school me on these

[toddslater]

MODs if this is deemed too chat like feel free to move but I did look at the FAQ and well not so much. So, I am thinking of getting an FJC. I own 8 FJ's... 40, 55'sx3, 60, 62,80x2...so I do know something, if it is arguably just how to buy cruisers. Question(s) is what are the meaningful differences between say the 2007/2008/2009 model's. Mainly interested in drive train options/differences...not so much stereo differences. I already now I'll be needing the rear diff lock option. This will be beginning life as ride but will slowly be mod'ed and eventually find it's way into some stuff. So, school me on what's what here.

TIA,
Todd

 

[1911]

Question(s) is what are the meaningful differences between say the 2007/2008/2009 model's. Mainly interested in drive train options/differences...

No significant differences in the drive train of any year so far, except that early build date 2007's w/ auto trannies have a higher occurence of blowing rear diff ring gears. The factory rear e-locker works well and is worth getting IMO, A-Trac works well and is worth getting; other than that get as stripped of a one as possible - most of the other options are all s*** IMO (if you're going to wheel it).

 

[toddslater]

Good to know re: early 2007's. Thanks

 

[Scooterpilot]

Some 2007's and 2008 are having the inner fenders rip. Some dealers are replacing the inner fenders which is a large task and not cheap. Other dealers will deny the ower's the repair becauser their rig has a lift kit on it.

Seems Toyota has redesigned the inner fender for 2009. Haven't heard anything "yet" on the 09. Check the blue FJ Forum for details.

Do you have inner fender bulges / cracking?? - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Attention: ALL Current FJC Owners !!! - Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum

Regards,

 

[toddslater]

Thanks for that important heads up Scooter !!! I haven't checked the NHSTA website on them yet, probably a good idea also. Anything else come to mind ?

 

[BMThiker]

All 08 models and later allow the ability to use Atrac and the rear locker at the same time - a nice combo in certain situations. However, for the 07 models there is a 15 minute "hack" that allows the same functionality. Get any model with just the rear locker and you can add atrac by installing the $40 switch - because all FJC's with e-lockers are prewired for atrac anyways. In other words, don't pay a premium because it has atrac.

For the '07 R/P issue: any model with a build date after Feb 07 will be fine. It's only the models before Feb 07 that have the hardening issue with the r/p.

 

[toddslater]

Pulled the trigger today...new 08 convenience package, upgrade package #2, and a few other dodads...22.5k. I think the will like it. Damn, if I am not already scoping mods for it...I gotta stop. Merry Xmas to all in this forum and a special thanks to those above who provided some schoolin

 

[1911]

Pulled the trigger today...new 08 convenience package, upgrade package #2, and a few other dodads...22.5k. I think the will like it. Damn, if I am not already scoping mods for it...I gotta stop. Merry Xmas to all in this forum and a special thanks to those above who provided some schoolin

Congratulations. You got a good deal. There is a pretty well-developed aftermarket for good mods now.

 

[lgrt]

Pulled the trigger today...new 08 convenience package, upgrade package #2, and a few other dodads...22.5k. I think the will like it. Damn, if I am not already scoping mods for it...I gotta stop. Merry Xmas to all in this forum and a special thanks to those above who provided some schoolin

Congrats on the new rig... Nice Christmas present!