ryoung

For the first four years I ran the Bridgestone S-03, and the Michelin PS2 last year; both are truly outstanding tires. The PS2 may have very slightly better grip in the dry, especially in hot weather. The S-03 has much better tread life, 20+k miles from each of two sets (including 1000+ track miles on each set). The PS2 and S-03 are both are great in the rain.

The S-03 is more sensitive to overheating on sunny 90+ oF track days. The tires get a bit slippery when the tread starts melting :-)

<img src="http://pictureposter.audiworld.com/42891/meltedtires.jpg">

ryoung

My FJ also has 6-speed manual, 2-speed transfer case, and locking center and rear differentials. [Note that the auto-tranny FJ is part-time 4WD only. It doesn't have a center differential, let alone a Torsen.]

The FJ's a hoot to drive either on or off-road. Since the car has gobs of suspension travel, the ride is surprising good. For off-road use, the biggest mistake Toyata makes is turning off electronic traction control for the front wheels when the rear differential is locked. There's no reason for this at all, but I'm sure it won't be long before someone comes up with a hack. At least so far, the S8 is getting better highway gas mileage than the FJ ... 22 vs 18 mpg. This is somewhat surpising since the FJ has 100+ less HP, two less cylinders, and a manual transmission with a 6th gear taller than the S8's 5th. I am expecting the FJ's mileage to improve somewhat after it's broken-in.

The only other "problem" is that production of the FJ is somewhat limited this year, with the result the most (all?) are coming loaded with options that are less than worthless to me (daytime running lights, rear sonar, running lights in the mirrors, seperate instrument pod for compass and outside temp, rear wiper, etc etc). Without all this stuff, the base price on an FJ is $23k, and there's no charge for Toyota reliability.

Since this picture was taken, I replaced the OE Bridgestone street tires with Goodyear MT/R off-road tires. The Bridgestone's weren't much better than slicks in mud.

<img src="http://pws.prserv.net/usinet.Young/photos/FJ_Cruiser.jpg">

Goodyear MT/R
<img src="http://www.tirerack.com/images/tires/goodyear/gy_wrangler_mtr.jpg">

ex-a8drifter

I'll trade the S2k in on one!

Acceler8

ever since I found out about the new FJ I've been wanting to know more and more about it. I havent been able to snag a test drive yet due to everyone and their sister buying them. everyone of them have hit the lot with a sold tag already on them, Im starting to think its an option on the car.