Corey's 2007 FJ Cruiser Build-Up Thread
10-06-2007, 05:56 PM
#182
Dual battery kit installed 10-6-2007
Thanks shazaam, I am having so much fun with this rig.
Onto todays new mod:
Dual battery kits are cool, and high on many an off roaders list of modifications to do.
With it you can safely start your vehicle should you accidentally run down your main battery.
This mod also goes towards the "Expedition" type of rig I am building.
A few more mods such as the Safari snorkel and perhaps a roof top tent, and a new rear bumper will round out my rig for the look/setup I am trying to achieve here.
I had my local Cartoys do the install on this, as the Clifford battery backup alarm was in the way, and I needed them to move it to keep it under my warranty with them.
I had asked them a few weeks back if they have installed dual battery kits before, and indeed they had.
They had one of their best installers on this today.
He ran into one snag which was not his fault.
The Painless provided switch is to big to fit into the dash switch blanks.
I had forgotten that Wayne had procured a smaller three way switch to go into the switch blank in the lower console.
I suggested to the installer that he could drill a hole in my drivers side air vent panel.
He was able to do that, but had to turn the switch sideways.
There was not enough room with the shape of the switch in the back to have the handle operate in the up/down position, so it now operate back and forth, left/right.
For kicks I called up my local Toyota dealer to see how much one of these vent panels go for, and it is a shocking $149 or so.
I may in the future buy a new one, and then get a switch like Wayne's and mount the switch and LEDs down below in the lower console like he did.
But it really does not look to shabby where it is now.
I just may decide that it is not worth the $150 to move the switch.
Pictures one, two, and three show the stock battery with the new positive wire coming off it it, and the other two pictures show the new Optima battery, the Painless solenoid, and the Bluetorch Fabworks battery tray.
Picture four shows the six bolts with the heads in the fenderwell with the threads pointing up.
The two at the rear of the tire and the two in front of them about one foot are the 5/16th bolts holding the battery box down.
The two up front above the Old Man Emu coil assembly are 1/4" bolts used to hold the solenoid to the fenderwell.
Picture five shows my alarm LED moved to the new location to the left of the rear diff lock switch.
Previously the LED was up on the dash between the mirror adjusters and the for lamp switch.
Picture six shows the red and green LEDs now mounted where the alarm LED use to be.
Picture six also shows the switch in its centered position.
This manes the main battery is only used for vehicle operation.
The solenoid is not activated, and the auxiliary battery is not being charged.
Picture seven shows the switch in the green light position.
The main and auxiliary batteries are connected for charging and starting, and the green light is illuminated when the key is in the on position.
The green light will not activate when the key is in the off position.
You would use this position to start your vehicle if you drained the main battery.
For example, winching with your engine off, running your stereo to serenade your friends with the engine off, or using a fridge/freezer such as like the ARB one I have, and you drained your main battery.
If that happens, you would flip the switch from the center position (main battery only connected) to the green light or the red light position, and you would then be able to crank over your engine to start the vehicle and charge the main battery.
Picture eight shows the switch in the red light position.
The main and auxiliary batteries are connected together and the red light is illuminated at all times regardless of the ignition switch position.
This will come in so handy when I am out camping running the ARB fridge for a few days.
If I accidentally drain the main battery, I will be able to have a way to start the vehicle and then charge back up the main battery.
Here are some additional pictures I grabbed off the websites below.
The box before being modified by Wayne, and a Yellow Top battery by Optima
The Painless dual battery kit showing all of the parts laid out
Parts used:
Bluetorch Fabworks battery tray
http://bluetorchfab.com/store/produc...?products_id=1
The box has been modified by member KD7NAC_07FJ (Wayne) by welding on a plate in the rear that follows the contour of the FJ Cruisers fenderwell, and thus giving it a more secure mounting by running those bolts above the rear of the tire as seen in picture four.
Painless 250 Amp Dual Battery Current Control System
http://www.painlessperformance.com/w...rchField=40102
Bought from Jegs
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...10002_20324_-1
Optima Yellow Top model D34_78
http://www.optimabatteries.com/optim.../yellowtop.php
Do an Internet search to find the best price.
I got an excellent deal on mine at my local Cartoys stereo shop.
Onto todays new mod:
Dual battery kits are cool, and high on many an off roaders list of modifications to do.
With it you can safely start your vehicle should you accidentally run down your main battery.
This mod also goes towards the "Expedition" type of rig I am building.
A few more mods such as the Safari snorkel and perhaps a roof top tent, and a new rear bumper will round out my rig for the look/setup I am trying to achieve here.
I had my local Cartoys do the install on this, as the Clifford battery backup alarm was in the way, and I needed them to move it to keep it under my warranty with them.
I had asked them a few weeks back if they have installed dual battery kits before, and indeed they had.
They had one of their best installers on this today.
He ran into one snag which was not his fault.
The Painless provided switch is to big to fit into the dash switch blanks.
I had forgotten that Wayne had procured a smaller three way switch to go into the switch blank in the lower console.
I suggested to the installer that he could drill a hole in my drivers side air vent panel.
He was able to do that, but had to turn the switch sideways.
There was not enough room with the shape of the switch in the back to have the handle operate in the up/down position, so it now operate back and forth, left/right.
For kicks I called up my local Toyota dealer to see how much one of these vent panels go for, and it is a shocking $149 or so.
I may in the future buy a new one, and then get a switch like Wayne's and mount the switch and LEDs down below in the lower console like he did.
But it really does not look to shabby where it is now.
I just may decide that it is not worth the $150 to move the switch.
Pictures one, two, and three show the stock battery with the new positive wire coming off it it, and the other two pictures show the new Optima battery, the Painless solenoid, and the Bluetorch Fabworks battery tray.
Picture four shows the six bolts with the heads in the fenderwell with the threads pointing up.
The two at the rear of the tire and the two in front of them about one foot are the 5/16th bolts holding the battery box down.
The two up front above the Old Man Emu coil assembly are 1/4" bolts used to hold the solenoid to the fenderwell.
Picture five shows my alarm LED moved to the new location to the left of the rear diff lock switch.
Previously the LED was up on the dash between the mirror adjusters and the for lamp switch.
Picture six shows the red and green LEDs now mounted where the alarm LED use to be.
Picture six also shows the switch in its centered position.
This manes the main battery is only used for vehicle operation.
The solenoid is not activated, and the auxiliary battery is not being charged.
Picture seven shows the switch in the green light position.
The main and auxiliary batteries are connected for charging and starting, and the green light is illuminated when the key is in the on position.
The green light will not activate when the key is in the off position.
You would use this position to start your vehicle if you drained the main battery.
For example, winching with your engine off, running your stereo to serenade your friends with the engine off, or using a fridge/freezer such as like the ARB one I have, and you drained your main battery.
If that happens, you would flip the switch from the center position (main battery only connected) to the green light or the red light position, and you would then be able to crank over your engine to start the vehicle and charge the main battery.
Picture eight shows the switch in the red light position.
The main and auxiliary batteries are connected together and the red light is illuminated at all times regardless of the ignition switch position.
This will come in so handy when I am out camping running the ARB fridge for a few days.
If I accidentally drain the main battery, I will be able to have a way to start the vehicle and then charge back up the main battery.
Here are some additional pictures I grabbed off the websites below.
The box before being modified by Wayne, and a Yellow Top battery by Optima
The Painless dual battery kit showing all of the parts laid out
Parts used:
Bluetorch Fabworks battery tray
http://bluetorchfab.com/store/produc...?products_id=1
The box has been modified by member KD7NAC_07FJ (Wayne) by welding on a plate in the rear that follows the contour of the FJ Cruisers fenderwell, and thus giving it a more secure mounting by running those bolts above the rear of the tire as seen in picture four.
Painless 250 Amp Dual Battery Current Control System
http://www.painlessperformance.com/w...rchField=40102
Bought from Jegs
http://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/store...10002_20324_-1
Optima Yellow Top model D34_78
http://www.optimabatteries.com/optim.../yellowtop.php
Do an Internet search to find the best price.
I got an excellent deal on mine at my local Cartoys stereo shop.
10-08-2007, 07:35 AM
#184
Thanks Bob.
I moved the 2nd horn up front and left about 2' from the stock horn.
There is a hole there that the bolt from the 2nd horn will fit into perfectly.
It is also louder with it up front too.
Stand by for the next mod...
When mod fever bites, it bites hard.
I moved the 2nd horn up front and left about 2' from the stock horn.
There is a hole there that the bolt from the 2nd horn will fit into perfectly.
It is also louder with it up front too.
Stand by for the next mod...
When mod fever bites, it bites hard.
10-08-2007, 01:52 PM
#185
Just a small update.
I had not put in the ARB fridge since adding the new fire extinguisher next to the Powertank.
Put the fridge in for the upcoming Fall Colors Run this Saturday.
I was not sure if it was going to squeeze in or not, but it fits in OK.
Tight fit back there for sure, and will still look into rotating that fridge one day 90 degrees to the right.
I had not put in the ARB fridge since adding the new fire extinguisher next to the Powertank.
Put the fridge in for the upcoming Fall Colors Run this Saturday.
I was not sure if it was going to squeeze in or not, but it fits in OK.
Tight fit back there for sure, and will still look into rotating that fridge one day 90 degrees to the right.
10-29-2007, 11:35 PM
#187
Daily 
Well, the fridge is not in there all the time.
Now you wanna talk about gear, https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f153...s-pics-128138/
Next mods to come:
M Packs, shipping this week
http://www.springtailsolutions.com/
Safari snorkel
Well, the fridge is not in there all the time.
Now you wanna talk about gear, https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f153...s-pics-128138/
Next mods to come:
M Packs, shipping this week
http://www.springtailsolutions.com/
Safari snorkel
11-10-2007, 12:42 PM
#190
Springtail M-Packs installed 11-10-2007
Beautiful sunny day here in Western Wa. with the temperature creeping up to 55 as I type.
The M-Packs and rack is in from the group buy I got in on awhile back.
Anyone interested in installing these into other rigs besides FJ Cruisers and Jeeps should contact Springtail Solutions.
All URLs will be at the bottom here.
The kit allows you to mount a rack on the rear of the FJs door, and that rack will then let you mount bags of different sizes and configurations to it.
They use the military Molle strap system, something I was not really familiar with until I saw the thread put up by the vendor on fjcruiserforums.com's site.
I suspect it is some type of setup my favorite Sci-Fi show StarGate SG1 uses on their uniforms they wear too.
Here are the parts laid out, the rack, then the bags.
The bag at the very top of the pictures goes into the compartment in the right rear.
Those with the factory subwoofer would not be able to put that bag there, as the subwoofer occupies that space.
The two big bags and the smaller ones with the two straps mount to the M-Pack rack.
The smaller one strap packs go into the front door pockets for a perfect fit.
The next set of pictures shows:
Rack mounted to the rear door
Pack in the rear right hand side compartment
Packs in the front door
Packs mounted to the rack
I have a lot of filling to do on these packs still.
The front two packs in the doors each house a Boeing first aid kit I received at work as an award for something I did
Before the first aid kits sat in the front pockets and shifted around a lot.
With them stuffed into the Molle packs there is no movement now, it is a nice tight fit.
The mounting of the packs and what you carry possibilities are endless, and using your imagination I am sure you might find a way to bring along the kitchen sink on your next overland travel, camping trip, or 4wheeling trip.
Springtail Solutions/M-Pack
Installation instructions for the rack
Installing the Molle packs onto the rack
At the main URL for Springtail are more photos and an FAQ that explains what the Molle system is.
The M-Packs and rack is in from the group buy I got in on awhile back.
Anyone interested in installing these into other rigs besides FJ Cruisers and Jeeps should contact Springtail Solutions.
All URLs will be at the bottom here.
The kit allows you to mount a rack on the rear of the FJs door, and that rack will then let you mount bags of different sizes and configurations to it.
They use the military Molle strap system, something I was not really familiar with until I saw the thread put up by the vendor on fjcruiserforums.com's site.
I suspect it is some type of setup my favorite Sci-Fi show StarGate SG1 uses on their uniforms they wear too.
Here are the parts laid out, the rack, then the bags.
The bag at the very top of the pictures goes into the compartment in the right rear.
Those with the factory subwoofer would not be able to put that bag there, as the subwoofer occupies that space.
The two big bags and the smaller ones with the two straps mount to the M-Pack rack.
The smaller one strap packs go into the front door pockets for a perfect fit.
The next set of pictures shows:
Rack mounted to the rear door
Pack in the rear right hand side compartment
Packs in the front door
Packs mounted to the rack
I have a lot of filling to do on these packs still.
The front two packs in the doors each house a Boeing first aid kit I received at work as an award for something I did
Before the first aid kits sat in the front pockets and shifted around a lot.
With them stuffed into the Molle packs there is no movement now, it is a nice tight fit.
The mounting of the packs and what you carry possibilities are endless, and using your imagination I am sure you might find a way to bring along the kitchen sink on your next overland travel, camping trip, or 4wheeling trip.
Springtail Solutions/M-Pack
Installation instructions for the rack
Installing the Molle packs onto the rack
At the main URL for Springtail are more photos and an FAQ that explains what the Molle system is.
11-10-2007, 02:33 PM
#191
Contributing Member
Now there's something I can really use. Somehow I missed the group buy, but am adding it to my Christmas list along with Griot's refills. Thanks for the pics and writeup!
11-11-2007, 04:20 AM
#192
You are welcome Bob.
This would make a great addition to your FJ Cruiser too.
I have a few loose things floating around in the back such as a homemade first aid kit I put together years ago.
I am going to put it in one of the larger packs on the rear door.
We have a new member here on the forum too who works at Griot's if you have any questions for him.
This would make a great addition to your FJ Cruiser too.
I have a few loose things floating around in the back such as a homemade first aid kit I put together years ago.
I am going to put it in one of the larger packs on the rear door.
We have a new member here on the forum too who works at Griot's if you have any questions for him.
11-11-2007, 07:24 AM
#194
Thank you ramoine.
It has been a lot of fun.
Never have I had so much fun and enthusiasm for a vehicle before.
I am almost done with it, but then I have heard those words before
A Safari snorkel is going on this Wednesday if the shop still has an opening, then next weekend I am getting all the factory junk speakers replaced and going with better quality ones, and having an amp added to power them.
Then down the road when Expedition releases their rear bumper, I will probably pick that up.
It is one of the best out right now for the FJ, and it lets you keep the rear backup sensors and the factory hitch.
Many of the other rear bumpers out there you give up the clean look of the factory hitch.
It has been a lot of fun.
Never have I had so much fun and enthusiasm for a vehicle before.
I am almost done with it, but then I have heard those words before
A Safari snorkel is going on this Wednesday if the shop still has an opening, then next weekend I am getting all the factory junk speakers replaced and going with better quality ones, and having an amp added to power them.
Then down the road when Expedition releases their rear bumper, I will probably pick that up.
It is one of the best out right now for the FJ, and it lets you keep the rear backup sensors and the factory hitch.
Many of the other rear bumpers out there you give up the clean look of the factory hitch.
11-14-2007, 02:45 PM
#195
Safari snorkel installed 11-14-2007
I was lucky enough to be one of three who got their snorkels air freighted in on October the 17th ahead of the big shipment of 80 coming in via ocean container.
The 80 snorkels arrived today down at ARB when I was there, so there are going to be some happy FJ Cruiser owners tonight!
I got my snorkel for one main reason, dust control.
I am not into water crossings, but I may encounter some in some of my future overland expeditions.
Up where I go now, it can be very dusty in the summer time when you are following a group of several rigs.
So dusty you can not see more than 15 feet in front of you sometimes, so the addition of the snorkel is an extra piece of mind keeping that air filtered better than where it enters the stock intake down in the wheel well.
We also test fitted a 7" pre-cleaner, and it will clear the pillar, but it will need an adaptor to fit the snorkel opening at the top when you take the regular intake off.
The tubes are the same size, so they will not mate since the pre-cleaner will not slip over the snorkel tube like the head does.
I am sure someone soon will figure out what size adaptor to get from a plumbing supply house.
The pre-cleaners too will cut down on your power, they do not breathe as well as the regular head.
I would only run one if I was going to be in dust/dirt for a very long time.
Here are a few pictures, not the best as it is already getting dark here.
The material is top notch, very high quality.
Bring on the dust!
Parts used
Safari snorkel part # SS410HF
http://www.safarisnorkel.com/snorkel...hf/ss410hf.htm
Installation instructions
http://www.safarisnorkel.com/guides/...hf/ss410hf.htm
The 80 snorkels arrived today down at ARB when I was there, so there are going to be some happy FJ Cruiser owners tonight!
I got my snorkel for one main reason, dust control.
I am not into water crossings, but I may encounter some in some of my future overland expeditions.
Up where I go now, it can be very dusty in the summer time when you are following a group of several rigs.
So dusty you can not see more than 15 feet in front of you sometimes, so the addition of the snorkel is an extra piece of mind keeping that air filtered better than where it enters the stock intake down in the wheel well.
We also test fitted a 7" pre-cleaner, and it will clear the pillar, but it will need an adaptor to fit the snorkel opening at the top when you take the regular intake off.
The tubes are the same size, so they will not mate since the pre-cleaner will not slip over the snorkel tube like the head does.
I am sure someone soon will figure out what size adaptor to get from a plumbing supply house.
The pre-cleaners too will cut down on your power, they do not breathe as well as the regular head.
I would only run one if I was going to be in dust/dirt for a very long time.
Here are a few pictures, not the best as it is already getting dark here.
The material is top notch, very high quality.
Bring on the dust!
Parts used
Safari snorkel part # SS410HF
http://www.safarisnorkel.com/snorkel...hf/ss410hf.htm
Installation instructions
http://www.safarisnorkel.com/guides/...hf/ss410hf.htm
11-14-2007, 02:52 PM
#196
Contributing Member
If the neighbor's cat disappears, you'll know where it went.
Awesome, and congrats on being one of the first, again!
Simply amazing what you've done to make yours one of the most unique in the country in such a short time.
Awesome, and congrats on being one of the first, again!
Simply amazing what you've done to make yours one of the most unique in the country in such a short time.
11-14-2007, 03:01 PM
#198
Thanks Bob.
He he, we have a ton of cats around here too.
Bob, I am getting near completion on the rig, yeah yeah, famous last words
Gotta do a few more stereo upgrades, a rear bumper, and perhaps a roof top tent.
My goal with the rig is to make it into an overland/expedition type rig, not a rock crawler.
Thanks Ramoine, I will have to tell the curious that it is a grenade launcher when they ask what it is.
He he, we have a ton of cats around here too.
Bob, I am getting near completion on the rig, yeah yeah, famous last words
Gotta do a few more stereo upgrades, a rear bumper, and perhaps a roof top tent.
My goal with the rig is to make it into an overland/expedition type rig, not a rock crawler.
Thanks Ramoine, I will have to tell the curious that it is a grenade launcher when they ask what it is.
11-14-2007, 03:03 PM
#199
Contributing Member
Join Date: Mar 2003
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aaahh I remember cutting the hole in the fender for my snorkel. I think it was easier to cut open a person then it was for me to take that hole saw to the side of the truck. looks good. Be prepared to get alot of looks, and questions.
