I spent a lot of time in those places you stated. Lived in AZ for 12+ years.
My FJ was stock untill about 6 months ago. It went all over the place! Simple mods I would think of doing are... a set of sliderd to protect the rocker panels, and maybe some nice skid plates. Then do as you want, get out there with a group and learn a bit on how to drive. If you need more mods, it will become evident as you progres.
Daaaaaaaaamn! Talk about hearing from the welcome wagon! Thanks y'all!
Anyway, not to worry guys and gals....I'm a bit of a hard-sell on upgrades. My husband is the impulse buyer in the family and I'm the one who takes forever to make a decision and usually opts out. Like I said, I want practical mods. I'm not about to buy anything I really don't need-- I want to be a casual, yet serious 4-wheeler--so someone would definitely have to put up a good argument if I can't see the value in a particular mod.
And the AZ pin-striping doesn't really bother me too much...kind of comes with the territory. Besides, it's really not much worse than door-dings from the mall-rats.
My "obstacle" will be building confidence in my driving ability because I've mainly been a passenger on the trails. I've only driven a very few times and I was given such good direction that I might as well have not even been driving...that and I was driving a manual...and now that I have an automatic, I see new challenges in "trusting" my FJ to do the work for me.
Really, I'm interested in starting out somewhat easy and graduating to a moderate difficulty, and I'm hoping to avoid needing to be winched out of any situations. I can take a little body damage, but I'd like to keep it to a minimum--some of that will be due to driving skill and some of it is unavoidable. Over and above that I will leave for the experts in their rock buggies and the crazy people who don't care about body damage, broken parts and the amount of money it takes to fix both.
I have to say that I'm really glad to see other women here. Seems like AZ 4-wheeling is a predominately male interest--or at least it has been in my experience.
Keep the suggestions coming because I'm definitely interested in getting a wide knowledge base before I get too far ahead of myself.
Thanks to everyone who took the time to post. Most appreciated!
Hey there! Just and FYI, If you two are free tomorrow stop by Firebird International Raceway. I am a member of the Toyota Trail Teams and an FJ owner myself. We would be happy to answer all your questions and you can check out some of our slightly modified rigs.
If you do not know who the Trail Teams are, well basically we are a team comprised of off road professionals and off road enthusiasts who all share a passion for the outdoors. We attend various off road events though out the year as well as off road get togethers where we get to camp out and lead trail rides showing off the features of the FJ as well as educating others about trail safety, recovery and etiquette. This year we have added a Tundra and a modified Tacoma to the teams.
Enjoy your FJ and stop by if you have the time!! Monday we split and one team goes to Moab and my team heads to Missouri!
I am warning you though, once you mod you cannot turn back!!
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James
Outdoor Enthusiast
Last edited by ColoradoCruiserDude : 04-27-2008 at 01:08 AM.
AZFJ.org We(the locals) post all kinds of runs there.....next week(Sun.5/4) We will be taking a trip to Milk Ranch....A 1/2 day event that takes you from north Phoenix to the south side of the Bradshaw mountains.....I have it listed as "Milk Ranch run with Homedad"......It'll be a somewhat easy trail with incredible veiws and no humans for miles.....set up as a newbie run with no chance of damage....you should pack a lunch and come with....
Otherwise the local group does post on this site ....but the AZFJ.org site has become the place to post all the local stuff.....
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Black Diamond option #2,King shocks
2.5 frt and rear/Donahue rear springs
XD Diesel wheels with black rings, BFG Mud Terrians
All Pro Skids,Front bumper,rock rails
Bandi mount,power tank..XM Radio
Raptor wanna be
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Handle every stressful situation like a dog
If you can't eat it or hump it
Just piss on it and walk away
Tucson Unified Romping District (TURD)
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