How can we get better ground clearance??

[Dealmaker]

So is the entire FJ Cruiser platform identical to the 4th Gen Runner? Does the FJC have all the low-hanging goodies that the Runner does? I would be kinda surprised if it did. If not, I wonder if any of the parts will be interchangable. Like if the FJC has a less deep fuel tank that could be used in the Runner, and covered by a custom skid. That could help the ground clearance a bit, albeit at the sacrifice of a few gallons of gas.

Then again perhaps a tank from another vehicle, or a custom tank could be used. Have any of you guys poked around down there to see what can be butchered, moved around, replaced to help gain clearance? Seems like the next best way to gain a few inches down there since the bigger tires/rubbing/spare-tire location issue sems to have us limited to 32"-33" tires.

[Joel]

As far as I know the tank is composite. Just keep denting it till its the size you like! :rotflmao:

[bulldog]

Well there are a few problem areas we face on the 4R. What I have seen on pics from the FJC it will face the same issues.

- FIrst is the crossmember braces by the transmission that hangs lower than the frame. This might be removed if a skidplate is oput inplace below the transmission and transfer. The Taco does not even have these crossmember sbraces.

- Second and the biggest is probably the gas tank. One way is to just put a beefy skid place in place and slide. Another is to relocate it to where the spare is and get an afetr market bumper to carry the spare, your capcity will likely go down if you tuck the gas tank in there. Lastly You can install a body ligt of 2" or so and lift you gastank by than muchand aslo the skid plate below it.

- Last one will be the lower control arm brakets where they mount to the frame. One way is to weld paltes onto them to make them stronger and easier to slide onto. ANother very painful way is to relocate them to the inside on the frame, read lots of fab and $$$$.

Obviously you can add bigger tires and a bit more lift. From your Daystar lift you can easily lift about 1.5" more as the Daystar typically gives 2" front and 1.5" rear, maybe a little more. 3.5" front and 3" rear is good for the 4th Gen in terms of lift without having to do any $$$$ mods to it. 33" tires will also give you a bit more height. Then obviously aftermarket bumpers will help the approach and departure angles.

Tehn you can go Total Chaos or SAS if you want, or if you really want to go crazy get portal hubs and spindles and put than n the 4R, instant 4-5" lift with a 2:1 or so gear reduction normally. Easy to run 37" tires or which will give you plenaty of clearance without even doing a suspension lift. Read $$$$ though.

I would probably stick with the normal suspension lift and tucking up a few things. Gas tank is the biggest problem, but I dont want to reduce my range with a smaller tank.

[Cruiserhead]

The biggest hinderance is the gas tank by far. BUT, it can take alot of abuse without issues. It would be too costly to make a new/replace- skid plate is the answer for it, imo
Nothing off the FJC would help (except the tank) as the underside is nearly identical.
FJC tank might be worth investigating but that is alot of $$ to gain a bit of clearance that you would bash into the 4R tank as needed anyway. :D

I noticed they ramped the FJC tank by making the front half of it level w/ the frame rails and ramping down lower after, near the rr axle.

really, the platform is designed to hang lower so it's just part of the fundamental structure. Very hard to change it. I don't think it's problematic, just in need of a few skidplates.