[NSBCruiser]

I have had my FJ for over two years now and have been on this forum since December 2007. I guess it is about time I started a build up thread.

My theme is "How it should have came from Toyota" or "Factory Off-Road Package" either way it should turn out to be a more capable yet good looking FJ.

I did every mod my self with help from the forum of course.

Well Ok...I lied. I didn't mount my tires and my local 4X4 shop assembled my front struts for me(compressing heavy springs like that scared me a little). Other than that I did all my own mods.

Lets start where it all began. I was looking for a new SUV, my Land Rover Discovery II was showing it's age. I got my first Toyota in June of 2006, it only had 7 miles on it! I found it in Pennsylvania. Then I got a job in Florida and packed the FJ up and headed south, I left PA with 19 miles on it. I guess the trip broke it in. But with a Toyota it isn't really broken in till it hits 100,000 miles. Enough about me, FJ time.

2007, Black Diamond, 4X4, Automatic, upgrade package 1, running boards, Locking Rear Diff, A-Trac, everything but the subwoofer

Before any mods

Current picture

 

[DFP]

Hey, nice to see a "fellow Floridian," not to mention a greater DB area FJer on here. I guess we kind of went opposite ways. There I was living in Ormond for 7 years only to get a job up in the DC area last year. I picked up the FJ about 6 months ago and have a great time with it up here, but look forward to getting it back down to Volusia for some beach driving.

Look forward to the build up pics. Sounds like a nice ride.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I was now thinking what I want my FJ to do for me. I want to do some light to medium wheeling and still drive 80 mph on the highway. So I have a game plan now, time to get to work.

I now I will need gas so...I added a lockable Jerry Can mounted on my spare tire.

And I will need a Axe, Shovel, and of course a Hi-Lift. I found some lockable brackets that would need modified to fit my factory roof rack. I used some U-bolts and painted them flat black.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I also needed a CB, I had an Cobra 75 I had in my old rig and loved it so, it went into the FJ. I mounted the small box that the power, mic, antenna, and external speaker hook up to in the center console next to the transfer case shifter. I had a K40 whip antenna, I worked great but it was a little too big for me so (kind of *******). I went with the Bandi mount with a 4' Firestick and a quick disconnect.

My speaker in the handset died so I went to Radio Shack and bought the small external speaker and mounted it above my rear view mirror. I ran the wires along the headliner and down the A pillar to the CB control box in the center console.

I got some Manik tail light guards and had to modify the Bandi mount to work.

Found some FJ-40 emblems on eBay.

Wanted something unique for the other FJ badge so I went on eBay and found a Volvo S40 emblem and used it as a tribute to the FJ-40 heritage.

 

[NSBCruiser]

Then I got married in the Outter Banks, NC in the summer of 2007 and my mods slowed down. The FJ is the best vehicle to drive just after a wedding.

My best man wrote that on my window.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I wanted to burn out, but the FJ won't let me so I added a VSC cancel switch. Now I can burn rubber all day long. I wanted it hidden so the pesky guys at the Toyota dealership won't give me any flack.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I hated the fact I could not turn my Day Time Running lights on or off so I installed a switch on the relay for the DRL's

Then I wanted to use the power inverter in the front of my FJ so I ran a heavy duty extension cord from the back to the glove box.

One night I was driving around and asked my wife can you get me something out of the glove box. She looked for 10 minutes trying to find it. She said "I can't see anything, it's too damn dark." So I installed LED lights in the glove box and hooked them up to a normally on momentary switch. The lights only turn on when the glove box is opened.

 

[NSBCruiser]

Time for my stereo/NAV. I bought a Pioneer AVIC-Z1 with a 7" screen and a Ipod adaptor and steering wheel control module (retains the factory steering wheel controls). It is a hard drive base Navigation system. It took me 3 hours to install it. I am able to use the Navigation wile watching a DVD. I hooked (bypassed the safety feature) it up so I can view a DVD wile driving. I put the GPS antenna on the roof of the FJ. It also stores my CDs as MP3 files, I no longer have to carry CDs in my FJ! The NAV is super easy to use especially with the voice controls and cell phone bluetooth capabilities. I can add a back up camera (future mod) and up to three other monitors to the head unit. The AVIC-Z1 also taps into the FJ's computer and displays vehicle information. I customized the wallpaper also. It came with a remote control also. And allows up to 3 auxiliary AV inputs for Playstation, camcorder...over all it a sweet system and really breaks up long road trips.

GPS antenna mounted on roof.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I got done with the glove box lights and was thinking that I wanted some accent lights for the interior. I added LEDs to the cup holders, under the climate controls, and in the center console cubby hole. They are hooked so they only come on with the dash lights and can be controlled with the dimmer. I used yellow and match the interior lights perfect and dim right along with the dash lights.

 

[NSBCruiser]

Added the Toyota cargo cover.

Painted the grab handles and hooks flat black then added the 2008 side sun visors.

I needed some storage for my tool, first aid kit, mag light, and fire extinguisher. I added two toyota rear door storage nets, I had to add a support in the top of each to hold my gear in place better.

After adding glove box lights, accent LED lights, radar detector, CB this is what my fuse box looks like, I always fuse the "toys" I install with Add-A-Circuits.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I blacked out all the silver on the exterior of my FJ. The mirrors, front and rear bumpers. I used 2007 Tundra door handles. And added 15% tint to all windows but the windshield.

I got so white roof paint from toyota and painted the bezel. It turned out great. I added 7" round stone guards for my headlights to protect my HID kit I installed. The stone guards slip behind the bezel and fit great. I love the look.

I took out the clear light bulbs in the mirrors and replaced them with amber LEDs. I also rewired them so the work as turn signals.

I added the toyota hood protector.

I also added some vent guards to keep out the rain and let in the fresh air.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I put a Warn receiver shackle on with a receiver lock. I painted it black and red.

I added a third brake light sticker.

 

[NSBCruiser]

I put a drop in K&N filter.

I did the locker anytime mod. I can engage the rear locker in 2WD, 4WD HI, and 4WD LO. It is great option for the beach, I bury the rear end for easier access to my beach gear.

I have a pre november FJ so I did the A-Trac & Locker at the same time mod.

I also cut into the VSC system in the same spot for my switch.

I did the SCUBA mod for the rear diff, rear locker and mounted the breather in the jack storage cubby in the rear.

I did the SCUBA mod for the transmission and t-case. I fabricated a bracket and mounted it to the the hood piston.

I installed a secondary horn using the factory harness, I relocated the horn behind the bezel. It sounds so much better now.

I installed a electronic rust inhibitor, it included two diodes that mount to the wheel pocket.

 

[davidHchiem]

I like all your mods, especially the glove compartment and accent lighting!

 

[NSBCruiser]

Lift time. I installed the Old Man Emu heavy lift front and back. I can't tell you how much I love the stance and ride now.

I finally decided on what wheel and tire combo to go with. I am running factory 17" black steel wheels rapped on 285/70-17 BFGoodrich KM2 with the white lettering out. I also put on black Gorilla Lug nuts with a 5 peice wheel locks. Love the tires, so quite at highway speeds. The wheels and tires totally transformed the look and versatility of my FJ.

NEW MEATS!!

I wanted a tire pressure monitoring system so I installed the Hella TPMS, it is a slick device. Temperature and pressure of all 5 of my tires anytime I want. It also has alarms to warn me of excessive or lack temp/pressures. I installed the display above my rear view mirror.

Wheel Sensors

Hella TPMS Display

 

[NSBCruiser]

My FJ does not fit into my garage anymore but I was sick of messing around with my garage door opener. I installed a homelink in the headliner. It also has a voice memo feature. I wired it so it is always on and can be used anytime.

 

[Dragon]

Very Very nice. You did a great job with all of your mods. Nice build!!

 

[MatchesMalone]

Nice to have another strong FJ in Central Florida (that does not include mine). Great mods!!

 

[NSBCruiser]

I do a lot of water crossing here in Florida so I had to put on a Safari Snorkel.

I was so nervous drilling the 105 mm hole in the fender, but it turned out great.

Like my new black diamond metal drink coaster.

I added some screen between the snorkel head and tube to keep out the bugs. I checked it after one day and there was a huge dragon fly in it. I tried to remove it and it fell down the tube. I have to get the vacuum to suck it out. I came up with a better solution. I took the grill off and cut some door screen to fit the grill and used pop rivets to secure to to the grill. It works like a charm.

Screen Material Used

Front of snorkel grill

Back of snorkel grill...notice the pop rivets (I painted them black)

Grill re-installed

 

[NSBCruiser]

I have a factory Air Dam with Off Road lights sitting my my garage waited for me to install them. I'll post as soon as they are on.