From the FJC to the 4Runner

[AFdude]

I've been missing my FJ lately too.

After driving a friend's Audi RS5 last year, I foolishly decided that I should abandon my FJ to cover the down payment for my own RS5. I only owned the RS5 3 months before coming back to Toyota though. The RS5's welcome quickly wore off somehow. I just felt I was spending way too much to put a half smile on my face. Not to mention being relegated to pavement had me missing the FJ. I spent a lot of time making it the way I wanted.

Luckily, I got the RS5 used so the last guy took the deprecation hit so getting out of it wasn't painful. However, instead of going back to the FJ, I went to the 4Runner TE after test driving it - loving the similarities and upgrades to technology over the FJ.

I still miss the FJ from time to time for the better rear end clearance and aftermarket support. I can't wait to get the build fully rolling on the 4Runner though.

What else do you guys miss about the FJ? What makes you like the 4Runner even more?

 

[9mmMike]

What do I miss?

Only had the "new" 2010 TE for less than a day but I already miss...

Six speed manual transmission.
Spring Tail rear side rack which held a molle tool bag, flashlight and full-sized extinguisher.
Spring Tail rear center console rack with quick-release molle first-aid bag.
Rear net on door that I filled with all sorts of handy crap.

Fortunately for me, the lovely Mrs. 9mmMike has asked to keep the FJC for her and get rid of the 1st gen Scion xB instead! Love that gal!

I am hoping to spend some quality time with the T4R and in this forum to come up with some equally great solutions to getting this thing equipped.

PS. If this is a "build thread" we are sort of highjacking it, aren't we?

 

[AFdude]

PS. If this is a "build thread" we are sort of highjacking it, aren't we?

Oops! I hope not!


But what you were saying, yeah, it's the aftermarket support that I miss.

 

[Misterquad]

The weird thing I miss about the FJ was the common bond among FJ owners and the FJ forum. As a newbie there, I noticed that their forum was a lot friendlier and welcoming. This forum have a lot of long-term people that have a lot of pride in ownership in their forum. I need to work harder to get some to warm up to me.

 

[LandCruiser]

The only thing I miss about my FJC is the price.

 

[wfo9]

The weird thing I miss about the FJ was the common bond among FJ owners and the FJ forum. As a newbie there, I noticed that their forum was a lot friendlier and welcoming. This forum have a lot of long-term people that have a lot of pride in ownership in their forum. I need to work harder to get some to warm up to me.

Yea, I hated this forum when I first joined. Nothing but smart ass responses from people who did not seem to know anything.

It's not all bad though. There are some good folks and you learn to ignore the playground politics.

I'm sure the FJ has a better forum atmosphere. One thing that seems to be missing here is any form of moderation. Another problem is that most people are new owners and there are no dedicated sections to follow...

I like the FJC and the 4Runner. The 4runner has way more room and comfort, but lacks the aftermarket support. The builds are also much milder on the 4Runner side. Maybe that will change since the FJ is no longer being produced.

 

[hotsteel41]

I bought my 2014 4runner TE last July traded the wife's rav4 in on it. My 2008 FJ went to her I took off the lift and other goodies with the intention of lifting the 4runner.
I love my 4runner but miss the fj but now the wife loves the fj no way getting back into the fj. The best thing I like about the 4runner is that I can see alot better and the heated mirrors lol. The fj was wheeled hard and has been pinstripes to show it. I have been out to the rock park with my 4runner and it wants to go but I stay on the easy trails . So I guess this spring when I get my lift and tires we will see. I still miss the fj !!

 

[9mmMike]

Also miss the grab handle on the a-pillar. Searching for the mod that adds one.

 

[drsus]

Also miss the grab handle on the a-pillar. Searching for the mod that adds one.

You guys talking about something different from this a pillar grab handle?
I hear a lot of guys talk about wishing for s grab handle up front... Which the t4r has (mine anyway), so im wondering if they mean additional one?
Or do you mean one on the drivers' side?

 

[Saker]

Also miss the grab handle on the a-pillar. Searching for the mod that adds one.

You guys talking about something different from this a pillar grab handle?
I hear a lot of guys talk about wishing for s grab handle up front... Which the t4r has (mine anyway), so im wondering if they mean additional one?
Or do you mean one on the drivers' side?

Yep, drivers side "A" Pillar grab handle is what is being referred to.
I also wish I had one there. IIRC when I removed the cover there was not any fixture to fasten one to as is on the passenger side.
Very unfortunate for those of us that would like one there IMHO!

 

[Saker]

Yea, I hated this forum when I first joined. Nothing but smart ass responses from people who did not seem to know anything.

It's not all bad though. There are some good folks and you learn to ignore the playground politics.

I'm sure the FJ has a better forum atmosphere. One thing that seems to be missing here is any form of moderation. Another problem is that most people are new owners and there are no dedicated sections to follow...

I like the FJC and the 4Runner. The 4runner has way more room and comfort, but lacks the aftermarket support. The builds are also much milder on the 4Runner side. Maybe that will change since the FJ is no longer being produced.

I felt similar when I came from FJCRUISERFORUMS.COM as well, but all in all...there are some good guys in here that will help you when needed.

Agreed, most builds are milder that the FJ's, and I hope the same aftermarket Co's will expand to the 4Runner owners needs on products. That being said, some are! :reddance:

 

[Ammomac]

is this the largest, most helpful forum out there for us ex-FJ owners ;-)

what other resources have you found to help with the transition? (not that I'm complaining, just asking!)

 

[Saker]

is this the largest, most helpful forum out there for us ex-FJ owners ;-)

:iagree:

 

[oljedi11950]

Toy 120, ih8mud , not sure I understand about there being no help for noobies ? So many tips & writeups n the sticky for mods & other stuff ! People post up stuff that has been discussed ad nausem ? Now for some of the newer14-15 4r IDK enough to comment but man every bit of info has been stickied . I mean a nut size question is valid . Must be me I'll shutup !