FJ LT Donahoe look alike truck

[cb77DEMELLO]

This is for a customer of ours.

He started with a nice FJ Donahoe front and rears full chubby system, every bell and whistles inside from GPS-Multiple TV’s. Supercharger

The build list includes
T/C LT kit in the front
Front bypasses
Custom bumper (like Donahoe)
New winch
Tranny valve body upgrade
Gear installs front and rear with Air locker in the front
Dyonmat the interior
Custom skid plates
Custom full cage
Donahoe fiber glass
Remount battery, inner cooler, and oil cooler
New lights
I think that is it.

Future mods include
Custom rear 4 link with fuel cell and coil overs.


Suspension parts
http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RkOPvFnUDoI/AAAAAAAAD1E/A4tnIV-Mt5k/s800/build_3.jpg

FOX
http://lh5.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RkOPvVnUDpI/AAAAAAAAD1M/KZWLEDjc_Ww/s800/build_4.jpg

Lower Arm
http://lh3.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RkOPv1nUDqI/AAAAAAAAD1U/rD4xNyegIkg/s800/build_6.jpg
All hands on deck
http://lh3.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlNMEfviVRI/AAAAAAAAD7k/N4z7CU2JuFI/s800/build_9.jpg
Messy but working
http://lh6.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlNMFPviVSI/AAAAAAAAD7s/51UATR_aTN8/s800/build_10.jpg
Valve body upgrade.

http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlNMFvviVTI/AAAAAAAAD70/OOJSOzhi9qM/s800/build_11.jpg

[cb77DEMELLO]

more pics
http://lh5.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlXIifviVZI/AAAAAAAAD80/WprQCyb_M3s/s800/build_16.jpg
http://lh3.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlXIi_viVaI/AAAAAAAAD88/SgXcN49-fGA/s800/build_17.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlXIkfviVeI/AAAAAAAAD9c/gpl437N1Lx8/s800/build_21.jpg

Front Bypasses showed up
http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlXImPviVhI/AAAAAAAAD90/whnD_f9q3p4/s800/build_25.jpg

This is how he wants it too look when done
http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlZwV_viVmI/AAAAAAAAD-w/GffCqUPJ-W0/s800/mockup_2.jpg

http://lh5.google.com/image/picklesandjames/Rmw8f5b5SZI/AAAAAAAAD_k/wNuTI3wUF50/s800/build_26.jpg

Battery box
http://lh5.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RnLvKZb5TUI/AAAAAAAAEIs/2OyagMEfzh0/s800/build_28.jpg
Bumper
http://lh5.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RnLvWZb5TdI/AAAAAAAAEJ0/kZ8z6uxQnc8/s800/build_37.jpg
Modified spindale gussets
http://lh5.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RnLvVZb5TcI/AAAAAAAAEJs/Mw-XZIGeclc/s800/build_36.jpg
Dynomatt install
http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RnLvUJb5TbI/AAAAAAAAEJk/okJAxG-Ay7M/s800/build_35.jpg
more
http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RnLvOJb5TXI/AAAAAAAAEJE/05ZbfXWuGes/s800/build_31.jpg

Start of the cage
http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/Rubicon/SAS__158.JPG
Front end almost together
http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/Rubicon/toddfj.JPG
It rolls again
http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/Rubicon/todfj.JPG
Bling Bling
http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/Rubicon/New%20Image.JPG

[badazz427]

Dude, that looks awesome!:saw: :welder:

[AZNPG]

nice build jason

[usaf_taco]

those fj's look sick with lt and fiberglass.that blue is nice also

[vetmxer_9]

sick!!

[ARB1977]

Amazing work.

[taco23]

OMFG!!!! How much did that beast cost to get it like that?!?!?! Fvckin sick!!!!!!!

[brock]

i want spindle gussets.. TC doesnt make them for 05+ yet?

[marnes2986]

i want spindle gussets.. TC doesnt make them for 05+ yet?

yup they do check out the site:)

[yota4lyfe]

Will the Chubby's work with the LT kit? And what is going on the rear, Ford 9"?

[brock]

yes they will... they sell spacers to mvoe the bumpstop further down.

[psychohuman]

i'm going to cry myself to sleep tonight... :(

[brock]

yup they do check out the site:)

well i'll be dammed, how long ahve they been on there?

[cb77DEMELLO]

cage needs some work....too many dead tubes :D

Hence, the cage isn't done.

[cb77DEMELLO]

i want spindle gussets.. TC doesnt make them for 05+ yet?

I used the 95-04 gussest and just made them work.

[BOVADS]

i need to win the lottery!!!

[rufio]

all out.:saw: :clap: :kewl:

[cb77DEMELLO]

A LOT more work

Well there will be no "dead tubes". But this will not be a full race cage; he wants to keep his back seats and the truck useable. The cage tags the frame in 6 spots and is welded to the body on the a pillar, windshield line and down the roof line. There is floor bracing and cross bracing between the front and rear seats.

The one big problem we are having is placement of an X or at least a down bar in the center. The only way to have an X in this truck is too loose the back seats (not an option). We thought of just behind the back seats but that doesn't do a whole lot. I believe we are going to do an angled bar down the center to a cross bar between the seats.

Unless you have a better idea MR. Know it all. Or don't you have some oil and Air filters to change :lmao:

[BRUUUP]

For it to hold up in a roll you will need a X with a - behind the front seat and the rear seats. Its a saftey issue so in my eyes you have the last say in cage desinge. Its your name on the line if there is a roll over and someone gets hurt do to cage failer.

[cb77DEMELLO]

For it to hold up in a roll you will need a X with a - behind the front seat and the rear seats. Its a saftey issue so in my eyes you have the last say in cage desinge. Its your name on the line if there is a roll over and someone gets hurt do to cage failer.

While not the perfect solution, I think it will still provide much better protection than nothing. The customer is fully aware that he is getting a really strong sport cage and not a race cage. We may do some removable x behind the seat if space permits it.

Both of these roll overs below had no cages and everyone walked away.

Here is what happens with no cage
http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/gallery/data/500/148290727_486817552_0.jpeg

http://www.adventure4x4.net/photos/data/500/IMG_1951.JPG

[BRUUUP]

I guess Im just used to seeing High speed rolls. Im just a stickler when it comes to cages and safty over comfort.

[cb77DEMELLO]

I guess Im just used to seeing High speed rolls. Im just a stickler when it comes to cages and safty over comfort.

I agree, but you gotta do what the customer wants. Besides he doesn't do a whole lot of the high speed stuff more of the trail running, but he wants to be able to go fast too.

[cb77DEMELLO]

i know enough to not come to YOU for a cage....:rolleyes:

Wow that was a low blow. I guess I was good enough to house your race truck when you had one. I see what a favor buys me now. Not that I need to justify myself to an internet fabricator but for your information the guys we have working for us have actually built cages not just sit online and tell people how to do it. So I'm pretty confident that we did the best we could given the parameters the customer gave us to work in.

[neliconcept]

Jason, is this customer going to keep it blue or going with some other paint scheme, plus i didnt know the FJ's had bolt on rear fenders, which our 3rd gen 4runners.

nice work

[cb77DEMELLO]

Jason, is this customer going to keep it blue or going with some other paint scheme, plus i didnt know the FJ's had bolt on rear fenders, which our 3rd gen 4runners.

nice work

He wants to change it to anther blue. The rear fenders do not bolt on we are useing Dzus fasteners.The fiberglass has proven to be some of the hardest part of this build.

[cb77DEMELLO]

for one thing it was never my race truck so i dont owe you shit. you need to chill the fuck out. and learn how to take a joke on the internet. maybe if you are getting so butt hurt about my knee-jerk comment, perhalps you should look towards your own insecurities

I'm over it, have a nice day.

[HoeRunner]

Great work on that FJ Jason, looks great.

[AZNPG]

the fj looks nice Jason

[Shauneth]

Looks great, keep up the great fab work. Do you have any more pics.

[cb77DEMELLO]

Looks great, keep up the great fab work. Do you have any more pics.

I will have more today. The cage won't be done before paint but it leaves today for paint.

[DavidTaylor9]

You're all over the place. Long Travel one FJ and SAS'ing another at the same time. I want those spindle gussets how much installed?

[cb77DEMELLO]

You're all over the place. Long Travel one FJ and SAS'ing another at the same time. I want those spindle gussets how much installed?

Send me a PM or call I will go over with you the options.

[Toyworx]

tc has the gussts now for the fj and new taco

http://www.chaosfab.com/toyaccess_05taco.html

[DavidTaylor9]

yeah there only 35$ it probly cost more to install then the part

[cb77DEMELLO]

yeah there only 35$ it probly cost more to install then the part

Yea pretty much.

[DavidTaylor9]

But the satisfaction of knowing you have one less thing to worry about when your 6+ foot off the ground is priceless :D

[cb77DEMELLO]

Here are a few more shots before it leaves for paint. When it gets back we will finish the cage, skid plates, front bumper and re-wire everything.

http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/JD/FJbuildupLT/toddsfj1.JPG
Be forwarned if you attempt this glass you will need to put allot of work into it. We got it rough fit and the body shop will do the rest.
http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/JD/FJbuildupLT/toddfj5.JPG
the cage was really tight to the doors. Between the doors and the seat is very little space. We had to heat up the doors plastic so that the cage would clear. It was either the door or the seat. This is not a problem if you get rid of the back seats.
http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/JD/FJbuildupLT/toddfj4.JPG
One more shot of the cage in the light before it leaves
http://www.norcalttora.com/~jemartin/Pictures/JD/FJbuildupLT/todfj2.JPG

[sbechtold]

That's one kick-ass trailer you got there... :D The FJ looks good too. How was it pushing it up and over the fenders? :)

[cb77DEMELLO]

That's one kick-ass trailer you got there... :D The FJ looks good too. How was it pushing it up and over the fenders? :)

Actually it squeezed inbetween them almost. Thanks again!

I know what you mean now about not feeling it back there, your trailer is allot less heavy than mine. The differnce is huge! Maybe my brakes are to tight?

[rufio]

fuckin sweeeeeeeeeet.

[arrowpilot]

Mad skillz, hand! Mad skillz! :clap:

[HoeRunner]

Can't wait to see the finished product.

[DavidTaylor9]

Your makin it harder for me Do i want a FJ like Donahoe's or a 4dr jeep Rubicon like Donahoe's for the wife to drive.

[HoeRunner]

Your makin it harder for me Do i want a FJ like Donahoe's or a 4dr jeep Rubicon like Donahoe's for the wife to drive.

FJ all the way.

[DavidTaylor9]

the rubicon hasFront and rear Dana 44's,4:1 heavy duty transfer case,Front and rear lockers, Elecronic sway bar disconnect, Hard and soft top and 4 doors!! for the 2 kids.

[ryguy]

hey jason.. has Currie figured out about the 9" with speed sensors and abs?? I know that wyatt was looking into it.. just wondering..

[HoeRunner]

the rubicon hasFront and rear Dana 44's,4:1 heavy duty transfer case,Front and rear lockers, Elecronic sway bar disconnect, Hard and soft top and 4 doors!! for the 2 kids.
Yah but its a Jeep. An FJ can have all that if you have the money I know Jason will do it for you if you pay him enough.

[DavidTaylor9]

Yah but its a Jeep. An FJ can have all that if you have the money I know Jason will do it for you if you pay him enough.

but i can get all that on a stock jeep for the same price as a stock fj. And i have heard a couple people questioning the solidness of the new toyota's compared to the 2001-2004 models. Plus i already have my desert truck now i need somthin 4x4 for mountain terrain. And if its so capable why are people doing SAS on them already?

[HoeRunner]

but i can get all that on a stock jeep for the same price as a stock fj. And i have heard a couple people questioning the solidness of the new toyota's compared to the 2001-2004 models. Plus i already have my desert truck now i need somthin 4x4 for mountain terrain. And if its so capable why are people doing SAS on them already?

I have no idea how capable they are im just not a Jeep fan, I would take an FJ over a jeep anyday but maybe thats just me.

[DavidTaylor9]

Yeah ive owned nothing but toyotas 3 tacomas and a corolla. I actully hate the "jeep guy" attitude. But why would i buy a new vehicle SAS it put lockers and other shit which would bring the price tag to well over 40 grand after everything. When i can buy a vehicle with all the stuff i want on it be able to finace it all, throw a bad ass donahoe lift on it and stay in the low
30's it even already has 32" bfg m/t stock. Sorry for hijakin im done :D

[DavidTaylor9]

Toyota gets alot of brand loyleness but the only company ive never heard of not giving a discount for trading in another toyota. Like GM,ford,diamler chrysler

[cb77DEMELLO]

hey jason.. has Currie figured out about the 9" with speed sensors and abs?? I know that wyatt was looking into it.. just wondering..
I really don't know, Donahoe said that currie was working on a rear housing for the FJ. I don't know if they ever went through with that.

[ryguy]

hmm... that is weird.. I might just have to call them up and find out. THey might have done something we dont know about eh?

[HoeRunner]

Hey Jason any updates, and was wondering what lights are you gonna use on the bumper?

[ryguy]

what is up with the valve body upgrade.. How much and what does it really do?? How much HP will it give you? What kind is it too btw.

[yota4lyfe]

what is up with the valve body upgrade.. How much and what does it really do?? How much HP will it give you? What kind is it too btw.
It will make it shift like a race truck. Or feel more like a stick when it drops into other gears. It is a nice upgrade for the tranny. I think it gives you like 200 extra HP.

[neliconcept]

It will make it shift like a race truck. Or feel more like a stick when it drops into other gears. It is a nice upgrade for the tranny. I think it gives you like 200 extra HP.

lmao

ryguy, its necessary for blown trucks with superchargers, it saves the tranny from slipping and destroying itself.

like yota4lyfe said it shifts harsher and more like a smg or manual truck.

[ryguy]

It will make it shift like a race truck. Or feel more like a stick when it drops into other gears. It is a nice upgrade for the tranny. I think it gives you like 200 extra HP.

haha.. 200hp.. nice..

[cb77DEMELLO]

Hey Jason any updates, and was wondering what lights are you gonna use on the bumper?

I believe they are piaa 500's he will have 4 across the front bumper.

[cb77DEMELLO]

what is up with the valve body upgrade.. How much and what does it really do?? How much HP will it give you? What kind is it too btw.
The valve body upgrade is really to improve shifting and make the tranny stand up to the Super charger under his hood. I don't think it gives HP just helps maintain what it already has.

[mpower]

i have a 05 v6 auto and want the valve body upgrade . who does it ? how much does it cost and can i get it done this week? i havent found anybody offering valve body upgrades for the new tacos . help would be greatly appreciated

[HoeRunner]

I believe they are piaa 500's he will have 4 across the front bumper.

Thank you sir.

[ryguy]

The valve body upgrade is really to improve shifting and make the tranny stand up to the Super charger under his hood. I don't think it gives HP just helps maintain what it already has.

ahh thanks for that info.. Do you have any info on getting more HP?? Engine upgrades?

[thefatkid]

Have you though about a Diamond axle? You could get the 9" center but with stock outers to retain the ABS rotors? They are limited to 35 spline though, I don't rember the axle thickness at the ABS rotor but it is fat.

I'm intrested to see what he does with the rear, I need some ideas for my 4runner, I don't want to trim the floor too much.

edit: Very nice FJ, it will be a nice all around truck

[ryguy]

great thanks for that info..

[HoeRunner]

Update?

[sbechtold]

It's in the body shop for a few weeks getting all the glass and paint work completed. The body shop just started last week. This is a photochop picture the owner posted on another forum of what it will looks like when complete.

http://lh6.google.com/picklesandjames/Ro1u2C4gwOI/AAAAAAAAEK8/2Q_bn47fHaU/s800/mockup_filler.jpg

[HoeRunner]

So he changing the color?

[sbechtold]

Yes. I think he called it dark metallic blue. It's a complete color change, so it's going to take a while.

[DavidTaylor9]

Those mud flaps are gross.....:xbarf:

Whats up with the side binkers and the stuff on the roof?

[awsumdc]

Yeah ive owned nothing but toyotas 3 tacomas and a corolla. I actully hate the "jeep guy" attitude. But why would i buy a new vehicle SAS it put lockers and other shit which would bring the price tag to well over 40 grand after everything. When i can buy a vehicle with all the stuff i want on it be able to finace it all, throw a bad ass donahoe lift on it and stay in the low
30's it even already has 32" bfg m/t stock. Sorry for hijakin im done :D

We do it because no one ever did and....... just because:p

[DavidTaylor9]

hey you stole that from you sac fj thread and put it on your LT fj thread :D

[AZNPG]

man the photoshop picture of the fj looks pretty nice

[rufio]

lose the mud flaps and do someting with the orange blinkers.:kewl:

http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlZwV_viVmI/AAAAAAAAD-w/GffCqUPJ-W0/s800/mockup_2.jpg

and how much for that bumper without the nitto on it? i have a bumper fetish guys i'm sorry

[MERCER FABRICATION]

lose the mud flaps and do someting with the orange blinkers.:kewl:

http://lh4.google.com/image/picklesandjames/RlZwV_viVmI/AAAAAAAAD-w/GffCqUPJ-W0/s800/mockup_2.jpg

and how much for that bumper without the nitto on it? i have a bumper fetish guys i'm sorry

visit the site or call donahoe. that bumper would need to be custom made

[rufio]

hoo-ah! will do partner:bhump:

[sbechtold]

Demello made the bumper on this FJC and you might be able to twist Jason's arm into making another one.

[rufio]

Demello made the bumper on this FJC and you might be able to twist Jason's arm into making another one.

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... well that would be even better. what do you say jason?

[DavidTaylor9]

hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm... well that would be even better. what do you say jason?

What lifts do they have for the new mini tacoma's?

[rufio]

What lifts do they have for the new mini tacoma's?

total chaos upper arms w/ SAW 2.5's, or custom fab. i heard somewhere around here there's supposed to be an allied kit coming out but no word. TC LT kit sometime around aug.-sept. maybe.

i'm waiting for a long travel kit, might have to go with custom fab, but the waiting is something i know i should do.

any one else know of anything?

[mpower]

i call bullshit on the valve body upgrade searched all this week and nobody is doing valve body upgrades and left a message with guys at donaho and nothing

[DavidTaylor9]

Well Donahoe aint known for getting back to you by email its ben over 2 months since i heard from them. And there's a picture of it being performed by Demello those guys aint gonna lie to you.

[HoeRunner]

Im gonna need an update Jason.

[Wgasa84]

i call bullshit on the valve body upgrade searched all this week and nobody is doing valve body upgrades and left a message with guys at donaho and nothing


Believe what you want, Todd's FJ has the VB upgraded.

[Wgasa84]

Im gonna need an update Jason.

It's still at the body shop.

:eek:

[HoeRunner]

Thank you sir.

[Wgasa84]

Thank you sir.
You are most welcome. ;)

[enroffroad]

fj is looking really good demello

[AZNPG]

we need more updates even pics of it at the body shop:aahg: :aahg: :aahg:

[cb77DEMELLO]

we need more updates even pics of it at the body shop:aahg: :aahg: :aahg:

Were still waiting for paint to finish it. They have allot to do.

We are starting anther one this week. This one will be a little more mild at first but we will see where it goes.

[SoloSK71]

Were still waiting for paint to finish it. They have allot to do.

We are starting anther one this week. This one will be a little more mild at first but we will see where it goes.

Any chance you could provide soe more pictures of the front lower a arm and double shock setup? Trying to do one myself (at least, to source the parts) and not having any luck at all.

- SK

[HoeRunner]

Any chance you could provide soe more pictures of the front lower a arm and double shock setup? Trying to do one myself (at least, to source the parts) and not having any luck at all.

- SK

It has the Total Chaos kit on it with the TC dual shock hoop most likely

[Wgasa84]

It has the Total Chaos kit on it with the TC dual shock hoop most likely

exactly. Fox coilovers with bypasses.

[sbechtold]

Any chance you could provide soe more pictures of the front lower a arm and double shock setup?

I took these about a month ago when I was there dropping my FJC off for it's SAC. These are the only pics I have. Chris might have more pics that he can share.

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7/sbechtold/FJC/misc/SAS__140.jpg

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c7/sbechtold/FJC/misc/SAS__165.jpg

[DavidTaylor9]

update?

[AZNPG]

any updates jason or it still in the body shop

[flyingwil]

Any updates now? I was enjoying watching this one.

[Mr Tacomi]

Any updates now? I was enjoying watching this one.

probably will upset someone by posting a link to another forum... but the active thread is on fjcruiserforums:

http://www.fjcruiserforums.com/forums/member-build-ups/28138-air2airs-full-frontal.html

It's not what I would have done, but an awesome and detailed build!

[ryguy]

this buildup is so cool. When you get this closer, youll have to come out with us to the Dez and run that bad boy!! Welcome to the dez section!

[SavvyAv]

http://lh3.google.com/picklesandjames/RurFZ7KhRaI/AAAAAAAAFqo/sfaBlspcGQM/s800/crown_valley_

[rufio]

http://lh3.google.com/picklesandjames/RurFZ7KhRaI/AAAAAAAAFqo/sfaBlspcGQM/s800/crown_valley_

mmmmmmm....:headbang:

[brock]

love the color. man i want those wheels, fuckign backorder and empty bank account.

[TCao]

Demello made the bumper on this FJC and you might be able to twist Jason's arm into making another one.

He's making another one. ;)

[Jared]

Jason, saw the rig and your new shop in the other thread and both are looking awesome.

I bet you are giddy about your new shop. It is freakin huge!

[AZNPG]

fj looks good man