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The Scorpion

378929 Views 1336 Replies 184 Participants Last post by  TCao
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.


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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I want to see the new room where the "Bumper" is going to be made :D

P.S. I have a "Bigger" gun then you Jason :rofl: Hey Larry, I'll ship it right out to ya, if Jason gives you any grief:cowsmile:
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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

P.S. I have a "Bigger" gun then you Jason :rofl: Hey Larry, I'll ship it right out to ya, if Jason gives you any grief:cowsmile:
Jason definitely respects your .50. In fact we had a specific discussion about that very weapon. :grim:

:satan: Maybe there is a way to motivate rear bumper production:D
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Probably barely any "load" at all. Car in neutral but they're too lazy to push.


Agreed. No appreciable load, no real safety hazard.

Sean
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

It was not a question of load, it was a question of technique. My apologies for bringing it up.

- SK
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

It was not a question of load, it was a question of technique. My apologies for bringing it up.

- SK
No apology necessary. The photo is misleading. I was "jogging" Todd's FJ back very slowly and it was "rolling", for the most part with slack in the line, not under any load. Under any other circumstances and even here, you're quite correct in that it's a bad habit to get in to when I did it the way I did.

There was a slight gradient that I pulled it over (gently) but that was 20 feet before that photo was taken. We used the winch just to nudge it up. Again, you're right in that I showed bad form. Under the circumstances, it wasn't a safety issue, but it's a bad example of "technique" to post.
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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Wet Okole SEAT COVERS





Note the red rectangle because it marks another mod/addition to the FJ.

WORK TOOL


It's important to have tools handy. In this case, a multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions.


An axe for cutting down trees, a pick function for prying loose rocks that get in my way.


And a cover when it's not in actual use -- safety first.

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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

first of all, i dont know why i havent posted in your thread yet.

your rig is amazing and truely an inspiration to me and my rig.

second, I want that tool! where did you get it from and how much $$$?
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

RMJ Tactical, LLC

Tactical Tomahawks

BTW, these things are not classified as weapons in California? The advertising sure says they are.

- SK
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

BTW, these things are not classified as weapons in California?
The California Penal Code defines deadly weapons under PC 12020:

12020. (a) Any person in this state who does any of the following
is punishable by imprisonment in a county jail not exceeding one year
or in the state prison: (felony/misdemeanor = "wabbler")
(1) Manufactures or causes to be manufactured, imports into the
state, keeps for sale, or offers or exposes for sale, or who gives,
lends, or possesses any:
-cane gun
-wallet gun
-undetectable firearm
-any firearm which is not immediately recognizable as a
firearm
-camouflaging firearm container
-ammunition which contains or consists of any flechette dart
-bullet containing or carrying an explosive agent,
-ballistic knife (knife shot from a weapon)
-multiburst trigger activator
-nunchaku
-short-barreled shotgun
-short-barreled rifle
-metal knuckles
-belt buckle knife
-leaded cane
-zip gun
-shuriken
-any unconventional pistol,
-any lipstick case knife
-cane sword
-shobi-zue
-air gauge knife
-writing pen knife
-metal military practice handgrenade or metal replica handgrenade
-any instrument or weapon of the kind commonly known as a blackjack, slungshot, billy, sandclub, sap, or sandbag.
(2) Commencing January 1, 2000, manufactures or causes to be
manufactured, imports into the state, keeps for sale, or offers or
exposes for sale, or who gives, or lends, any large-capacity
magazine.
(3) Carries concealed upon his or her person any explosive
substance, other than fixed ammunition.
(4) Carries concealed upon his or her person any dirk or dagger.

Then there are exemptions for people who train martial arts having nunchuks, who make movies for having explosive squibs, etc.

But that's it. If it's not prohibited, it's legal. A sword or rapier is not illegal to carry and neither is an axe.

Not yet.

I worked at the Orange County, California DA's Office as recently as March of this year and know that it's not classified by the Penal Code as a deadly weapon.

Is it a deadly weapon? I guess you could construe it as such. I construe it as a 4x4 work tool. I even keep an axe strapped to the roof rack of my FJ and a crowbar in the back as work tools. While not quite "a Talon", they'd give you a nasty bruise if used as a weapon -- but they're not classified as such by the California Penal Code.

An axe handle could be construed as a "billy club" by the Penal Code and would thus be a crime to posess. If you put an axe head on it, it's cool. The same is true of a "pick/axe head".

I didn't write the laws.
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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)


It's important to have tools handy. In this case, a multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions.

I have never heard such a crock in my life. Guys let's put 2 and 2 together. I will give you some hints:







We Dads here can immediately conclude from these pictures that as a father, Larry is in a severely high-stress situation. Clearly more stressful than just about any other Dad here. There is only one intended use for the "multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions", and as Fathers we must support any actions that poor Larry must perform with it if deemed neccessary.

However I know what is already in his "glove box" up in front of the steering wheel. So perhaps the "multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions" is to make it look like an accidental bear mauling, or perhaps to chop off limbs to aid in body disposal.

I'd like to ask Uphill about the planned tactical scenario when the (ahem) "multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions" is to be used. But I would not want to watch. And I hope that it would be quick, without slowly drawn-out suffering.
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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I have never heard such a crock in my life. Guys let's put 2 and 2 together. I will give you some hints:




Those are your biological children, uphill? Your wife must have good genes.

Just kidding, you're quite a Frank Sinatra yourself. My daughter's just two, but already has me wrapped around her finger.
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I have never heard such a crock in my life. Guys let's put 2 and 2 together. I will give you some hints:







We Dads here can immediately conclude from these pictures that as a father, Larry is in a severely high-stress situation. Clearly more stressful than just about any other Dad here. There is only one intended use for the "multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions", and as Fathers we must support any actions that poor Larry must perform with it if deemed neccessary.

However I know what is already in his "glove box" up in front of the steering wheel. So perhaps the "multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions" is to make it look like an accidental bear mauling, or perhaps to chop off limbs to aid in body disposal.

I'd like to ask Uphill about the planned tactical scenario when the (ahem) "multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions" is to be used. But I would not want to watch. And I hope that it would be quick, without slowly drawn-out suffering.
I agree Todd, I support Scary Larry's "multi-purpose tool for off-road conditions" speaking as a father myself. It also comes in handy to have 80 acres and a backhoe. :grinbiginvert:
9
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

ULTIMATE SWAY BAR LINKS
From All Pro


OEM Link, skinny as a frog's leg.


Linkless


All Pro Ultimate Sway Bar Link installed -- painted red and white, of course. Don't tread on either me or my sway bar link!


AFTERMATH - FIRST TIME OUT!

I was very proud to get those Ultimate Links. DUSTPARK, THUBUB and I were even at All Pro trying to be the very first FJ owners to get them on to replace the OEM links. And when mine arrived, I painted them because I was darned proud of them. Scorpion's Ulitmate Link Installation



WHAT HAPPENED?

I took my FJ off-road with WRIGMAN, HIGHBEAMS, JEEPERS, DOMINICG, MUDLOVINGFJ, RICOVERDE and others in the Cleghorn Trail run last Saturday. I drove home and the rig wasn't handling right but by the time I pulled into the driveway it was dark. Sunday morning I caught the 6am flight to Florida for work and didn't get back until today. The first thing I did is look under the FJ for the "problem" and this is what I saw:



Left Front Link - Missing, but the heim joints are still there bolted in.



Even though I used Loctite on the bolt, you'll see that it is way out of adjustment and just about ready to come apart. Maybe I didn't use ENOUGH Loctite - you can be the judge of that.

The repair bill for the damage caused by these defective links was $332.08 for two damaged/destroyed CV Boots (@ $69.68) and labor (@ $255.00) + tax. I sent a request for payment to All Pro on October 10, 2007.


THE PART FAILED THE FIRST TIME OUT.

And as we all know, misery loves company - SAVVYAV'S ALL PROUltimate Sway Bar Links failed while he was driving to the movies, having never taken them off-pavement.

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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Those are your biological children, uphill?
My wife says "yes" but I never had a test run to be sure. Sometimes I think they're "all mine" and there are moments when I wonder if it's not ALL my wife's genes at work (usually during hell week when they cycle).

My daughter's just two, but already has me wrapped around her finger.
When I plop down on the couch to watch TV, I have 4 girls that lay next to me, make me a sandwich and a Fresca, pop corn, etc. Not a bad life, all things taken into context.
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Keep up the numbers for the rest of us amigo. ;) Joking aside, looks like you raised some good kids. Enjoy.

- SK
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I love that you painted the end links red and white! :lol:
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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Shovel and Axe Carrier

There are a number of solutions, some are made inexpensively by people for their FJ's. Others are not so inexpensive and the option I have gone to is the latter. I had a Fourtreks system, pictured on the right below. The rubber straps just didn't hold the gear in place as well as I wanted on long trips and in rough, off-pavement/off-road situations.



I went to the All Phase Offroad carrier solution which is extremely heavy, holds both the axe and shovel in a solid mount and is lockable (pictured left above and below).



I have a planned use for the Fourtreks clamps and will post that solution when and if it works for your review.
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Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Yo Larry,

You are "the man".
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Nice Larry, I like that. Another mod to add to the ever growing list :D
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

SHADOW -- The next anticipated mod is the SAFARI SNORKEL sometime in November. However you never really know. I do "need" an extended range fuel tank as well.

I decided to hold off on the rear bumper until All Pro and Demello come out with their swinging arm models. It doesn't hurt to wait.

I'm also waiting for the Shadow Mount to become available. :bigthumb:


:bump:
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