Preps for FJ Summit. Order of completion?

[derekjmiller913]

All,

It's tax return season!!!! I've got some fun money to play with but need assistance with prioritization. EVENTUALLY I wish to have a capable weekend trail rig that's a DD.

I am currently considering doing a bumper, suspension, skids, tires, and a CB. The order in which this takes place is my focus. I can ultimately do either a bumper and spacer lift, then tires this spring when my Blizzaks are done, with suspension down the road. OR, do I do suspension (thinking Toytec complete kit options in the 900-1200 price range, same price as bumper ultimately) with tires this spring?

Again my focus is just prep for FJ Summit, and I foresee wanting more flex and driving capability for than than just armor but... that's why I'm here.

SUMMARIZED: Do I get a bumper first, and tires for FJ? Or, do I do full blown suspension lift, and tires for FJ? Did anyone get a bumper and wish they did suspension first? Opinions welcome.

I added stitches to the front bumper from a recent rash incident where a guy took half of his Nissan Quest across my nose. LOL.

Thanks,
Dereck in KC.

 

[blackoutt]

Suspension and tires first. A bumper would only give you looks and no functionality at this point. Says me the anti bumper rig, unless someone wants to sponsor me then sure.

 

[jrm]

Suspension, Tires and Recovery Equipment

All,

It's tax return season!!!! I've got some fun money to play with but need assistance with prioritization. EVENTUALLY I wish to have a capable weekend trail rig that's a DD.

I am currently considering doing a bumper, suspension, skids, tires, and a CB. The order in which this takes place is my focus. I can ultimately do either a bumper and spacer lift, then tires this spring when my Blizzaks are done, with suspension down the road. OR, do I do suspension (thinking Toytec complete kit options in the 900-1200 price range, same price as bumper ultimately) with tires this spring?

Again my focus is just prep for FJ Summit, and I foresee wanting more flex and driving capability for than than just armor but... that's why I'm here.

SUMMARIZED: Do I get a bumper first, and tires for FJ? Or, do I do full blown suspension lift, and tires for FJ? Did anyone get a bumper and wish they did suspension first? Opinions welcome.

I added stitches to the front bumper from a recent rash incident where a guy took half of his Nissan Quest across my nose. LOL.

Thanks,
Dereck in KC.

Suspension and tires are a given but to be self sufficient and/or have the equipment on hand to help someone get you out of a mess is key IMO.:tea:

 

[Inv4drZm]

IMO, an aftermarket front (or rear for that matter unless you want the tire carrier) is quite a bit overrated for trail use unless you throw a winch inside and expect to use it frequently. Maybe it is because of my full suspension + 1.5" BL, but I've never found my bumper to hang me up anywhere. I scraped the front of it backing and turning out of a huge rock field in Kansas, but never touched it in Moab or Colorado on the FJ Summit trails. My vote goes towards the suspension lift. In my experience I never needed a high-clearance bumper on the FJ Summit trails.

I would think you would want at least suspension, skids/sliders, tires, CB, miscellaneous recovery gear and straps. Any camping supplies if you are going that route.

 

[derekjmiller913]

Suspension and tires are a given but to be self sufficient and/or have the equipment on hand to help someone get you out of a mess is key IMO.:tea:

Where might I look to begin first? I don't plan on doing serious trail crawling. Camping and guided shenanigans at FJ Summit likely will be my extremes.

Straps, come-along, shackles? A get-me-started kit is something I plan to also look in to before FJ, but didn't cover this in detail yet.

 

[Ducks & Trucks]

Others have mentioned, but I'd start with suspension, then wheels/tires. This will be the biggest gain you'll get and should suffice for most people.
Im headed to Zion and Moab in March, so I'll be adding a bumper for better angles and also to hold my winch.
Beypnd that, we'll have recovery straps, traction boards, air compressor, tools, etc.

I've thought about doing a hindsight build thread, starting from day 1 and the order I'd do things. IE: step 1 for me would be interior LEDs.

 

[gm350reratliff]

I've been to the Summit twice and I would recommend upgrading the suspension, CB and especially tires before going. I wouldn't worry too much about going overboard with recovery gear as the trails aren't really too bad and usually at least one or two people in each group seem to have that covered. There's usually not a lot of recoveries going on. Whatever springs you go with now will probably need to be upgraded when you get bumpers anyway. Damn near everyone will have a CB radio which is nice but I feel the push is to go to HAM radio, more and more folks are running them now. I would also recommend a set of sliders and good skid plates if you can swing them. Basic recovery gear is all that's really needed. You may also want to gather up some tools just in case something fails or you need to lend a hand.

Other than that, a good camera, extra batteries and memory cards for it. A GoPro or two if you have them. Bring some extra cash for vendor row and the raffle as there are some good deals to be had sometimes.

 

[Anteupp]

in order of importance, the 4runner stock is amazing stock but adding these key things will get you anywhere you wanna go!

-sliders , gotta protect that pretty ride this is a must if you plan on doing any wheeling at all other than dirt roads
don't be this guy LOL
https://youtu.be/J5yQRKEeOZU


-tires, can't go up anything without traction adds some much needed ground clearance as well
-suspension, allows some more freedom to go up and over bigger/tougher obstacles and looks cool!
-rear locker

 

[gaara46]

the first thing i did was put on ko2's and go wheeling. then came a cheap (spacer and 5100's) lift. but be warned, if you want to lift it, just save up to get what you really want the first time around. being on this forum is going to make you want to always upgrade lol

i would hold off on the bumper, its gonna add weight and without the proper suspension first it might not be so great.

an aftermarket skid plate would also be a nice and fairly cheap upgrade to do first.

but my vote goes for tires first. without good tires you're not gonna get far.

 

[Powder_Hound]

Tires - If DD good AT will suffice in most conditions
CB - some of these events require a CB and can be done for +- $100
Recovery kit - a couple 3/4" shackles, 20-30 foot toe strap (NO HOOKS), gloves, maybe a snatch block, maybe a hitch recovery shackle, and Confirm you have good recovery points front and rear
Sliders
Suspension
Bumper

 

[Powder_Hound]

in order of importance, the 4runner stock is amazing stock but adding these key things will get you anywhere you wanna go!

-sliders , gotta protect that pretty ride this is a must if you plan on doing any wheeling at all other than dirt roads
don't be this guy LOL
https://youtu.be/J5yQRKEeOZU


-tires, can't go up anything without traction adds some much needed ground clearance as well
-suspension, allows some more freedom to go up and over bigger/tougher obstacles and looks cool!
-rear locker

Damn! Looks like that guy needs a 4x4 driving course, better spotters, and get off the brake!!!! Was he even using 4low and 1st gear? That could have gone better for sure!!!

 

[gm350reratliff]

don't be this guy LOL
https://youtu.be/J5yQRKEeOZU

When no fvcks are given....

 

[kevinpt]

in order of importance, the 4runner stock is amazing stock but adding these key things will get you anywhere you wanna go!

-sliders , gotta protect that pretty ride this is a must if you plan on doing any wheeling at all other than dirt roads
don't be this guy LOL
https://youtu.be/J5yQRKEeOZU


-tires, can't go up anything without traction adds some much needed ground clearance as well
-suspension, allows some more freedom to go up and over bigger/tougher obstacles and looks cool!
-rear locker

the guy in the video does not even know how to put the truck in 4low

 

[derekjmiller913]

So, this happened instead of suspension, BUT I still have a spacer lift on the way for a good price to help eliminate the factory rake.

This Trailer is NEAT! I found it on CL for cheap, and is heavy gauge steel in construction, has a heavy canvas rooftop tent, and 3 good tires all around to soon be replaced with something taller for more clearance. This, when compared to suspension, seems like my money has gone a lot further (at least to me). Couldn't be more excited to see this beaut after a fresh coat of paint and some accessories lashed to it. Fuel, water, propane, etc. I sure hope my first FJ experience is a great one.

Let me know what you think about paint colors! I was thinking an FDE color, but white body/black frame work seems appealing too. Suggestions?

 

[smokey73]

Damn! Looks like that guy needs a 4x4 driving course, better spotters, and get off the brake!!!! Was he even using 4low and 1st gear? That could have gone better for sure!!!

I'd say this guy knows exactly what he's doing. He took his bone stock 4r somewhere most people would not have dreamed of taking theirs, and owned it..:clap2: