Hope to be an owner soon...questions

Diesel1 · 04-13-2007, 06:02 PM

I have been lurking around here for awhile now and after meeting up with one of the FJ Trail Teams in Vermont a few weeks ago, a lil off-road test drive (Actually 3 or 4....I had too much fun) I am convinced that the FJ is right for me...for now anyway. I currently have a 2003 G35 coupe with a bunch of mods and a 97 Expedition to take to the train station. I am a pretty active member on the G forums, so after some searching here, I figured it would be better to try to address all my questions in one shot. My goal is consolidating my 2 cars into 1 and stash some cash so I can buy a house (Almost unrealistic on Long Island).

1. I only want the manual tranny (I hate autos) but I want it basically stripped. All I want is the convenience package. To me, the 2K upgrade for the stereo is a waste. Am I missing anything by omitting the 2K package? I plan to put in a pioneer DD with navi and address the stereo system with new speakers (Nothing too crazy though)

2. Can anyone find a stripped down version anywhere. Everywhere I go they are telling me I have to order it

3. Are the factory skid plates and rock rails any good? Is the aftermarket better?

4. Lift kits - Definately wanna raise it and from reading this forum, everyone is pretty positive about the 3" lifts and against the 6" lifts. I wanna get into some wheeling, but it is difficult in my area to do it legally

5. How much fun is this truck! The test drive I did made my GF who hated the FJ, absolutely love it! Gotta love a chic that likes getting dirty!

Thanks guys!

Oh, is everyone paying sticker or close to it?

RTRAC1 · 04-13-2007, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Diesel1 previously said:

1. I only want the manual tranny (I hate autos) but I want it basically stripped. All I want is the convenience package. To me, the 2K upgrade for the stereo is a waste. Am I missing anything by omitting the 2K package? I plan to put in a pioneer DD with navi and address the stereo system with new speakers (Nothing too crazy though)

-the package also comes with the ATRAC system, but search around here and you'll find you can add that later by adding a factory switch for it. As long as you get the manual trans, it will have a rear locker. If you end up with an auto, get the locker option

2. Can anyone find a stripped down version anywhere. Everywhere I go they are telling me I have to order it

-It is difficult to find one without packages. Its true if you really want one like that you should order it.

3. Are the factory skid plates and rock rails any good? Is the aftermarket better?

-The aftermarket is far better than the factory options. the factory rocksliders arent that bad, but the skids are a joke compared to aftermarket

4. Lift kits - Definately wanna raise it and from reading this forum, everyone is pretty positive about the 3" lifts and against the 6" lifts. I wanna get into some wheeling, but it is difficult in my area to do it legally

-3" is the way to go. a drop bracket kit is good for getting really big tires, but unless you do you can actually lose clearance under the crossmembers. Check out some local 4X4 clubs to find legal places to wheel. They are around here in the northeast, but you wont find them on your own, as clubs keep them secret to keep them secure for future use. "Long Island Off Road" is a club on the island that makes trips regularly, also the "Gotham City Land Cruisers" are out of NYC and are a chapter of TLCA. I am a member in a club based in MA called "Northeast Toyota Crawlers" that sees alot of trail time in MA.

5. How much fun is this truck! The test drive I did made my GF who hated the FJ, absolutely love it! Gotta love a chic that likes getting dirty!

-I think you already know. browse around and see how much we love these trucks!

Oh, is everyone paying sticker or close to it?
-I paid 2k less than sticker in December up here near Albany, NY

hope that helps

stevemacfarlane · 04-13-2007, 07:08 PM

This is solid advise. Saved my a lot of typing.

OlyWaFJ · 04-13-2007, 10:42 PM

Don't forget to make sure and get the factory rear locking differential or you won't be able to upgrade to A-Trac by just purchasing the switch for $45. If I was to do it all over again I would follow your lead with a base + convenience package + rear locker.

Just clicked over 14k miles on my BC today...

Diesel1 · 04-14-2007, 11:33 AM

Thanks so much for the responses guys! I think I am going to order one instead of finding one they way I want it. I still want to take my G to the drag strip one more time and finally get it on a road course just once before I sell it. It will be sad to see her go, but I am looking forward to crushing speed bumps instead of crawling over them!

I am definitely going with the 6SP which comes standard with the rear locker. Nothing against guys who drive auto's, I am just not a fan....I despise them although they do have their advantages in numerous situations. I saw several posts on the 2 minute, $45 A-Trac switch mod which is a no brainer.

The forum is ticking me off already because everytime I think I have settled on mods, like front bumper.....I see another post with an even nicer one! I am going to have to do my research, order my FJ and get a few toys for it so it can help prevent missing my modded G too much. I didn't wanna go crazy on the FJ but how could you not!

Only option left now is color. I have had numerous black cars, love black cars, enjoy keeping them polished to a certain extent.....just getting a little tired of it now. The Sunfusion Yellow is pretty wild and has plenty of haters, but I like it. Decisions decisions! LOL

Thanks for the responses!