Where Do I Begin with Mods? - Modifying your FJ Cruiser! - The FJX2000 List

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Hey there! Thanks for checking out my video! Be sure to check out the links in the video description. And here are some time stamps in case you are wanting to quickly navigate through the video. The FJX2000 List of Mods I Recommend you get First: #1: 2:42 #2: 5:20 #3: 10:48 #4: 14:22 #5: 18:13

[@andrejj228]

Зделай на русском очень интересно послушать тебя

[@mojavedesertsonorandesert9531]

I always say take your rig out stocked and learn it then eventually add to it according to your needs!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Great words to live by for sure! Thanks!

[@phantomwalker8251]

@@FJX2000_Productions first mod on an fj,,go buy 16 cv joints,along with 30 tie rod ends. then,ditch the ifs,& fit a d44 from a jeep. ifs is rubbish..or,,stay in the mall..

[@tonycerruto5157]

Gotta say, this is an awesome and informative video about vehicle set up. Excellent for FJ owners but also 4 runners, Tacoma’s … most vehicles with IFS. I’m a professional off road trainer for a company called Overland Experts and I frequently tell people that they don’t need to go crazy with mods. Just do the research and understand that one mod may affect another component. People ask me “what’s the first mod I should do to go off road?” I always say the first mod is the driver. Learn how to drive off road. Then tires, then skids… so on. Well done!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks for watching and for your remarks! So true!

[@vincenzodemarco7983]

Hello Tony. Ok, come next spring I'm going to start doing a few Mods. I believe you can guide me through for doing the best thing/things for my style of off-roading. Can I contact you direct?? Please tell me the best way to communicate with you. And Thanks Much.

[@joshp3239]

I agree with you except I think it should go rock sliders, skids, lift, wheels/tires, then bumpers, and then roof rack. Protection before anything else.

[@maegeri007]

Okay and don’t forget suspension.

[@HarpreetSingh-rr3st]

Great video. I’ve had my cruiser for 13 years now. Bought it brand new right out of Highschool. It has 170k miles on it. This video helped because I love keeping it original, but recently just purchased a New Trd pro 4runner, so now i think imma go wild with my old Cruiser.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

That's the way to do it! have one as the toy and one for commuting!

[@drkbowers]

My second 2008. Both Brick, my Wife found it and I had it shipped to me. They are tanks, Nothing can hurt them.

[@kalebmorrison9317]

Do yourself the favor and get 285-75-17's (about 34") and the the Body Mount chop! Any bigger and your looking at needing to re-gear. The extra tire gets you extra clearance and fills in the wells perfectly!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

That's actually the tire size I'm currently considering! Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@kchughes7901]

@@FJX2000_Productions I put that size on my stock FJ-without a chop or rubbing!

[@arkdave]

no lift 285.75.17 no rubbing sir?

[@grantschwerin]

Thanks a ton! You have the most informative and comprehensive FJ videos I’ve found. Very helpful!

[@johncitizen5377]

I had a stock GQ Patrol. I suggest keeping your car stock until you take it out a few times and see what modifications you really need. I mostly drive forest trails, fire trails and on soft sand. So my modifications are very mild.

[@AKAzzata]

Such An AWESOME Video Put Together

[@treyworth8842]

One thing I’d like to add about tires is make sure to pick the correct tire design for your terrain for example I live in Georgia so a more aggressive tire like super swampers are better for me

[@fallenangel1896]

Thank you so much for the detailed video! I am a new FJ-er, and this video helped a lot to budget and plan the mods.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Glad I could help!

[@stevegreen245]

Really good advice on tire size. But, if you like Nitto or Milestar they both make a 34 inch that fits great too. That little bit more helps. However, a regear will be needed. As loss of power becomes noticeable. They even still fit on the stock spare tire mount.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Good point, there are actually a couple shots in the video showing a sandstorm colored FJ which actually has 295/70R17 Nitto Ridge Grappler tires which are just a hair larger than 285s in both width and diameter. Might be the size you're referring to, but they are a neat tire since they fit a lot the same as 285/70R17s do without having to do many modifications to get them to fit, yet you get a slightly larger tire out of them. But I decided I could dive into FJ Cruiser tire sizes or lifts in another video and go more into detail on that subject. Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@QUANTRELLBISHOP]

I have the nittos 34 inch tires in my FJ. It measures to 33.86 and looks great on it. 305 70r17

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@QUANTRELLBISHOP nice!

[@20111111jorg]

Great video for people who want to make changes. But watching this, it encourages me to leave it just as it is as you could go on endlessly. It would be interesting to know if there are FJ clubs or get together's though. I'm close to San Francisco, Ca. Thanks.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

I know on the FJ Cruiser Forums there are regional pages with some being for localized areas including areas of California. Perhaps there is still some FJ activity up there.

[@francoromax1315]

OUTSTANDING video...you have my Subscription! Keep the Info flowing!!!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Glad I could help! Thank you! Working on the next video already!

[@yamahschector]

Protection is a great first upgrade

[@mohammedabubaker4883]

This is what am looking for an Fj lover thanks buddy

[@Kiss__Kiss]

Great Video Hayden.. I do have to say though that my left ear enjoyed the video more so than the right.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Haha sorry bout that, I could only record okay-quality audio with my phone and I guess it mostly records using the right-side of the 2 audio bands... I don't recommend using ear phones in that case, or just using one or the other haha

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@FJX2000_Productions No worries mate, it was indeed a well put together, informational video. Just like your others... 👍

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@Kiss__Kiss I just ordered a usb microphone for my computer 👍 future videos will have better audio for sure now!!

[@Kiss__Kiss]

@@FJX2000_Productions Attaboy!!! Progression/Evolution is sometimes slow, but headed in the right direction..

[@barissara]

Great video 🎉

[@danielbrown6176]

Thanks for the information! Your video was very well done. I appreciate the editing and limited editorializing. . One subject I would like to see covered is auxiliary fuel tanks. The FJ is limited with its 20 gallon capacity. I really don’t like carrying fuel in jerry cans.

[@maxmaximuss4796]

Danke schön 👍

[@mjl8115]

OMG - I thought it would be another FJ video, just it and nothing more. But it is amazing job done. Thank you for a lot of useful information. Liked and subbed. I bought my FJ two years ago and last year... well I decided to mod it myself by adding equipment that Toyota forgot to add. :) I installed heated seats, heated mirrors, tow bar, additional 12V sockets and I designed and built cargo boot rolling cover - lightweight, simple and fully detachable in seconds. I purchased my FJ for overlanding mostly (and daily driving also coz I love it) so my first serious mod would be AT tires. Then... your whole list. But I still do not know what suspension mod to choose. I live in EU, so keeping strict road low in mind I have to be reasonable. I think about 2" lift but stil not sure do I need it ready for additional weight and how much, especially front. And so on, unfortunately we have very limited choice of aftermarket parts for FJ in Europe, front bumper from ARB only (I disliked its heavy design but I know its tough), and it is risky to install because it is considered illegal. Anyway, keep on doing. Cheers.

[@asaffin1]

My dad and I did Seven Mile Rim in Moab on our stock FJ, and accidentally missed all the workarounds for the toughest obstacles. So yeah, these machines are incredibly capable without modification.

[@4xLifeArabia]

Thats very sensible list of priorities.

[@Porrohman72]

Thanks for taking the time for putting this together. I have had mine since 2008 (Trail Teams) and would like to mod it....finally.

[@Allblackeveryday]

Thanks for the info. Good video. 👍🏾

[@Bruceillest101]

For me it was Everyone should watch Tinkerer's Adventure channel. He talks in detail about the FJ IFS. It's super informative!

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Very true! He is great!

[@BlitzMRG]

great video!

[@nasserhamood7265]

Well explained sir

[@cenccenc946]

yea, went through the same debate with my 2010. My FJ came with a bunch of mods still in the box from the former owner (my brother). still, I decided to drive it a little while to see what I really wanted / used. overland in remote areas was the obvious use for my wife and I. started with lift kit. 33 inch cooper sst pro mud tires, and skid plates. I still have a snorkel, lights, scuba kit to install. After a trip to the end of south america (I live in chile), I realized a gas tank is high priority. you can not cross the Argentina boarder with full gas tank to stop the smuggling of subsidized gas out of Argentina, but if you have an extra tank installed you can fill it up. also high on my priority is a raptor liner paint job. the blackberry bushes here scratch paint like driving through barbed wire. so, my recommendation is use it, then slowly modify to your needs. otherwise you end-up wasting money on things you don't need / use.

[@Joshh556banana]

Super sweet builds 🤠

[@yotagang3705]

Depends what youre gonna do with the rig. Rock crawler? Overlander? Softroader? Stock? Dessert runner?

[@JosephKeegan-q6g]

THE VIDEO I NEEDED TO SEE!

[@dmac9777]

Nice vid man. Solid info.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks for watching! 🤘👍

[@hashimallawati2828]

Thanks for the Informative video and also for your input in forum as well

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Of course! Glad it is helpful!

[@lonesomecricket7721]

Great video. Well done. 👍🏻

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thank you! Who knows what will be next 🤷‍♂️🤘

[@ZEROmg13]

solid advice, thanks.

[@noobasdfjkl]

I see a lot of people saying that the rear lower control arm is a big weak point, and that it's one of the first things to do.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

That is certainly one part you can upgrade, and you can add lower link mount skids as well to make sure that mount doesnt get destroyed.

[@sweet_lue4851]

this was an amazing video! do more haha!

[@richardfilgate1015]

Hey new to the Fj community super excited to get back on the trails excellent video would it be posable to something on snorkels thanks

[@Papa_patricio]

6inch lift is a go for me....

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Hey if it works for you then great! I just know I personally would choose a 3" over a 6" lift almost any day, unless I was doing it only for looks and not off-roading.

[@Damien321]

👌👌👌 Pure video, No Ads #PureTuber

[@LouisianaSpey]

Getting into my first FJ today, its 2010

[@jeremywalters6799]

Thanks for your video. It's become my blueprint for shopping all things FJ! I just have a query about the 3" lift. Is there some kind of advantage in having a 3" lift instead of a 2" lift? The insurers seem to make a distinction with any lift over 2". Thanks!

[@AaronLaplante-yf9gm]

Hello, LOVE YOUR VIDEOS, i see you have had a few FJ's with different setups. I have a stock FJ with low miles and was going to lift it, i cannot afford the lift I want right now so for this year I will install the 3in Rough Country suspension lift with the spacers and rear shocks(cheap lift) and I had wanted to put on 295-75-16's on the stock TRD wheels and I assume I will have to do a body mount chop. I was wondering if you thing this will work, have you ever used a 295, or should I just go with the 285-75-16...... I had wanted the 295 because it will measure 33.4in tall instead of the 32.8 like the 285. Any info would be GREATLY APPRECIATED if the 295 will give me alot less travel or I will have rubbing issues I have no problem using the 285

[@alexsalpi]

Great video, thank you very much

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks for watching and commenting!

[@steveg219]

This is a great resource

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks!

[@White_buffalo_4r]

Great list and order

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks!

[@david32392225]

great in depth video !

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@david32392225]

@@FJX2000_Productions yeah absolutely, just hit that subscribe button cause I'm thinking about venturing into the FJ World and doing an overland build so definitely will need your insight!

[@nielscruz]

Front bumper shall be manufactured with the air bag deployment in mind. ARB is manufactured that way.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Very true. But not all companies have the money or resources to crash test vehicles with their bumpers like ARB can. But it is certainly something to keep in mind.

[@nielscruz]

@@FJX2000_Productions yes. But it must be informed because i have found a lot of people who never thought about it. You get a lot of tecnology in a truck to lose it because a bumper that is not well done. In Germany, Spain and Japan you shall homologate the aftermarket parts. Good channel, i bought an FJ cruiser and im building it. I have fj40 and LJ70s. I just sold my hzj78...

[@jasongonos6530]

Excellent!

[@kchughes7901]

Thanks so much for your videos-so informative and spot on. Question-my 2010 might have been the most basic ever (no 3 dial dash bump-which I wish it had just for the temperature in Maine), but I am not wise enough to know if it has a rear locker. There is no Atrack button-just the RSCA switch and this swervy tire marks (off) switch (I guess I should rewatch your button/switch video!) Do all 4WD FJ's have a rear locker? or were they sold without like my really basic version. PS: I love my FJ! Rock rails/33" summer and winter 17"s/zombie lights (LED mounted in the lower grill) molle storage in the back/drivers side. The next purchase is probably a bumper (I'll watch that video again). Thanks again for your great videos-super helpful.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks! So if your FJ doesn’t have the RR DIFF LOCK button, it probably doesn’t have an e-locker and from what I’ve read or heard it isn’t an easy thing to add after the fact without replacing the whole axle. But you could add air lockers and since you’re working on the rear you might as well do the front too!

[@kchughes7901]

@@FJX2000_Productions I checked on the cost of the complete axle (and I'll need to wire it as well) and about $1400 plus. It's jump ball between the new bumper and winch or the Elocker... Thanks for all your advice and experience!

[@IdaelDiaz]

This is epic

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks so much for watching!

[@dajadah]

3 inch liftkit, need to do some more stuff to fit? another parts?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

I would look into my FJ Cruiser lift video series for more information about lifts. It can give you tons of useful info!

[@KL00100]

Me, 2in lift and bigger all-terrain or mud-terrain tires.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Nice! Thanks for watching and sharing!

[@AiRbRiANxx3]

Great video 💯

[@banzaibadger]

Good stuff

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Glad you think so!

[@wiggingout46]

Lights of course, then Stickers, and make sure to custom paint all the suspension pieces then you should work on interior comfort stuff like a drawer system and Fridge

[@nobigdeal8078]

I got my lights and rack 2nd. Depends on what you use it for. I don’t do any off roaring that involved rocks but I do lots of trailing, especially at night so I bought lights to help visibility while driving/camping.

[@wiggingout46]

@@nobigdeal8078 I was just joking but I do have the mandatory lights stickers and I have done suspension upgrades, off road bumper, extended my rack and all the skid plates you could find. Expensive hobby aint it. Cheers!

[@meshallrazoog]

Great video, please make a series we need a channel detected to the fj

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks! Working on the next video now!

[@Ril952]

When will someone sell a device to open the rear tailgate from the inside?

[@holligreenhalgh1286]

Nice video cuz! Just found out you had a channel and wanted to check your videos out

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks! Yeah there are a lot, and some you are probably in!

[@inferno8346]

If I sell our ‘08 FJ in the US and come back to where I live (outside the US), I can get a brand new 2022 FJ Cruiser with the money 😂

[@brettbenoit454]

Great Video Have you changed your gears and added a front locker? If so what ratio and which locker?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

I have not regeared for my 35s or added a front locker but if you have a 07-09 FJ I recommend going with 4.56 gears and if you have a 2010+ FJ I recommend either 4.56 or 4.88 gears. As far as a front locker I recommend adding an air locker such as ARB

[@Babyburns]

Do you still have your old bumper that you traded out? Would you be willing to sell it to a huge fan boy lol

[@blackmantis6443]

Bruh great video where the hell you have been. The only question I have is can you do the suspension on a 4x2 like you would on a 4x4. One love bruh

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thank you! To answer your suspension question, yes you can! The 4x2 FJs will be a little lighter in the front due to the missing components like the front differential and CV axles, etc. but the suspension components are all the same.

[@carbonoxx]

yo fjx2000 i just lift the ride, there is a huge lean to the driver side, is there any fix?

[@Omar-up3qr]

I just want for my 2007 fj cruiser 2 Wheel drive to replace my original shocks for a better conforble Ride on regular roads. I was told Ranchos are good fit but I don't know which one for the front & back. What specific shocks,( i guess package or kit & comes with strats & spring coils) affordable purchase do you recommend ? Only the shocks?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

I wouldn't recommend Rancho shocks, but check out my FJ Cruiser lifts and suspension series to find out more about that topic and youll have a better idea of what to get 👍

[@tannergreenhalgh7699]

Hey love the video cuz

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks Tanner!

[@Shane-zo4mg]

You should switch you voice recordings to mono

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

Great video but I was a lil disappointed you didn't include a snorkel....😭

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Haha! Yeah I'll be honest, that thumbnail is a little clickbait-y 😂

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

@@FJX2000_Productions Of course this means you'll have to do a part 2 .... Modifying your FJ Cruiser and add the snorkel part. 😜

[@michaelc9507]

the snorkel looks so retarted its the most usless upgrade.

[@Anthony-qj7qe]

@@michaelc9507 Hey, no its not!! 😠

[@moriwaki1105]

Loving my FJ.....only issue is gearbox hunts around for right gear at town speeds...is this normal ?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

I assume you have a manual transmission? Either way, if you havent done a transmission fluid flush in a while and your FJ has a decent amount of miles (100K + miles) I would recommend doing so and seeing if that helps.

[@enriqueigse]

Another great video! I saw you upgraded your brakes… I DEFINITELY want to upgrade mine! Any suggestions?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks! So the rear brake pads and rotors are OEM but the front pads and rotors are PowerStop or something like that. No matter what bbn I've done they are a bit squeaky which is too bad and I mostly got the drilled and slotted front rotors for the look and painted the calipers red, but haven't done anything else that would be an "upgrade" haha. So I just recommend sticking with OEM or at least just your standard style of rotor, no need to get drilled and slotted ones for the FJ really.

[@emmanuelrivera8300]

Im looking for this bumper also love your videos already subscribe and bell it! I need this bumper but cant find it , is it custom made??

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks! And Are you talking about my personal bumper? It is an Expedition One bumper with the WyoOtto hoop design

[@wandachikoski3371]

Fjs are a nice vehicle but the factory went very wrong when requiring a body frame that is very bad for rusting out..replaced my front skid plate and passenger side frame was rusted to the point were there was NO WERE to bolt on one bolt..to the frame..I under coated from the day I bought my 2007 fj and yet frame is rusting, ..Bad case of steel quality on TOYOTA'S PART WHEN FITTING THIS VEHICE WITH A BETTER AND STRONGER FRAME...IT'S A SHAME THAT I KEEP THE OUTER PART OF MY FJ SO CLEAN ,,,BUT THE FRAME HAS MY WORRIED.. ..

[@4800BMO]

Remember only having 3000 subscribers!?

[@axetrops]

Cost? I want the metal bumper

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Metal bumpers.can cost anywhere from a few hundred dollars to a few thousand. Just depends on the bumper.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/rIq2YWmcqaqshbs

[@axetrops]

@@FJX2000_Productions much appreciated

[@noelvillaroman]

so... i just got oldman emu nitrochargers 2 inch lift running on stock upper control arms. i want to change upper control arms but that will take some time like a year or so.. are stock control arms okay for now? should i be scared that it might fail ir itll just work just fine?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

They should be fine. Especially with the OME kit, it is really with the extended travel or long travel kits that UCA replacement is more of a necessity.

[@noelvillaroman]

@@FJX2000_Productions appreciate the quick response brother!! i guess aftermarkets arent required after but surely better to upgrade right?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@noelvillaroman yeah they will be better especially if you do a lot off off-roading that is prone to put extra wear and stress on the OEM u[per control arms

[@emmanuelrivera8300]

Finalyyy

[@emmanuelrivera8300]

14.29 seconds thats the one heeeelp

[@kelpcookies]

From stock to Rock 😆😆😆

[@FJX2000_Productions]

It's a saying! I had to say it!

[@FragginCap]

The factory rock sliders are garbage. Especially in wet regions. 1 breach and water enters, and rots them from inside. You’ll one day put your foot right through it even though at a glance it looks in good condition externally

[@mikearend997]

Great video, but not sure what's happening with the audio. I'm using headphones and I only get the left channel working - very annoying. I've heard the same thing on some of your other videos as well. You must be recording or editing in mono. I just finished watching one of your other vids and it had both channels working. I suppose if you just listen to the computer speaker it wouldn't matter.

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Sorry about that, yeah I had 2 videos released where it was mono but then figured out the issue. So every other video should be normal 👍

[@Sackboy1986]

Any transco for fj ?

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Transco? Are you talking about transmission coolers?

[@Sackboy1986]

@@FJX2000_Productions sorry.. is transgo

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@Sackboy1986 I'm not sure what Transgo is either haha

[@Sackboy1986]

@@FJX2000_Productions transgo is for auto gearbox to reduce the slip.. try search for google transgo..

[@FJX2000_Productions]

@@Sackboy1986 the FJ has the A750E or A750F transmission and Transgo does sell a kit for these transmissions transgo.com/product-details/toyota-a750-shift-kit/

[@elmerdelgado5835]

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

[@robertburks2126]

Mono? I only hear in Left channel

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Sorry about that 😅 my first two videos recorded with my new microphone had that issue before I realized what was happening. Future videos are all fixed!

[@natcalverley4344]

Why would you put a snorkel on a FJ when non of the electronics are water sealed. Just for show I guess . Good luck. If you want to Ford water buy a Duece or a M-37

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Snorkels were actually originally designed to reduce dust intake since the air is cleaner near the roof than in the engine bay or wheel wells where the air is normally sucked in from on the FJ. The term "snorkel" just has heavy association with water, so many assume it is only for water situations. But like you said, electronics are something to worry about with deep water crossings as well as breathers on the differentials and other components, hence why some folks do the "scuba mod" to relocate the diff breathers higher up.

[@reeferman69]

FJ Murder Pron..

[@zardozyo]

Keep it stock.

[@portcityengineering]

Check your audio bro, I’m only hearing your voice through my left airpod. As I’m typing this I can hear the clicks on both sides so I know it’s not my AirPods or phone…

[@FJX2000_Productions]

Thanks for the message, haha luckily I only made 2 videos I believe that had the audio issue and then I figured out a solution, sorry about that!

[@portcityengineering]

@@FJX2000_Productions no worries, just wanted to let you know! I appreciate the content!!