{tab=Meet The RAPTOR}
I chose the name RAPTOR ( Reinforced Amphibious Personal Terrain Observation) for my rig. It is to be used for exploring beautiful places like Ouray, CO and others around the country. {mosimage}
History:
I followed the concept & design of the FJ for years before it ever came out for sale to the public. I read every article that was written and saved any picture I could find. I was hooked the first time I saw it.
I purchased my Toyota TRD SE FJ Cruiser in early Feb 07
TOTAL COST FROM DEALER: $34,223.00
BREAKDOWN:
The Following is a breakdown of changes that have been done to this base unit. I will be adding more as time and finances permit. The RAPTOR is an ongoing project, even now. RAPTOR is being built as an Expedition capable vehicle, so I want to be thorough in every mod that I make.
ARMOR
Road Armor - Titan Front Bumper
I decided to go with the Road Armor Titan front bumper because of the type of terrain that I will most likely encounter when off-roading. Also living in the heart of the Ozark Mountains we tend to have a lot of deer crossing the highways at night, this will also help to protect the vehicle in any unfortunate wildlife encounters. From Road Armor {mosimage}
All Pro - Rear Bumper W/ Hitch
I went with All Pro’s rear bumper because of their upcoming swing arm for fuel carriers. I have been looking at all the manufactures designs and feel that the All Pro is the best option for me. I noticed that most everyone is strapping fuel to their roof. Since no one makes a rack fuel system, I decided to design a fuel storage system myself.
I liked All Pro’s approach to carrying fuel for keeping the fuel can on both sides of the vehicle. This helps distributing the weight evenly when on the trail in an off camber situation, along with keeping the COG as low as possible. I am just waiting for All Pro to start selling the swing arm for the rear bumper. I also like the All Pro rear bumper for the departure angles it has. From All Pro Off Road
Bud Built Skids
I decided to go with Bud Built skids for my rig not only for the reputation for having well designed and tough skids, but meeting Bud in person in Ouray, CO at the first FJ Cruiser Summit. I like to support vendors that take the time to go out and meet their customers. From Bud Built
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Inchworm E-Locker Motor Skid Plate
I went with the Inchworm E-Locker because I like the design and again their products. I also got to meet them at the Summit. I felt it was prudent to protect one of the most sensitive pieces of equipment under the FJ from trail damage. It’s also backed up by the Bud Built skids. From Inchworm
All Pro Rear Lower Shock Skid Plate
I went with the All Pro Shock Skids for protection of the lower part of my Donahoe Racing rear shocks. The rear shocks on the FJ are susceptible to trail damage along the lower portion of the shock housing. The shock skids help prevent damage to my rear shocks out on the trail. From All Pro Off Road
All Pro Rear Trailing Link Skid Plate
The All Pro Training Link Skid again helps prevent any type of trail damage to my rear lower links. I am of the mindset that armor is your last line of defense before damage occurs. It could be the difference of coming home safely having wonderful stories to tell, or broken down in the middle of nowhere trying to find a way to limp off the trail, finding a part, installing it, etc. From All Pro Off Road
TRD Sliders
I am staying at this time with the TRD Sliders that came with the TRD package. I'm normally not a big fan of “OEM” accessories, they are usually are more for aesthetic purposes than function. But this is not the case with the TRD Sliders, I am very impressed with not only their fit, but also who well they're made. They are VERY heavy, which was a big surprise when removing them for the body mount chop. Maybe down the line I’ll switch to an aftermarket slider, more than likely it will be Demello’s. But right now, they are performing how they were intended.
SUSPENSION AND TIRES
Mickey Thompson 8x16 Classic Locks w/ Black Faux Bead Lock Ring
Wheels and tires were a very hard decision to make. I have owned many types of custom wheels over the years. I was looking for something a little different than what everyone else was running. I had been reading about other members that bought the MT’s, some members had rub issues when they got them on their rig’s, others stated they had no problems. I am very happy with the Mickey Thompson’s I chose. I had the chrome bead lock rings powder coated black to off-set the chrome wheels. I think that gave it a more aggressive look. From Mickey Thompson
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Dick Cepek Mud Country - 305/70R16
Tires were another area that the decision was hard to make. I was going to go with Nitto Mud Grapplers. I love how aggressive they are, but did not like that they were not siped for handling in wet conditions. In the end, I went with Dick Cepek Mud Country’s. I purchased them while visiting Rough Country in Dyersburg TN, for the Coon Creek Crawl. They are awesome off and on road, very quiet riding tires for a mud terrain. From Dick Cepek
Custom Body Mount Chop
I looked around for a competent shop to do my body mount chop. I found a small Custom Hot Rod shop that had opened up close by, and decided to see if they would be able to do the work that I wanted. I found they were from CA and used to build Sand Rails out there. I gave them some pic’s of Tina’s (VDM) chop she had done. They said great pic’s, we can do that. It looks like it came from the factory that way.
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”New Version” Donahoe Racing 3.5” Coilovers
I had a hard time deciding which suspension system that I wanted to go with. I narrowed it down to Donahoe Racing, All Pro Off-Road and King. I was lucky enough to be at the right place at the right time with some great people. I’m talking about the 2007 FJ Summit in Ouray, CO. The Saturday night at the raffle giveaway I was able to get a great deal from a member that won the Donahoe. From Donahoe Racing
Camburg Upper Control Arms
I thought I might be able to get away with using the stock UCA’s for a while, but that was not the case with using the “New” DR Coilovers. I called Jason Demello and asked him for some advice on UCA’s. In the end I bought the Camburg UCA’s. From Camburg Engineering
All Pro - Pro Link Rear Lower Control Arms with Johnny Joints
I decided to beef up the rear lower control arms on the FJ. I had noticed some other owners had some breakage out on the trail, thin walled tubing is not made for that type of abuse. It works great as long as no directional force is applied in just one area; “pushing inward” deforming the spherical wall. When that happens; catastrophic failure is almost certain. I decided to go with All Pro’s Pro Links, they are a heavy walled tubing with greaseable Johnny Joints. From All Pro Off Road
All Pro – Rear Upper Links with Johnny Joints
I also went ahead and changed out my rear upper links with the beefier All Pro upper links. I have not heard of anyone breaking an upper link yet, but why take the chance. From All Pro Off Road
Gorilla Lugs & Locks (Black)
I also went with Gorilla Lug nuts & locks for the wheels. I have black ones; I thought the color contrast looks better than having chrome. From Gorilla
RECOVERY
Warn M8000 Winch
I decided to go with a WARN M8000 winch. They have been around forever in the four wheel drive world and have established an unbeatable reputation for having the most dependable winches on the market. I will change out to synthetic line for safety reasons down the road, but will use cable until the need arises to change it. From Warn
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TRD CAI (Cold Air Intake)
I decided to go with the TRD CAI instead of the AFE because of the pictures I saw of both. With the TRD, the box is totally enclosed except for the top which is enclosed with a aluminum lid with a rubber backing held down by six Allen head screws. The only thing I will have to do is make a small transit piece that will go from the Snorkel to the CAI box.
Relocated Rear Differential & E-Locker Breathers (SCUBA Mod)
I then decided it was time to do my SCUBA MOD (a.k.a. Relocating the Rear Differential and E-Locker breather MOD). Toyota has already relocated the front Diff & transfer case breathers, but left the rears alone. I decided to relocate mine up higher, up into the engine bay where the others ones are.
LIGHTING
PIAA 510 Ion Super White Driving Lights (2)
I went with the PIAA driving lights instead of fog lights because of the height of the rig. It gives me better visibility when driving on dark roads. From PIAA
IPF 900XSD Extreme Driving Lights (2)
I spent a lot of time looking into and reading about the different off-road lights. I was looking for a light combo that would work in very rough conditions. These lights are the only ones that can be fully submerged under a foot of water while on for up to two minutes. I wanted that capability when having to forge a river crossing at night. I will say, they are a very bright white light. I'm very happy with the IPF's. From IPF
IPF 900XSS Extreme Pencil Beams (4)
I also went with the IPF 900XSS Extreme Pencil Beams for the top of the roof. These will be mounted to a custom Baja Light Bar. It will be another month or two before I receive it. From IPF
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ELECTRONICS
Lowrance 540C Baja GPS Unit
I have been looking at all the different GPS devices on the market for a long time because I do a lot of traveling. I am a spoiled when it comes to GPS screen size. I have been using my 15" laptop screen in the vehicle running a GPS for about 4 years now. I was at West Marine one day and started looking at the Lowrance units that they have on display. I went back home and jumped on Lowrance’s web site and did some research and found the 540C Baja GPS was just what I was looking for. It has a 5” screen size, it takes cards for very detailed maps of around the world. It will also handle the abuse of off-road use. I mounted it just above where the rearview mirror. This will give me a good view of the GPS while traveling. From Lowrance
Scanguage II
I bought the Scanguage II to help monitor my engine performance. I wanted to see the difference before and after I purchased my CAI. I noticed that running the Scanguage, I am able to monitor my Intake Air all the time along with many other features. I was getting about 20 –26 degrees over ambient air temp before installing my CAI. Once I installed the it, I was able to not only hear and feel the difference but I could see the difference on the Scanguage. My intake air temps dropped to now 4-5 degrees over ambient. I think everyone should have the Scanguage. What a great tool. I watch it more than I watch the instrument gauge cluster in the vehicle. From Linear Logic
ARB Roof Half Rack
I was going to buy the All Pro roof rack then shorten it down to a "Half Rack" but in the end, I felt it wasn't going to be cost effective. I think it would have looked great, but it would have cost well over $1,500 by the time it was all said and done. I saw another member’s vehicle with the ARB Half rack on it. I liked how sturdy and well-made ARB products are, so that is what I plan to go with. From ARB
{tab=Full RAPTOR Mod List}
ARMOR
Road Armor - Titan Front Bumper
All Pro - Rear Bumper W/ Hitch
Bud Built Front Skid plate
Bud Built Middle Skid plate
Bud Built Transmission & Transfer Case Skid plate
Bud Built Rear Cross member
Bud Built Fuel Tank Skid Plate
Inchworm E-Locker Motor Skid Plate
All Pro Rear Lower Shock Skid Plate
All Pro Rear Trailing Link Skid Plate
All Phase Rear Differential Skid plate (Ordered)
TRD Sliders
Pro One Side Mirror Light Guards
MANIK Tail Light Guards
SUSPENSION AND TIRES
Mickey Thompson 8x16 Classic Locks w/ Black Faux Bead Lock Ring
Dick Cepek Mud Country - 305/70R16
Custom Body Mount Chop
”New Version” Donahoe Racing 3.5” Coilovers
Donahoe Racing rear Shocks & Springs
Camburg Upper Control Arms
All Pro - Pro Link Rear Lower Control Arms with Johnny Joints
All Pro – Rear Upper Links with Johnny Joints
All Pro - Ultimate Sway Bar Links (Not Installed yet)
Gorilla Lugs & Locks (Black)
RECOVERY
Warn M8000 Winch
Warn Fairlead Roller
Warn Receiver Hitch W/ Recovery Shackles
4 Ton Come-Along
(2) 3.5 Ton Shackles
ARB Tree Saver
ARB Snatch Block
ARB Safety Cover
ARB Snatch Strap
ARB Tow Strap
ARB Large Recovery Storage Bag
Hi-Lift 48” Extreme Jack
Hi-Lift Base
ENGINE PERFORMANCE
TRD CAI (Cold Air Intake)
Relocated Rear Differential & E-Locker Breathers (SCUBA Mod)
ARB Safari Snorkel (Custom Install to CAI)
Std TRD package SS Exhaust System
Mobile One Synthetic Engine Oil
Mobile One Filter
LIGHTING
PIAA 510 Ion Super White Driving Lights (2)
IPF 900XSD Extreme Driving Lights (2)
IPF 900XSS Extreme Pencil Beams (4)
Red Neon Under-dash Lighting (Night Vision) Driver & Passenger sides
Rock Blocker Head Light Covers (Smoked)
“Custom” Baja Style Light Bar (Ordered)
ELECTRONICS
SONY AM/FM CD/IPOD Player
Cobra 148 NW ST Sound Tracker SSB CB Radio
Lowrance 540C Baja GPS Unit
Uniden CT7 Police Scanner
Related Articles
Scanguage II
3’ Fire Stick CB Antenna
Bandi CB Mount
Whistler Radar Detector
SAFETY
Duel Vehicle Horns
Emergency Window Breakage Tool
Fire Extinguisher
Sceptor 5gal. Fuel Cans (2)
Tire Plugs, Patches & Tools
JB Weld (For Extreme Trail Breakage)
Heavy Work Gloves
Signal Flares
ARB Recovery Damper (Ordered)
Survival Kit (Very Comprehensive)
CCW Weapon Mount
TOOLS & TRAIL EQUIPMENT
Fiskars Axe
Fiskars Shovel
Maxx Air Compressor
Staun Tire Deflator
Heavy Duty 4x4 Tire Gauge w/deflator button
Tool Kit including Hack Saw, Breaker Bar
ARB Roof Half Rack (Coming Soon)
Spare Vehicle Fuses
Gorilla Duct Tape
S.S. Bailing Wire
Large Breaker Bar
35mm Socket (Hubs)
GoJo Hand Cleaner
FJC Spare Parts including (2) CV Boots, (2) Upper Rear Links, (2) Rear Lower Links, Serpentine Belt, more to add
ADDITIONS
Custom Wet Okole Seat Covers
Vent Visors
Stant Locking Gas Cap
RAM Laptop Vehicle Mount
Ellis Precision CNC Billet Aluminum grab handles
Ellis Precision CNC Billet Aluminum Battery Clamp
Window Tint 5% Driver & Passenger Side windows / All Rear Windows 20%
CUSTOM PERSONAL MOD’s
Removed stock emblems
Blacked out Mirrors, Door Handles & Bezel
Blacked out Front Turn Signals & Rear Tail Lights
Shorted Shifter 3"
Installed Custom Shifters
Door Sill Custom MOD
Removed Plastic Fenders
CLEANING ITEMS I USE
303 Aerospace Protectant for all Exterior Plastic
Mr. Clean Car Wash System For Exterior
FUTURE ITEMS TO BE ADDED
All Pro Rear Bumper Swing Out Spare Fuel Carrier (Ordered)
Outback Air System (Coming Soon)
ARB X-Jack Exhaust Jack
Duel Optima Battery Setup
Synthetic Winch Line
Complete CV Axe setup (Spare)
S.S. Break Lines
Spare Radiator Hoses Upper & Lower
VIAIR Reserve onboard Air System (Running Air Tools)
MOBI-ARC 200x
SCORPION Mount
{tab=Photo Gallery}
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