October 2008
- Details
- By FJC Magazine
While most of the articles in FJC Magazine focus on off road and mechanical performance, every once in a while an ‘aesthetic’ mod comes along that’s just too good to pass up!
We first learned about the LED Dash Mod from TinCan several months ago, but I knew there was no way I was taking my dash apart and unsoldering several LED’s. Luckily TinCan (BJ) came out to the FJ Summit and graciously agreed to dew a few dashes for Summit attendees. By the time he was done (ours was his last) he was functioning on about 10 hours sleep over 5 days, and did over 20 dashes – quite an amazing accomplishment!
I can’t begin to explain how cool this modification is! It completely transforms the inside of your FJ and really makes it stand out. We chose to use red LED’s to match our black & red TRD theme, but the LED’s are available in just about any color. The most popular color at the Summit was blue, but several other trucks used red as well.
When it was our turn for the mod (at nearly midnight), BJ jumped in the truck and had the dash completely apart in less than 5 minutes. It’s really not that difficult to remove the gauge cluster, gauge pod, and colored control panel; so don’t be intimidated if you would like to have your dash modified. Once he had everything apart, he began the process of unsoldering the old LED’s & soldering the new ones on. I can solder two wires together, but I don’t have the steady hand or the patience to replace such small LED’s. BJ did an amazing (and quick) job and in just over an hour, we had our new dash and were on our way.
- Details
- By FJC Magazine
In the July issue Chris Nelson was kind enough to cover some recovery basics. Fortunately for us, we saw Chris leading a group up Engineer Pass during the FJ Summit and we got to see him work first hand. While his group was pulling over to let us by, a Ti FJ managed to get high-centered on a large rock. This is a very common occurrence when wheeling in a new area, and Chris was ready. He grabbed the Hi-Lift off his truck & got out his recovery kit. Included in the kit is the Hi-Lift Lift Mate, which is an adapter that allows you to lift from a wheel.
- Details
- By Shane Williams
I'd personally like to thank all of our contributors this year: Lance, Eric, Stan, Mike, Trevor, Brandon, Chris, Taft, Kevin & Team Neccessary, and all the FJ Groups & Clubs out there. I sincerely apologize if I missed anyone, flame me at
We're already making big plans for 2009. We're planning on making it to several more events next year, and we already have some great articles lined up. We always welcome your thoughts & feedback, at http://fjc-mag.com/feedback-form.html. If you have content that you'd like to submit for an article, e-mail us at
Can't wait to see everyone in '09. Until then Stay The Trail, Tread Lightly, and HAVE FUN!
- Details
- By FJC Magazine
{tab=Garrett's Black Diamond}
| Hometown: | Edgewater, Florida |
| FJ Nickname: | NSBCruiser (I live near New Smyrna Beach, FL (NSB)) |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Color: | Black Diamond |
| Trans: | Automatic |
| Tires: | 285/70-17 BFGoodrich KM2 |
| Wheels: | 17” x 7.5” - Black Toyota Steel Wheels with Black Gorilla Lug Nuts and Gorilla Wheel Locks |
| Lift: | Old Man Emu |
| Shocks: | Old Man Emu N140S Front Struts, Old Man Emu N141 Rear Shocks |
| Front Bumper: | Factory |
| Rear Bumper: | Factory |
| Skids: | Factory |
| Rails: | None |
| Winch: | Come-Along Hand Winch |
| Air/Co2: | Portable Air Compressor |
| Rack: | Factory |
| Other suspension: | Old Man Emu 886 Front Coils, Old Man Emu 895 Rear Coils |
| Other Mods: | ELECTRONIC MODS -A-Trac and Locker simultaneous Mod -Locker Anytime Mod (2WD or 4WD Hi or 4WD Low) -VSC disable switch -Daytime Running Light disable switch -HID Headlight conversion -LED interior accent light tied into the dimmer -LED Dome Lights -LED Glove Box lights (Driver’s and Passenger’s) -Amber LED Mirror lights converted into Turn Signals -Pioneer AVIC-Z1 DVD/NAV - upgraded to Z3 software with iPhone connection -Hella TC-400 Tire Pressure Monitoring System -Cobra 75 WXST CB -Radio Shack Mini CB External Speaker -Custom HomeLink Transmitter with Voice Recorder -2nd Factory High Pitched Horn -Electronic Rust Inhibitor Modules
ENGINE MODS -Breathers - Transmission/Transfer Case/Front & Rear Differential/Rear Locker -K&N Drop in Air Filter -Full Synthetic Fluids (Royal Purple)
INTERIOR MODS -Custom Painted Interior (Sliver trim Blacked out) -Interior Black Grab handles and clothing hooks -Factory Rear Door Storage with Homemade Fire Extinguisher mount -Factory Cargo Cover -Passenger Armrest -2008 FJ Cruiser Side Sun Visors -All weather floor mats and cargo mat
EXTERIOR MODS -15% Window Tint -In-channel Window Vent Visors -Custom Roof Color Matched Painted Bezel -Custom Painted Front/Rear Bumpers and Mirrors -2007 Tundra Black Door Handles -Factory Running Boards -Headlight Stone Guards -Manik Tail Light Guards -Lockable Spare Tire Jerry Can Holder -Homemade Lockable Axe/Shovel/Hi-Lift Jack Roof Rack Mounts -Bandi CB Antenna Mount with 4’ Firestick CB Antenna -1970 FJ 40 4WD emblem
RECOVERY GEAR -30’ ProComp Tow strap -60” Hi-Lift -Axe & Shovel -Warn Receiver Shackle Bracket -Come-Along Hand Winch -22” Ontario Blade Machete with homemade rear door mount -Portable Air Compressor -Tool Kit |
{gallery}/issues/2008/oct08/readers/garrett/{/gallery}
{tab=Victor's Titanium Metallic}
| Hometown: | Chula Vista, CA / Tijuana B.C., México |
| Home Club: | Baja4Racing™ (aka B4R™) |
| FJ Nickname: | FJPrerun |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Color: | Silver/White top |
| Trans: | Automatic |
| Tires: | BF-Goodrich All Terrain 285-70-17 |
| Wheels: | 5 - 17 x 9” KMC Enduro Wheels (black) |
| Lift: | All Pro Off Road, Fox Shocks, Walker Evans Racing |
| Shocks: | Front – 2.0 Fox 8-way adjustable coilover with 3.5 inches of lift Rear – Walker Evans Racing 12-way Adjustable with external reservoir and 3 inch All Pro inch lift springs |
| Front Bumper: | Custom – OTR Fabwerks Pre-run bumper |
| Rear Bumper: | Custom – OTR Fabwerks Pre-run step bumper |
| Skids: | Factory |
| Rails: | Factory rock sliders |
| Winch: | NA |
| Air/Co2: | NA |
| Rack: | Factory Rack with custom mounts for a Hi-Lift jack |
| Other suspension: | All Pro Off Road rear links, front sway bar links and collars |
| Other Mods: | K&N drop in air filter 7” Hella Off Road Lights OEM lights converted to HID Kenwood TM-271 Race Radio Kenwood DVD/Ipod Head Unit JL Audio 250/1 Amplifier JL Audio 10W3 subwoofer in a custom enclosure
Additional Comments: I would like to thank various folks for their help in modifying my rig. Thanks to Roman at B4R™ (www.baja4racing.com) for the suspension install, Terry at All Pro Off Road (www.allprooffroad.com) for the parts, Billy at OTR Fabwerks (www.OTRfabwerks.com) for the custom bumpers, and my brother Tony (www.bajahid.com) for all his help. |
{gallery}/issues/2008/oct08/readers/victor/{/gallery}
{/tabs}
| Hometown: | Edgewater, Florida |
| FJ Nickname: | NSBCruiser (I live near New Smyrna Beach, FL (NSB)) |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Color: | Black Diamond |
| Trans: | Automatic |
| Tires: | 285/70-17 BFGoodrich KM2 |
| Wheels: | 17” x 7.5” - Black Toyota Steel Wheels with Black Gorilla Lug Nuts and Gorilla Wheel Locks |
| Lift: | Old Man Emu |
| Shocks: | Old Man Emu N140S Front Struts, Old Man Emu N141 Rear Shocks |
| Front Bumper: | Factory |
| Rear Bumper: | Factory |
| Skids: | Factory |
| Rails: | None |
| Winch: | Come-Along Hand Winch |
| Air/Co2: | Portable Air Compressor |
| Rack: | Factory |
| Other suspension: | Old Man Emu 886 Front Coils, Old Man Emu 895 Rear Coils |
| Other Mods: | ELECTRONIC MODS -A-Trac and Locker simultaneous Mod -Locker Anytime Mod (2WD or 4WD Hi or 4WD Low) -VSC disable switch -Daytime Running Light disable switch -HID Headlight conversion -LED interior accent light tied into the dimmer -LED Dome Lights -LED Glove Box lights (Driver’s and Passenger’s) -Amber LED Mirror lights converted into Turn Signals -Pioneer AVIC-Z1 DVD/NAV - upgraded to Z3 software with iPhone connection -Hella TC-400 Tire Pressure Monitoring System -Cobra 75 WXST CB -Radio Shack Mini CB External Speaker -Custom HomeLink Transmitter with Voice Recorder -2nd Factory High Pitched Horn -Electronic Rust Inhibitor Modules
ENGINE MODS -Breathers - Transmission/Transfer Case/Front & Rear Differential/Rear Locker -K&N Drop in Air Filter -Full Synthetic Fluids (Royal Purple)
INTERIOR MODS -Custom Painted Interior (Sliver trim Blacked out) -Interior Black Grab handles and clothing hooks -Factory Rear Door Storage with Homemade Fire Extinguisher mount -Factory Cargo Cover -Passenger Armrest -2008 FJ Cruiser Side Sun Visors -All weather floor mats and cargo mat
EXTERIOR MODS -15% Window Tint -In-channel Window Vent Visors -Custom Roof Color Matched Painted Bezel -Custom Painted Front/Rear Bumpers and Mirrors -2007 Tundra Black Door Handles -Factory Running Boards -Headlight Stone Guards -Manik Tail Light Guards -Lockable Spare Tire Jerry Can Holder -Homemade Lockable Axe/Shovel/Hi-Lift Jack Roof Rack Mounts -Bandi CB Antenna Mount with 4’ Firestick CB Antenna -1970 FJ 40 4WD emblem
RECOVERY GEAR -30’ ProComp Tow strap -60” Hi-Lift -Axe & Shovel -Warn Receiver Shackle Bracket -Come-Along Hand Winch -22” Ontario Blade Machete with homemade rear door mount -Portable Air Compressor -Tool Kit |
{gallery}/issues/2008/oct08/readers/garrett/{/gallery}
{tab=Victor's Titanium Metallic}
| Hometown: | Chula Vista, CA / Tijuana B.C., México |
| Home Club: | Baja4Racing™ (aka B4R™) |
| FJ Nickname: | FJPrerun |
| Year: | 2007 |
| Color: | Silver/White top |
| Trans: | Automatic |
| Tires: | BF-Goodrich All Terrain 285-70-17 |
| Wheels: | 5 - 17 x 9” KMC Enduro Wheels (black) |
| Lift: | All Pro Off Road, Fox Shocks, Walker Evans Racing |
| Shocks: | Front – 2.0 Fox 8-way adjustable coilover with 3.5 inches of lift Rear – Walker Evans Racing 12-way Adjustable with external reservoir and 3 inch All Pro inch lift springs |
| Front Bumper: | Custom – OTR Fabwerks Pre-run bumper |
| Rear Bumper: | Custom – OTR Fabwerks Pre-run step bumper |
| Skids: | Factory |
| Rails: | Factory rock sliders |
| Winch: | NA |
| Air/Co2: | NA |
| Rack: | Factory Rack with custom mounts for a Hi-Lift jack |
| Other suspension: | All Pro Off Road rear links, front sway bar links and collars |
| Other Mods: | K&N drop in air filter 7” Hella Off Road Lights OEM lights converted to HID Kenwood TM-271 Race Radio Kenwood DVD/Ipod Head Unit JL Audio 250/1 Amplifier JL Audio 10W3 subwoofer in a custom enclosure
Additional Comments: I would like to thank various folks for their help in modifying my rig. Thanks to Roman at B4R™ (www.baja4racing.com) for the suspension install, Terry at All Pro Off Road (www.allprooffroad.com) for the parts, Billy at OTR Fabwerks (www.OTRfabwerks.com) for the custom bumpers, and my brother Tony (www.bajahid.com) for all his help. |
{gallery}/issues/2008/oct08/readers/victor/{/gallery}
{/tabs}
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