Originally Posted by PHX FJ

Just picked up a 2008 Trail Teams, pretty much stock except for some reason the previous owner took off the roof rack. I have tons of ideas, but am having a hell of a time figuring out the specifics. pretty new to serious off-roading.

Suspension: I am thinking a 3" lift with 33's. I love the ride as it is, the trails teams has the bilstein shocks on all four, so I was thinking maybe just a body lift? But I always heard you should stay away from body lifts, plus I have been doing some research and OME seems pretty bad-ass. And what about a Stabilizer? What are your thoughts?

OME is not pretty bad-ass. They are a good entry level suspension, but bad-ass, no. Since you have the Bilstein's, you could just get new springs all around and get some lift.

Engine: The 2008 isn't sport tuned, so it only has 249 hp, but it has the 4:83 gears I think (it is a 6 speed manual 4wd). It does have the TRD exhaust, which as far as I can tell goes all the way back to the cat. I was thinking intake and a snorkel, headers, short throw shifter, and maybe a chip, but again I dont know specifics. On the intake there are stage 2's and all kinds of options I dont get.

Are you racing this FJ, driving in the desert, or crawling it? Seems like you're more concerned with making more horsepower, which there is nothing wrong with that, but more horsepower, for the most part, just gives you a better top end. With the exception of baja speed stuff, most offroading is slower, with lots of torque being more desirable.


Roof Racks and Bumpers: All I know for sure is I want light weight and high ground clearance on the bumper, and aluminum on the rack, right?

If you want light weight and high ground clearance on the bumper, I'd suggest looking at tube bumpers. There are a number of different manufacturers. Roof rack... I don't know of a single one that is aluminum. They are all steel.

So if there is anything I missed and you think I need, or you have thoughts on specific brands, please let me know. If you're in Phoenix or close by and know of any clubs to join thats cool too.

thanks,

Colin