FJ Cruiser Build

[JohnnyAnguish]

OK, let's call this one ready for the trails. I commemorated the occasion by taking a few photos as I gave it a quick test run in the yard.

Now, time to get it dirty...


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

[JohnnyAnguish]

I finally got to take advantage of the warm December we've been having in New England and got this guy out on the trails.

First attempt didn't go so well. After a few uneventful backyard sessions, something got really glitchy with the throttle out on the trail. I didn't have much time, so I bagged the session. The next day I did some investigating and found that it's something to do with the light controller. I might have a loose connection or something. I just took it out for now so I could get back on the trails.

The second attempt went much better... for a while. I started out thinking I'd just do a mile or so, but I was having so much fun I decided to do my two mile route. The truck definitely needs some help in the steering department (especially travel, although I suspect the tolerable-for-now slop will only get worse with age), but it's pretty capable. I never got hung up to the point that I got couldn't get unstuck. I did, however, drive the rear axle right off the truck. Apparently in my haste to get this thing going before the weather got too bad I neglected to take the extra precaution of applying Loctite to the rear ball nut thingies and one of the screws backed out. Oops. Only had to carry the truck home about 1/2 mile...

All in all I'm liking the truck. I look forward to more adventures with it.


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr



Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

[eddievedder]

Great looking CC01! Looks just like a stock Trail Teams Edition FJC

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by eddievedder

Great looking CC01! Looks just like a stock Trail Teams Edition FJC

Thanks! That's the overall look I was going for.

[JohnnyAnguish]

After getting the rear axle re-installed (with Loctite!), I got the FJ cruiser back on the trails. This location was far rockier with greater elevation changes. You definitely have to pick your lines, but this rig is surprisingly capable. I'd like a little more torque (I can see why folks opt for a GRU), but for trailing the speed is pretty good as is. It's a fun truck.


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

[Habanero]

Mine is a blast.

[JohnnyAnguish]

With this little guy's steering deteriorating, I decided to give the GPM steering kit a go. Given the mixed reviews, I was pleasantly surprised to find tight tolerances and hex hardware. Things went together pretty easily (with Loctite!), though I did need to shim the lower ball studs and do a little trimming on the front skid plate (could probably use a little more). Overall, a much more responsive feel. I also ditched the servo saver. I'm not in love with the angle of the linkage now. I think I'll try a screw with some spacers to get that thing level again. Then I'll look for some rod ends with less play.

I did notice that the chassis itself flexes quite a bit near the servo when steering now.


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

[OSRC]

Nice rig! Not sure how i missed this one.

Hex hardware? wonder if they've given it an update. Interesting...

Might I suggest drilling a small hole in the skid right over where the lower screw for the GPM kit bolts in? They have a habit of working loose - even with threadlock - and it's much easier to tighten down with a hole instead of taking off the entire skid. Speaking from experience...

[Constant Threat]

Great looking rig. Love the color choice. Is there any way you could measure the grill vertical and horizontal for me? I've been looking for demensions and can't find anything.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by Constant Threat

Great looking rig. Love the color choice. Is there any way you could measure the grill vertical and horizontal for me? I've been looking for demensions and can't find anything.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

I would, but we're in the process of moving, so this rig just got packed away for a few weeks.

[Habanero]

Originally Posted by Constant Threat

Great looking rig. Love the color choice. Is there any way you could measure the grill vertical and horizontal for me? I've been looking for demensions and can't find anything.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

22mm and 125mm.

[wyd]

Really nice simple setup. The pictures looks great out on the rails.

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by wyd

Really nice simple setup. The pictures looks great out on the rails.

Thanks! It was tough to pack this one away while we move because I'm having a lot of fun with it. It's become my older son's favorite. The new house is walking distance to my favorite trails, so the FJ Cruiser will be getting a bunch of miles on it this spring.

[marcod13]

Looks awesome, i too have picked up the FJ Cruiser body recently and i went with orange. It's a killer looking body with tons of detail. Question for you because i bought the GPM steering years ago when i built my CC01, is it holding up staying nice and tight? I had to do the RC Mojo mod for mine to snug it up because right after i installed the GPM and drove for 2 min it loosened right up. So, how is yours holding up thus far?
Thanks!

[Chumley54]

Glad to see the GPM steering seems better. Mine is in the mail, on the way, and I was concerned after reading a lot of posts (mostly older ones). I,ll takes pics and report on how it looks as soon as it arrives (On slow boat from China evidently). Nice rig. Color choice was good. IMO

[HDMM]

That is a nice clean build!

[JohnnyAnguish]

Quick tip folks - When you put together the rear locker, use Locktite! Otherwise when your 10 year-old is throwing your truck between forward and reverse over and over again you'll open up the rear axle and find this. Since a FWD FJ Cruiser is no fun, I reassembled this guy with Locktite (a theme in this thread) and got it back out on the trail.


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

[JohnnyAnguish]

I've been giving this rig a pretty good shakedown lately. Despite all of its shortcomings, I really enjoy driving this tiny truck. True to my word, I'm taking a slow path to customization on the FJ Cruiser. I'm really trying to learn more about it before making too many changes. That doesn't mean I don't want to make it better! Here's a list of things I'd like to address in a rough priority order:

- Steering vagueness
- Steering range
- Rear link flex*
- Chassis hang-ups
- Lack of torque
- Lack of wheel speed
- The brick

First up, steering vagueness! Despite my initial positive impressions of the GPM steering kit and its tight tolerances, a bunch of rugged trail miles have led to noticeable play at the upper horn. The metal is just too soft and the grooves just aren't deep enough to hold tight. As a quick fix I used some JB Weld on the upper horn. I doubt this will be a long term solution. My guess is the lower horn will be the next weak point. We shall see.


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser Build by johnny anguish, on Flickr

I'll give this fix a try out on the trails before making more changes. Wish me luck.

Anyway, the FJ Cruiser is my least capable, least durable trail rig. I dig it. Here are some photos...


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr


Tamiya CC-01 FJ Cruiser by johnny anguish, on Flickr

* Honestly, the more I drive this thing the more the rear links have the structural integrity of wet noodles.

[Exocaged]

I have the same GPM steering in mine and its sloppy as heck, I'll probably buy the Hot Racing steering soon if I can't get this junk tightened up.

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by Exocaged

I have the same GPM steering in mine and its sloppy as heck, I'll probably buy the Hot Racing steering soon if I can't get this junk tightened up.

Mine was nice and tight at first. I fear it just won't hold up to moderate running.