Light Expedition Rig

[DCH109]

So this is my first build post here so don't shoot me.
Honestly I have no idea how you guys post pics the way you do. I just build and go.

I finished 90% of this this weekend after working on it the last few weeks.
Today was the first break in the weather I could take some pics. I will post some better ones tomorrow.

So why did I build this? Well for light Expedition (weekends up to 1-2 weeks) trips (first one to Main destinations; Colorado, Utah, Secondary; Arizona and New Mexico in a few weeks or so). As well as trips with my two boys (they are in the pic)
I will add more to this as I finish up the electrical. as well I will throw in the buildup of my M416 that will be over the next few months.

So pics


Bringing the Autohome RTT Adventure Large home on the stock rack (talk about a crazy drive)



Popped it up in my Garage and cleaned out all of the crap, threw out the old mattress and started the light repairs it needed.


So when I got it, I found it was leaking water and the top rail was full.
here was the problem.


That was a 3-4" gash in the fiberglass.
Sorry I did not get a shot of the repair, but i am real good a body work and you would never know it was there.

Also fixed a few spider cracks and gave it a mediocre paint job (better one this winter)

So now i mounted this on the FJ and what a PITA with the Baja rack and this beast.




So what have I done to it
Wow, what have I not.

TJM Bullbar (thanks to Demello for the killer deal!)
Warn VR10,000 winch with synthetic rope. (uses the older Warn solenoids for now, Albright solenoid is going in)
Hella FF70 fog lights in the bumper (mounting this weekend)
Hella 4000 HID on the bumper (Retrofit HID kit, I custom wired it)
Dixon Bate recovery jaw on the front (mounting this weekend)
Metal tech Sliders
Toytec suspension with Light Racing Upper control arms
FJ Cruiser 17" steel wheels and 28570R17 Cooper STT
Dirty parts dual battery kit
Battery #2 is a Marine Sears diehard battery
Battery #1 stock but will be upgraded
XM Satellite radio
Autohome Large Adventure RTT
Baja Large Rack + Ladder
installing a hitch (mounting this weekend)
Toytec rear springs and Icon shocks
Rear roof lights
Full Ricochet skid plate and BozTec (old style i think) diff skid.

To come
Custom wood mounting for the Ironman fridge with, if I have time, drawers.
Second fuse box for
lights,
fridge,
CB,
accessory ports etc off #2 battery Custom wiring by me (fun for the weekend)
Ham Radio when once i get my license.


I think that is a good start.

[t4rman]

Looks great. Nice find on the autohome.

[Owyhee H]

Very nice ride and well laid out. I think LIGHT is relative in this case...

[Joker]

Nice work, I'm just down the road from you in Pot Falls.

[DCH109]

Thanks Everyone.

Hey Joker....cool

Thanks Everyone.

Well after running this for most of the week, things I have noticed.
The Toytec springs are to light in the rear, the fronts are spot on and fully adjustable so no worries there. Without the RTT they handle fantastic. With the RTT (remember this is 150 lbs on the roof, give here not take) they feel mushy and the rear is sagging a little. I have not even put the IronMan fridge or gear in there yet.

Knowing that I will also be towing a trailer next year when off road, adding a long range fuel cell (it will miss me on this trip, but should be ready later in June), + the rear bumper planned for late/ early 2012/2013, I will have to change the springs.
Being that the rear springs are a snap to change out ( 1/2 hour total) I just purchased some OME 896 rears. i hear they are heavy and compared to a short wheel base F350.
I am OK with that, I liked my F350. I am hoping the Icon shocks will smooth out the ride a bit.

Hope they get here next week so I can install them that weekend.


Aside from that, seems that wind deflector works on the Baja rack as the wind noise is not bad, not even close to the stock rack for noise. Mileage took a bit of a hit, but I expected that.
Thing is the RTT due to the design, traps water on the low part. Not a big deal, but something to remember when moving it from a standstill. I had a waterfall the first day (after heavy rain)
Since then I back in my driveway as there is a little slope, problem gone.
I will have to see how I can adjust this during the winter. It is not leaking any more, even after that water stood there all night, so looks like all my repairs paid off.
We have had some big storms here recently and this was a great test.
Driving down the highway, behind a large 18 wheeler, at 70 mph, I felt a little sway back and forth (more out of the rear) but nothing major, still was able to pass and zoom off.

[loup407]

Your FJ looks great. I also haven't done the best job in photo-recording my build. I don't have a rooftop tent on my FJ, but have a fairly portly 2008 FJ, with skids, 2 batteries, ARB bumpers front and back, a fridge, etc. After I bought my A/T Horizon trailer, I swapped my OME medium rear coils for heavies. It made a big difference. When unloaded, it can be a bit harsh, but it's not bad. Fully loaded for a trip, with the trailer connected, it's perfect.
I plan on aftermarket front upper control arms, and maybe adjustable coil overs like yours, sound like you are happy with the setup.

I was particularly smiling at the pics with your kids in the tent. They must think its the best tree fort, ever. I have four little brothers and my parents took us camping all the time. It was a huge gift..all five of us love being outside.