underactive's "Ao-chan"

[underactive]

update Feb 20 08: more mods & pics posted here
update Mar 2 08: snorkel install pics here
update Mar 29 08: scuba mod pics here

Exactly one year ago today, I drove my FJC off the dealer lot, so I thought it would be kinda cool to do a build write-up on this milestone date.

My Japanese friends at work refer to my truck "Ao-chan" and it sort of just stuck. "Ao" is japanese for "blue". "Chan" is a Japanese title used to address children, female family members, or as a term of endearment. Ao-chan... get it? Good. (n_n)/

Then and Now pic (click to view full-size):


List of mods to date:
- Demello Offroad sliders
- Demello Offroad front bumper
- Demello Offroad skid plate
- Donahoe Racing front and rear lift
- Donahoe Racing UCAs
- 33x12.5 Mickey Thompson Baja Claws
- Acro lights (for DO bumper)
- Aeroflow clear headlight covers
- TRD cold air intake
- Bandi Mount
- FourTreks Hi-lift mounts
- Powertank CO2
- ProClip mounts for GPS and CB
- Alpine IVA-W200 head unit
- Rockford Fosgate P500-2 amp
- Rockford Fosgate P400-4 amp
- Rockford Fosgate P3 12" subs
- Focal 165 A1 6.5 components (front)
- Focal 130 CA1 coaxial (rear)

Random buildup pics (click to view full-size):









Even though I've previously owned other off-road capable trucks (97 4Runner, 00 Taco Ext Cab, 01 Taco Dbl Cab), this was the first one that demanded to be taken off-pavement. Kinda hard to explain but I'm thinking you know what I'm talking about. So with the FJC just 2-months old, I went on this newbie-friendly run and thus began my newest hobby. I've had a blast each time I've hit the trails and meeting great people. Since then, I've been lucky enough to do something at least once a month.

Nov 06: Main Divide
Dec 06: Anza Borrego
Jan 07: Anza Borrego, Rincon Shortcut, Beek's Place
Feb 07: Anza Borrego
Mar 07: Anza Borrego
Apr 07: Meet n Greet Azusa OHV
May 07: Main Divide
Jun 07: Red Rock Canyon
Jul 07: Beek's Place night run
Aug 07: Azusa OHV

More random pics (click to view full-size):

[MudLovingFJ]

i love your rig eric. it was one of the first built up rigs i saw in person and it has been an inspiration since. hope to wheel with you again soon.

[TCao]

Eric:

Great write-up on a very well thought out build-up. Looking forward to seeing your truck in action again.

Thong

[BigDouggieDoug]

Nice Eric . Wanna hear beats from your subs sometime.

[fjessence]

nice rig man, exactly what i want mostly on my rig, i also got stuck in the same spot in azusa, that mud pit is deceiving!

[jeshua]

Looking good man!
Know all you need is some Ivan Stewart wheels

[Kyle Dreaden]

Great looking rig. How are you liking the Baja Claws?

[REDLINE]

Eric, looking good. I remember that first trip. That was my first get together too. Lookin forward to the next meet.

-Mel

[underactive]

Thanks everyone for the good words.

jeshua previously said:

Looking good man!
Know all you need is some Ivan Stewart wheels

LOL! Yeah I can't find my set. I think someone stole them from me.

Kyle Dreaden previously said:

Great looking rig. How are you liking the Baja Claws?

They look nice, though I will probably go for a different set once these wear out. I got these in January of this year and after 9 months, probably lost about 1/4" of tread. They also have a habit of holding onto stones, so even at speed, some don't get kicked out. After a run, I usually spend a few minutes picking them out from the treads. Don't know if this is normal for similar knobby tires like this, since I've only run BFG ATs previously. I might go back to those since the FJC is my daily driver, my current rate has me driving 20k miles per year, and I'm not looking to spend $1000 every year on new shoes, heh.

[AmityFJ]

Great build up and nice rig!

Looks like you've had lots of fun out there. I like how you've also documented your offroad adventures as well.

AmityFJ