The TAP crew are former FJ owners. We recently spoke to Kevin Clark about his 2012 nicely modified and capable FJ. Here is Kevin’s rundown on his rig.
Over the years I’ve had my fair share of motorcycles, fast cars and big 4×4 trucks. I’ve always been an avid outdoorsman and although I still love motorcycles and traditional American muscle cars, I found that my 1970 Dodge Challenger was not the best suited vehicle for my adventures, so I started off-roading in big 4×4 F250’s and Ram 2500’s; finding new places to camp, fish or hunt.
In 2007, I got my first look at the Toyota FJ Cruiser and just knew that someday I’d have to drive one. Six years later, I bought my 2012 FJ Cruiser and the rest is history!
I had been going off-roading for years, so I knew that I needed to add some upgrades to ensure that my vehicle was well equipped to safely tackle challenging terrain. My goal was to be able to go on a variety of expeditions into remote areas for fishing, kayaking, hunting and camping. I asked a lot of people what sort of modifications I would need to ensure safe travels, and got some solid advice. The modifications I made to my FJ are listed below.
Modifications:2012 Toyota FJ Cruiser
-Icon Vehicle Dynamics V.S. 2.5 Series Coilovers & Shocks & V.S. 2.5 Series RR Rear Shocks-Camburg Upper Control Arms – Uni-Ball Set
-Old Man Emu rear coil springs: heavy
-Toyo Tires: Open Country 285.75.17’s
-FJ Cruiser Trail Series Diamond Style Front Bumper w/ Hella Optilux lights
-TJM Stealth Series 9000 Winch w/ Synthetic Winch Rope
-BudBuilt stainless steel skid plates and sliders w/bump Out
-BozTec rear diff skid plate and Falcon Fab lower link amour.
-Rhino Rack Back Bone w/ Pioneer Platform (84 x 56) and assorted Pioneer Brackets
-Assorted gear for recovery (straps, tools, shovel, Hi-Lift, etc.)
-Swift Major Emergency Medical first aid kit
-Fire Extinguisher
-Finally: 2015 Turtle back trailer with all the good stuff
Up Coming Projects
– Total Lighting Package
– 30” KC C-Series offroad LED light bar. 1-20” KC C-Series offroad LED light bars
– 6” KC C-Series offroad LED light bars w/ 3″ C3 LED Pair Pack System
– 2″ Cyclone LED Single Light
– The Hood Project: top secret at this point
– A rear door drawer system.
I’d like to give recognition to some great individuals for their knowledge, time and experience.
My build credit goes to William Kuhns and his crew at Sierra Expeditions. Thank you.
My friends and members of AZFJ.
Dave Munsterman at Turtleback Trailers.
Article and photos: Kevin Clark
Editor: Lori Palmer
That’s a nice rig!
I have a white FJ but my skids and sliders are black. I like the orange. I may have to repaint mine. That looks awesome!