The FJ

[Willie H]

The whole reason for adding these parts started a few weeks ago. First, Carcacre bent the right LCA. Not too bad, but enough to drive me nuts knowing it was damaged. Next the springs, a recent trip to Coyote Canyon loaded with 3 peoples gear left me with about an INCH of space between the tire and fender. I was worried I would not even make up the rock falls that day. Time to fix things...

Yesterday Ralphie and I spend a few hours installing the new lower control arms, rear coils ,extended brake lines and cranking up the DR coil overs. Everything we in fairly easy. We stared the day off with a new batch of beer, which was the first experience I have ever had making home brew. Interesting and smelly, but pretty fun anyway. After the brew was done, we started working. Everything went pretty good, the only issues were some tight bolts on the LCAs and one brake line nut. After the rear was put back together the front coil overs were adjusted up to level the truck out. It is a HUGE difference in how it looked before. I'm sure after the springs settle I will end up tossing in a one inch or so lift block to bring it back level and stiff. I will be heading to Memphis next week, so it may get done there. I'm going Monday to get an alignment done, I hope all goes well with that! My little truck is growing up.

Ralphie working the brake lines

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Still working brake lines

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Before the lift, saggy back end not loaded down

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No more sag!

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[OLLIE]

Go to TIreworld on Broadway in Chula Vista for your alignment. They are good at what they do and will take care of you. Talk to Ruben or Gabe. I doubt you'll beat their price either. Tell them I pointed you their direction. I don't get any kick backs but they do a lot of work for me.

[salad_man]

Looking good, good for more gear now, ha ha

[Willie H]

Looking good, good for more gear now, ha ha

That's the plan!

[BorregoWrangler]

Everything is looking great! I love the rear storage system you have in there. I might just have you hook me up with something like that when I get into a newer rig.

[Willie H]

Thanks John! We built the drawers in an afternoon for under $200. It has been really nice having the extra organization in the truck too, it keeps me sane and ready at the drop of a dime for camping. It still has a few modifications I wana do to it though. It's a world of difference in how I used to have to pack the jeep out.

[Willie H]

Well, between transferring to a new command, getting ready for a new baby, CERT training, and some summer fishing I finally made some time to work on the truck. I spent part of the afternoon helping Ralphie with steering links and found some motivation to get to work on a few projects I have been putting off. First off I pulled out the ol'electrical box and installed 3 switched 12v constant plugs. That is something I have been wishing for since I first brought the truck home. I cannibalized a store bought unit and put them next to the gear shifter like Ollie has his. Mine don't look as Gucci as his, but I do have plans to swap them out for the inline West Marine unit since the wiring is now there. That will be a quick fix, but for the time being... it works great.

Second I have gotten to work on the lap top mount and some "less beat up" pieces for my Toughbook. I ordered a new screen case with all the plastics intact from eBay, so I'm waiting for that to show in the next few days. I am also on the hunt for a 12v adapter for the truck, so I can do away with using the inverter. It is a royal PITA running the laptop with that thing since my battery is shot. I have seen a lot of them from several web sites that retail for about 20bucks. Not bad, but I would like to find one local. If that plan don't pan out, I'll pull the trigger with Bob Johnson since I have done business with them already. I would also like to install a bulkhead mount USGobalSAT MR-350. Any advice with this unit would be great! The DeLorme LT-40 works great, but I wana go with a more permanent solution. That is all in the near future and pending funding, so on to what is in the garage now... I have begun engeneering a mount system for the Jotto Desk I scored on CL a while back. The purchase included a no drill mount for a 2004 Dodge Ram. NOT EVEN CLOSE to a no drill for an FJ. Turns out Jotto Desk don't even make a no drill for the FJ, only a universal base. For those who are not familiar with this base, it is just a plate with 2 ears and a post in the center. Well... a hack saw, a grinder and a welder is going to fabricate one from the parts of Dodge base. More to come on this cheap mod as find time. Soon though. I am taking the family to Big Bear in a couple of weeks and have a goal of rolling up there with the Toughbook mounted and tracking. Ill post some pics up tomorrow when the sun is up... After the CERT communication team meeting too, yup I'm trying to put that FCC license to good use.

I also got a new med bag. For anyone who has seen Ralphie's RED Voodoo Tactical bag, I got the same one. That thing rad. You can find them at the Cross Roads Gun shoe for less than 20bucks! Which, there is a gun show this weekend.

I hope everyone is doing well. It's been a while since I have seen anyone, pretty busy these days.
Cheers

[salad_man]

Great progress, any pictures you might have of that medical bag? I need a new one for my rig as well.

[Willie H]

Pictures of the new med kit. You can buy these stocked for about 100.00, or empty for around 19.00 at Cross Roads Gun Show. It is made by VooDoo Tactical, and is listed as MOLLE Compatible MIlitary Style M3 Medic Bag. Sorry about the pictures, I don't know why they are sideways and have a scroll bar. help

This is where it is stored in the FJ. No mistaking where the First Aid kit is...

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Closed up, shown next a text I'm sure most of us have or are familiar with

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bag opened up

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Other cool stuff found at the gun show Guns'n Coffee... nuff said

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New pictures

[salad_man]

Thanks for the pics, that is an awesome bag and sticker. That show comes up here to Ontario at the end of the month, cant wait!