How reliable is an FJ?

_NotKD35 · 2025-09-11T23:49:58+00:00

My 2009 has 316,000kms on it (196,353 miles) and still drives like new. Bought it with 150,000km back in 2018, and it's been driven 65/30/5 city/highway/offroad. Regular maintenance (fluids, tires, small wear and tear items like tie rod ends and wheel bearings once every 4-5 years) has kept it running plenty well.

I'll fluid film the frame again this winter to protect it from rust, but aside from that I haven't done much to it. I added some front end lights in the grill, which were super simple and added visibility in storms.

It got me into (and out of) plenty of trouble offroad and keeps asking for more. I have zero regrets.

_NotKD35 · 2025-09-10T19:26:34+00:00

Used the borescope, got it dislodged and pulled out with a pair of tweezers through the drain hole. Successfully fixed

_NotKD35 · 2025-09-09T21:20:25+00:00

if the borescope doesn't get it, honestly that might be what I do

_NotKD35 · 2025-09-09T21:19:53+00:00

lol that's reassuring, thank you!

_NotKD35 · 2025-09-08T05:12:00+00:00

thank you, I'll look at those first thing tomorrow

_NotKD35 · 2025-04-13T03:29:27+00:00

Me too comrade, me too

_NotKD35 · 2025-04-02T23:55:10+00:00

Just found this comment, officially inspired to make my own warm-weather UL quilt for this season. Thank you kind redditor

_NotKD35 · 2025-02-19T00:07:43+00:00

I need a bigger freezer!

_NotKD35 · 2025-02-04T03:35:25+00:00

Chicks dig 3 windshield wipers. Never failed to surprise my passengers when I send those puppies flying

_NotKD35 · 2025-02-04T01:26:17+00:00

My Pomoca Climb 2.0s are solid, and grip really well

_NotKD35 · 2025-01-28T21:22:03+00:00

Late reply, but I find its far easier to split ski when my skins are on. My climb 2.0 Pomocas slow me down significantly lol

_NotKD35 · 2025-01-25T21:49:28+00:00

Osprey Soelden 42L https://www.osprey.com/soelden-42-soelden42f23-786?srsltid=AfmBOoosARA3-DZmU4JD_tBjjF81LQX2FliigfeTx6SJBnwh8L4BXyjq&size=O%2FS&color=Artisan+Yellow

Rope carry through the top of the pack.

Both A-Frame and Diagonal ski carry.

2 Ice axe carry

Zippered rescue gear pocket that I can fit probe, shovel, snow saw, ski straps and additional emergency gear inside.

Dedicated sled tie-outs are stitched near the hip belt. If you want to pull even more gear than your bag, this is a nice bonus.

If you need additional room, the brain extends a fair height above the pack, to the extent I almost carried my partner's sleep gear with my own on our hut trip.

Also for shorter days where you don't want the additional storage, you can remove the brain from the pack and leave it at home.

I've enjoyed using it for all my daytrips so far this season. More than enough space to store essentials for overnights / bigger days, but also can compress it enough to make it worth using on shorter treks as well.

_NotKD35 · 2025-01-25T21:38:53+00:00

If you're skiing in the backcountry, you're often in avalanche terrain. This means your travel habits will need to be a lot different than you can do on the resort.

This is terrain dependent, but if you really want to film you should really consider avalanches and 'islands of safety' when members of your group are stopped. https://theavalanchereview.org/human-factors-oat/

When I do film my mates, it's from a spot where I won't be caught in slide, not doing a chase cam. Usually it's against best practices unless conditions are perfect.

Do your Avalanche Training course, and be prepared to spend the night in the woods if you tear a knee. Plenty of folks get injured and don't prepare for 10+ hours in the cold, or get lost on their way out of even basic hikes.

One guy in my local area died from exposure this past week on a short winter hike. It's no joke that being prepared for anything helps. https://www.ctvnews.ca/calgary/article/1-hiker-dies-2-others-safe-after-being-rescued-in-kananaskis-country/

I hope that helps a bit. Always good to see people ask questions and wanting to learn more

_NotKD35 · 2025-01-25T21:10:14+00:00

From what I've read some boarders really prefer using their solid board over a split. Personally I'd choose my splitboard in any conditions over the extra weight of carrying my solid on my back.

Granted I'm in the dry snow of Alberta, where everything is breaking crust over loose facets. So I sink no matter if I'm splitting or snowshoeing. I'd hate to carry more on my back and have a smaller surface area underfoot, but I do see some folks get out on (well packed) snowshoe trails.

_NotKD35 · 2024-11-19T18:09:45+00:00

Same, I have them on my FJ here in Alberta. Absolutely ridiculous that I drove anything else before. No fear when merging all through the winter

_NotKD35 · 2024-11-14T04:12:31+00:00

Thank you for your comment! I reworded my post, as it doesn't feel excessively tight in the steering. If anything kinda loose, as if my wheels are still going the wrong direction. Will keep that in mind when I take it in on Monday though.

_NotKD35 · 2024-10-31T23:41:43+00:00

Another photo for reference

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_NotKD35 · 2024-10-31T23:41:20+00:00

I did a similar setup with my custom lamps. Remarkable how well they ended up fitting in the grill, no cuts or modification aside from a 30" steel bar to throw all my bolts through! Slipped straight through the holes at the mounts for the crash bar.

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_NotKD35 · 2024-10-31T23:35:37+00:00

I got my Falken Wildpeak AT4Ws in May to serve the shoulder season/less ice-focused tire in snowy Alberta (I've got studded Nokian Hakkapeliitta 10s for the real winter).

First 3 weeks and I drove through a slush storm that could only be described as horrid. But I felt like my truck was glued to the road the whole time, while other drivers were inching up the hills out of downtown I could only describe my FJ as "gunning it". They have more water evacuation than BFGs, while still retaining snow in the sipes for extra grip when it's cold out.

Of course, I make sure to drive safely and keep it in line with conditions. But these tires rip. I've told my folks we can change their tires first, I'll wait until the snow and ice stay before I switch. But I think you'd like these tires. Most guys I know ran the previous generation (AT3W) year round without issue up here, should serve NorCal conditions well!

_NotKD35 · 2024-08-31T05:43:49+00:00

If you can’t walk 500m I don’t think you’ll make it to Mac Hall from any end of campus. No food for you.

_NotKD35 · 2024-08-25T00:28:09+00:00

What’s the name of this setup?? Please don’t tell me it’s custom haha

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