TRD edition

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woooody

el Jefe
Joined
Mar 14, 2003
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81
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1,415
Location
Vacaville, Ca
So, I'm reading different thoughts here on various threads. Seems like the cost of the TRD package is high, but then looking closer, it's not really that bad.

I'm wondering why the TRD goes down from 17's to 16's? I'm also wondering if there is any lift what so ever for the "upgraded" suspension. I actually like the black roof.

Curious what other people have thought looking at it? I can get it for a decent price (~30,500). It has no options but the TRD.

Roof rack -- Do those that have them like it? I've heard some people removed them. I think garage clearance will dictate that I don't have one.

Thanks
 
The wheels go smaller to allow for more sidewall in the tire. It's better for going offroad. The SE does not have a lift, but does have Bilstein Shocks that are a bit more offroad friendly.

I wouldn't want an FJ without a rack of some sort. That does not mean it needs to be the OEM one. There are after market racks by All Pro, Gobi, and others.
 
Thanks

I get the deal behind more sidewall, just wonder why they went with AT's over MT's.

I'm thinking the ARB front bumper is a must. I presume the airbag sensors are defeated at that point though? Or do they still work?

Speaking of which, what's the deployment speed on the airbags? Are they disabled while in 4 low?
 
ATs because no automotive manufacturer wants to warranty mud terrain tires.

Also- less complaints of road noise.
 
I'm also wondering if there is any lift what so ever for the "upgraded" suspension.

The TRD shocks are 50mm Bilsteins and quite stout. they are what were on the Millen's race FJC in the 1000. As an OEM unit, they are pretty good.
 
TRD with Lock rear diff and ATRAK at the same time

Was in for an oil change and the dealer happend to have a FJ TRD on the lot. I checked it out, hate the black roof, but loved the fact that in this vehicle you are able to run the locked rear diff and the ATRAK at the same time. I asked the parts guys if there was an upgrade available for the regular FJ, no viable answer. I have done the hack on mine but had trouble with VSC and ABS lights staying on all the time so I returned it to OEM wiring. Any thoughts on this problem. Michael:confused:
 
Not A Bad Deal

I think the SE is actually not a bad value. I have a TRD and a standard FJ and paid almost the same price for both (within $200). My Voodoo blue was pretty loaded with TRD exhaust and just about everything except the skid plate and it came with a roof rack, hitch, and a subwoofer that the TRD didn't, but the TRD came with Bilsteins, nicer wheels and tires, the black top, and the fact that its resale value will probably be a little higher. The lack of a rack didn't mean much because it lets me justify the Gobi Stealth which is more usable and I prefer the look of it. All in all they are about the same value. If you like good sound you might want to look into a sub and amp. I had to right away because it sounds tinny without the sub. Couple 10s did the job nicely!
 
Was in for an oil change and the dealer happend to have a FJ TRD on the lot. I checked it out, hate the black roof, but loved the fact that in this vehicle you are able to run the locked rear diff and the ATRAK at the same time. I asked the parts guys if there was an upgrade available for the regular FJ, no viable answer. I have done the hack on mine but had trouble with VSC and ABS lights staying on all the time so I returned it to OEM wiring. Any thoughts on this problem. Michael:confused:

Late 06's and all 07+ will be able to run A-TRAC with locker.
 
That is a good price that your getting! I paid $34,200 in December for mine it has oem roof rack and leather seats(that was a 1700 option) not my choice they were in it and I just wanted one...
Mark:cheers:
 
I love mine. But I switched out the A/T's for M/T's.

I dig the black roof too. To me it is unique in an ever-growing FJC world.

-Rip
 
I've been real happy with mine. I like the Bilsteins better than the stock shocks. I did not like the dive in the stock suspension. The TRD handles really well.
 
I have 10326 miles since Dec 4 and love this Truck!!

I really like the Black paint treatment. It completely changes the look of the traditional white top units and the painted TRD wheels add to the uniquely understated look of the TRD SE . I especially like the fact that I do not see my truck at everyother intersection.
I find the front seat area to be very roomy and my 3 year old grandson enjoys the roof mounted DVD Player from his center mounted car seat.
I enjoy the Stereo/6CD changer. I find the speakers to be well placed throughout the interior of the cabin.
I just received the Factory Garmin in dash GPS that I ordered when I bought the truck. It tucks nicely into the storage area directly in front of the driver. The screen is alittle on the small end of the spectrum; but it is very well done and as a bonus it is portable.
The TRD SE's handling is crisp and there is plenty of zip available from the V6/ 5 sp AutoTrans /rear axle gearing combo.
The 17-20 MPG is not great; but better than a sharp stick in the eye!
I find the interior tastefully done and I really like the lack of carpet. The seats are comfortable, but my wife says that she does not like the relative lack of adjustment on the passenger side.
I offered to trade her '04 LC 100 for a new TRD SE;she just looked at me like I was speaking in tongues.
Oh well, you can't save everyone!!.............gm
 
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I like the look of the TRD black roof....I went to the local body shop that the stealership uses for it's repairs to get a quote on painting my roof to match..........sit down.......$3500, stating that they essentially needed to paint the whole vehicle to make the paint blend properly........told them to go pound.

I am considering having a reputable paint/body shop in town, paint the roof, door handles, mirror housings and bumper trim in a flat black that matches the roof rack. I want them to clearcoast the hell outta the roof so that the flat black does not look oxidized. I think that this combination provides a tougher look, and still offers a contrast like the white roof does.

I have a used front skid plate on order (bought thru Ebay) which I am considering having powder coated flat black.

Thoughts? Comments?
 
I like the look of the TRD black roof....I went to the local body shop that the stealership uses for it's repairs to get a quote on painting my roof to match..........sit down.......$3500, stating that they essentially needed to paint the whole vehicle to make the paint blend properly........told them to go pound.

I am considering having a reputable paint/body shop in town, paint the roof, door handles, mirror housings and bumper trim in a flat black that matches the roof rack. I want them to clearcoast the hell outta the roof so that the flat black does not look oxidized. I think that this combination provides a tougher look, and still offers a contrast like the white roof does.

I have a used front skid plate on order (bought thru Ebay) which I am considering having powder coated flat black.


Thoughts? Comments?

The roof is tough to keep nice over time; especially, if it were a flat finish with clearcoat. I would use the same high gloss paint and color as the rest of the truck. A good body shop should have no trouble painting the roof that color, there are natural body crease lines on the C and A pillars where the breaks would occur- just tape and shoot.
I like the monochromatic look, but I think that I would paint the silver accent areas a gunmetal high gloss color (like the TRDSE wheels)
Add the TRDSE wheels or paint yours to match and that would look pretty fine!..........gm
 
I like the look of the TRD black roof....I went to the local body shop that the stealership uses for it's repairs to get a quote on painting my roof to match..........sit down.......$3500, stating that they essentially needed to paint the whole vehicle to make the paint blend properly........told them to go pound.

I am considering having a reputable paint/body shop in town, paint the roof, door handles, mirror housings and bumper trim in a flat black that matches the roof rack. I want them to clearcoast the hell outta the roof so that the flat black does not look oxidized. I think that this combination provides a tougher look, and still offers a contrast like the white roof does.

I have a used front skid plate on order (bought thru Ebay) which I am considering having powder coated flat black.

Thoughts? Comments?

if you're referring to the skidplate tahts available as a factory option, see if its possible to return it. if you plan on doing any wheeling you will be VERY dissapointed with it. its aluminum and its thin. i went to Paragon this past weekend with the TLCA chapter from NYC, there were several FJ's there with the fact. skid plate (mine dosent have it) and ALL OF THEM came out bent and beat to crap. they hang down really low and catch rocks, one guy (kb3gun) even had his bent in such a way that it inhibited his M/T from turning lock to lock. its a junk skid plate. sorry for the bad news.
 
Black Out

Well, the used factory skid plate that I ordered arrived. It was a little greasy from the uninstall but after clean-up looked brand new. It's installed now and I think it looks good. Has anyone else noticed a significant reduction in road noise after installing a front skid plate? I noticed this almost immediately. In keeping with my "black out" theme for the FJ, I am going to either primer and flat black paint the skid plate or send it out for powder coating. I have the black Predator step rails, powder coated black Moto Metal wheels and of course the black roof rack. Painting all the grey trim a flat black and removing the white pin stripe is coming soon. Will post some before and after pics when everything is done.
 
Payed 33,800 for mine,had to have it.Took over 2 mnth's to arrive,added roof rack@dealer,Yakima makes add.cross bars(i'm told)no isssues, NO GARAGE. Will keep stock,maybe TRD supercharger.
 

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