4x4 / Off-Road TechThis section contains all discussion related to taking the FJ Cruiser in Off-Road situations, 4x4 applications and any armor modifications.
I have the beefy rear skid from budbuilt and i'm very happy with it. It is probably overkill in that the standard version is plenty beefy, but I like overkill. This thing is bomb proof. Bud, Any word on when you will be coming out with a bolt on rear diff skid and e-locker motor skid?
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In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Are the weights for these T-case skids correct? The MAF tcase skid looks so much heavier because it practically adds a whole extra crossmember, the all pro tcase skid looks small and uses just steel tube.
Are the weights for these T-case skids correct? The MAF tcase skid looks so much heavier because it practically adds a whole extra crossmember, the all pro tcase skid looks small and uses just steel tube.
I've had Budsx5 for almost 2yrs and my only suggestion is the crossover skid needs reinforcement to avoid buckling upward, and therefore into the crossover exhaust pipe. Granted, I have seriously abused mine, but it needs a little somethin'!
I would also like to see something to bridge the gap from the front Bud to the ARB bumper. The flimsy thing ARB provided has been hammered back into shape, um, just about every time I wheel-for-real! That and a read diff skid (yeah, I know... AllPhase and AllPro)
Been a really long time since this got updated.... should add Rasta!
X's2 Update prices also, thanks
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'07 Sun Fusion, IPF lights, Bandi mount,4' Fire Stik, Cobra 75 WXST, Garmin 76csx, 2 Blitz roof mounted gas can carriers, Trail-Gear rock rails, Swiss Mini-Consule light, custom laptop mount, customized accessory roof rack and dog in back seat
I've had Budsx5 for almost 2yrs and my only suggestion is the crossover skid needs reinforcement to avoid buckling upward, and therefore into the crossover exhaust pipe. Granted, I have seriously abused mine, but it needs a little somethin'!
Agreed! You might still have the original 2x2 spacers too, since you have had it that long. I kinda thought we had replaced them all. The new ones are 11" long and help reinforce that area. Lemme know your real name an I'll send you some.
But back to your observation: That is a potential weak area since it sticks down low enough to clear the exhaust. But keep in mind, that if you relocate the exhaust ( custom or URD ), you can remove the spacer and move the whole skid up a whole INCH which not only gives better suppport, but more ground clearance. This is the reason we kept the bottom smooth, and did not make a deep drop for the exhaust, since it should be fixed anyway.
Quote:
I would also like to see something to bridge the gap from the front Bud to the ARB bumper. The flimsy thing ARB provided has been hammered back into shape, um, just about every time I wheel-for-real! That and a read diff skid (yeah, I know... AllPhase and AllPro)
WOW! Sorry we are such terrible marketers but we have been selling the ARB filler plate since last November! See pics here: BudBuilt Frames & Accessories
Diff skid will be ready once we are back from the Summit.
Thanks!
Bud
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Bud Rosenberger
Official Skidplate Supplier to the FJ Cruiser Trail Teams for 2007 AND 2008! http://www.budbuilt.com
Lenoir, NC
828-572-1202
Agreed! You might still have the original 2x2 spacers too, since you have had it that long. I kinda thought we had replaced them all. The new ones are 11" long and help reinforce that area. Lemme know your real name an I'll send you some.
But back to your observation: That is a potential weak area since it sticks down low enough to clear the exhaust. But keep in mind, that if you relocate the exhaust ( custom or URD ), you can remove the spacer and move the whole skid up a whole INCH which not only gives better suppport, but more ground clearance. This is the reason we kept the bottom smooth, and did not make a deep drop for the exhaust, since it should be fixed anyway.
WOW! Sorry we are such terrible marketers but we have been selling the ARB filler plate since last November! See pics here: BudBuilt Frames & Accessories
2008 4x4 5A/T with Off Road pack, AFE Cold Air Intake,3" Camburg/Sway A Away Coil overs,Old Man Emos 2" rear coils,Old Man Emos N71 rear Nitro shoks
17" Helo HE 835 Wheels,305/70/17 Good Year MTR
,Front LED Lights,Roof Light Bar with four KC's,All Casy Hi Lift with Mounts, RASTA Skids, TRD Rock Rails,Midland CB,CO2 Tank,Rear Light Guards,Front/Rear Cameras, 900BT DVD/Navi in dash, Kappa's components all around with a 12" Treo Eng. sub.
I recently installed a full set of Bud-Built skids and they worked out great. The total weight was 155# powder coated. Installation was easy with decent instructions, the only problem for me was lifting the plates in place and getting the first bolts in but I am getting old! Only complaint is having to reuse the stock gas tank nuts that are badly exposed to errant rocks. I am presently having Bump-it Offroad in Greeley, CO weld small rings around each bolt hole like the factory diff drain protection. I would expect Bud's HD gas tank skid addresses this issue, but I have yet to see one.
I recently attended the Black Hills Cruiser Classic near rapid City SD and thoroughly tested my skid plates (and everything else!). The plates survived well except for a couple of corners bent up and a nice collection of gouges. The lower control arm mounts mounts suffered badly... nearly destroyed the right one. Having them fixed and really reinforced right now at Bump-it Offroad. My ARB rock sliders were damaged pretty bad, also being repaired and reinforced.
Also good to hear about the ARB replacement plate back from bumper.
Alan "Ace" Brown
2008 FJ with a list and being added to all the time.
Ps: I will be at Mile High Jeep Clubs All-4-Fun-Week starting this Saturday, hope to see a few FJ's there (it's not all jeeps).