FJ Cruisers to run Desoto trail

[DREDnot]

Did not want to hijack the new car thread so I will start this one...

About the Desoto mine trail run with the FJ Cruiser team.
Did a quick search and found this for Sat. 6/10/06

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=92458

[SavageSun4x4]

I know someone is gonna suggest this:

No, I wouldn't think it would be a good idea to go show them how its done. Yes there are a lot of folks here that can run circles around the new FJ Crusier, but lets not show our asses in front of them and make butts out of Jeep folks.:cool:

[joedokes28]

Don, I agree with you, but I would like to watch them. I can borrow a Toyota to kind of "fit in"

My dad has a stock 4x4 tacoma with bfg a/t's that I could drive. Will that make it through desoto mine? :D

[westy]

A stock Tacoma 4x4 may be able to make it through but I would not suggest it, especially if it doesnt have the e-locker. Without sliders and a rear locker you will be asking for body damage and you may need a strap to make a couple of the climbs.

[joedokes28]

I was more kidding than anything, but thanks for the tips.

I would really like to see these rigs in action though. Hopefully they post up some good pics.

[etropic]

here we are fighting about sharing waypoints... they scanned the wells guide and put it up in it's full copywritten glory :P

[k7mto]

FWIW, it says...

"This event will be open to ALL VEHICLES with 2-speed transfer cases. Come on out, see the FJ Cruiser go, and show off your brand's rig."

Reading through the posts there is at least one Jeep owner planning on attending and they welcomed him with open arms.

I have better things to do, but I wouldn't discourage any Jeep owners who are genuinely interested in seing how the FJ does from attending. I would agree with Don, though, that no Jeep owners should go just to "show off" (not sure one could show off on DeSoto anyway).

[SavageSun4x4]

FWIW, it says...

"This event will be open to ALL VEHICLES with 2-speed transfer cases. Come on out, see the FJ Cruiser go, and show off your brand's rig."

Reading through the posts there is at least one Jeep owner planning on attending and they welcomed him with open arms.

I have better things to do, but I wouldn't discourage any Jeep owners who are genuinely interested in seing how the FJ does from attending. I would agree with Don, though, that no Jeep owners should go just to "show off" (not sure one could show off on DeSoto anyway).
You are right, if you go, leave your attitude at home.

[joedokes28]

My rig is bone stock and I'm not the best driver.

If I went, the new FJ's probably would be showing me up...bragging about showing up a Rubicon, etc.

I'm not sure if my pride could handle that. :D

[azshtr]

My favorite comment on that thread is "has it been trimmed/debrushed lately?" . Jeez man, its an offroad trail!

[My1stJeep]

My rig is bone stock and I'm not the best driver.

If I went, the new FJ's probably would be showing me up...bragging about showing up a Rubicon, etc.

I'm not sure if my pride could handle that. :D

I went with a friend with a stock Rubi, were a couple spots he had to take a different line as it was not tall enough, which you can understand since mine is on 35" tires. However he did really well, and he is a novice driver but was very good at following his spotter when he needed to.

[FrenchChili]

The only challenging part for a stock vehicle(my opinion) would be the rock garden...at the end of the trail. The rest should be fairly easy picking a good line.

[My1stJeep]

The only challenging part for a stock vehicle(my opinion) would be the rock garden...at the end of the trail. The rest should be fairly easy picking a good line.


True, unless you opt for the optional waterfalls... :D

[FrenchChili]

lol, true

[jeepsonly]

I'm curious how well they perform. If anyone goes, please take pics.

[joedokes28]

The run was 6/10.

I don't think anyone from here went.

[jeepsonly]

LOL, oops. :-)

[etropic]

I went...

I took a ton of pics, I'll have them all up by early afternoon.

In a word... Jeep baby ;) (ok that was two words).

[DREDnot]

Good job,E!
I had planned to go but had to work:(
Im gonna check for pics over on the cruiser board,too.

[Jdemonto@Airpark Jeep Sales]

No pics yet, It appears they were tseting some items..Word from inside line is there is a rubicon version this summer and a open top by next summer, expect to see these on the trails very soon!!! I think they are fugly!!!! The only retro parts is the front grill and two-tone paint!!! The new wrangler will stomp these out of production..The other word on the street is landrover building a usa version of the NEW defender 90...should be out in 2008 but will be pricey $$$$50k

Jason

http://forum.ih8mud.com/showthread.php?t=92458&page=2

[etropic]

Ya, like that site says...

We split into 2 groups 39 to desoto and the rest on an "easier" trail. Although I must admit Desoto was sort of a let down as far as difficulty.

It was a great day. 100 yards of wheeling followed but 1+ hour dead stops while the visitors drove the FJ's. BUt it was fun...

Went out to dinner with two of the FJ driver crew as well. Yes, a soft top is coming...

Pics are coming soon...

[etropic]

Posted up some pics !!

Here are a select few...

http://www.aztrailz.com/gallery/desoto/Desoto032.jpg

http://www.aztrailz.com/gallery/desoto/Desoto057.jpg

You can check out the whole gallery (including the other vehicles and my groups rubicons here) (http://www.aztrailz.com/desoto_gallery.asp)

I havn't posted up a report or anything, just the pics

[jeepsonly]

Wow, cool. Thanks for the pics!

So the new FJ does have some wheel travel:

http://www.aztrailz.com/gallery/desoto/Desoto091.jpg

Though not THIS much:

http://www.aztrailz.com/gallery/desoto/Desoto168.jpg

They're still pretty neat though. I'd like to see what with a lift and bigger tires.

[westy]

Wow, cool. Thanks for the pics!

So the new FJ does have some wheel travel:

http://www.aztrailz.com/gallery/desoto/Desoto091.jpg

Though not THIS much:

http://www.aztrailz.com/gallery/desoto/Desoto168.jpg

They're still pretty neat though. I'd like to see what with a lift and bigger tires.


FJ Cruiser w/ lift -

http://www.allprooffroad.com/images/stories/with_35s.jpg

http://www.allprooffroad.com/images/stories/fj_front_bumper_full_view.jpg

[joedokes28]

Those pics are great.

So I looks like the FJ is a decent off road vehicle in stcok form. It will be interesting to see what becomes of them once the aftermarket really gets going. They appear to be a sales success for toyota as I've seen about 50 on the road in central phx.

[etropic]

There were a ton of purchased ones there as well.

The most modified had a 3" lift, you almost couldn't tell.

They look to be a great stock Off Roader. As long as you are ok with the longer wheel base Idea. Again, not much room underneath to fit any passing rocks, so you would need to be that much more carefull, althogh the cheesy skid plates did seem to hold thier own.

[jeepsonly]

35's, yeah that's better. Wow, it looks a lot bigger than the old FJ40 now. Wonder how they look next to each other. We'll have one here next month so maybe I can find a local FJ Cruiser to pose it with.

[westy]

The top pic is with 35" BFGs and the bottom pic is 285s, both on 17s I believe.

[westy]

Look for the next Ultimate Adventure vehicle from petersons 4wheel drive to be a FJ Cruiser on 60s F/R, 39" Crawlers....etc