I really think the bulging and cracking has to do with an aftermarket front bumper and lift kit! But I believe that if you install skid plates that this would help with the body flex and the crack wouldn't happen........ Just a theory though......

BTW, I have had my FJ since June '06 and 15K miles, no bulge or crack.... Same windsheild as when I drive it off the lot!!!! I am one of those who loves my rig.

 

There are some though that are totally stock that are bulging.

 

Must be PPG, Pittsburgh Paint and Glass?

 

Dangit, now I want ice cream.

My buddy Sonny's FJ has had the OME lift for several months, and has had his bumpers on for about a month. To this date, no cracks or bulges. He is keeping an eye out for it, though.

 

CJ, if mine starts to bulge, I will just use the stuff in your sig line.

Seriously, I am not worried about it if it does.
I have a 7 year warranty on my rig.
If the engine even fails within that time period, I get a free engine.

I did not go cheap on this rig.

 

Yeah, it's the oldest fix in the book!


No kidding!

My extended warranty is up at 85K miles. I'm guessing something will go out at 86K.

 

Well if that is the case, my warranty will be up at 63K for 7 years.
I only drove mine 9K, actually when one year was up July 24th, I only had about 8.6K on the ODO.
I just turned 9K Aug. 11th.

My daily commute is only 30 miles round trip, I do not put on many miles.

From reading that thread over on the big FJ site, a lot of dealers are still not aware of the issue, but some have been shown the poll thread over there, and Toyota corporate is aware of the issue now.

 

I did have to replace my windshield, because it stopped a brick from hitting my face while I was driving at about 70 mph. It did cost me a $500 deductible, but from what I can tell, this new factory windshield seems to be taking hits a lot better. I am wondering if they had a batch of bad windshields. I don't think I will be replacing this one within a year.

Insurance rates are cheaper for this then my '06 base model PreRunner. I don't know why and didn't ask!

This rig drives straighter then my 4Runner and Tacoma after I got it realigned right after I got it. New cars/trucks usually get a bit screwed up during delivery and that should be rather common practice. I had not heard of any shimmy problems yet...

I have heard of the metal fatigue problem, but do not personally have it. It will be covered under Toyota warranty if it does appear, though.

All in all I am very impressed with the small amount of issues for a first year vehicle, but we have to remember, this is hardly a first year vehicle. Most of it is from the land cruiser platform. I was peeved about the price of the weak windshield, but price is coming down, after market is on it, insurance covered it without any hassle, and the new one seems to uphold a bit better.

Hope you enjoy your 97 4Runner. Those were good, but the best 4Runners IMO were 95's and under. This is the first Toyota that felt as tough and capable as those earlier models. But, the FJ is by far my favorite and for too many reasons to list.

 

I have honestly been trying to break mine because I drive it so hard sometimes, and I have no problems. I haven't found a good spot to get all 4's off the ground yet... ohhh... and I'll be getting my 30,000 mile service done this Friday, so I've put a few miles on it for the first 10 months I've had it.