Featured Rides: Tony’s 2007 FJ Cruiser

Chances are you’ve already seen Tony and his FJ, because trust me, they’re both hard to miss. 

Tony and I first met after an epic trip to Kentucky for Holly’s LS Fest, after quickly learning we both shared a love of “V8’s and Steak” we quickly became good friends.

Two guys one sled, never a good combination

He got into overlanding after experiencing a few great trips off road, and some great drunken nights around a campfire. We managed to get him into an FJ Cruiser, and just like everything else he does, he went all in.

While Tony is new to the off road game, he’s not new to the world of vehicle modifications. Coming from a drift car background, he knows a lot about building a solid platform and what happens when you don’t.

He started off with a low mileage 2007 FJ Cruiser in the fall of 2013, and after dozens of hours at the garage he’s ended up with one of the most capable FJ Cruisers out on the road.

 

2013 Northeast Overland Rally:

Tony’s first trip out on the trails was a trial by fire. He literally bought the truck 2 weeks before the event, and only threw on a set of factory sized mud tires and some OEM rock sliders. He hit the trails like a champ and was definitely hooked.

Red Cloud:

Red Cloud is quite literally in our backyard, so it’s become a proving ground for us where we can test new mods, and practice our recovery skills. Tony’s FJ handles the most challenging terrain there with ease, and he’s not afraid of using a little skinny pedal to get out of a tight spot.

2014 Vermont Overland Trophy:

For this year’s 2014 Vermont Overland Trophy, Tony volunteered his FJ Cruiser for use as our press vehicle. We flew down numerous trails, became intimate with plenty of trees and rocks, but the FJ didn’t let us down. Except for the one time we experienced some massive brake fade…

Tony’s FJ is his daily driver and his commute takes him to downtown DC where he trades trees and rocks for pedestrians and Prius’. Some people think he’s crazy but when it comes to practical anyone who knows Tony knows he’s anything but.

Current Modifications:

Tires/Wheels:

BFG KM2 285/75-17

OEM Toyota 17”

Exterior Modifications:

ARB Front Bumper

Superwinch Talon SR 9500

100ft Synthetic Line w/ Factor 55 Prolink

All-Pro Heavy Duty Rock Sliders

Warrior Rack w/ 50” Lightbar

Kaymar Rear Bumper w/ Jerry Can Holder

RCI Skid Plates

Suspension:

Bilstein 5100 Front

Bilstein 5150 Rear

Light Racing UCA’s

Eibach Toytech Springs (4” Lift)

Rear 1.5” Spacers

Differential Drop Kit

Interior Modifications:

1200 Watt Inverter

Cobra 75 WX ST w/ 48” Firestik

iPad Ram Mount

Pioneer Headunit with Nav

ARB CKMA12 Onboard Air