I noticed some slight chassis flex during moderate rock climbing. It's not objectionable, but with no B-pillar it's almost expected to hear slight door flexing. I think a chassis brace would help, replacing the diagonal bracing protecting the rear cats with a parallelogram or X-brace spanning the frame rails. Any such animal out there?

 

I'm sure if there was one out there it would be known about considering everything new for the FJ is. Sounds like a good idea though.
I could see it's size being a shipping obstacle so maybe custom fab work would be a better solution.

 

Discos would be nice if they were easy to activate.

 

Alternatively, maybe swaybar discos would help while increasing flex. Meanwhile, I'll see if the X-Runner brace could be adapted.

 

what you might be hearing also is the rear and front doors ive noticed it jsut hitting bumps , and my buddies ford ranger with the similar door set up kindof does the same thing.

airrikk17

 

I called the ARB distributor this morning to talk about FJ chassis flex. They know it well from their tests of a stock vs. modified FJ. They said their sliders increase chassis rigidity with larger gussets and mounting brackets than OEM's, and their winch bumper helps further. In effect, both add longitudinal and torsional bracing. He said their new rear bumper with integrated hitch should help even more.

Maybe similar gains could be made with other aftermarket brands or tweaks like a really beefy set of skids that stiffen things down under. Get it?

Anywho, if you need another reason to justify some mods, there you go.

 

Cool, hopefully my Bentup sliderz I have on help.
And the ARB front bumper is going on soon, so that should help.

An you know the rear ARB will be going on later too after it is available

 

Bob, would the topo map mod on the ARB FJ Cruiser help too?

 

Heh, it would be cool to have a topo of your favorite run painted on the hood facing the driver. Leave the map home.

 

heres some skid plates might help out with the rigidity not sure how heavy duty they are though .

http://www.man-a-fre.com/fjcruiser/f...ates4+plus.htm

airrikk17

 

Thanks for the link.

I see a few potential problems. The existing primary stiffeners, the tubular chassis braces running from the frame rails to the cross-members, are eliminated. The skids have few attachment points and overlap at those points with smallish looking bolts. Would be better to have one continuous welded piece with fasteners every foot at most. They're prolly good at being skids, but IMO removing the braces is counterproductive.

 

Bud @ Budbuilt has a complete set of skids for the FJ Cruiser, or you can order 1, 2, or 3.

Right on his front page.
http://www.budbuilt.com/new/

I am getting a set down the trail, ah er road as they say

 

Oh, nice, and they retain the braces too.