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bc_indiana's - 08TTSE Build "Oreo" -

103K views 182 replies 63 participants last post by  FJ4 Tahoe 
#1 · (Edited)
Jump to Summit 2014 (#8) Trail Photos...


Jump to Trail Photos...

07/06/2014 Photo:
Warrior Products Low Profile Roof Rack

07/02/2014 Photo:
Vinyl Porn (MORE HERE!)

06/22/2014 Photo:
Newly refinished tail light housings and new Trail Tail LED pucks.
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/interior-exterior-visual-tech/330586-rocktek-tail-lights-old-new-w-duplicolor-bed-armor-new-led-pucks.html


06/15/2014 Photo:
New Goodyear Duratrac 285/75R16. Kept the 1.5" spacers on for now.

05/23/2014 Photo:
Freshly removed OEM roof rack and air dam.

10/1/2011 Photo:
New MetalTech Bumper, 1.25" Spacers, & Ricochet HD Skid

12/31/2010 Photo:
New 305/70R16 Goodyear Fierce Attitude MT's

11/23/2010 Photo:
New MetalTech Bumper and PIAA Fog Lights

Pre Summit Photo:

06/14/2010 Photo:


PART I: SEARCH & RESCUE

I purchased my FJ in March of 2009 after many months of looking, comparing and pricing. I had wanted an FJ since they debuted late in 2006. I really fell in love with the Trail Teams Edition because of the white/black color scheme, which was the same color scheme as my previous ride – a 1994 Pathfinder XEV6.

From the start I had no delusions of grandeur in thinking I could find and afford a low miles 2008 TTSE, and set my sites on a used 2007/2008 of any color within my price point of low-mid 20’s. After test-driving a 2008, and even a 2009 at a dealer, I stumbled upon what I thought was a mirage.

A seller in Houston, Texas had a listing for a 2008 TTSE with 6500 miles for right at my mid 20’s cap. The kicker to this was that it was very well equipped already with some very unique modifications (all of which were taking it toward the direction I wanted to go with the build.) I came to find out this truck was purchased by a Toyota manager and built up by his Toyota mechanic to be his beach toy.

Lucky for me the cost of the beach house he was also building had gotten out of hand and he had to sell his ‘Baby’ before ever even taking it offroad. A second buyer purchased it, couldn’t make payments and his extended family was selling it (and having to pay the note!) Long story short, this FJ was listed very plainly and poorly, thus slipping through the cracks. (The fact that the economy had tanked and no one was buying anything didn’t help their cause either.)

Lucky for me, I had been saving and planning on a new purchase…so this was prime striking time! So I drove to Houston, test drove it and purchased the next day after seeing it was literally still in show room condition.

Here is what all my researching, waiting, and looking patiently turned into:





Unlike many build pages; I have quite a few modifications to list prior to me ever touching it. The most striking is the Rhino lined bottom half of the doors. I had to see it in person before committing to the purchase…but I absolutely love it! It hits the line of the front and rear fenders, which to me is the natural point to stop it.

I am so used to it now that when I see an all white TTSE, I have to admit, they look a bit odd to me.

The list of “pre-mod” mods:
-Rhino lined doors
-Safari Snorkel
-Garving Hi-Lift & Axe/Shovel mounts
-Hi-Lift with a matching Rhino lined handle
-True-Temper Axe
-Trail shovel
-Gobi Ladder
-Tail Light Guards
-2-3” spacer lift
-295/75 R16 Nitto Terra Grapplers
-Toyota Air Dam w/ Hella lights
-Toyota Brush Guard w/ Hella lights (TTSE package)
-Toyota Rock Sliders (TTSE package)
-TRD Exhaust (TTSE package)
-non Toyota tow package
-custom cut rear TTSE skid to accommodate tow package
-custom black chrome Toyota/FJ badges.








So leaving Houston driving back to Dallas…I was all ready to hit the trails! (and start making payments!)
 
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#39 · (Edited)
To my knowledge there are only 2 sets that were ever made.

These were produced a while back. Justin (at Rocktek) told me he is working on a feasable kit with wiring and instructions. Jim_D also posted that Justin was also trying to make it more cost affective to produce.

I bought this pair from Beerhat - and Jim_D has the other pair.

I guess these would be the 'prototypes' to what he is working on.

--More discussion and info in this thread: http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/4x4-off-road-tech/65548-unbelievably-cool-rocktek-rear-lights.html
 
#48 · (Edited)
I think it is more deadening than Dynamat. The Hushmat/Dynamat is more dampening, insulation value, rattle deadening. Hushmat does makes a product for headliner sound deadening that is similar to the CCS in thickness - 'siliencer megabond foam.' Landy and I purchased the Hushmat locally at a Rod shop in Sachse.

http://hushmat.com/media/Doc_Brochure_08Oct.pdf

I do think the CCS has added a good bit of deadening and it is pretty cheap in rolls. I got it from a rubber supply company. I believe I purchased .75" thickness. If you covered the floor solid with CCS, it would be even better (I just used it in the padding shape cut-outs under the vinyl flooring...so probably 85% coverage.)
 
#51 · (Edited)
06.12.2010 - ICON LIFT INSTALL

The day finally came to install my lift after months and months of piecing parts together. This replaced the 2" spacer lift I was running that came on the truck when I purchased it.

I picked up the Stage 1 Regular Travel Icon Lift (5k) with Toytec coils (22K) used from a member selling his FJ. I sold the Mono-tube rear shocks immediately. I then had the coilovers rebuilt by Icon to Extended Travel Remote Reservoir. Then by chance Jonathon (Beerhat) was trading in his FJ so I got his Camburg uniball UCAs for next to nothing. Ordered the Toytec Diff. Drop kit and finally bit the bullet and purchased the Icon Rear Piggybacks from Demello Offroad (great price on them BTW.)

As far as the install, it went pretty smoothly. We did strip one bolt (swaybar to frame). But then I learned something; -1 stripped bolt + 1 replacement bolt with too large of a head = 1 custom ground bolt by Lee.

I will say, the Diff Drop skid spacers were the most difficult to install with the Ricochet skids on top of the black stock skids. Very hard to align holes and balance 2 skids.

Lee (1911) was kind enough to host my install at his shop and lend a helping hand. Landy also donated his time and energy to the build. I just want to say thanks to both of you for all your hard work on this, and to Lee's wife for the awesome pork burritos and the farm fresh eggs to-go!

well...pics as promised...

FLYING FJ!


Landy in the house


Front Installed




Rear Coils and Comparison



Rear Piggybacks



Back on the Ground


Before:

After:


And some obligatory Poser pictures:









 
#55 ·
I think you have the best documented Build-up thread on here. :bigthumb:

Can wait to check it out at Summit. Yeah baby, I'm going.
Well, I think it comes in handy to be able to look back at see when you installed certain items.

Plus sometimes reading build threads, they are presented in a way in which it seems like they occured over night...which is most likely not the case with most builds. -- But, It sure makes you feel broke!:lol:

I'm hyped you'll be at the Summit. Now to swing by Moab the few days before!:rocker:
 
#56 ·
super badazz
 
#57 ·
Brian
Your build is very nice. I always have liked the white/black combo and yours is done with style. I look forward to nosing around it at the Summit. How much more quiet is it now that you did the sound deadening?
thanks
Don
 
#58 ·
Thanks for the compliments. I look forward to meeting you at the Summit... (and checking out your video system.):bigthumb:

Road noise from below is really decreased as well as exhaust. Audio inside sounds improved as well. Headliner deadening would help ther most out of anything I think. Seems to be where most of the outside noise is coming from.
 
#67 ·
Well, after 2 weeks, I have started to get used to it. I was very used to the softer feel of the stock suspension, so I had a nice few weeks re-learning the handling capabilities. I have to say it has much better cornering, it's a bit firmer (without being too stiff on bumps), and much less brake dive. Overall, I am very happy with on-road performance. I still haven't had a chance to really test it off-road yet...but I'm looking forward to it.

Nice job on the install and it looks great overall!
Thanks Brian. I'm digging your rear storage solution build as well.

Looking good my friend, except for that shaggy guy in the bandana helping with your install!
Yeah, I don't even know that dude...just a hitchhiker:bigthumb: I picked up on the way out to Lee's place. He was handy with a wrench, so I just let him work.:lol:
:rocker:

I dig it!
Thanks man. I heavily dig it.

It looks good Brian but never will look as good as Jill---amen!! :cheers:
I am totally in agreement with you on this one Terry!:rawr:

Very nice rig !
Thanks.:cheers:
 
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