Skip The Next Gen Toyotas And UPGRADE Your Old 4x4

Some of you hate the price, or the powertrain, or just the looks of the next gen trucks. But you can have some of those sweet, sweet features in your old beat up Yota. Lets dive through some things you can do to freshen up that old scratched up beaut' and make you love her all over again. LOTS of affiliate links below!
Taco vinyl: bit.ly/3XjhTxV
Cerakote Trim Kit: amzn.to/4aXhbda
Maguire detail kit : amzn.to/4bVKRIU
Maguire Drill attachment: amzn.to/3Xl2s8C
Scheel seats: bit.ly/3xeM66Q
Overhead console: amzn.to/3Vit33r
Goose gear: bit.ly/4bX2DLF
Varla Scooter: varlascooter.com/Independence...
Code: Independence
BROG Velcro panel: bit.ly/3VmSKQj
BROG velcro pouches: bit.ly/45soPuY
BROG seat Molle Panels: bit.ly/3KFqsf2
BROG Attic: bit.ly/3XjiEHh
Wrangler net/attic/dividers: bit.ly/4aXmWaM
Ai Infotainment box: onecarstereo.com/?ref=teftnrzt
Backup Camera: amzn.to/3VnpitK
Amazon FJ Dash Bracket: amzn.to/4c8OP0E
Expedition Essentials mount USA MADE: bit.ly/3XnDHIT
RAM Phone Mount: amzn.to/3Xl3otE
Peak Design Phone mounts: peak-design.pxf.io/q4Y7Rg
Power ports : amzn.to/4cbINwF
Ch 4x4 Switches/ Standardsized Sizes: bit.ly/4cjQ5ht
Relay switch box : 12voltconnection.com/products...
S-pod: bit.ly/3KOMfB1
Redarc Rogue: redarcelectronicscreator.pxf....
Auxbeam panel : amzn.to/3KFwhco
Freedom Retrofit LED: bit.ly/4chNbtC
Apex Sway Bar disconnect: bit.ly/3RpCb5k
PowerBrake D-Line: bit.ly/3vNjeSC
🌎 OnX Off Road 20% Off: bit.ly/499Pdu2
⚙HEST Mattress ($50 Off Coupon Code OVERLAND50) : bit.ly/3mZVulT
⚙ REDARC: bit.ly/3U2EqMf
⚙ MAXTRAX Recovery Boards: amzn.to/3bwXpMR
⚙Channel Merch: www.independenceoverland.com/...
⭐Amazon www.amazon.com/shop/independe...
🎵Where I Get Music For These Videos: bit.ly/3ILH3xZ
🎥 Video Gear I Use: amzn.to/3bFKwzT
//Let’s Connect:
👉 Support the channel on Patreon 🎥🎞🖥: / independenceoverland
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⚡️REDARC Battery Management Systems bit.ly/3ughGfk
🛻 Front Runner Outfitters bit.ly/3gNKvYZ
⛺️Alucab ok4wd.com/brands/alucab
//Recommended videos playlists:
▶️ My Fj Cruiser - • FJ Cruiser Build | Ove...
▶️ Overland Vehicle News - • Overland News and Rumors
▶️ Adventure Series - • Overland/ Offroad Adve...
▶️ Recovery Board Comparison - • Off Road 4x4 Recovery ...
▶️ The Baja Series! - • Overlanding Through Ba...
#FjCruiser #Overlanding #campinggear
//About me:
I am here to share my passion of exploring the world, modifying vehicles, and reviewing gear to make travel that much better.
//Disclaimer:
Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide, I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you! Thank you for supporting me so I can continue to provide you with free content each week!
00:00 Introduction
02:03 Simple Vinyl
03:17 Ceramic Trim Coat
05:18 Buff It Out
06:39 Suspension Upgrade/Rebuild
09:11 Seat Upgrades
10:40 Overhead Console
13:21 Interior Overhaul
16:06 Interior Storage
18:37 More Storage (Vehicle Attic)
19:23 Change Up The Infotainment
21:09 DIY Front Facing Camera
22:11 Interior Phone and Gadget Mounts
23:31 12v Power Ports
25:40 Aux Switches
27:48 Sway Bar Disconnect System
28:44 Brake Upgrade
29:24 LED Lighting Upgrade

[@IndependenceOverland]

Taco vinyl: bit.ly/3XjhTxV Cerakote Trim Kit: amzn.to/4aXhbda Maguire detail kit : amzn.to/4bVKRIU Maguire Drill attachment: amzn.to/3Xl2s8C Scheel seats: bit.ly/3xeM66Q Overhead console: amzn.to/3Vit33r Goose gear: bit.ly/4bX2DLF Varla Scooter: varlascooter.com/IndependenceOverland Code: Independence BROG Velcro panel: bit.ly/3VmSKQj BROG velcro pouches: bit.ly/45soPuY BROG seat Molle Panels: bit.ly/3KFqsf2 BROG Attic: bit.ly/3XjiEHh Wrangler net/attic/dividers: bit.ly/4aXmWaM Ai Infotainment box: onecarstereo.com/?ref=teftnrzt Backup Camera: amzn.to/3VnpitK Amazon FJ Dash Bracket: amzn.to/4c8OP0E Expedition Essentials mount USA MADE: bit.ly/3XnDHIT RAM Phone Mount: amzn.to/3Xl3otE Peak Design Phone mounts: peak-design.pxf.io/q4Y7Rg Power ports : amzn.to/4cbINwF Ch 4x4 Switches/ Standardsized Sizes: bit.ly/4cjQ5ht Relay switch box : 12voltconnection.com/products/ols/products/bussmann-15303-2-pre-wired-fuse-relay-panel-10-leads S-pod: bit.ly/3KOMfB1 Redarc Rogue: redarcelectronicscreator.pxf.io/Py7PoR Auxbeam panel : amzn.to/3KFwhco Freedom Retrofit LED: bit.ly/4chNbtC Apex Sway Bar disconnect: bit.ly/3RpCb5k PowerBrake D-Line: bit.ly/3vNjeSC

[@JohnSmith-sh1zg]

What did you to take care of the airbag in the seats?

[@IndependenceOverland]

@@JohnSmith-sh1zg Sorry just saw this. It was quite a PITA, I actually just used bolts and a bit of welding to trick the sensors to always think someone is in the seat. The seatbelt chime is annoying though. The Fjs after 2007 apparently got more complicated sensors.

[@andychautin1983]

I appreciate your real, non-flashy, you-tube-purist content. You’re one of the few that hasn’t yet abandoned logical reasoning and sound decisions. Thanks!

[@IndependenceOverland]

Thanks man. My new truck might come off that way to people to be totally honest, but I’ve been basically working 2 jobs for 4 years and saving the whole time. It’s going to be a crazy build (for me anyway) I’m not gonna lie. So it’s going to be less relatable for some people. But the Fj will still be around, and will still be utilized.

[@andychautin1983]

I get it. After driving my ‘10 4Runner for nearly 15 years, I’m gonna get the new LC. Dealer just informed me I’m within 6 weeks of delivery (worst case). I know it’s a drive train risk as it’s been “real-world untested,” but I hope to have it for 20+++years if all goes as planned. Love your content. PS: Square lights, but also a fan of round ones 😎

[@michaellewandowski7596]

The biggest accomplishment of Toyota's new gen SUV's and trucks is making the previous gen Toyota SUVs and trucks more desirable.

[@robertherrmann4823]

Some good ideas here. My thought process has been that before I spend money on aftermarket upgrades, I make sure my LX has had all mechanical maintenance and repairs up to date. Nothing can pre-empt peace of mind when you’re “10,000 light years from home” (Rolling Stones). After that, capability, communication, and comfort upgrades. As for forward facing camera, get highest resolution you can afford, because the small cheap ones leave much to be desired. I bought a dash cam and installed the rear view camera with the lower resolution on the front grill under the tired old OEM camera. The idea was to show me up close and personal terrain I was about to traverse. Sounded good on paper, but needs better optics than the red tiger rear view camera provides me. Last on my list is appearance mods. Scratches, scrapes, pinstriping on the paint adds character. And you can’t beat the price…

[@andrewbeardsley8605]

I always love to see your truck in a parking lot

[@IndependenceOverland]

haha! At this point this old thing needs to sit in a parking lot for a while and get some mechanical love.

[@VanGuarD75MM]

Love seeing why files on in the background. Keep up the great content.

[@IndependenceOverland]

It’s the best man!

[@johnspartan3405]

Yes! Nice catch. I've even got my wife hooked on watching it with me.

[@thomassanio8745]

I have purchased my last new Toyota 4X4. No turbo’s for me. Nice video Tyler as always👍

[@IndependenceOverland]

That seems to be a common theme with Toyota fans lately.

[@nebc_yukonyeti]

All makes seems to be struggling with turbos or def in their newer models. My 1996 keeps getting those “refreshes” & I love her.😍

[@EdMangualFJDiveCruiser]

Man!!! That looks awesome man. I just ordered that same vinyl for the hood about 2 weeks ago. Just made a few changes. Added red outline and contour lines in blue. I have a 2007 voodoo blue as well.

[@IndependenceOverland]

Ahh man the blue contour lines are a good idea! I wish I’d have thought of that. That’s gonna look bad ass man!

[@rodneynilles4415]

Thank you for this series! Very useful for my FJ! I got a great deal from Freedom Retrofits on the lights over Memorial Day sale! Headlights blinkers and taillights for $725. I was also delighted meeting you at the Toyota fire side chat at the Overland Expo West! Looking forward to more videos😎

[@IndependenceOverland]

Hey Rodney! Nice to meet you too! You’ll love the lights, they make the truck look great! I’ll be heading by to another fireside chat in the next few weeks to try to get the answers I’m looking for again!

[@explore_off_road]

I have an 1988 XJ and I love it, so I just keep saving it. Mine is now modern cuz I put USB front and back, and a couple 12v in the back... Blow up floaty toys when we find a lake. So I'm digging this video, I can relate! And yes, I was one of those wiring guys. We bought the wife a 2019 JL and even used it was pricey. So thats definately the last new vehicle we buy. So wit hers, we will just keep it alive. As for her wiring, we're doing it properly... We did the Rough Country MLC-6 ... THAT thing is sweet... And reasonably priced. ... Great video. Awesome stuff. Love that FJ

[@IndependenceOverland]

Thanks bud! The Fj lives on! I may have some other plans for it next year too, to change it up a little. We will see what happens.

[@carlospicon6598]

Great stuff like always dude! Been really digging this series. Its got something for everybody!

[@IndependenceOverland]

I’m glad you enjoyed them! We buy Toyotas to keep them forever, might as well make some improvements to them!

[@kmonnier]

I built a road recovery tool kit from your video a while back and was able to fix my brakes on the side of the road. Thank you.

[@IndependenceOverland]

Awesome man, I am very happy to hear that!

[@OffroadTouringLife]

Another great video! Thanks for sharing your tips with us. Greqt colour FJ to but I could be a little biased 👍🏼

[@IndependenceOverland]

Voodoo tribe!

[@matthewgarrison2405]

Love the videos!! My favorite FJ site. I have a 2008 with 102000 miles. Plan on making an over lander out of it. Never been off road before. Appreciate your knowledge on it.

[@IndependenceOverland]

102k?!! Man I wish I had those low miles still. That’s awesome

[@Bergo101]

Nice vid, some good ideas in here.

[@IndependenceOverland]

Thanks for checking it out bud!

[@hawkeshots]

great perspective! I have a '13 4runner, 185K,, and I'm retiring with plans to live out it to travel the USA! while I drool over the Trailhunter edition of the '25 4runner, I kinda wanna see if there will be a LandCruiser trail hunter! IN THE MEAN TIME, I'm looking to refresh my 4runner, and I appreciate the look of keeping the current vehicle with some refresh! thanks! keep up the FJ!

[@IndependenceOverland]

My next big ticket items for the Fj will be a new engine, transmission, and t-case, and rebuilding the drive lines. Then I will have full faith in it again for the long trips.

[@hawkeshots]

@@IndependenceOverland ya gotta keep the FJ! it's such a unique vehicle, shame that Toyota didn't keep it :(

[@user-tj3yi9zj4m]

thank you!

[@IndependenceOverland]

You’re welcome, thanks for checking out! 🙏

[@sloguyty5915]

Definitely added some things to my list I want to do now! On the subject of phone mounts, I’ve got the bison gear mount and I just switched to quadlock over ram. Really the only benefit to quadlock is if you want to do wireless charging and it looks a bit cleaner than ram. Ram is easier to use, sometimes it’s a pain to get the phone aligned with the quadlock system.

[@IndependenceOverland]

I’ll check out those other options! RAM is nice but it’s kind of a finicky mount.

[@realdealneal3189]

I have a payed off 17 3rd gen Tacoma that just hit 100k. Just can’t get behind paying 50k for a 4banger turbo truck built in Mexico. Gonna keep my 3rd gen till it rusts. Already have lift, tires, and recovery gear but gonna focus on this next 100k miles with camping in mind. Looking at a GFC camper top.

[@IndependenceOverland]

All valid points. Enjoy that V6, it’s tried and true!

[@Kung.Pao.Kitty.]

Great video. Keeping my FJC for a long time. As a matter of fact, we're looking for another. It's good to see a fellow HECKLE FISH fan. ✊🏽 Question, why not look into Bison Gear for your phone mount. We have dogs as well and they're out of the way of the vents. Had ours for a while and no complaints. It's sad that this is the last video of your FJ. Please update us if there are any changes later on down the road. Thank you so much for your dedication and love for the FJ community. ☺️

[@IndependenceOverland]

I doubt it will be the last. The Fj may undergo some changes to fit our future needs a bit better. Time will tell! And Why Files is my favorite KZbin channel by far!

[@FJColby]

I see you watching that “Why Files” on your infotainment system!

[@IndependenceOverland]

It’s the best! It’s like that channel was made for me 😃

[@FJColby]

Same, impatiently waiting for new videos each week. I expect to see a Hecklefish plushy on your dash in the furture ;)

[@gerrygadget]

All the technology I need is heated seats, backup camera, USB charge ports, and Bluetooth

[@sectorresearch3941]

I agree however the new Land Cruiser with rectangular headlights is a nice option, despite the price tag. Wouldn’t pay over MSRP for one but it’s got the nice creature comforts with plenty of entry level overlanding capability off the lot once some better tires are slapped on it. Already a few decent videos out there of them taking damage and making it off the trail. Plus, and it’s somewhat sad to say but the 100% Japanese import sticker is very comforting, one of the main reasons I’ll never get rid of my 2021 4Runner.

[@IndependenceOverland]

I’m with you, I wish the Tacoma was built in Japan. It’s kind of nerve racking…

[@jeffreyriedenauer9052]

Hey Tyler, great video, especially since I don’t plan on getting rid of my ‘20 Tacoma anytime soon. With the Cerakote stuff does it really work on powder coated items. Specifically aluminum powder coated items? I use a wash away ceramic coat and it leaves the aluminum shiny at first then it really fades and makes the aluminum parts look old. I rebuilt my Kings last winter for around $250, parts tools and all….worth every penny. Now upgrading my leaf springs.

[@IndependenceOverland]

The powder coat shouldn’t matter what kind of surface it’s on, as I believe it’s the same kind of material. The stuff I used has held up pretty well and still looks better than before I applied it. As for the kings, did you replace your uniballs and stuff too? Wherever you got the parts from gave you an excellent price. My kit was the oil, uniballs, seals, bushings.

[@jeffreyriedenauer9052]

@@IndependenceOverland I have replaced all 4 of my uniballs (spherical bearings), the front passenger side twice. Now I have to get a new shock bottom for that side. My .6/.8 bushings in the rear have been replaced. Was on a trail once and heard clanking in the rear driver side and found the top bushing on the shock completely disappeared. I guess it ripped off somehow. The $250 bucks was tools, oil (2 gallons) and seals. I’ve put so much maintenance into my Kings that I now call them Queens 👸

[@Smokedog73]

Thanks, great video per usual. How did you calculate dynamic load for your FJ roof weight? Do you have concerns on how much weight you are carrying on top? I have a 2020 Sequoia with the Gen3R and would like to get the awning, but concerned about ther weight.

[@IndependenceOverland]

The Fj has a roof limit of 300 lbs while moving, and I’m under that so I have no concerns. The fj has predrilled mounts for a roof rack, so I never really concerned myself. For your application, I would call the roof rack manufacturers and ask. Some of them will do weight testing during the design stages.

[@Smokedog73]

Thank you!​@@IndependenceOverland

[@drewolm]

A LOT of people seem to be taking a pass on the new Toyotas. I’m sticking with my 2016 F250 gasser. It came stock with a Dana 60 and Sterling 10-1/2. Can you believe it?

[@IndependenceOverland]

Yeah, and all the manufacturers are going the same way too. Turbo small displacement. I’ll have one of each. If my new truck has issues, the Fj will be ready to go. Especially after I sink a new engine and transmission into the old girl.

[@andrewbeardsley8605]

And rebuilding kings seems like it’s less stupid than the icons

[@groovejunky2549]

After buying my 2010 FJ I spent a year and $46k into building it out with body mount chop, lift, bull bars, load supporting rear steel bumper, rack, RTT, dual battery system, inverter, lights fridge, seat delete radios, armor, rock rails…. The list goes on. Had it for a couple years and some teenager runs a red light and T bones me totaling it. Despite having gotten a a specific stated value amount policy for the car, which is what the progressive rep recommended when I sent her all the receipts, the car was valued at $25k - exactly what I paid for it before upgrading it. I lawyered up, hired an independent appraiser, but no one can help me. I’ve spoken to others in my position after the accident and it turns out there is no good way to insure these things. You always get fucked. My advice: buy something that needs as little aftermarket work as possible in order to get where you’re going.

[@IndependenceOverland]

Oh whoa I’m sorry to hear that, but thank you for the heads up. I’ve got the stated articles policy too, I will make sure to get more specific with the coverage.

[@groovejunky2549]

@@IndependenceOverland Apparently there is a kind of policy called an "Agreed Upon Amount Policy," different than a Stated Amount policy, in which your insurance adjusts the car pre-accident to agree upon a value with you. This may be done every 6 months in the case of off-road vehicles so as to ascertain any change in damage. Geico may offer this kind of policy, but Progressive, which was my insurance, did not. I paid a high price for the Stated Amount Policy through Progressive which they recommended based on the work to my vehicle, but I did not realize that, buried in the contract, was a clause saying that aftermarket work would be paid out at a maximum of $1000.

[@adrianw3985]

Old guys rule... and so do old trucks.

[@bxghost]

PART 2

[@IndependenceOverland]

You want a part 2?

[@bxghost]

Things to upgrade on your fj

[@j.b.708]

Every car make is collecting all your data, listening to what you say, measuring your driving metrics and selling the data to aggregators, brokers, governments, insurance companies, and political NGOs. Another reason to avoid new vehicles.

[@scootypuffjr.]

Nothing a tinfoil hat won't fix

[@RanchoTexano]

Facts

[@j.b.708]

@@scootypuffjr. I guess you didn't read any of the news in the last week regarding this trend, huh?

[@scootypuffjr.]

@@j.b.708 I know. It's real.

[@IndependenceOverland]

Our phones already are.