4x4 / Off-Road TechThis section contains all discussion related to taking the FJ Cruiser in Off-Road situations, 4x4 applications and any armor modifications.
Lots of folks are going to get an FJC and do real offroading for the first time. I think this is a fantastic trend that started with the H3, and to some extent, the H2. I envision many new FJC drivers joining the offroad community. I think FJC drivers should keep some perspective on what their vehicle is (or isn't) and more importantly, on what they know (or don't).
When the H2 came to market, many folks bought these and got caught up in the idea the H2 is the paragon of offroad capability, which it isn't. The H2 drivers were also clueless as to how ignorant they were about their vehicles, and about offroading in general. The effect is that H2 drivers get a certain contempt from the offroad community.
I may be the lucky owner of an FJC soon, and as an offroader, I'd like to see a hat in hand approach from all the new FJC drivers I hope to see on the trail soon. I good dose of humity about our vehicles, and a realistic view of how much there is to learn will make it a lot more fun on the trail, and we'll be a lot more welcome around the campfire.
Lots of folks are going to get an FJC and do real offroading for the first time.
See below.
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daddyo previously said:
I think this is a fantastic trend that started with the H3, and to some extent, the H2..
Donīt tell that to people who owned Jeeps, Powerwagons and various milsurp in the 1940/50s.
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daddyo previously said:
I think FJC drivers should keep some perspective on what their vehicle is (or isn't) and more importantly, on what they know (or don't)...
Valid. However, this applies to any vehicle, but as indicated, the operator is more important.
Quote:
daddyo previously said:
When the H2 came to market, many folks bought these and got caught up in the idea the H2 is the paragon of offroad capability, which it isn't...
Perhaps, but this appears to be an assumption not derived from any supporting data.
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daddyo previously said:
The H2 drivers were also clueless as to how ignorant they were about their vehicles, and about offroading in general. ...
Iīm not sure how you came to this conclusion, but the same yardstick can apply to any SUV marketed, present or past.
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daddyo previously said:
The effect is that H2 drivers get a certain contempt from the offroad community....
Perhaps, but again, based on what measurable criteria?
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daddyo previously said:
I may be the lucky owner of an FJC soon, and as an offroader, I'd like to see a hat in hand approach from all the new FJC drivers I hope to see on the trail soon. ....
Why? Itīs about driver skills, not the machine. The FJ will be my 21st 4x4 and my 12th Toyota 4x4. What I know or donīt know is irrelevant, unless my actions endanger others on the trail.
The FJ is a machine that many different people will buy for many different reasons. Why they buy it and what they do with it will be a personal decision. I would not be surprised to review usage of this machine twenty years from now and conclude that 90% of its time was spent on hard surface roads and that many FJs will never see a trail. However, if it meets most owners requirements, it will be a success.
Does it meet my requirements? This too, remains to be seen.
Nice post and to be I honest have had some concerns about wheeling my new FJC. I spent a lot of time offroad with my jeeps but that was over a decade ago and at the time I had little to no disposable income. With the FJ I am planning on getting back into wheeling again. Also, I can afford a lot of the toys I went without the first time around. As soon as parts become available I intend on putting some of these toys on. My ARB is already ordered, with it will probably go a winch, expedition roof rack (aftermarket once available) and better tires.
I wonder what my first trip to paragon will be like. The FJC will still be new to most people and in some cases mine may be the first they see off pavement. I have some reservations about showing up in my new truck complete with winch and ARB when I feel like I am starting over again with little to no experience. I'm sure what I did with my jeeps will come back to me in time but this is a new truck with a new feel and to be honest I want to relearn the correct way to take it off pavement. I feel like the guy who goes backpacking for the first time and buys all the equipment before even knowing how to do it.
That being said, I know the front of the FJC is a weak point and I'd rather take the plastic off before I damage it and if I am going to spend the money and have the bumper off I might as well throw on the winch.
Not sure if this really articulated my worry all that well...... I'd rather my first trip out be more about learning instead of defending my rig and asking a lot of questions that go unanswered becuase of how my truck is outfitted.
I seem as if I may have hit a nerve with you Jim. If you read my post carefully, you can see that it is not aimed at seasoned offroaders. My post was aimed at folks who will be new to offroading, and there is every reason to expect that many FJC owners will be new to offroading.
So you have an eager but inexperienced group with lots of pride and confidence in their vehicle. I want to see them integrate well and be welcomed in the offroad community.
I'm hoping to catch a tech demonstration somewhere at some point before I try anything serious. I've beat up a ton of vehicles in my life, but I don't want to ruin something as sweet as the FJ. I want to have this thing awhile. Just like shooting, bowling, hunting - every rednek sport has a certain etiquette and it's just as important to learn that as actual offroading technique. We've all met the jackasses... the ones who bring their entire brood to the bowlin' alley on league night and let their jackass offspring run half down the oil on the lanes without any supervision... or the numbnutz on the range that fails to pay attention as to whether or not anyone else is shooting before making certain the firing line is cold before walkin' out for their targets...
Jackasses are everywhere and I don't think any of the members here want to be remembered after their first trip out for their dumbass attitude or their awful trail habits. I really think that we could all gain from getting together on some easier stuff and some of the more seasoned guys giving us newby's some pointers. Teaching us how to do it right, protect the trail, and make it home.
__________________
2006 Tacoma Access Cab 4.0ltr V6 TRD Offroad, 6 Speed Manly-man-mandingoness "Too close for missiles, switching to guns."
Member #13 - no matter what that thing says.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but the Toyota FJ and Land Cruiser went into production in the early 70's. The Hummer was intruduced by GM in the early 90's. So who's the OG stomper?
Last edited by FJammer Saipan USA : 03-12-2006 at 08:08 PM.
I don't mean to espouse an "us" versus "them" mentality, but from what I've gathered during my brief period of forum membership and perusal of other forums is that those interested in the FJ, at least on this forum, tend to be grounded in reality...despite anxious anticipation and uncontrollable salivation, the weaknesses (feared and real) of the FJ have been explored, newbies have been welcomed with great fervor, a sense of camraderie with the entire offroading fellowship exuded in numerous posts...I can only hope that these all extend into real world applications helping to establish the new incarnation of the FJ as a true off-road/everyday use vehicle worthy of it's namesake and the owners seen as a welcome relief on a landscape littered with oversized SUVs marketed as snazzy mini-vans with which to intimidate other drivers and claim ownership of the road...I for one am with Percy, I am teachable...hat in hand...looking to own this rig for at least a decade.
Lots of folks are going to get an FJC and do real offroading for the first time. I think this is a fantastic trend that started with the H3, and to some extent, the H2. I envision many new FJC drivers joining the offroad community. I think FJC drivers should keep some perspective on what their vehicle is (or isn't) and more importantly, on what they know (or don't).
When the H2 came to market, many folks bought these and got caught up in the idea the H2 is the paragon of offroad capability, which it isn't. The H2 drivers were also clueless as to how ignorant they were about their vehicles, and about offroading in general. The effect is that H2 drivers get a certain contempt from the offroad community.
I may be the lucky owner of an FJC soon, and as an offroader, I'd like to see a hat in hand approach from all the new FJC drivers I hope to see on the trail soon. I good dose of humity about our vehicles, and a realistic view of how much there is to learn will make it a lot more fun on the trail, and we'll be a lot more welcome around the campfire.
Andrew
Well said...to add to it, also remember to be responsible on the trails. Clean up after yourself and others, stay on the designated trails and respect other nonmotorized people while out there. There are so many people wanting to limit off-road access. We (off-road community) are under the microscope if we do something wrong. There are organizations to help and it's cheap as well (Blue Ribbon, CA4wd, Friends of the Rubicaon, etc.).
As for on the trail, there will always be some idiots out there, but for the most part, if you are on the trail people are very friendly and are enjoying the same thing you are doing, enjoying the wilderness. It's nice to have the Jeep vs. Toyota thing and maybe even vs. Hummer (though I would never ever ever buy one) but I have helped other Jeeps out as well as be helped by some. Actually I like to see people on the trails using them like they were meant to be used (not at the local mall).
As for wheeling with the FJ. Out of the box, it looks like a very capable rig (for stock). My suggestion is to take the first couple of trips to either a trail you are very familiar with or go with a group of seasoned wheelers. Learn it's dimensions, ground clearance, tippyness, etc. Going with experienced people can teach you a lot. God knows I have much to learn as well. Be safe and enjoy.
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