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The Scorpion

388K views 1K replies 184 participants last post by  TCao 
#1 · (Edited)
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 b@stard 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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#271 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Nice Build.
Can you describe in more detail your "Large First Responder First-Aid Kit including an adult ventelator"
A ventilator to me is a machine I use in the Emergency Dept or ICU that I hook up to a patient that is endotracheally intubated, and provides automatic mechanical breaths. Do you mean instead that you carry a bag-valve mask?
 
#275 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Nice Build.
Can you describe in more detail your "Large First Responder First-Aid Kit including an adult ventelator"
Do you mean instead that you carry a bag-valve mask?
Yes, my error. It's now corrected.

PM sent regarding kit contents (near as I can recall).
 
#272 · (Edited)
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

That is a great story Larry.

I would ask though, is this obsession with the FJ her self, or where the FJ takes us and the story's she tells us on those journeys. And are the mods just gifts of thanks to her for what she has done.
 
#273 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

That is a great story Larry.

I would ask is obsession we have the FJ her self or where the FJ takes us and the story's she tells us on those journeys. And are the mods just gifts of thanks to her for what she has done.
Crap Jeshua that is the deepest thing I've ever heard you say man, I'm in tears :clap:
 
#274 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Tears of fear? Josh, I'm a little scared.
 
#277 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Why thanks guys. I like to surprise you all every know and again. But man I still have some grammer errors in there, glad you guys can still understand me. :lol: I have to go back and try and fix it if I can. :D
 
#278 · (Edited)
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

FJAMMIN (Dave), an ER physician, asked me what I had in my First Aid Kit. I shared the comments with him, he made some suggestions and I've incorporated them in my kit. Here are the contents for your reference. Please feel free to make any suggestions.

SCORPION FIRST AID KIT

Aspirin Tablets(chewable)/Tylenol gel caps
Lomotil
Benadryl
1/8th of pure vodka
Lidocane 4%
Triple Antibiotic Ointment Packs
Antiseptic Cleansing Wipes
Hydrocortisone Cream Packs, 1%, 0.9 gm
Hand Sanitizer Packs
SAM Splints/Casts
SAM Finger Casts
Metal Finger Splints
Large Conforming Splints
5" x 9" Trauma Pads
4" x 4" Gauze Dressing Pads
3" x 3" Gauze Dressing Pads
4" Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage
3" Conforming Gauze Roll Bandage
1" x 10 yd. First Aid Tape Roll
3M heavy elastic tape (for wrapping breaks) 4" x 10 yd.
Instant Cold Compresses
Triangular Sling/Bandages (safety pins included)
3/4" x 3" Adhesive Plastic Bandages
1" x 3" Adhesive Plastic Bandages
2" x 4" Elbow and Knee Plastic Bandages
3/8" x 1-1/2" Junior Adhesive Plastic Bandages
1-1/2" x 1-1/2" Patch Plastic Bandages
Knuckle Fabric Bandages
Fingertip Fabric Bandages
Thermometers (one time use)
Tweezers
Scissors
Sterile needles
Latex-Free Exam Quality Gloves
Bag/Mask
QuikClot (thanks, Tubig!)
 
#280 · (Edited)
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Looks good Larry. If the exam gloves are not packaged where you can fold out the packaging and use it as a sterile field, it might be a good idea to add that to the kit. Makes it easy to spread some things out and definitely helps when cleaning wounds. Saline solution for eye irrigation might not be a bad idea either.
 
#281 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Looks good Larry. If the exam gloves are not packaged where you can fold out the packaging and use it as a sterile field, it might be a good idea to add that to the kit. Makes it easy to spread some things out and definitely helps when cleaning wounds. Saline solution for eye irrigation might not be a bad idea either.
Saline solution works for an optical irrigation but I use the lidocane wash instead because it numbs the pain gently and harmlessly. I'm sure that you're very sensitive to this because of your recent accident. The ability to render first aid to a friend/colleague/loved one is very important and shouldn't be overlooked in our every-day equipment in the FJ's. We're not doctors, but there are steps we can take to treat for bleeding and shock until help arrives. In more remote situations it might take longer to get help and we should be prepared.

Now that you have titanium shielding, the next rock that falls from the cliff shouldn't hurt quite so much...
 
#283 · (Edited)
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Since you carry firearms, how about adding some QuikClot?
Not a bad idea. I have a special Vaseline packet that uses a flutter valve to restore proper respiratory functions in the event of a sucking chest wound but it's in a police trauma shooting kit that is in the rig but is separate from my first aid equipment (different bag). I'll put quik clot on the list.

EDIT: Ordered (thanks for the suggestion)
 
#285 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I took delivery of the MPAC from Springtail today. The UPS man drove up, smiled at me as I was lubing my FJ for the big trip and dropped the box off. I did a write up on the hyper link above.

This really adds to the functionality of the FJ where storage is always an issue. The small things like bungee cords, binoculars, military smoke grenades, pop flares, overflow from my med kit, JB Weld, parachute cord, 100 MPH tape, and all that other "stuff" that you want access to, but don't want to crack a Pellican Case to get to.

It went on easily and I couldn't be happier.



Gustaf called my cell phone (the East Coast Trail Team is in Mesquite, NV today) while I was putting this gear on the FJ and we talked about the Kokopelli Trail Expedition next week. I think he's excited too! I'll report on how this worked on the trail in an expedition setting!
 
#287 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Looks really nice and functional. If I had the money, I would get a couple of the racks and sew up some low profile pouches.
The SCORPION MOUNT (now in development) employs some of those concepts and expands on the MPAC concept. As soon as Jason DeMello get's the welding and bending done, I'll post pictures.
 
#291 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Larry, It looks great and very functional. I would have gone with the same system, but have already installed my shovel, axe, and fire extinguisher. I am looking at some of their other pouches for the front of the FJ. Make sure after the trip you post up how well it functioned for you out on the trail.
Thanks buddy, the Scorpion is really coming together! :D
 
#292 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Larry, when are you going to spring for the adventure trailer or a rooftop tent? :) Seem the natural progression of a great expedition vehicle.
 
#293 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I just noticed that you don't have fogs in your bumper. Is there a reason to that?

I was driving around earlier and could not see 5 ft in front of me at times. The fog was soo thick that I was driving at a snails pace. My hellas weren't mounted/aimed low enough to enhance my vision. I don't know why, but it seems that lately its been really foggy and that it is denser than normal.
 
#294 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I just noticed that you don't have fogs in your bumper. Is there a reason to that?
PM sent - but the short answer is that the people who sold me the ARB bumper didn't have any lights in stock when I took delivery and I never got around to installing them.

I'm in the process of adding a second battery and a large fuse block to manage the electrical and lighting mods that are going into the rig.
 
#295 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I just love that rig. Some day i too may have a little something to post on a build up. Right now i just have a stock rig with a bunch of scratches and bad tires.:)

Thanks for sharing uphill.

Did i mention that i love the truck?:)
 
#296 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I just love that rig. Some day i too may have a little something to post on a build up. Right now i just have a stock rig with a bunch of scratches and bad tires.:)

Thanks for sharing uphill.

Did i mention that i love the truck?:)
I appreciate your comments. Very kind of you.

When I bought the FJ and ran it stock, I thought it was the neatest thing on four churning wheels. And the darned rig seduced me. MRSUPHILL calls the FJ my second wife. I correct her and say, "it's my mistress - constantly demanding bobbles to define the level of my affection." Where diamonds are a girl's best friend, mods are my FJ's best friend. I know that sounds a little silly (yes, even to me) but I enjoy running the FJ on trails and the freedom it affords me. I retired from government and that was a huge 24/7 load lifted from my shoulders a couple of months after I bought the FJ. So it's been a very fun ride and I'm looking forward to a lot more.

GNWHITE, A scratched up stock FJ is a fearfully good off-road/off-trail ride. I hope to see yours at the Summit at Ouray!:cowsmile:
 
#297 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

My wife tells everyone "he used to look at me that way" the way he looks at the FJ"

She has also informed me she plans on "burying" me in the FJ when I die. :cowsmile:

I know what your going through Larry ;)
 
#298 · (Edited)
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Larry, I love your build site buddy, wow...You have done a lot of work and it shows. I have to remind myself now and then to return to the first page of your build site. It looks great buddy! I love how you incorprated the trail runs that the Scorpion has brought you though on. Very nice build page, damn...I'm going to have to take a closer look on my own layout now :lol:

I also noticed you have added a Husky 18" Chainsaw! Holy Chit!...Damn, does that mean I have to drag my Husky 371XP out of the shed now? :lol:

Looking great Larry :)
 
#300 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

TCAO and I are his-to-ry in SoCal tomorrow (Sunday, Nov 4) morning as we drop the parking brakes and head for Grand Jct. Colorado and four trail days later in Moab, UT.


Some of it's a dirt road and other parts are a "trail" - maybe there's a bypass.:worried:


TCAO has fitted his Expedition FJ with wings that pop out and JATO rocket pods that assist him in short take-off situations. He told me not to concern myself because at least one would survive to "tell the story".








I asked him what my relative exfil priority was. He darkly hinted that the Toyota Trail Team would be extracted first because they were bringing "Trail Swag" of all sorts from hats to camelbacks. Maybe if I offered my new MPAC MOLLE rack...?:thinkerg:


Expedition FJ's are happiest when they're on expeditions. See you on the Forum in a week!
 
#301 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Just a little update to all. I recieved a call from Larry & Thong yesterday. They wanted to "RUB" it in that they had a chance to see the ARB FJ with a VERY HOT ARB Rep, I was told on a scale of 1-10 she was a "12", but that was not what the call was about, they wanted to tell me about the ARB FJ was outfitted with the Very First ARB FJ Safari Snorkel in the US. They kept telling me how cool it was, and didn't I wish I had one too...:lol: Hey, guys stay safe and talk to you soon :D

I wish I was there with ya!
 
#302 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

I'll believe it when I see picts :D
 
#304 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Just about all of Larry's mileage is off-road. I think he is over 20,000 miles on his. :)
 
#305 ·
Re: Meet the Scorpion (Uphill's Build-Up)

Hope you guys are having a blast, I'm sure you are. Wish I could go with. :(
 
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