2017 is here, so I did a thing...

I have never been one for New Year's Eve. It is an overrated holiday as far as I am concerned. I am too old to go to a bar, pay $50 to $100 just to walk in the door, not be able to hear the person to whom I am talking, constantly bump into inebriated strangers, and pay double the normal price for a drink. All. Set. With. That. 

Instead, I spent my New Year's Eve at a Ford dealership in Connecticut.

[Initial Post Edited.]

What I did not expect to do was drive off the lot yesterday in the Jeep. But I did. As I took the turn to the on-ramp and slowly increased the pressure on the accelerator, I accepted the reality that I was in for a totally different experience than driving a lifted FJ on chunky tires. Handling is not what you would expect from an SUV, the torque is addictive, and, given the totally averse nature of the two vehicles' purpose, the interior is a bit more refined than the FJ. This truck is fun!

I will not say that I am not going to modify this truck, because I know I want to do a few things to it. I have a feeling that I will have to continually remind myself, "You said you are not going to go crazy with this thing… You said you are not going to go crazy with this thing…"

Stay Tuned...

Obligatory 'Good-bye' shot with the FJ...

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Thank You, Alex & Driven Perfection.

I found out late last week that a potential buyer of the FJ was planning a flight out to see the truck on Monday. I believe it was Thursday afternoon when I reached out to Alex at Driven Perfection to see if he could fit the truck into his schedule for a full interior and exterior detail, hoping for Saturday morning. Of course he accommodated my request. I was all set to drop the truck off on Saturday morning and he was going to give me a call when it was done. 

Perfect. Right? 

Well, late Friday night I looked at the forecast on my phone and realized we were supposed to get hit with a gross snow (then later rain) storm. I texted Alex and asked if it was possible to reschedule the appointment as I knew I would be driving away from having my truck freshly detailed in a slushy mess. Alex told me not to worry and that I could leave the truck in his garage all weekend until the foul weather passed. So, needless to say before even dropping my truck off, I was greatly impressed with his service.

I had had my G detailed by Driven Perfection a few years back and it came out beautiful, so I was not concerned with the work they would do on the FJ. When I picked the truck up a little while ago, it made me regret even considering selling. The truck looks great. As if I drove it off the lot today. Amazing inside and out!

Thank you again, Alex and all the guys at Driven Perfection. You certainly have my business in the future. I look forward to bringing my Z over to these guys once it is put together…

It was starting to get dark as I picked up the truck, but I managed to snap a few pictures with my phone…

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

The FJ is on eBay! 3 days left...

Know anyone interested in a lifted 2014 Toyota FJ on TE37s?

Link: 2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Thinking about selling the FJ… Thoughts?

I am not sure if I posted this at the time, but I leased my FJ two years ago. I leased it with the intention of buying it at the end of the lease period. I knew I wanted that truck. It was a conscious decision to give myself a lower monthly payment for two years. Knowing I was planning to buy the truck at the end of the lease, I had no hesitation in modifying it. Well, I have just recently finalized the financing work on the truck. This has got me thinking...

As I have posted in the past, I love this truck. It is the best daily driver I have ever owned. However, I have been contemplating selling it lately for a few reasons.

1. I want to keep modifying it. There are so many things I want to do to this truck. I know I should hold back. It is my daily driver. It is meant to get me to and from work and out and about to do everyday things. I am not supposed to want to modify it like a toy. Right? Not only that, but every time I walk out of my building at work, which is located in a less-than-safe city in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, I find myself wondering if my spare tire (which happens to be mounted to a 18" Volk TE37) is still going to be mounted to the rear door. Not that working in an unsavory neighborhood should affect decisions such as this, but I just do not want to worry about things like this.
2. I feel like I have neglected the Z because of this project. Yes, I have a bevy of nice Japanese parts piled up and ready to make their way onto the Z, but I could also be much further along if every penny I spent on the FJ went into the Z. That is not to say that I have regrets with the FJ. At all. I love it and I love what I have done to it, but I also have a completely stock Z that is not getting the love it deserves.
3. When I leased the FJ, I got locked in to a buy-out price of what the truck was worth in 2014. As 2014 was the last year the FJ was produced, the demand for them is high. In short, looking at the book value of this truck with the current mileage, I could make a few dollars selling the FJ.

I am not sure what I should do. The extra money in my pocket would be nice. I could do a few responsible "adult" things with it and then I could put a few dollars aside for a down payment on a new daily that I would not be so tempted to modify. Then, of course, I could devote more of my attention to the Z. I am in no rush at this time, but I am very seriously considering what I should do with this truck. If I had millions of dollars, I know I would not even be considering selling this truck. Unfortunately, I am not a millionaire.

In case you may be interested (or know someone who may be), here are the details of the truck. I would be willing to sell as-is or possibly part it out. It all comes down to offers, money, and what a potential buyer is looking for in an FJ.

2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser

Mileage: ~28,000 miles

Pro-Comp 3" Lift Kit

18" Volk Racing TE37 Large PCD (5)

34" BF Goodrich T/A KO2

MBRP Cat-Back Exhaust System

Demello Offroad Single Hoop Aluminum Front Bumper

Bushwacker Extend-A-Fender Flares

N-Fab Nerf Bars

Trail Teams Edition Black-Out Grille

Trail Teams Edition Black-Out Door Handles

Schrockworks Washer Reservoir

Baja Designs 3.5" Squadron Sport Lights
Black Anodized Billet Fuel Door

LED Interior Lighting

LED Headlight Bulbs

Hella Sharptone Horns

Springtail Solutions Straddle Combo Packs

Tint

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Progress and Plight

I am quite happy with the FJ's new stance and aggressive demeanor. As I stated in my last update post, I would like to do a few more things to the truck, mainly a rear bumper as, in my mind, the truck looks "unbalanced," so to speak, with an aggressive aluminum front bumper and the factory plastic rear bumper. So, I believe that is my next modification to this vehicle. I will not even attempt to put a timeframe on that stage of the project, as it could end up being next week or six months from now. Who knows?

Anyway, I have done a couple things to the truck since my last update. Namely, the exhaust and an interior addition that required significantly more work than, I believe, the modification is worth.

I came home from work one day this week and found the package from Springtail Solutions. I had ordered their Straddle Combo package. It is basically a bracket that mounts over the center console. To this bracket, there are a couple small "saddle" bags that mount on each side to provide additional storage. I was pretty excited to install this, as it is a functional modification that is actually useful. I did not expect the headache that ensued as I did the install over the course of the next two days.

In progress…

Some finished shots…

Prior to this install, my iPod would rest in the 4WD shift boot. Now, I have it in the passenger side bag along with the phone charging cord. (I think I should try to track down some black cords.) As I mentioned above, this is a convenient storage solution for the FJ. However, I think if I were to do this again, I would not necessarily follow the provided instructions. I would develop my own mounting method, which would, no question, be easier and less infuriating. That said, I do really like this modification.

Now, another issue arose with the exhaust. I had ordered the stainless steel version of the MBRP system and the distributor shipped the aluminum version. Not the end of the world, I suppose. We decided to install it and I was refunded a few bucks for the cost difference of the stainless over the aluminum. I am not too concerned with the appearance of the aluminum system, as you can barely see the tip. The rest of the system is tucked up close to the chassis. I am also debating applying some high-temperature black paint to it now, as well. The note is perfect. It is not obnoxiously loud, but loud enough to know that it is not the OEM exhaust system. It growls nicely when that gas pedal is mashed. So, although I did not receive the exact product I ordered, I am happy with the exhaust.

OEM

Now, I need to force myself to focus some attention on Project Z33.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Stage One Completed.

Brian at Pro-Spec facilitated receipt of the FJ this past Friday before the holiday weekend. I am very happy with the final product. I have used every excuse to get out and drive it this weekend and I am left smiling each time. The truck is not nearly as sluggish as I had anticipated and prepared myself for and there is no rubbing with the unproven/untested tire size selection. Thus, the risk and labored research and contemplation paid off, as the final look is exactly what I had hoped for. My only "complaint," if it can even be referred to as such, is that it appears as though the front sits slightly higher than the rear. I am not making any hasty decisions as of yet, because I do anticipated some suspension settling over the next few days. However, I may end up remedying the situation with a small spacer for the rear, especially because my future plans for the truck entail a heavier rear bumper.

To recap all the work that was completed in this stage of the project, here is a list:

1. Pro-Comp 3" Lift Kit
2. Volk TE37 Large PCD Wheels (18x8") w/ matching spare.
3. BF Goodrich T/A KO2 (34x12.5R18)
4. Demello Offroad Single Hoop Aluminum Front Bumper
5. Schrockworks Washer Fluid Relocation Reservoir Kit
6. Baja Designs 3.5" Squadron Sport Lights
7. Bushwacker Extenda Fender Flares
8. N-Fab Nerf Bars
9. Hella Sharptone Horn (link to hear it: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RKOdNCv9UwE)
10. Tint (2 front windows to match the rear and a small windshield banner)
11. Interior LEDs
12. Rear license plate LEDs
13. LED headlight bulbs

The MBRP exhaust system was supposed to be installed in this stage, but it was backordered across the country from the manufacturer, so it should be arriving this week. That is one thing I noticed - with the more aggressive look, it needs a more aggressive growl. I am really looking forward to having this installed.

I have not had a chance to take many good pictures of the truck, but I will post what I have.

Demello Single Hoop Aluminum Front Bumper

If you look closely, you can see the Hella horns behind the grille...

Pig on gas...

JDMphasis: Innovation over Imitation
(Message me for JDMphasis decals.)

Matching spare...

Poor neglected/stock Z in the background…

The mod bug has certainly hit in regards to Project FJ. I can honestly say that this truck ranks as the favorite daily driven vehicle I have ever owned. Some of my future plans for this truck include, as mentioned above, possibly adding a small spacer to the rear suspension, as well as a rear bumper - I am thinking Warrior at the moment. I would also like to do a light bar across the roof rack - both front and back. Also, one of the things I notice when I now look at the truck is the side mirrors. I feel like I need to black them out to match the rest of the truck. Performance-wise, I think the truck could benefit from a cold air intake system. There are a few other smaller things I would like to do, as well, but I would really like to concentrate some attention on the Z at this point. We will see if that happens… Stay tuned.

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Making progress...

It has been so long since I have dropped off a vehicle for some modification work that I almost forgot the excitement and anticipation that builds and builds leading up to the receipt of the final product. I left the FJ in the competent hands of my buddy Brian at Pro-Spec Autosport this past Sunday. Yes, Sunday. The shop is closed on Sundays but Brian made a special trip to accommodate my schedule because that is the kind of guy he is. He has always been good to me and has always taken great care with my cars.

Anyway, I just received a few "teaser" shots of my truck in progress. Enjoy and stay tuned…

Pro-Comp 3" lift installed...

Volk Racing TE37 Large PCD on BFG T/A KO2 rubber...

Matching spare...

Bushwacker flares installed...

More to come…

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: More rumble… Why not?

I have my shop time scheduled to have a chunk of the work done on the FJ: lift installed, wheels and tires mounted, front bumper installed, nerf bars installed, among a few other things… We are just waiting on the final fabrication of the bumper and then for it to be shipped from Demello.

My buddy at Pro-Spec Autosport got in touch with me the other day with an unbelievable price on the exhaust system that I have been eyeing for this project. I could not refuse it. Who wants a rugged, lifted truck with beefy tires and the quiet stock exhaust? Not me. So I gave the 'OK' to order up the MBRP single rear exit exhaust system for the FJ. This system is exactly what I am looking for: simple, tucked-up design made from T409 stainless steel and no tip. Stock photos below.

As a funny aside… a friend of mine and follower of JDMphasis and I were discussing the project recently and he asked me what my next plans were. I had told him I wanted to do an exhaust system and a light bar next. We joked about having Amuse fabricate another custom system for me… That might be a little overkill. This will do for me. Looking forward to getting this thing installed!

MBRP Single Cat-Back, Rear Exit (Stainless)

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Demello Offroad Single-Hoop Front Bumper

Up until about a week and a half ago the Z had controlled much of my modding attention. I made a purchase for the FJ yesterday, however, that, though unexpected, has me very excited. I would not call it an "impulse buy" because it is a part that I have had my eye on for a long time, but it is a purchase that I had planned on making a little further down the line. Oh well…

Demello Offroad Single-Hoop Front Bumper

I decided to spend a few extra dollars and go with the aluminum model (as opposed to steel) for the weight savings. This bumper weighs roughly 10-20 pounds more than the stock bumper and the steel version weighs roughly 110 pounds, about 70+ pounds more than stock. No brainer, in my opinion.

Anticipating this purchase over a year ago, I had already purchased a relocation kit for the windshield washer fluid reservoir, as the stock piece would be low-hanging and exposed with this bumper. I also ordered a set of Baja Designs Squadron Sport 3.5" lights to go with the bumper.

The lead time for the bumper is 3-4 weeks. Once it arrives, I am going to make an appointment to get my tires mounted, lift kit installed, and bumper and nerf bars installed. Stay tuned…

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation

Project FJ: Finally pulled the trigger on rubber!

My plans for this truck have vacillated considerably over the past six months or so. I have spent months researching tire sizes and conversions to the point where I decided I just needed to make a decision and go with it. One would think that it would be relatively simple to find a set-up on a forum by way of a picture of the desired lift and stance desired. However, I have to say, it is not an easy feat. I have searched and searched and searched with no luck. Perhaps I am too particular of exactly how I want this truck to look. Either way, I have taken a bit of a leap of faith with the tire on which I ultimately decided. I believe we should be okay. Nonetheless, if we experience any rubbing at all, I think minimal trimming will remedy the situation.

Without further ado, here is the rubber we will be sporting…

BF Goodrich T/A KO2

34x12.5R18

Oh, and in case you have forgotten on what wheels these tires will be mounted…

Volk Racing TE37 Large PCD

18x9.0"

JDMphasis… Innovation over Imitation