ICON 4×4 Customized FJ44 Hardtop Is a Modern Masterpiece
If you want an FJ that stays true to its roots, but is thoroughly modern and off-road capable, ICON 4×4 has the rig for you.
If you have heard of ICON 4×4, then you know their meticulous builds are really worthy of admiration. They are lightened, stiffened, raised and empowered. Jonathan Ward is driving one of his newest creations in the form of this FJ44 hardtop. Although ICON’s creations take time, Ward explains why hardtops like this one are particularly tricky. “We’re taking vintage hardtop and door panels – which are getting really hard to find and always need work – we’re making them align with the new aluminum bodies which takes a lot of finesse,” Ward explains. That’s because with the additional doors, they are grafting door skins for front and rear use, and having to use three separate hard tops just to make the sheet metal for the roof. Daunting to say the least.
But if you’re going to make something special, you might as well go all in. The interior of this Toyota is thoroughly modern with LED lighting and instruments. ICON makes their own set of instruments for the FJ, and a lot of the interior is bespoke.
Ward notes they use, “the ICON milled aluminum sport pedals, the machined parking brake handle, dash knobs, and Dakota digital gauge pack.” Along with that, all new textiles throughout make it essentially a brand new vehicle, the likes of which could fend off any Mercedes G-wagon in terms of quality.
The typical FJ owner wants a vehicle that is capable off-road. Worry not, because ICON did not pass up that opportunity. Axles are of the Dana 44 and Dana 60 variety. Locking differentials are of course part of the package as well. Power sent to the axles via two speed transfer case and automatic transmission. ICON sport brakes are at the extremities of those axles, and their own coilover system controls wheel travel. There’s even a neat hidden winch. But under the hood is where the Toyota parts stop. ICON has chosen to go with the GM LS3 V8 in favor of Toyota power. We don’t at all think that’s the end of the world, because it turns one of our favorite off-roaders into a trail stormer.
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