Hardest thing to buy is the thing i probebly need the most

I seem to have trouble buying things for the FJ that are hidden but needed like skids. Maybe its just me and i guess since i haven't caused much damage yet without them it makes it harder when there are other things flashy i want to buy. i did manage to pick up a ricochet bash plate on the cheap but still probably need lower link skids and engine skids. Anyone have any horror stories that might help persuade me to buy some more protection for the underside vs more lights or bumpers or gadgets...

Here ya go....

I'm in the same boat. I've sworn to myself that once I have some more steady income (anyone wanna give me a job??!!) my next three purchases will be suspension, skids, and a hi-lift. But there is all this pretty sh*t that I really want... plus some more approach angle and body protection would be nice... but I'd rather it stays running at full form.

For you guys wanting to start taking the harder lines, skids are money well spent. They don't make you invulnerable, but they do go a long way towards keeping something expensive from being damaged. It's also peace of mind.

The stock FJ bumpers are pretty good. Swapping them out is not essential. It's not flashy, but I think skids are a wiser buy than bumpers.

I'd put rear lower control arms right there with skids as well. The stock skids will usually take one decent impact but the rear lower arms won't. If you're lucky, they'll just bend. If you're not, you're screwed.

Brian wrote:

For you guys wanting to start taking the harder lines, skids are money well spent. They don't make you invulnerable, but they do go a long way towards keeping something expensive from being damaged. It's also peace of mind.

I agree, hands down. If you are going to run any trails past a class 2 you better get some skids under your rig. Most of us learned our "skills" the hard way. Trial and error. Having skids and sliders to make up for some of those errors is priceless. You will learn tho use both to your advantage.

Cool thanks guys I'm sure it will make and grinding noises hurt a little less when they happen.

I started piecing together Ricochet's right after my first outing. Found most of them used (like new) in the blue room. Still a few higher-dollar ones to go, like the Xfer case and gas tank, but eventually they'll get on there!

If I had the choice I'd probably buy the Xfer case one and rear LCA skids first.

I put off buying skids for a long time and just tried to be careful, but when I unsuccessfully tried to rip off my tcase at URE I decided it was time to drop some coin or suffer a larger bill later. I went with a full set of BudBuilts and Southeast Overland carries those now.

i just missed the sale for ricochet skids that ended the tenth. since i have the bash plate that goes over stock skids which has been discontinued i'm hoping some will show up on the blue room or figure what will mix with it.

If you only have the one, buy a full set and just sell the bash

Just start getting pieces when you can...lower rear links, diff, A Arms, whatever...nothing like peace of mind!

NC FJ Driver wrote:

Just start getting pieces when you can...lower rear links, diff, A Arms, whatever...nothing like piece of mind!

A piece of mind here, piece of mind there.....bits of mind everywhere

Crazy Hube wrote:

NC FJ Driver wrote:

Just start getting pieces when you can...lower rear links, diff, A Arms, whatever...nothing like peace of mind!

A piece of mind here, piece of mind there.....bits of mind everywhere

I don't get it?

Casey is the spelling/grammar police.  However he consistently spells my name BRAIN.  Although that may be because he perceives me as having far superior intellect.

peace vs. piece

Brian wrote:

Casey is the spelling/grammar police.  However he consistently spells my name BRAIN.  Although that may be because he perceives me as having far superior intellect.

peace vs. piece

Haha, I don't constantly spell your name "Brain"  

Although I did do it recently to see if it would garner your attention, as it did.

I am a product of the Louisiana public education system, so I get a spelling waiver for most all public forums!