Some MODS to the FJ Cruiser

[keith richardson]

I have just returned from a 2 week trip to Germany, Switzerland and Italy
I am very surprised at how many LHD FJ Cruisers I saw as I wasnt aware that they were being imported into Europe
In Germany I saw 3 - In Switzerland I saw none (not surprising the Swiss are all boring) and in Italy I saw 5.


BTW - update on my FJ
Now fitted;-
Aussie Long Ranger Tank 120ltr (+75Ltr OEM = 195Ltr)
Mickey Thompson MTZ'z Tyres
Mickey Thompson Wheels
Tough Dog 45mm 9 way adjustable shock with 2inch Lift springs
Gobi-X BullBar and Spotties

Work in progress:-
Fitting National Luna Dual Charger with Optima Yellow Top 75AH (major undertaking as the power steering oil reservoir needs to be moved by over 800mm)
ARB compressor - for tyres.

 

[Gary Stockton]

Very lekker, Keith,

Can't see pics (am at work, so not your problem ) - howre you liking the Mickey T combo? What offset rims did you fit? That's on my wish-list

 

[keith richardson]

Gazza

Stay away from the Mickey T MTZ tyres, so they are so noisy on road that they sound like and old Bedford RL (think anyone here will know what an RL is ?? ) I will fit BFG KM2 Muddies next

I dont know what offset the rims are but they are really nice - 8J
The Mickey T's are 33 x 11.5 x 17 ( in metric 285/75 x 17)

 

[Gary Stockton]

Cool - will do - been reading your Liuwa trip - man I'm homesick now

Can't get KM2's here in anything bigger than 245/65x17, so will possibly put MAxxis Big Horns or Cooper STTs again in 285/70x17

Saving like crazy - want to come out in 2015 for at least 6 weeks with the 120 - no promises though . Will borrow Grahame Burchell's land anchor for a while I think although will have the RTT on as well.

 

[Graham]

I wish I could endear to it but it seems not to be.

There is the body shape, I just don't like.

Probably a capable vehicle, but not my cup of tea.

Gra.

 

[chadr]

Though I like it, I must admit it doesn't look very well proportioned side-on. IMO a 70/80/90/100/120 all look better at that angle.

IMO the FJ looks best head-on.....

 

[Jon Wildsmith]

I think that's the best colour combination I've seen on an FJ, that and the fact the steering wheel is in the right place makes me like this one

 

[keith richardson]

Gazza

This is the body mount chop that I did to allow for the two sizes oversize tyres

When you fit bigger tyres to the FJ the front tyres start to rub against the front body mountings and the mud flap
As this is a common fault - our friends over the pond have already found a solution to this, so it was merely the task of downloading one of the body mount chop threads from the FJCRUISER forum and follow the guidelines

Tools needed:
Electric axe - angle grinder 230mm (115mm is too small) to cut the body mount
Small electric axe 115mm with flap disks for grinding and smooting
Two pieces of 70mm x 120mm 3mm plate cut to suit the cut off profile
Welding machine - I used my MIG/MAG welder
Jotun Chassis paint and paint brush
12mm socket to remove running boards
10mm ratchet spanner to remove mudflaps
1 x 2lb hammer
1 x 4lb hammer

Here are some pics of what I did.

The right side before the mod showing where the tyre rubs

The left side before the mod showing where the tyre rubs

The right side cut of the body mount

The partial cut

The final modified mount right side

The final modified mount left side