FJ Cruiser Build

[cartronicshn]

Ver y nice fj, i have mine since JIA built his way back, i still have the same stock steering , i will have to upgrade sometime....:

[JohnnyAnguish]

Gave the new JB Weld-ed steering parts a quick run. So far, so good. We'll see how well it holds up in the long run.

I also put on a lower profile servo horn. I wasn't in love with the angle of the steering linkage with the Axial one (it's still too high, actually). The angle probably contributed to the early demise of the GPM steering kit. Hopefully this one works a little better.


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

[JohnnyAnguish]

I've got a little over 10 trail miles on this thing since I JB Welded the GPM steering kit (including a 2 mile hike this morning where I got the little guy in WAY over his head). So far the band aid seems to be holding. With the steering shored up (for now), I'm going to focus on getting a little more steering range out of the rig. I've got universals on order. Stay tuned.

Here are some pics in the meantime...


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

[The DC]

Cool rig,enjoyed the read. Any updates? I need to build one of these myself (pic of our daily driven FJ,the Voodoo Blue one,on a club trail ride)

[JohnnyAnguish]

I've been distracted by some other projects, but now I really want to get those universals in there. Stay tuned.

[HarmlessMeat]

Any tips on painting this body. Did you paint the black on the outside?

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by HarmlessMeat

Any tips on painting this body. Did you paint the black on the outside?

The black is painted on the inside, with a coat of matte clear on the outside.

[HCCrawler]

Nice Rig! What are you doing for shocks and springs. What is the length of the shock you use from eye to eye? See any need for a gear reduction for more torque?

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by HCCrawler

Nice Rig! What are you doing for shocks and springs. What is the length of the shock you use from eye to eye? See any need for a gear reduction for more torque?

Kit shocks. I'm trying to keep it simple and only do upgrades when necessary. The kit shocks hold oil and work reasonably well.

I can definitely see the appeal of a GRU. There's not a ton of torque to be had. If you're doing a lot of rock work, a GRU would probably make sense. A 55t motor on 3s works pretty well on the trails, though.

[JohnnyAnguish]

The patient ready to go under the knife...


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

Say bye bye to that little sticky-outie piece...


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

All gone!


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

New rotatie-bits ready for install...


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

The end result doesn't look like much, but I'm hoping a couple of degrees will help my steering deficient Cruiser. I should have measured the turning circle before and after the surgery. I didn't.

Before:


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

After:


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

[cartronicshn]

looks promising

[JohnnyAnguish]

Initial testing supports the idea that every degree counts when it comes to steering throw on these particular tiny trucks. While not a huge difference, the FJ Cruiser did seem a bit more nimble on out the trail.


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

[Prime]

Great build! I am trying to decide between an TF2 LWB or a CC-01 FJ, leaning heavily toward the FJ, especially after this thread.

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by Prime

Great build! I am trying to decide between an TF2 LWB or a CC-01 FJ, leaning heavily toward the FJ, especially after this thread.

And here I am thinking about picking up a TF2!

CC-01s are fun little trucks as long as you have realistic expectations. A lot of people have much more capable rigs than this one (brickectomy, gear reduction, new links, entire IFS replacement). I picked the kit up dirt cheap and have taken a very slow path on the upgrades. It keeps the performance/cost/enjoyment ratios in check. As a result I've been pretty happy with it.

[JohnnyAnguish]

Here are a few shots from out on the trails. I picked up some GMade scale hubs. They're a bit big. I wasn't sure If I liked them or not at first. When I look directly at the wheels they seem excessive, but I think I like what they do for the look of the truck as a whole.


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

[JohnnyAnguish]

Crawled around the back yard a bit with the FJ Cruiser while enjoying the unseasonably warm weather. Not too shabby.


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


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

[Dirt Runner]

Nice build. I just put on the Junfac skid plate. I got tired of seeing the stock bulky one. I did the hot racing steering kit with traxxas ball ends an that tightened it up really nice. Also did the hot racing 4 link but I lost a bit of flex due to the tighter parts I guess. Those dirt grabbers are pretty good. I got hung up on some loose dirt so I guess I'll have to get some other tires. Between this and spending money on my real car I'm gonna go broke lol.

[rag6]

Absolutely beautiful pics. Truck looks amazing

[JohnnyAnguish]

Originally Posted by rag6

Absolutely beautiful pics. Truck looks amazing

Thanks! Just waiting for a little more snow to melt so I can get the FJ Cruiser back out on the trails.

[greenhornet]

Originally Posted by JohnnyAnguish

Paint!


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

I have the Heritage Blue Ultimate edition. You got pretty close with this paint. What paint color is this?