future use. I did get some other comments on replacing the brush guard – and yes there are plenty of days that will allow for extras!!!
@jmylie – Very Nice, I like the front-end set-up.

Here are some pics of the top being prepped and painted, wheel, and a side view of “almost finished” Christmas present.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

This is a pic of the FJ with the stock wheels.

 

[ArkansasLarry]

Here is a close up of the wheel and the wheels on the FJ. Starting to look MEAN

 

[jmylie]

ARB front bumper, Warn rear.

BudBuilt skids.

I have about 3" lift from my OME. It was done by the previous owner so I don't know what springs were used but it does ride nice.

Looking to adopt any more "kids"?

 

[puulboy]

Nice looking FJ. Your boy should be stoked

I still will say you need to remove the brushguard, before it gets damaged then not worth much. Those end up being damage multipliers when they bend into the hood, etc,

Keep us updated when more stuff gets done
Happy Holidays
Don