New to FJCs but not to Toyotas. I picked up this 07 a couple days ago. It has already been built up some, 3ish inch lift, front bumper, sliders, and other things, I will post more about that as I have a chance to dig into it a little more.
My plans are pretty simple, it's already built more than I would have done had I started from scratch, my plans are more about making it friendly to long trips, storage some electrical bits here and there. Anyway I will post more when I have more to share, thanks for checking in.

 

 

That Demello bumper gives it a good look. As you already know and have said before, you are a lucky guy.

 

Jason - nice, is this a 4Runner replacement or is this just so you are allowed to wheel with Rich?

 

I'm really happy with how this build was put together, the bumper is said to actually be one of the very first that Jason built, it has some history, and I am more than happy with how it looks.
I am blessed beyond words �

 

No and No. the 97 will not be going anywhere, I've spent to many years and way too much money getting it the way I want it.
"Allowed to wheel with Rich" that sounds harsh, I dig his FJC but my old runner will hang with it any day.
I have wanted a FJC since 07 when they came out, just finally came together for me.

 

Okay so the work begins. First on the agenda, after a heavy downpour last night I discovered I have a leak, I can only assume it's from the gobi roof rack mounts.
Second will be figuring out why the 12v aux plug in the dash isn't working so I have a way to at least charge my phone.

 

I saw your 97 at Windrock, definitely well built! I have always liked the FJCs myself. I gotta get caught up on the podcast, see what I've missed.

 

Congrats! That looks to be a great starting point.
hope the leak is an easy fix.
I had a similar leak when I extended the rack mounts on my 94. Traced into the one insert I forgot to put a dab of silicone in.

 

I think this rack has been on here for awhile. I'm sure it's wiggles around and loosened up. I'm going to just pull the mounts and reseal it and hope for the best.

 

Dang Jason... It took me a while to see what you were talking about. Congrats. It looks like a nice truck and has been built up some for you already. I will give you a call later tonight and get the low down on it. Nice looking truck and looking forward to learning more about it.

 

The Demello bumpers are the best looking for the FJ's and the taco's IMO. cant help but be a little jealous.

 

looks like it used to have a RTT on it. WAIT! Is that a closet flange on the snorkel?

 

I love the Demelo bumper. Lol and yes on the snorkel head, it's been quite the conversation piece.

 

ha well cant wait to see what you will do with it always like following along with your builds!

 

Well this one might get a little boring, I don't have any big plans for anything anytime soon.

 

So the new truck has been taken on its first road trip. 800 mls one way to visit my folks. The trip up was great, no issues other than the small trailer I was pulling decided to have a short and towards the end of the trip it kept blowing the running light fuse. The only other issue was fuel mileage, I didn't expect fantastic mileage but it was far less than I expected. So I put it in dads shop today and checked a few things over, it has an AFE intake so I pulled the filter and cleaned it, I also pulled the plugs and checked them visually they looked good so I reinstalled them, tires were a little low so added a little air. Hopefully it picks up a little, I'll keep track of it again on the way home.
I had mentioned in a previous post about having a leak in the roof, well I hadn't had a chance to do anything with it yet so we dug into that as well, I'm 100% convinced it was the rack mounts leaking, after doing a little research it seems to be a super common problem. The mounts on the passenger side had not so much as rubber washers to seal it, nothing. Dad and I ended up making some blocks out of nylon reenforced rubber blocks to install under the mounting feet on the GOBI, and then sealed those with silicone, the biggest pain was having to drop the headliner to reaffix the mounting plates that were knocked loose. Not a huge job just time consuming, hopefully it is fixed and I won't have to mess with it again.

 

Crossed fingers for you on the rack fix.

 

My daughter has wanted the fjc for quite a while. We were supposed to get her one when she graduated high school but went with the 4runner. I definately have to keep her from looking over my shoulder as i follow you on this one. Very nice rig man!

 

Well the 4runner is a fantastic option as well and I'm sure she loves it.😁