Maintenance TechThis forum is for discussion of all aspects of maintenance that should be performed on the FJ Cruiser to keep it operating at maximum efficiency.
Those who have been around a while know that before they take the off-road mule out for the weekend, there is a mandatory inspection process.
Newer off-roaders may not appreciate the necessity. There was a situation recently that I was made aware of and perhaps it's time for a reminder.
(1) Check Fluids
(2) Take a damp rag and wipe down the under-belly of the FJ, inspecting bolts, looking for leaks. Have your socket set with you and check the torque on those bolts to make sure that none of them have come loose.
(3) Check for cracks or anything that doesn't look right. You put a lot of stress on these trucks when you're running and gunning.
(4) Examine the CV's (boots, sway bar links, sway bar, tie rods, etc.)
(5) Look twice at your engine hoses.
(6) Check the battery, look at the terminals and check for corrosion.
It imparts peace of mind and it also allows you to tighten, tweak and repair things that may need it before they come apart when you're on the trail (now the bolt is on the dirt somewhere within the past thirty miles of hard road).
__________________ "L'audace, L'audace, Toujours l'audace!"
THE SCORPION véhicule tout terrain scorpion
скорпион сервисное транспортное средство
โตโยต้า จัตุรงค์ ยาง ล้อเลื่อน แมงป่อง
vier Radantrieb vom Straßenfahrzeug Skorpion
automóvil cuatro rueda Escorpión
蠍子, 豐田越野汽車
Нэвтрүүлэгч хилэнцэт хорхой
macchina fuoristrada lo Scorpione
Very good advice and the same goes for roadtrips. One thing to remember is that you don't really have to know what everything does or how it should be. Chances are that if you become familiar with the way everything looks, you'll notice when something is different. That'll take you a log way.. JMHO.. Ron
Quote:
uphill previously said:
Those who have been around a while know that before they take the off-road mule out for the weekend, there is a mandatory inspection process.
Newer off-roaders may not appreciate the necessity. There was a situation recently that I was made aware of and perhaps it's time for a reminder.
(1) Check Fluids
(2) Take a damp rag and wipe down the under-belly of the FJ, inspecting bolts, looking for leaks. Have your socket set with you and check the torque on those bolts to make sure that none of them have come loose.
(3) Check for cracks or anything that doesn't look right. You put a lot of stress on these trucks when you're running and gunning.
(4) Examine the CV's (boots, sway bar links, sway bar, tie rods, etc.)
(5) Look twice at your engine hoses.
(6) Check the battery, look at the terminals and check for corrosion.
It imparts peace of mind and it also allows you to tighten, tweak and repair things that may need it before they come apart when you're on the trail (now the bolt is on the dirt somewhere within the past thirty miles of hard road).
__________________
08 SS, SS valve stem caps and exhaust tip
Rapper standing on the corner, wrappers flying in the wind... And in my quite reflection, I wonder why..
VERY good advice! And this holds true with any kind of vehicle. On my 65 Mustang, before I take it to the track (or a car show more than 50 miles away), I do this exact process. Bolts for a 65 Mustang are harder to come by than the FJ (or newer vehicles). Thanks Larry!
Good reminder! Most introductory offroading books ( 4 wheelers bible, etc...) lay out what you need to check before you hit the trail, what you need to check at regular intervals, and they will walk you through the process with text and pictures if you aren't sure what you're looking at. Also they have good basic info on driving techniques for newbies.
__________________
In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.
Excellent post. This should be the "day before" task before anything else (packing, drinking, etc.).
Take pictures of everything (undercarriage, suspension, engine compartment) so you can always go back and look at the before pictures. After a run, if something looks more curved than straight, you can check your photos.
__________________
I'm either in a small cloud, or a very large box of cotton candy.
Those who have been around a while know that before they take the off-road mule out for the weekend, there is a mandatory inspection process...
(2)... Have your socket set with you and check the torque on those bolts to make sure that none of them have come loose.
Last time I crawled under the FJ for a check, one of the 19mm nuts on my lower rear link was quite loose. . Serves to remind that these checks aren't a waste of time!
Afetr some wheelin' yesterday, I think i've got a few bolts that will never come out! took some good whacks on some skid mount bolts, rear trailing arm mounts, and front braces. Those rocks are tough on stuff.
__________________ 2007 Titanium Metallic TLCA#16880, Gotham City Land Cruisers, Northeast Crew
6 SPEED MANUAL Donahoe suspension lift with UCA"s, Body Mount Mod/ K&N Drop in, Real Wheels Lightbar w/4 PIAA 520SMR XT Lights, AllPro Front and Rear Bumpers w/Warn M8000 winch, AllPro HD Front Sway links, AllPro Trailing Arm skids, All Pro sliders, TRD CAI
Weld Dune 6 Pro Loc, Toyo MT's 35x12.5x17
RASTA Aluminum Skids Daily Driver:2005 Toyota Tacoma C cab
Pulled all my Budbuilts so that I could change fluids, my front diff. was leaking a little 3 of the bolts had come loose. Checked everything else and all was good. I would suggest everyone check your front diff. for leaks. Wasn't enough to even leave drops because my budbuilts were catching all the oil. My son stated that "dad you are always under that thing" I told him yes and this is why I reduce the chance of breaking down while wheelin', plus it takes my mind off of work.
"L'audace, L'audace, Toujours l'audace!" 
. Serves to remind that these checks aren't a waste of time!
2007 Titanium Metallic
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