Dang, these didn’t make it into the picture. Made by our very own
@ZerosFJ
Hayden: What modification is your favorite or is the most worth the money/time/effort that you’d recommend it to someone else?
Lee44:I would have to say the OME BP-51 Suspension. Having a tuned suspension has made the most noticeable difference off road.
Hayden: What upgrade is your least favorite, or what modification would you do differently if you had to do it over again?
Lee44:That would be the wiring that was done while I was laid up after the accident. Nothing wrong with the MOD, the lights are perfectly functional. It was the workmanship, routing/dressing of wires and cables. Yes, I am picky. Now that I am more active I will be redoing it all with the help of a grandson. I have the parts on hand that I’ll need.
Hayden: What has been your favorite thing about owning an FJ Cruiser?
Lee44:Getting away from it all and enjoying the scenery in a vehicle I truly enjoy driving.
Hayden: Has anyone on the forum inspired your build or been a go-to resource for you?
Lee44: Yes, many forum members. I can list some but I’d leave someone out and I’d feel bad about that. The forum is a wealth of information.
Hayden: Where all have you been with your FJC? What trail/park/location is your favorite?
Lee44Northwestern Oregon and Southwestern Washington. Mt Hood and Gifford Pinchot National Forests. Forest Service roads and logging roads. Powerline roads are legal here. There are many lakes, rivers and streams.
The Old Barlow Road is a favorite and gets driven twice a year at least. Spring and Fall.
Still Creek Road and Pipeline Road get driven many times a year. They are back ways up to Mt Hood and Lake Harriet and Trillium Lake.
We made one out of area trip to Sumpter in Eastern Oregon to explore the back roads, gold mines and ghost towns. That country is full of history. Spent three days exploring.
We even saw where the Gold Rush guys from Discovery were mining near Baker City, OR.
Hayden: Is there a trail/park/location you haven’t visited yet that you would like to take your FJ to someday?
Lee44: MOAB! A lot of the work on Jade has been in preparation for going to Moab and driving the trails around the National Parks in the area. I just have to pick a time to meet up with some of our folks going there. This is something I really want to do!.
Hayden: What has been the most memorable experience with your FJ Cruiser?
Lee44: Joining others from the forum on the Annual Florence Beach Run at the end of March 2018.
The Annual Florence Beach Run in March.
Hayden: Has the current COVID-19 situation across the world had an effect on you or your FJ’s plans this year for off-roading or mods?
Lee44: COVID-19 hasn’t been an issue for off roading. Couldn’t be more ‘socially distanced’.
The fires in Northwestern Oregon have really put a damper on driving lately. One fire in particular has us worried. The White River Fire covered a lot of the Old Barlow Road. We won’t know the extent of the damage until summer/fall next year, maybe it will be 2022. ☹
The virus has probably made more time for MODs. (Less time Off Roading)
Hayden: What do you enjoy the most about the FJCrusierForums?
Lee44: Interaction with the other members. Continue learning about our FJ Cruisers.
Hayden: What has the FJCruiserForums done for you and what do you feel you contribute to the forum the most?
Lee44: The education I’ve gotten from our members dealing with all things FJ Cruiser and off roading in general.
There are a large number of members that do the heavy lifting when it comes to the technical issues. I try to help others by providing links to answer their questions. Helping with the basic stuff and providing what experience I can.
Hayden: In a world without new FJ Cruisers being built, do you plan on keeping yours forever or upgrading to a different model someday?
Lee44: I’ll be keeping her forever. I have one grandson in particular that she will probably go to. He is very interested in the out of doors; fishing, camping, etc. He and his dad both ride trails on motorcycles.
Hayden: What do you expect to be in your FJs future build-wise/travel-wise/etc?
Lee44:I am gathering the supplies I need for the dual battery install. I’m almost ready to start. The last of the parts have arrived from Shrockworks. At the same time, I’ll be installing the bracket and fuse/relay module also from Shrockworks. I’ll be correcting some wiring issues at that time.
At some point I plan on running power from the aux battery to the rear for the compressor and fuel transfer pump. Outlet for a fridge maybe.
I’d really like to get the matching Metaltech front bumper. Transfer case and rear end armor. I think I will stay with 33’s. I don’t do serious crawling, mostly overlanding. I don’t want to deal with re-gearing. Or the cost of the parts.
As I indicated earlier, that trip to Moab is a priority. We’ll see how I feel about crawling then.
Hayden: What final advice do you have for someone new to the FJ Cruiser or the Forum?
Lee44: You may not like or feel you’ve gotten a condescending answer to your question or feel you’re being ignored. That’s not the case, we are all here to help and learn. Learning to use the forum search function will help you out a lot. Remember, Google is your friend. Learn all you can before that purchase. Buy once, cry once. Welcome to the forum!