Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum banner
Cancel

The Scorpion

378961 Views 1336 Replies 184 Participants Last post by  TCao, 
uphill
25
WELCOME TO THE SCORPION BUILD-UP THREAD​

The sword is more important than the shield and skill is more important than either.



photo courtesy of VOLHOO (thanks Vince)​


All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds, wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act on their dreams with open eyes, to make them possible.
--Lieutenant-Colonel Thomas Edward Lawrence, CB, DSO
The Scorpion FJ, though unworthy of the man, has been created in honor of T. E. Lawrence (1888-1935), may he rest in peace.



When I bought the FJ, I mapped out a philosophy on which direction a build-up should take. My philosophy was built around a vehicle that could operate, removed from populated areas, and support my interest in exploration and examination of unsettled regions (increasingly difficult to find). Sometimes the questions are complicated and the answers are simple.

My philosophy in modifications is simple. I wanted to create a strong, capable, sustainable rig that would BRING ME HOME at the end of the day. Everything I've done to my FJ has that particular end in mind.

My favorite FJ Cruiser Moment: I'm driving my FJ on an expedition and I can't fall asleep at night under the stars because reality is finally better than my dreams.

This is the stock FJ.

I bought my FJ Cruiser on December 23, 2006 as a Christmas present to myself since it was highly unlikely that anyone else would buy an FJ for me no matter how hard I tried to get off the naughty list.

My daughter Emilie agreed to ride shotgun with me on trail runs.

concentrated mist,

a clear jewel on a leafpoint,

drip,

the river begins!​

(Photo Courtesy of THUBUB, Holcomb Creek ford - 07)​

And I began the process of modifying the FJ


SCORPION

Edited and Updated Mod List
I'm going to use this partcular posting to post added mods so it will change over time to reflect those additions. Some mods will replace others so occasionally there will be deletions as well.

(photo courtesy of CRAZYHERMIT and NETTI - Kokopelli Trail - Nov. 2007)

(photo courtesy of DOMINICG - Mojave Road - Feb. 2008)

(photo courtesy of DRAGON - Kokopelli Trail - July 2008)
​
FROM THE DEALER
2007 Toyota FJ Cruiser Model 4704C
Titanium
Upgrade Package 1 <ATRAC/Rear Locker>
CQ and C7 Convenience Packages
Curtain Shield Airbags
Roof Rack

Build Date: November 2006

Engine bay bulges/rips: First noticed 1/21/08 - bulged on both fenders @22K miles

Significant Mechanical Problems: None so far

  • ARMOR
  • ARB Bull Bar - Front Bumper
  • DeMello Offroad rear bumper w/swing arm[/COLOR])
  • Bud Built Front Skidplate
  • Bud Built Middle Skidplate
  • Bud Built Transmission & Transfer Case Skidplate
  • Bud Built Rear Crossmember
  • Bud Built Fuel Tank (Beefy) Skidplate
  • Bud Built ARB Spacer Armor Plate
  • Inchworm E-Locker Motor Skid (sustained trail damage, cut down in size to repair)
  • Rear Lower Shock Skid
  • Rear Trailing Link Skid
  • Rear Differential Plate (welded)
  • DeMello Hybrid Sliders
  • Manic Tail Light Guards (Real Wheels guards took 5 trail hits -saves- then gave up the ghost)

    SUSPENSION AND TIRES
  • Walker Evans Beadlock Rims
  • Nitto Terra Grapplers - 305/70R17
  • Demello Frame Chop
  • Donahoe Racing Shocks and Front Coil-Overs
  • Old Man Emu Heavy Duty Rear Coil-Overs (OME-886)
  • Donahoe Racing Upper Control Arms
  • Light Racing Jounce Shocks (Chubbies) replacing bump-stops
  • Icon Signature Lower Control Arms
  • Gorilla Lugs

    EQUIPMENT ADDITIONS
  • Lowrance Baja 540C GPS & Freedom Maps Chip F103EX-S and F104EX-W & Shadow GPS R/V Mirror Adaptor Mount
  • Man-A-Fre Auxillery (22 gal.) fuel tank
    --Providing a total capacity of 40 gallons
  • Wet Okole Seat Covers
  • Scanguage 2
  • K & N Air Filter - Replaced by OEM Air Filter
  • Aux. Optima Yellow-Top Battery
  • Dirty Parts Auxiliary Battery Kit
  • Circuit Boss 7 Circuit Fuse Block
  • 6 x REL40 40 Amp custom amber switches
  • Stebel Nautilus Compact Air Horn
  • Passenger-side arm rest
  • Fuel Can Options: 2 x Wedco Jerry Cans (gas/water)
  • Relocated Rear Differential & E-Locker Breather - Scuba Driver Mod.
  • Fire Extinguisher
  • ARB Safari Snorkel
  • I-Pod
  • Death-Stalker Scorpion transfer case shift knob

    COMMUNICATIONS
  • SPOT Satellite Personal Tracker
  • Midland 75-822 Handheld CB Radio with Vehicle Adapter
  • Antenna – 5' and 3’ Firestick/CB
  • Yaesu FT-1802 M/E 2 meter transceiver (50 watts output)/HAM
  • Comet 3D5M mobile mounting hardware/HAM
  • Antenna - Diamond NR-770HA 2M/70CM 3/5.5dB Mobile Antenna/HAM

    LIGHTING
  • Airflow Headlight Covers
  • Hella Black Magic 6” Driving Lights (mounted to ARB Bumper)
  • N-Fab Front Light Bar/Bracket w/3 x Acro X1870M Driving Lights & 2 x 40 B/U PIAA Flood Lights
  • N-Fab Rear Light Bar/Bracket w/2 x 40 B/U PIAA Flood Lights & 1 x LEDQUAD LED Strobe Light Bar
  • 2 x Oznium Flexible Super Thin (red) LED Dome Lights
  • 2 x Puck (white) LED Dome Lights
  • LED Red dash lights replacing white instrument gauge lights

    TOOLS & TRAIL EQPT.
  • Fiskars Axe
  • Short Handle Shovel
  • Crowbar/Pry Bar
  • Eagle Talon (RJM Forge)
  • Husqvarna 350 18" Chain Saw
  • Jumper Cables
  • Tool Kit
  • JB Weld
  • Spool (1000 ft) OD Green Parachute (550) Cord
  • Roll(s) of 100 MPH Tape (milspec rigger's tape)
  • FJC Spare Parts Kit (on extended load-out): including 2xCV Boots, 2xCV Sway Bar Links, Serpentine Belt, rear lower control arm, front axel, spare fuses, tire valves, etc.

    GEAR STORAGE
  • SCORPION MOUNT - An endoskeleton in the back to provide hard points and additional M-PAC storage.
  • Pelican Cases - Allow modular load out depending on the nature of the trip.
  • Fourtreks Shovel/Axe mount
  • Fourtreks HiLift Jack Mount
  • Fourtreks Dual Mount
  • Fourtreks Fuel Can Rack Mount
  • Fourtreks Modular Roll Bar Handle
  • Springtail M-PAC rack and MOLLE gear
  • Springtail M-PAC Side Rack
  • 2 x Expeditionware Jerry Can Holders (currently one mounted)
  • Power Tank Roof Rack Mount - (Custom Fab using Four Treks parts)

    PNEUMATICS
  • 20 lbs. CO2 Auxillery Tank (Internal Mount)
  • 10 lbs. CO2 Power Tank
  • Ingersol Rand #2135 Ti (composite titanium) pneumatic impact gun
  • Power Tank Super Coupler
  • Power Tank HD Tire Inflator Handle
  • Oasis Trailhead Deflator / Stebel Trailhead Deflator (both onboard)
  • ARB Tire Repair Kit
  • Spare valves and valve cores

    RECOVERY
  • Warn XD9000 Winch
  • Viking Kevlar Winch Line (100')
  • Winch Safety Thimble
  • Viking Delrin Fairlead Rollers
  • Warn Hitch Shackle
  • 30’ Rescue Strap
  • 100’ of braided steel cable
  • ARB Snatchblock
  • Pull Pal
  • 4 x 3/4 ton D-Rings
  • ARB Bushranger X-Jack
  • Hi-Lift Jack
  • WabFab Slider Attachment
  • Hi-Lift Jack Base
  • Hi-Lift Jack handle keeper

    EMERGENCY EQPT.
  • Basic Survival Kit (on standard load-out)
  • Large First Responder First-Aid Kit including an adult bag/valve mask
  • Smoke Grenades (pyro- red and green)
  • Chemlights (red and green)
  • Polish Model 78 Flare Gun (26.5 MM) with star flares
  • Lensatic Compass
  • Knive(s)
  • Firearm(s)

RECOMMENDED VENDORS:
I have had consistently good service from these
vendors and encourage you to consider them in
your build-ups. I have not received a discount
from any of them and have no financial stake in
the outcome of your purchase.

DeMello Offroad
BudBuilt
Man-A-Fre
Springtail (MPAC)
Dirty Parts






SCORPION IN VIDEOS

FJ CRUISERS IN DEEP CREEK
(Courtesy of FJROD)

(Courtesy of POKER DAWG)

THE LATEST ADDITION(s)

DeMello swing-out bumper.

Scorpion Mount



ICON lower rear control arms
​


​



BUILD-OUT HIGHLIGHTED TOPICS
(hyper-links to this thread)

SPRINGTAIL MPAC

BEADLOCK WHEELS

LIGHT RACING JOUNCE SHOCKS

CB ANTENNA CHOICE

UPPER CONTROL ARMS & TIRE ALIGNMENT

STEBEL NATILUS AIR HORN

DYNAMIC BALANCING

E-LOCKER SKID

ARMOR AS ART

LOAD-OUT LISTS

USING A SNATCHBLOCK

SEAT COVERS & TRAIL TOOL

N-FAB FRONT AND REAR LIGHT BARS

ULTIMATE SWAY BAR LINKS

LOCKING SHOVEL/AXE HOLDER

FIRST AID/FIRST RESPONDER KIT

Note that NO products produced by All Pro Offroad are used on THE SCORPION.




Meet the Scorpion - Current phase of build up/build out for my FJ.


EXPEDITIONS​

When selecting team members everyone looks for a combination of factors in their team mates. The most important is an absolute passion for the project, an ability to communicate, a diversity of proven expedition-specific skills in remote and hostile environments, physical stamina and mental toughness. FJ Cruiser expeditions are designed first and foremost to be fun. Secondly, they hone your skill sets by forcing you into new and unfamiliar situations that requires you to adapt and overcome. Thirdly, you get to make the run in a Toyota FJ Cruiser.



EXPEDITION PHOTOS

"Well George, we finally knocked the [email protected] off."
– Edmund Hillary's first words, to lifelong friend George Lowe, on returning from Everest's summit


MOJAVE TRAIL EXPEDITION
(Ft. Mojave to Afton Canyon - California) October 07

MOJAVE TRAIL EXPEDITION (Afton Canyon to Ft. Mojave - California) February 08

MOJAVE TRAIL EXPEDITION (Ft. Mojave to Afton Canyon - California) April 08

Don't cry because it's over. Smile because it happened.
KOKOPELLI TRAIL EXPEDITION
(Grand Junction, CO to Moab, UT) November 07


DEATH VALLEY (Death Valley - California) March 08

Kokopelli Trail Expedition (Grand Junction to Moab) July 08


You have brains in your head. You have feet in your shoes. You can steer yourself in any direction you choose.
You're on your own. And you know what you know. You are the guy who'll decide where to go.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
  • Like
Reactions: 5
381 - 400 of 1337 Posts
uphill
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

crazyhermit said:
Thanks Larry. You have a reserved spot for next spring's run here. We are going to schedule it so as not to interfere with any big event...Cruise Moab...The Trill On The Hill...etc. A date will be announced by the first of the year, probably in April or May. Are there any openings for the Feb. Mohave Run...that's about the time we here in the mountains get cabin fever...
Click to expand...
There's always room for you and Netti on any run. It's not as spectacular as Kokopelli and it's 1.5 days, not 4 (about the same distance though). There are always people who are able to make it and those who are not. Depending on the size, we may break it into two groups and spread them out by 45 minutes to an hour to make it more enjoyable for all - camp at the same place, socialize together, etc.

I'll look forward to seeing Western New Mexico!
Reply
Save
Like
mir207
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

uphill said:
Unnecessary Force (A Forum Off-Topic Production by DOMINICG)
Click to expand...
This is hilarious ("Are you out of your mind?") :)

uphill said:

SILK ROAD EXPEDITION (an expedition in the planning stage - Mongolia) currently projected for October 08
Click to expand...
I want to go on this trip so bad, I can barely suppress the cliches. Snow leopards (yeah, i know we wouldn't see any), gers, some of the most prodigious early fossil-producing regions in the world, Bactrian camels, OMG, OMG, I'm as excited as a little girl...
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
TCao
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Noticed the decal for Hotel Mongolia on the Transsyberia Porsche Cayenne S on display at the LA Auto Show. Looks like a nice place to stay at the conclusion of the expedition.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Fjamming
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

mir207 said:
I want to go on this trip so bad, I can barely suppress the cliches. Snow leopards (yeah, i know we wouldn't see any), gers, some of the most prodigious early fossil-producing regions in the world, Bactrian camels, OMG, OMG, I'm as excited as a little girl...
Click to expand...
I know what you mean. I've been thinking about this thing since Larry brought it up. This is going to take some serious commitment and planning, but I'm saving up time and really going to give this a good thought. What an experience it will be! My mod priorities are changing that's for certain.
Reply
Save
Like
S
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I am praying it happens, I have my fingers crossed, my legs crossed and my arms crossed...You could say I am a little tied up about the whole thing :D
Reply
Save
Like
StHarris
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

No one can contend that this is the one of the most exciting FJ expeditions to come, . . . . but who will qualify . . . oh my.

Do you have what it takes?:ninja:
Reply
Save
Like
Fjamming
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I'm doing a preemptive sign up:

1. Uphill
2. Fjamming


Mr. Harris, you may take no. 3 :D
Reply
Save
Like
uphill
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Before everybody decides to get in line, let's get the show on the road. At present there are several hurdles to cross.

I heard from my client that my trip to Mongolia in February is still a "go". That's an important milestone to me because I want to put my boots on the ground there to discuss the matter with our Mongolian hosts on a face-to-face basis. (and hopefully not too much fermented mares milk to drink - gambei!)

Yes, it's exciting, but the practical reality of putting this together is not something that is done lightly.

We'll proceed the way Temugin (Genghis Khan) would have. Small moves toward the large goal.
Reply
Save
Like
Fjamming
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Larry, if there's anything I can do to help, please let me know.
Reply
Save
Like
crazyhermit
4
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Hot off the hard drive...

The Scorpion at work on the Kokopelli Trail...








Photos by Nettie

Larry, after much consideration I have decided to replace my R/V mirror with the Lowrance 540C on the Ram Swivel Mount...I will order the stuff tomorrow. Thanks for your help.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
StHarris
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

uphill said:
Before everybody decides to get in line, let's get the show on the road. At present there are several hurdles to cross.

I heard from my client that my trip to Mongolia in February is still a "go". That's an important milestone to me because I want to put my boots on the ground there to discuss the matter with our Mongolian hosts on a face-to-face basis. (and hopefully not too much fermented mares milk to drink - gambei!)

Yes, it's exciting, but the practical reality of putting this together is not something that is done lightly.

We'll proceed the way Temugin (Genghis Khan) would have. Small moves toward the large goal.
Click to expand...
I would like to throw my hat into the ring too, but this is not something that you lightly decide to do (do I order the salad or the double western bacon cheese burger). This is a big undertaking, and something that should be taken in small steps. I wish you the best of luck in your steps forward to a memorable expedition, and I hope that I would be so lucky to have the opportunity to join. I have been to all seven continents, but not to Mongolia . . . and my friends this sounds like an E-Ticket. :cowsmile:
Reply
Save
Like
Fjamming
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Larry, found this pic of the Millen FJ. Might give you some ideas about the GPS mount
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
D
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Hey Uphill, that's a really great rig you've got.

I've got a question about the large pelican case (next to the yellow one). Is that by chance a 1650, or if not do you know the model number? I'm thinking of getting one and am wondering how well it fits. My measurements indicate a 1650 might barely fit, if not I might get one slightly smaller.

Thanks!
Dan
Reply
Save
Like
uphill
3
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

The largest case is the 1650 and it does fit, but you're better off keeping them a little smaller.

The SCORPION MOUNT (coming, but so is New Year's Eve) should (if it works) provide hard points throughout the back of the FJ to strap things to. I'm waiting for that semi-final solution for myself before I go out and buy new Pelicans and come to a decision on precisely what I want and where I want to put it.

I recently bought a Tuffy Lockbox for the roof rack. ($338 from 4x4groupbuy.com)


It will go BEHIND the N-Fab light bar that I have mounted now.


I had an aux. battery installed today at DIRTY PARTS by CRUISER LARRY in preparation for fuse box(s) and separate lighting relays to get the lights put on top. I'm putting a combination of ACRO X970 lights with a modified pattern and PIAA floods (front and back) with an led light bar in the back. Also a Lowrence 540C GPS that will be mounted in the front that needed to be tied to the aux. battery by via fuse block. The electrical issue has been a lurking beast because I have more than enough leads tied directly to the battery (in-line fused) that I want organized better through a fuse block.

Back to your question: I am putting all of my basic recovery gear (straps, shackles, X-Jack, etc.) in the Tuffy Box on top. The stuff that I don't use every day and don't need to be lifting in and out of the FJ all of the time when I want to use the back for something else - but I want it along. A lot of the basic non-recovery "stuff" is currently stored in the MPAC (& First Aid bag that you can't see in this shot):


The addition of the Man-A-Fre aux. fuel tank & skid will allow me to take the spare fuel from the roof rack and double my capacity. According to Steve-O, that will be in the first week of December (2 weeks from now).

The BudBuilt ARB skid and beefy main fuel tank skid will be here before that according to Bud.

The final big mod that I can foresee is the Kaymar rear bumper with 2 swinging arms (1 for spare to take the weight off the rear door and 1 for a spare jerry can of fuel or water)

Long answer to a short question, but gear storage is a real issue when you want an expedition-style FJ. So is weight.

My mileage at present (today) on the highway to Los Angeles (DIRTY PARTS) and back with a heavy FJ with all sorts of stuff on it was 20.1 mpg (scanguage). Not bad. With the additional weight I may loose 1 or 2 mpg at most and I can live with those numbers when you consider added functionality.

Make sense? Tell me if it doesn't because feedback helps.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
uphill
2
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Auxiliary Battery Installation

I went to the expert, CRUISER LARRY from DIRTY PARTS (Culver City, CA) to get the battery kit for the FJ and to have it professionally installed.


This is the Optima Yellow-Top deep cycle battery installed - a small footprint in the engine compartment. Note that my engine compartment is not detailed perfectly, but it does get out into the dirt a lot.


This is the selector switch that allows you to choose between "charge both - start with primary", "charge neither, start with primary" or "emergency start with both".

Do I need this battery?

Maybe not. ---then again, maybe. For an expedition rig, a second battery is never a BAD idea. I'm also installing additional fuse/relay hardware as discussed in my previous posting.
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
Fjamming
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

One thing leads to another. :) You're ready for the "other"! Looks great Larry. One step closer to the next expedition.
Reply
Save
Like
Pumbaa
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Nice! always adding on!!!
Reply
Save
Like
uphill
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Pumbaa said:
Nice! always adding on!!!
Click to expand...
It's a disease. There are some who think I need to have my head examined.


When I see this ink blot I think that I need to add more stuff onto the FJ. Does the blot look like an incomplete FJ to any of you? :silly:
See less See more
Reply
Save
Like
S
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Nice duel battery setup Larry, I will buy my setup from Larry also, but will do the install myself. Looks great buddy. :D
Reply
Save
Like
StHarris
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Looks great Larry, I'm also looking at having this done by Cruiser Larry. My only concern was the TRD CAI install. TCao said it was possible with a modification to the battery tray. I talked to C. Larry at Borregofest, and he showed me the spot where the battery tray can be modified (w/o any structural problems) to allow the install of the TRD CAI. Looks good!
Reply
Save
Like
381 - 400 of 1337 Posts
This is an older thread, you may not receive a response, and could be reviving an old thread. Please consider creating a new thread.
Toyota FJ Cruiser Forum
A forum community dedicated to Toyota FJ owners and enthusiasts. Come join the discussion about performance, accessories, mods, troubleshooting, maintenance, and more!
Full Forum Listing
Explore Our Forums
General Discussion Introductions & New Arrivals Interior / Exterior Visual Tech Want to Sell (FJ Related Items) Stereo / Electronics / Electrical
Top