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Quick hello and thanks
I've been reading this site for just a few days (but probably about 15 hours) and I have to say one thing -- I'm impressed. I've been on a lot of forums for a lot of hobbies/interests but I have seen nothing like this. No political BS, nearly no idiotic rants or valueless comments. What I see is a group of very passionate very mature people going way out of their way to share information and a true community. So thank you.
By way of introduction, my interest in four wheeling was only truly sparked this year. Step one, my neighbor is a very, very serious Land Rover guy. Though we live in a town where there are lots of Rovers, I think very few are used off road. Not the case with this guy. He takes it seriously as can be and he really sparked my interest.
Then last fall I went to Utah on a 2 week ATV vacation. The last few days we found ourselves on Jeep trails with completely blown minds. First, we learned what capable machines ATVs can be. We followed a pair of stock Jeeps up the waterfall section of Poison Spider. We were impressed to see what these stock vehicles could do -- and based on how fast the Jeepists got out of their rigs so they could watch us go up the same stretch, I think they were impressed what our rigs could do. Of course, with such a short wheel base, we had to skip some of the things the Jeeps did. As we were leaving, a whole mess of Land Rovers started infesting the town and they sure looked sweet.
I nearly convinced myself that the time was coming to sell my "old" 2000 Silverado (which is way paid for and in new condition and has plenty of life left in it). Of course, once I went to the dealership and tried to squeeze my 6'6" 350lb self in to a Rover, my enthusiasm dropped (I do fit in the LR3 and the Range Rover sort of, but not enough to make me want to drop 50K+ for a nice used one. I went and test sat a Jeep and it, too, was very small.
I made peace with my Silverado again and was happy to have dodged that bullet. Then I happened by a lot that had a "used" FJ way up on ramps to look all buff and rugged. The salesman was too lazy to get it down so I could sit in it, but, inspired, I climbed up there and was shocked at the room inside there.
The next day I was at the Toyota dealership -- a place I NEVER thought I would be because I don't fit in too many of those vehicles -- driving their lifted FJ. Now I feel the need coming back.
I think I'll wait to see if 2008 models have any of the slight improvements that many of you are wondering about (particularly a better seat with a lumbar support), but then I think I am going to go for it.
Moreover, I've always wanted a truck/jeep with a little lift and bigger tires. Not because that is what I need, but because I like the look. And I can buy a lot of after market parts and still come in below what I planned to spend on a Land Rover. Plus I won't be mistaken for a soccer mom.
Had a great chat with the fellows at Land Cruiser Northwest and am getting an idea of how I might want to build this rig. I'd rather do it right the first time than do it half-baked then have to go redo it.
With all the good info on this forum, there is no doubt in my mind that I'll be able to make this happen if I take the time and do my homework.
Looking forward to learning the ropes then getting my butt back to Utah.
Anyhow, thanks again for such a useful forum.
DR
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- Chris 
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