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Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40 Big Block V8 - Moab CruiserWhat's Your Ideal Rig for Moab's Backroads? From the May, 2007 issue of 4 Wheel Drive By Chris Collard Photography by Chris Collard
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So what catches our eye in... So what catches our eye in Moab? It's a combination of things. A hot Competition Yellow color scheme doesn't hurt, but it's not mandatory; however, you'll need to go deeper than mere aesthetics. We'll crawl under and over many potential feature rigs during the Safari. We want to see modifications that make sense and are well thought out. Sean Rogers, with the help of his buddy Ryan Garrett, owner of Ballistic Trux in Rocklin, California, spent a number of years crafting this FJ40 into his ideal rig. Everything from the fairlead to the taillights was addressed and given a face-lift. We've been invloved in many campfire debates regarding just what the ideal wheeling rig would be. This topic invariably opens a can of worms - sometimes more than the taboo topics of religion and politics. And the answer? In a perfect world, our ideal trail ride would be an amalgamation of many rigs. It would have a supple suspension that articulates with the best of them. Rather than stock toothpicks for axles, it would sport a pair of super-tough Dana 60s (or better) and the ring-and-pinions wouldn't pop under pressure. The brakes (discs all around) would actually stop it, even when wet. The differentials would lock when they should and otherwise go unnoticed. Our tires would bite into granite and slickrock like a pit bull on your kid sister's Raggedy Ann doll. They would never clog up in deep, gooey mud and would always provide awesome floatation in the sand and snow. Under the bonnet, the mill would purr like a euphoric kitten with a ball of string, have plenty of ponies for steep grades, and have silly amounts of low-end grunt. And it would do so while barely sipping from an oversize fuel cell. Ultra-Low-range gearing for the rough stuff is a given. The rig would also need some serious street manners while getting us to and from the trail and be loaded with all the normal recovery gear, a welder, and an onboard air supply - the basics. We were heading out to Hell's Revenge during the 2006 Jeep Safari and spotted Sean Rogers' bright yellow Toyota FJ40. Upon closer observation, our thoughts drifted back to those campfire discussions: "What is the perfect rig for Moab?" Now before you Jeep, Chevy, Isuzu, and Mogger fans get your panties all wadded up in a knot, take a look. We did, and we liked it. What we found was the perfect rig for Rogers: a solid drivetrain, ample power and traction, and room for his 2-year-old son Shane in the jump seat. After serving in the Marines during Desert Storm and growing up in an area where the family needed a four-wheel-drive vehicle, Rogers had a good idea of what he wanted when he started on the buildup of his Moab Cruiser. Although our definitions of the ideal rig may vary, when it comes to wheeling Moab this classic 'Cruiser fits the bill. We'll be looking for your perfect rig at the 2007 Jeep Safari. By the way, if some geek starts crawling around and under your rig, don't kick sand on him. He just might have a fancy camera in his rucksack.  We've seen plenty of short-wheelbase...  We've seen plenty of short-wheelbase rigs go over backward (or forward) on Moab's lofty ledges and dangling drop-offs. We're not sure what to call it, but this departure cage could very well keep you from seeing way too much blue sky in your windshield. It looks kinda cool too.  Rogers' choice for Moab cruising...  Rogers' choice for Moab cruising is a set of 39-inch BFGoodrich Krawlers. A soft rubber compound provides ample traction, and the Krawler's tough sidewall can handle the demands of low air pressure and most trail hazards. To avoid losing a bead, a reliable pair of beadlocks is a must. These 17x10 TrailReady units sport protective rings to keep protruding hazards away from the valve stems and hubs. The combination's street manners aren't all that bad either.  There are a few things to...  There are a few things to consider when building the ideal Moab Cruiser: approach angle, protection for the front clip, illumination for night runs, attachment points, and a reliable winch. Rogers snubbed the bumper at the end of the stock frame to maximize the approach angle. The integrated radiator hoop is a good idea for tight crevices or the unforeseen inverted situation, and the Warn XD9000i self-recovery winch is a no-brainer. A pair of Hella driving lights sheds light on things when the sun goes down.  In Moab's twisty chutes, ladders...  In Moab's twisty chutes, ladders and off-camber ledges, a supple suspension can make or break a rig's trailability. Rogers started with a spring-over conversion, adding a pair of flexy 2.5-inch Rancho leafs up front. A single Rancho 9000 adjustable shock provides ample damping over a wide range of conditions. Crumpled fenders are one of the most common afflictions we see on the trail. Exo-cages are one option but add a considerable amount of weight. To protect the soft body parts, Rogers integrated round tubing from the front bumper to a pair of rock sliders.  We like this: a completely...  We like this: a completely flat belly pan that extends forward to protect the tranny. No matter how beefy your drivetrain is, if you stuff a chunk of granite or other unyielding obstacle into the T-case, there's a good chance you'll be heading back to camp on foot, or on the end of a towstrap. Hidden behind a 0.375-inch skidplate is a Centerforce clutch, a GM SM465 granny-Low four-speed, and a 3.8:1 Atlas II transfer case.  In Moab, you are either on...  In Moab, you are either on the edge of a cliff, the bottom of a canyon, or traversing a ledge from one to the other. In each case, precise braking is a must, and four-wheel disc brakes are the way to do it. Capping each end of the Dana 70 rear axle are GM rotors and calipers on custom-fabbed flange brackets.  Out back, a Johnny Joint mounted...  Out back, a Johnny Joint mounted torque rod from Rocky Mountain Off-Road eliminates spring wrap and keeps the Dana 70 where it should be. Parking-brake duties are managed by a High Angle driveline brake, and for those day runs that turn to night runs, strategically mounted utility lights illuminate unforeseen obstacles. A pair of 1-ton High Angle CV drivelines fitted with 1410 U-joints direct power fore and aft.  The nastier the terrain, the...  The nastier the terrain, the more important it is to protect your steering components. This Moab Cruiser sports a trick, behind-the-axle high-steer setup.  Up front, an ARB-equipped...  Up front, an ARB-equipped Dana 60 handles the slickrock traction versus horsepower equation. A spring-over setup with inverted U-bolts maximizes clearance, while a Rock Ram steering box and hydraulic slave unit assist in turning the 39-inch BFGs.  Where's the beef? On this...  Where's the beef? On this Moab Cruiser, it's under the hood. Although it's not the gas-sipping econ mill we might dream of, a Chevy big-block 396 cranks out a modest 325 ponies and loads of torque. A K&N air filter and Holley Avenger four-barrel carburetor assist aspiration with spent gasses sent aftward via a Flowmaster muffler system. Keeping it cool on hot summer days is a Griffin four-core aluminum radiator. A Painless wiring kit was used to maintain continuity with the original harness, and reliable starts are ensured via a RedTop Optima. Rogers also managed to shoehorn in a Ready Welder and an ARB compressor.  We don't want any snap-'em-anywhere...  We don't want any snap-'em-anywhere toothpicks on our dream rig. Out back is a stout Dana 70 fitted with an ARB locker and 5.13 gears. A pair of Alcan springs and custom shackles provide plenty of support and articulation. For extended treks, a Summit 22-gallon fuel cell is tucked in between the framerails.  There is nothing like the...  There is nothing like the feeling of wheeling Moab with the windshield kicked down and a warm breeze in your face. Protected by a six-point rollcage and steel top, occupants ride comfortably in a pair of PRP racing seats. A full set of Auto Meter gauges keep an eye on system vitals, and a JVC stereo is protected from the elements (and wandering hands) by a Tuffy Security center console.  When Rogers' wife Kristen...  When Rogers' wife Kristen had their first child, it was time to carry on the family tradition of four-wheeling. For their 2-year-old son Shane, Rogers centered a PRP racing seat fitted with a five-point harness in the back. Not a bad view for a 2-foot-tall crumb-cruncher.
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