ARB Snatch Strap
This is another item that is nice to have as part of your recovery gear. This allows you to use a strap instead of your winch. I always try to use a snatch strap first, then as a last resort using the winch. Most recovery can be done using a snatch strap. (This item is being shipped with my Snorkel shipment.)
ARB Large Recovery Storage Bag
I bought the Large ARB Recovery Storage bag to store all my recovery gear in, it’s very durable and it has compartments that allow you to separate all your gear nicely. (This item is being shipped with my Snorkel shipment.)
Hi-Lift 48” Extreme Jack
I decided on going with the Extreme Hi-Lift because of the corrosion resistant hardware it has. As of right now, I have to carry it on the inside in the rear of the vehicle. Once I receive the All Pro swing arm rear bumper fuel can attachment, I will then mount the jack on the rear swing arm.
Hi-Lift Base
I could just use a short piece of 2x8, but I figured the plastic base will hold up longer than the wood one. Once the wood gets wet, then dries a few times, then applying a large amount of force will make it crack eventually, and not at the most opportune time. (On back order)
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
TRD CAI (Cold Air Intake)
I decided to go with the TRD CAI instead of the AFE because of the pictures I saw of both. I didn’t like the AFE because of two things, one it has a large opening at the bottom of the breather box, this IMHO defeats the purpose of trying to get more colder air to the engine, since in reality your picking up hot air swirling around the inside of the engine bay.
The second thing I don’t like is the hole in the bottom of the box. I’m installing the ARB Safari Snorkel. With the huge hole in the box, it will have to be covered up so defeating what ever purpose they had it there in the first place. With the TRD the box is totally enclosed except for the top which is enclosed with a aluminum lid with a rubber backing held down by six Allen head screws. The only thing I will have to do is make a small transit piece that will go from the Snorkel to the CAI box.
Relocated Rear Differential, Tranny, Transfer & E-Locker Breathers (SCUBA Mod)
I then decided it was time to do my SCUBA MOD (a.k.a. Relocating the Rear Differential and E-Locker breather MOD). Toyota has already relocated the front Diff & transfer case breathers, but left the rears alone. I decided to relocate mine up higher and up into the engine bay where the others ones were too. I made a whole thread on a “How To” install and relocate the rear breathers, I won’t go into all the details here and rehash, you can click on the following links to see the whole process.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...ather-mod.html
ARB Safari Snorkel (Custom Install to CAI)
As everyone knows, I made a ARB Safari Snorkel Install Thread. I also did a lot of research for those of us that are running CAI (Cold Air Intakes) on our FJ’s. I have already found a coupling that will hook directly to the CAI Box then into the Snorkel penetration into the engine bay. Here is a link to the Snorkel Install Thread I made:
ARB Safari Snorkel Install Instructions w/ Pics
And a link to the Snorkel to CAI install I also made:
ARB Safari Snorkel to CAI Install w/Pics
Std TRD package SS Exhaust System
I did not change anything with the exhaust system since with the TRD package it comes with an all S.S. exhaust system.
Mobile One Synthetic Engine Oil
I swiched over to Mobile One Synthetic at my first oil change @ 5,000 miles
Mobile One Filter
I also use only the Mobile One Filter.
LIGHTING
PIAA 510 Ion Super White Driving Lights (2)
I went with the PIAA driving lights instead of Fog light because of the height of the rig now along with it gives me better visiblility when driving on dark roads.
IPF 900XSD Extreme Driving Lights (2)
I spent a lot of time looking and reading about the different off-road lights. I was looking for a light combo that would work in very rough conditions. The IPF 900XSD fit the bill. These lights are the only ones that can be fully submerged under a foot of water while on for up to two minutes. I wanted that capability when having to forge a river crossing at night. This is why I used these mounted on the front bumper. I will say they are a very bright white light, I'm very happy with the IPF's.
IPF 900XSS Extreme Pencil Beams (4)
I also went with the IPF 900XSS Extreme Pencil Beams for on top of the roof. These are mounted to my custom GOBI Ranger Roof Rack.
Red Neon Under-dash Lighting (Night Vision) Driver & Passenger sides
I wanted to mount some red lights under the dash so that while driving my Wife would still be able to see without turning on the overhead lights, thus destroying my night vision while driving. I bought two 9" Red Neon lights and mounted them under the dash on both sides. As you can see in the following pic's it gives just the right amount of light inside the cab area.
Rock Blocker Head Light Covers (Smoked)
GOBI Ranger Roof Rack
I decided to go with the GOBI Ranger Roof Rack in the end. I found that they would make me a custom rack to fit my large IPF's. GOBI has a solid reputation in the roof rack business. It looks great with my IPF Lights installed. The quality is awesome from GOBI.
ELECTRONICS
My Fuse Block Addition MOD
I made an install thread for those that want to add some extra electronics in the vehicle, but are unsure of how to do it. I made a custom bracket for the fuse block and ran allot of my interior electronics to this fuse block.
CLEAN 12v Fuse Block Accessory Install w/Pics
SONY AM/FM CD/IPOD Player
I had a hard decision on which unit to by. I looked at the Alpine and the Sony in dash units. At the last moment I went with the Sony because it gave you more bang for the buc. This unit comes with an IPOD cable already attached to the unit, it also has a USB port in the front for connecting a Flash Drive. I’m pretty happy with the unit so far.
Cobra 148 NW ST Sound Tracker SSB CB Radio
I then decided to install my old Cobra CB it’s one of those huge ones. I love even though it's real big. the reason why I kept it has a built in SWR meter plus I like having SSB too. This gives me a lot more range when trying to communicate with someone. I like the idea of having Upper & Lower side bands than just the normal 40 channels. I originally made a bracket that attached under the center consol, but after seeing Chris’s post on his location, that’s where I also went. He also has a large CB, He pulled the stock Fjammer CD Player and installed his CB underneath a new Radio. I decided that was a good place for mine also, I like the idea of moving out of the legroom of the passenger and up onto the dash consol. It took a lot of fabricating to get it to fit in the dash, but worth the effort. It’s very easy to use the controls now. I gave the wife the Fjammer and put it in her Camry LE.
Lowrance 540C Baja GPS Unit
I have been looking at all the different GPS devices on the market for a long time, I do a lot of traveling. I am a little spoiled when it comes to GPS screen size. I have been using my 15" laptop screen in the vehicle running a GPS for about 4 years now. I had thought about building my own unit with a touch screen after seeing what Todd (Air2air) built for his rig. I was going to do it a little different then he did, I had planed on installing Micro Mini components with a 10” touch screen. But I was at West Marine one day and started looking at the Lowrance units that they have on display. I went back home and jumped in Lowrance’s web site and did some research and found the 540C Baja GPS was just what I was looking for. It has a 5” screen size, it takes cards for very detailed maps of around the world. It will also handle the abuse of off-road use. I mounted it just above where the rearview mirror is inside. This will give me a good view of the GPS while traveling. Here is a link to my install thread for the Lowrance 540c BAJA GPS
Lowrance BAJA 540c GPS Install Thread
Uniden CT7 Police Scanner
I have had this Police Scanner for about 6 years now, it is probably one of the best I found at the time when I bought it. This is already pre-programmed with all the freq around the country for EMS, Police, State, Fire, etc. All you have to do is push a button of what State your in, and all the freq are in there. It’s great for traveling knowing if there is an accident up ahead and knowing where it is so you can avoid the traffic congestion.
Scanguage II
I bought the Scanguage II to help monitor my engine performance before I purchased my CAI to see what type of difference I would see. I noticed that running the Scanguage I am able to monitor my Intake Air all the time along with many other features. I was getting about 20 –26 degrees over ambient air temp before installing my CAI. Once I installed the CAI, I was able to not only hear and feel the difference but I could see the difference on the Scanguage. My intake air temps dropped to now 4-5 degrees over ambient. I think everyone should have the Scanguage, what a great tool. I watch it more than I watch the instrument gauge cluster in the vehicle.
3’ Fire Stick CB Antenna
I went with the 3’ ft Fire Stick antenna, I felt it was a good size for my application. If I went any longer I would run into more problems in the brush or any smaller I would have range problems.
Bandi CB Mount
Of course I had to go with the Famous BANDI CB Mount, it looks like it was made from the factory for the FJ. Thanks again Leroy for such a great design buddy.
Whistler Radar Detector
I do a lot of traveling in my rig. I have been using a radar detector for years when traveling, it works great. I just transferred this one from my other vehicle to the RAPTOR.
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