Nick On The Rubicon - 2009 Metal Tech Invitational

[conroyz28]

What is tha thorrible popping sound comming from his rig???

[lastgreatroadtrip]

he runs 35" tires and on full extension in the right position, his tires would rub against a bit of plastic in the wheel well making that pluck sound. Since than he has added a rear long travel with taller springs eliminating the issue.

[highdesertjim]

Do they make a locking front diff?

[lastgreatroadtrip]

ARB makes a locker for the front that will work. IMHO the A-trac with a Total Chaos long travel kit provides more advantages across multiple terrains. Of course if you only do big rock go with a solid axle swap and a front locker.

[highdesertjim]

Is this an automatic? Seemed to be on the brakes around 3:00 instead of crawling in compound low?

I want an FJ but heard about the weak ring and pinion. Has this problem been fixed by Toyota? If not,

would a Currey 9" be the best option? Nice video

[lastgreatroadtrip]

thanks glad you like the video. Yes this is an auto... he was in 4lo and used the brakes to control his crawl. All the FJCs on this run were using stock transfer cases. The very very early 07 autos had a weak third member. Toyota replaced them if they broke and changed them in manufacturing. They have been fine since. But there are still some early 07 FJCs out there w/ the weak gears.

[77toyota]

@lastgreatroadtrip how can you tell if a fj has the weak gears?

[lastgreatroadtrip]

@77toyota goto the fJ Forum fjcruiserforums (dot) com and search on third member break and you will get in of how to locate and decipher the build date.