My First Mods!

[Swingshiftworker]

THIRD MOD: Ski Rack Installation

I just completed my THIRD mod. I wanted to be able to carry my skis on the roof like I use to do w/my Durango w/Yakima Mighty Mounts that slip onto the stock crossbars, but needed a second crossbar on the top rails to do that. Didn't want to buy the Toyota ski rack or the Yakima Fat Cat 6, which both cost around $200, when I could just buy 4 Mighty Mounts for about $25 and use the racks I've already had.

However, I discovered that you can't use any of the crossbars from the lower rails on the top rails at the rear of the rack, where it's narrower than at the front of the rack, but you can use a longer crossbar on the top rail at the front of the rack (see update below) where the gap between the top rails is wider. The cross bars on the top rails at the rear are shorter than the ones on the lower rails, because of the side angle of the roof rack. Also discovered that the lower crossbars don't seem to be interchangeable, even w/a free floating adjustable end, which seems odd.

Tried but initally couldn't find any info about where to buy extra crossbars here or elsewhere online, so, after taking a look at the crossbars and making some quick measurements, I decided to just hack off 3/8" from one of the lower crossbars and reposition one of the two T25 torx bolts holding on the adjustable end cap in order to make it fit the top rail.

So, I now have 2 crossbars on top which, will support the Mighty Mounts and the ski racks, and 2 on the bottom, which can support a light load. Also, installed eight M6-30 hex head bolts in lieu of the thumbscrews to make theft of the crossbars & skis more difficult. The Yakima 10V Mighty Mounts are on order and will post a pic w/the ski racks on after I receive them.

The only problem is that I won't be able get the FJ in or out of my garage w/the ski racks on, but that's another issue.

Update 6/6/07: Just received the Yahima 10V Mighty Mounts and bought a long cross bar from "Potatomutato" and was able to install it on the top rail about 14 inches in front of the 1st stock crossbar, where the gap between the side rails widens on top, which is the perfect position for my skis -- just using the 2 rear top crossbars was a bit too short. Also got a couple more M6-30 bolts for the extra crossbar, so, I'm done. See additional photos.

FYI, I bought the blackened M6-30 bolts at Orchard Supply Hardware -- they only cost about 50 cents each. The Yakima 10V Mighty Mounts were hard to find onlne and I bought mine from the following eBay vendor: eBay Store - AcmeGreatGear Ski and Snowboard: Alpine Skis Snow, Ski Bindings, Ski Boots. They only cost $27 including shipping.

Update 7/10/07: The M6-30 bolts were rusting, so I had them plated in "black zinc." Just got them back from the plating company. Had to pay $85 (the minimum charge) to get it done, but it should solve the rusting problem. Will post another update in a month or so to report on whether the rusting problem is solved or not.

Update 9/09/07: No rust on the M6-30 bolts since they were plated in "black zinc." The rack's ready for the slopes. Hooray!!!

[Swingshiftworker]

Fourth Mod: Stant Locking Gas Cap #11504

Not much explanation of this mod needed. Just check out this thread for background info: Locking Gas Cap For Your FJ: Stant #11504

Fifth Mod: K&N Air Filter

I don't think it makes much sense to try to make the FJ go much faster than it already, especially if you're going to be using it primarily off-road, where you're going slow and are only making use of low end torque. I think the FJ goes plenty fast enough already and, if you try to make it go truly FAST, the lack of aerodynamics in the body design and the off-road orientation of the suspension will work against you.

My FJ came w/the TRD exhaust, which sounds good, and the only thing I've done to the engine (other than add a Cyclone Pre-air filter, see below) is add a K&N filter, which helps air flow into the engine a bit and may help the exhaust to work a little more efficiently, but I don't think it adds all that much power (if any) to the FJ.

See: K&N Website

BTW, there's a generally held belief in this forum that the TRD and other CAI (cold air intakes) will add significant performance gains to your FJ. I disagree with this opinion and have stated such in various threads. Here's my clearest statement of opinion on this matter: On CAI's

Sixth Mod: PIAA Sports Horn

Just installed pair of 400hz & 500 hz (115db) PIAA Sport Horns (#85110), that I've had lying around for several years, in the FJ today. A pretty easy install, after you get the grill off (which is also very easy -- just 2 screws and 2 plastic retainers), but had to buy a bunch of small electrical and hardware items, that I didn't have on hand to get it done. I used the existing horn wiring and existing holes in the metal bar behind the plastic grill for the install and you can see the horns through the grill. Only took about an hour and now the FJ honks louder and w/more authority.

Didn't take any pics of the install, but here's what they look like in the box:

PIAA Sports Horn

Also replaced my dented rear bumper a couple days ago. It was good experience and looks much better, but doesn't quality as a "mod."

Seventh Mod: Installation PIAA 520 Fogs w/Remote Switch

After consulting the thread below, I decided to go ahead and install the old PIAA 520 fog lamps (I've also got a pair of ion beams) on my FJ, but had to buy a new lightbulb (one was burned out) and new lamp covers (they were all worn) before doing it. I checked the location of the metal tabs and holes that are available under bumper cover, which others have used to install lights, but I felt that the location of the holes placed the lights too close to the grill, so I decided to drill holes farther out on the bumper instead. The bumper cover is thick enough to support the lights and I just used a couple of oversized 3/4" washer for a backing underneath the cover. That along w/a split locking washer is sufficient to secure the lights to the bumper, which haven't moved since I installed them.

See: PIAA 520 Installation

Eighth Mod: Installation of Sunroof and Maplight

After seeing the thread below, I decided to head down to Huntington Beach, CA for a brief vacation in order to have the sunroof and maplight installed. The installation took place as scheduled and I spent the week down in SoCal exploring Huntington Beach, Winchester, Balboa and Palm Springs. Also took my FJ out to Joshua Tree for a little trail running.

As for the sunroof and maplight, they're GREAT!!! The sunroof really brightens up the interior and lets so much light in that I have to close the roof, unless I'm wearing a baseball cap to block out the sun. There's also NO windblast through the sunroof at speed. The maplight added is also a real necessity at night. It functions like a normal interior light -- it goes on and off when you open and close a door -- and it has 2 separate interior lights that you can turn on as neeeded.

There was a minor problem w/the sunroof trim ring. The original installer apparently didn't use the proper size ring and it started to pull up and separate from the roof. I took the FJ to a local sunroof installer, who installed the proper sized ring (which the original installer paid for) and I haven't had any problems since. The is absolutely the BEST mod that I've had done yet!!!

See: Sunroof Installed

Ninth Mod: JBA Headers & Cat-back Exhaust -- SOLD!

Just received the JBA Headers/Exhaust 6/22 and will install sometime after 7/1, when I return from a trip. Photos to follow.

Update 7/10/07: Tried to get a quote to install the headers and exhaust but the shop I contacted (Redline in Burlingame) hasn't gotten back to me in over a week. This has given me some time to think about it and I've decided to forget about installing them and am now trying to sell them instead. The TRD exhaust is sufficient and I realized that, if I added the headers, I would just be doing something that was inconsistent with my earlier stated belief that it's impractical to try to make the FJ go faster than it already does. (See above).

Update 9/10/07: The JBA headers and exhaust were easily sold (the headers more easily than the exhaust) to other members here. Thanks, guys!

Tenth Mod: Console Cover

Got this FREE from SandiK. It's available for sale now and it looks great. Much nicer looking and easier to use than the tacky looking lift off console covers that you see on eBay and elsewhere. Just roll up the door and everything is out of sight. Buy one from Industrial Forming!!!

Console Cover Mod - And yes, I have pics!
Proto #3 Console Cover w/Aluminum Complete - Pics here
Industrial Forming - Design Services


Eleventh Mod:Okole Seat Covers -- SOLD!:

I just ordered a pair of Okole Seat Covers for the front seats in my FJ on 09/03/07 and should get them in about a month. Ordered black standard with light grey (#21) center to match the color of my FJ and with the "FJCruiser" logo in black in the center and rear pockets.

Installed the seat covers on 9/21/07. The installation was easy for me. Just took about 30 minutes w/o having to remove or unbolt anything. However, others have said that they had to remove the seats in order to do the same. The seat covers look great, especially w/the matching grey centers and FJ Cruisor logo in the black seats with black head rests. Normally, Okole matches the headrest color to the center color, but I specifically requested the black headrest covers, which look great.

The covers add some visual interest to the interior, keep the original seats clean (which really wasn't that critical w/the stock water resistant seats and make them a little more comfy (the neoprene acts like a soft cushion and has a nicer texture than the stock seats). This is not a critical mod, but can be very useful if you have a dog or kids.

I didn't order the rear seats and am happy that I didn't. The rear seat covers (by necessity) have to go over the rear seat backs and cover up the protective plastic "flooring" on the back of the rear seats. There are openings for the hook connectors, but I don't like the idea of covering up the flooring. Some one decided to remove the flooring and reattach it over the cover, but I don't like the look of that. So, I'm not going to get the rear seat covers and, if you are interested in getting them, this is something you should consider before you do.

See: Okole Group Buy II

Update 04/27/08: I noticed some premature wear on the driver's side seat cover, so I removed the seat covers and have decided to sell them. Here's my ad: http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...tanium-fj.html.

Update 05/07/08: SOLD to a member online here. Thanks!

Twelfth Mod: New Exhaust Tip

Never liked the exhaust tip on my TRD system and it was starting to look even worse with bluing, so on, 10/2/07, I went to California Concepts in Redwood City that has done a lot of work on various cars of mine and had them put a new tip on. Looks a lot better now.

See: New Exhaust Tip

Update 08/05/08:The new tip has discolored like the original TRD tip, but not quite as badly (just "yellowed" rather than "blued and yellowed." May replace the tip again, but I will have the tip ceramic coated to prevent discoloration the next time if I do.



Thirteenth Mod: 2008 Cyclone Pre-Air Filter

After returning from a dusty weekend trip at Mono Lake/Bodie in the Sierras and spending over 3 hours cleaning my FJ (including wiping down the entire engine compartment and cleaning out the inside of the air filter nozzle which was heavily coated with dust, I discovered and immediately ordered a 2008 Cyclone Pre-Air Filter, which I just got and installed today (10/19/07). Don't know if it will make a big difference, but it certainly can't hurt.

See: Pre-Air Filter Installed

Fourteenth Mod: Recovery and Trail Gear

This doesn't really count as a "mod", but I've spent so much time and money (around $3k) buying (and in one case, making) recovery and trail gear recently that I just had to add it to the list:

1) 48" Hi-Lift Jack (came w/my Wrangler)
2) Hi-Lift base (for sand/loose soil/gravel)
3) Hi-Lift Off-road kit (includes jack attachment, chain tensioner, quick release clip for base, 5/8" D-shackle, 1" x 8' tree saver, gloves & bag)
4) Hi-Lift Fix-it-kit (to replace broken parts)
5) Hi-Lift Lift-mate (to raise car at the wheel)
6) Hi-Lift X-treme Winch/Clamp Speader attachment (JackMate substitute)
7) Four strips of 1' x 4' carpet (cut from old carpet stock on-hand for use in the sand)
8) 5/16" x 50' Amsteel Blue winch extension
9) 3/8" x 20' Grade 70 steel tow/choke chain w/clevis hooks
10) 7/8" x 30' Master-pull Yanker rope
11) 2" x 30' Expeditionware recovery strap
12) 3" x 30' ARB recovery strap
13) ARB 3" x 10' Tree Saver
14) Six 3/4" ARB D-shackles (bought 4 of them to replace the 4 non-US made shackles on my Wrangler bumpers)
15) Warn receiver shackle (which fits the FJ but not the Wranger because the Wranger has a deeper than normal receiver in the rear bumper)
16) ARB winch damper
17) ARB snatch/pulley block
18) 4' x 6' (small pickup) BedNet
19) Set of four Staun deflators set at 18 psi
20) 10# Powertank Track Package w/Speed Bag, Super bracket, regulator cover, electronic scale & regulator wrench (Bought 2nd 10# tank to reduce need to refill and for extra CO2 on long trips)
21) Garmin eTrex Vista HCx GPS with street (US & Canada) and topo (US only) software and other accessories
22) 5# Badger ABC fire extinguisher (just good to have and required by some clubs for trail runs)
23) Demello Hi-Lift jack roof rack mounting brackets (bought 2 sets one for rear and one on side because I can't put the Hi-Lift in the back w/the skis on)
24) Radio Shack handheld portable CB radio
25) "JackMate" Hi-Lift jack adaptor
26) 2 pairs of Rudd style (easy install) Diamond Pattern Snow Chains for the FJ
27) 6' Tall Privacy Tent (for showers & toilet at fixed location) and 5" tall self standing "cabana" (for toilet on multi-day expeditions)
28) Eco-safe toilet system, Wag-bags, Folding Toilet Seat, Toilet "Bucket" and Deodorizers
29) Four 20mm ammo cases to store toilet and other gear in.
30) Roll-up Table (for general use) and small folding backpack table (for Optimus stove), 2 collapsible lounge chairs and 2 folding stools
31) Hi-Lift "Handle-All" -- collapsible multi-tool (shovel, ax, pick and sledge hammer).
32) "Wab-Fab" Hi-lift jack rock slider attachment (ordered 11/15; delivery still pending)
33) 2 hard rubber truck sized wheel chocks (one for Jeep & one for FJ)
34) PullPal (11k lbs) and carrying case (will try to mount this on the side of the roof rack using the pair of the Demellos)
35) Iridium SAT Phone and ACR 406 Mhz ResQFix PLB
36) 6 ton Hydraulic Bottle Jack from Kragen's (for use when use of the Hi-lift jack is too much trouble or impractical)

These items along w/a jack stand should be all the recovery gear I need for almost any trail situation. A couple of the recovery items are useable only w/a winch, which I have on my Wrangler and FJ. The only other thing I may still get is a satellite phone, which would cover me for any other possible eventuality, and, now that I've got all this other stuff, I won't have to worry about buying anymore recovery or trail gear for awhile.

Fifteen Mod: ClearPlex Film Windshield Protector

After getting 2 broken windshields replaced within a one month period, I decided to try the ClearPlex protective film on my FJ. It's been on for about 4 months now and I haven't gotten another broken windshield yet but I'm not entirely happy with the ClearPlex film either. There's a slight distortion in the upper 4-6" of the windshield (which developed a couple of months after installation) and the film still gets dinged and pitted by rocks which is unsightly especially if an air bubble (a halo, actually) grows around the ding. I can tell that some of the dings have hit glass (and have probably pitted it), but, the film is doing the job of stopping most of the rocks from damaging the windshield. So, ClearPlex should not be considered a permanent fix but only a preventative measure that will have to be replaced with a new layer of film at some time in the future.

Here are the relevant thread on this mod:

Getting A New Windshield!
Clearplex Installation Report
My Experiences with Clearplex
ClearPlex After 7 Months

Sixteenth Mod: Wade Vent Visor and Polar Vision Windshield Shade

Wanted to try to minimize the wind blast through the driver's side window, so bought a pair of Wade stick-on side vent visors. The Wades don't eliminate the blast when the windows are all the way down, but if you just lower them a crack, the shades prevent the wind from blowing straight in and keep any rain water out as well. So, it's really only useful when you want to open the window a crack for fresh air and/or when it's raining, otherwise, it's just the same without them. So, I haven't found this mod all that useful, but, since they're stuck on pretty securely, which would be a hassle to remove, I'm just leaving them on.

Who likes their vent visors and what kind are they?

Got the Polar Vision windshield shade because the OEM sunvisor drops too low in the windshield and almost entirely blocks my view. The Polar Vision shade is clear and distortion free and does a good just of blocking the sun when it's low on the horizon, but there's a gap between the top of the visor and the sunvisor when it's lowered, so a glare can still get through and block your vision. I also usually drive with sunglasses on, but unless the sun is shining directly through the windshield, the combination of the Polar Vision and sunglasses is too dark and I have to take my sunglasses off (or just not use the Polar Vision shade at all). So, I'm not finding this mod all that useful either, but there are times when I prefer it over sunglasses and, since it doesn't take up much space and doesn't get in the way, I'm just going to leave it on to use the few times that it's needed.

Sunvisor Fix?


Seventeenth Mod: Lucrum Winch Mount, Dual Battery and Warn Winch

Been planning this mod since I first got my FJ, but have continually put it off because of the expense (about $2.5k total for everything, including labor).
See: Lucrum Winch Mount, Winch & Dual Battery Installation

Many winch owners say they've never used their winches. I guess it all depends on how much and what kind of trail running you do. I don't think I'll every do any trail running in my FJ that will require a winch either, especially since I just bought a 1999 Jeep Wrangler TJ Sport, which is set up as a REAL rockcrawler, but I'll probably get a winch for my FJ eventually anyway, just to make sure that it's fully equiped.

See: My "New" Jeep

Update 02/22/08:

I had the Dual Battery put in a couple months ago at Cruiserlarry's Dirty Parts in LA. This is where I first found out about it: Dirty Parts Dual Battery Thread. Also finally got around to buying the Lucrum mount and a Warn M8000 winch that are currently sitting in my garage. Total cost so far just under $2000. I'm going to try to put the winch mount and winch in myself to save the labor. Wish me luck!

Update 02/27/08:

The Lucrum Winch Mount and Warn M8000 Winch installation was completed today. Here are my Installation Notes and some Photos of the installation.

Updated 102708:

My AC went out while touring Death Valley a couple weeks ago. Really BAD timing. Turns out the AC line had been rubbing against the mount and decided to spring a leak during my tour, of course, when it was the most inconvenient. Here's my report on that: Check your AC Lines!.

[HARM]

Funny you mention the mod on the roof rack, I was messing around with mine last night and figured I could just cut about 1/4 inch off of one end, and it would fit. Glad to see someone else actually did it and made it work. I will be doing this mod also, maybe next weekend.

[Archy Chris]

Great start!

[chichid65]

I'd say your off to an excellent start!

[mir207]

This is a great thread. Why don't you ask one of the mods to move it over to the members build-up section, where it belongs?

[stevemacfarlane]

Can we also have a running total of the $$$. Need a reality check to see if I'm nuts after spending around $6,000 for the "basics". However, bought mine without all the factory goodies, so I rationalized I could spend this on the mods I really wanted.

[Swingshiftworker]

mir207 previously said:

This is a great thread. Why don't you ask one of the mods to move it over to the members build-up section, where it belongs?

No need to move it.

I still consider myself a "newbie" and really have done that much to my rig, as compared to others, to warrant that. If anyone is interested, they can see what I've done just by clicking on the "My Build Diary" link in my signature field after they read something that I've posted elsewhere.

[Swingshiftworker]

stevemacfarlane previously said:

Can we also have a running total of the $$$. Need a reality check to see if I'm nuts after spending around $6,000 for the "basics". However, bought mine without all the factory goodies, so I rationalized I could spend this on the mods I really wanted.

Excluding the recovery gear & off road accessories that I bought to use w/my FJ & other vehicles and the TRD exhaust and wheels that came with my FJ, I think that I'm just above your $6k figure.

The most expensive mods were (or will be) the Sunroof & Maplight ($1100); the Lucrum Mount, Warn Winch & Dual Battery ($2200); and the pending MAF auxillary fuel tank ($1700). These figures include parts and labor, except for the Lucrum Mount & Warn Winch which I installed on my own.

The rest of the mods were just incidental items. The PIAA Horns cost about $60 -- they were brand new but had been sitting around my basement for years. The PIAA Fog Lights were previously installed on my Durango -- they cost about $200 (excluding a replacement bulb and new light covers that I had to buy). Both of these items were purchased before I bought the FJ. The Cyclone Pre-Airfilter cost around $80. The extra roof rack crossbar and the black zinc plating cost about $100. The Durango 4x4 emblem cost nothing. It was thrown in with some body work that was paid for by my insurer. The TRD hitch cover cost $30. The K&N filter cost around $50. The Stant Gas Cap cost about $15. The Okole Seat Covers for my front seats cost around $250. The new exhaust tip cost about $150 including welding. The TruFilter, which I haven't purchased yet, costs $150.

Oh yeah, I forgot the exterior stick-on Wade window shades and the interior flip-down sunvisor that I bought on eBay and cost about $100 -- need to add listing for those mods too.

Anyway, FWIW, after the MAF auxillary tank and TruFilter are installed, I'm done!!!!

Or, at least, I hope so.

[Swingshiftworker]

Had to add a new post to continue my Build Diary because the prior one was getting too long ...

Eighteenth Mod: Man-a-Fre Auxillary Gas Tank

This is the best designed idea for an auxillary gas tank that I've seen so far. It's still in development, but after it's done it should provide about 19 gallons of additional fuel capacity without altering the stock appearance and w/o compromising the road clearance capabilities of the FJ. I've signed up to get one as soon as they go into production. I'm 13th out of 20 in line for the first run of tanks and am going to try to get it installed at Man-a-Fre in Simi Valley, CA during the 2nd week of December 2007.

See: Man-a-Fre Auxillary Fuel Tank

Update 04/11/08: Woohoo!!! Man-a-Fre is finally ready to install some tanks. They are still doing some "testing," but I've got an appointment to install one in mine in 2 weeks on Friday 04/25/08 and any bugs should be worked out by then. Can't wait!!!!

Here's an updated thread on the auxillary tank as installed: FJ Cruiser Auxiliary Fuel Tank --> INSTALLED.

Update 04/25/08: My auxillary tank was installed today. There were a few problems with the installation, but everything seems to be working ok now. Here are my notes on the installation and my first impressions of the tank: Auxillary Tank Installation. More info to follow after my trip home.

Update 04/26/08: The road trip home and shakedown tour for the auxillary tank was completed today and the tank passed with flying colors. Here are my notes on the trip: MAF Shakedown Tour.

Update 5/14/08: Check light problem: What the F***? -- Traction Control Gone?

Update 5/21/08: Check light and refill problem.

See: Auxiliary Fuel Tank for Special Edition FJ's and the "What the F***? and Fuel Tank Installed threads above.

Update 08/05/08: No problems for awhile. No check engine lights after 2 recent trips. Also discovered tank refills are easier if you do not drain the aux tank. I've been refilling w/about 1/4-1/2 in the main and 1/2 in the auxillary and don't get as many click offs as I did before. There still may be a need to go dry, but I'm going to avoid that as much as possible. Also, still trying to hookup w/BBhog who says he has a better fill tube set up, but still havent' been able to connect with him. Will add an additional update as soon as I do.

Upate 10/27/08: After a 700 mile tour of Death Valley a couple weeks again, I returned home to discover that 3 out of 6 mounting bolts on the MAF tank (all on the driver's side) were missing after I noticed the tank "drooping" unsupported on the driver's side. So, found a bolt that fit on of the missing holes on the driver's side, which was a temporary fix until I was able to install 6 new locktited and lock washered bolts to resecue the tank. Here's my "report" on what I had to do to replace the bolts (one of which did not have an internal nut): MAF Bolt Replacement.

BTW, I just got a check engine light again, which happened after a refill while both tanks were still full. Haven't had a check engine light for awhile and didn't have any during my recent trip to Death Valley. Usually,doesn't happen after a refill as long as I drive a bit and drain some of the gas out of the main, but I also refilled during my trip to DV w/o driving too far and didn't have any check lights then. So, not sure what the problem is. Just know that it's annoying. I'm carrying a 10mm wrench w/me at all times in order to disconnect the battery in order to clear the check engine light whenever this occurs after which I also have to recalibrate the compass. Like I said, it's annoying and I'm still hoping to get the fuel neck from BBhog in order to eliminate this problem as well.


Nineteenth Mod: Low Profile Light Bar - Cancelled

I really like the look of this low profile light bar, which would work well with my sunroof, but, like most other light bars, it requires drilling into the roof and pulling apart a lot of interior panels to do the wiring, and I'm not sure that I want to do ALL that. It's quite expensive at $800 and add a couple hundred more for labor (to get someone else to do the work) and this is a questionable mod for me, but, if I can find an experienced installer to do it, I'll probably get it done, but it's not high on my list of mods.

See: Extreme H2 Light Bar

Update: I've decided to cancel this mod. Extra lighting would be useful now and then, but I've got the fog lights and I don't want to increase the height of the FJ any further or run any wires up through the roof.


Twentieth Mod: Original ATRAC Hack

I just completed the Original ATRAC for pre-2008 FJs, which allows both ATRAC and the Rear Diff Locker to be engaged at the same time while in 4Lo. The original ATRAC hack is really simple and requires cutting one wire and tapping it into another, but some people are wary of cutting wires. So, someone came up with a "no cut" ATRAC hack, which I think is much more involved than the original ATRAC hack. To me simpler is better, so I went with the original ATRAC hack, which, if you're not as "careful" as I am, you can complete in just a minute. I tend to do these kind of things very slowing, but it still only took me 30 minutes to do the job. I apparently did the work right, because I didn't blow a fuse, didn't get a check engine light and BOTH the ATRAC and Rear Diff Locker lights on the dash panel came on at the same time. I initially had a problem getting the rear locker to engage (constant blinking), but the locker locked up w/o difficulty as soon as I tried it out on a patch of gravel instead of pavement. Still haven't tested the combo on a suitable obstacle, but at least now I know that I have the combo available, if and when I need it.

Here are the links to the Original ATRAC hack as well as the "no cut" hack:

2 cheap and easy A-TRAC hacks

Rear Locker + ATRAC - Write up - TTORA Forum

Original ATRAC Hack - Blinking Locker Light

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...tml#post280978

Twenty-first Mod: OEM 17" Steel Wheels and Hankook Tires

This is the 2nd set of OEM 17" Steel Wheels that I bought. Bought the first set in anticipation of putting on some more aggressive tires for off-road use, but then I bought a 1999 Jeep TJ, which eliminated the need for a 2nd set of tires, so I sold them. But, after running the Rubicon Trail with it, I sold the Jeep, which resurrected the need for more aggressive off-road tires. So, I bought another set. The 2nd set isn't as nice as the 1st, but, if I use them off-road aggressively, they're bound to get scratched up anyway.

FS - 5 17" steelies

Decided to buy a set of Hankook Dyanpro MT RT03 mud/snow tires, because of the good reviews here and elsewhere and because of the lower cost. I decided to stick w/the stock 265/70R17 size in order to avoid the need to lift my rig and in order to prevent making the FJ any taller due to tire size. My FJ barely fits in my garage w/the 265/75R16 BFG ATs (which are the same diameter as the 265/70R17's, and my homeowner association's rules prohibit residents from parking their "extra" cars on the street. So, that ruled out any larger tires. In any event, I'll be taking them out right away on an off-road trip to Death Valley, which I understand can be hard on tires -- especially the sidewalls. So, we'll see how they perform there.

Update 9/25/08: Installed the Hankooks today, but ran into a problem. One of the wheels I just bought is severely warped or bent and it couldn't be balanced. Asking for a refund for that wheel in order to offset the cost of the new wheel that I just ordered to replace it (don't have time to search around for another used one).

Oh well . . . but the wheels and tires look very cool. It's amazing how a new set of wheels and tires can so dramatically change the look of your rig. I like it!





Tires - Hankook Dynapro MT RT03
Biggest Tire for 17" Wheel and No Lift

Twenty Second Mod: TruFilter - Still Pending

Found out about this mod in this thread: http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forum...il-system.html. The filter housing looks really cool, but, better yet, no need to buy any more filters. Of course, the cost of the TruFilter will be more than the total cost of all of the filters I would have to buy for my FJ, but, when I sell the FJ, I can remove the filter and, if it's the right size, the company will send me a new thred insert so that I can use in on another car. My real motivation for buying this, however, is to avoid getting ripped off again by a quick oil change outlet NOT changing the filter -- which has happened to me at least once already. With the TruFilter installed, I can clean the filter myself (like w/my K&N filter) at longer intervals and won't have to worry about that anymore. See: TruFilter's Website for more info.

More to follow? Who knows?

Here's a temporary mod that I added to my rig awhile ago.