With a sand storm exterior paint color, Neil Leyesa’s 2010 Trail Teams edition FJ Cruiser looks right at home on the beach, or in the desert. And although this FJ might blend in when on the sand, its well-planned modifications make it stand out everywhere it goes. From top to bottom, Neil’s FJ is ready for anything.

Already a solid vehicle when delivered by Toyota, Neil wanted to expand its range. With help from Adventure Vehicle Outfitters, Finishlinewest, and friends Andy Cohen, Frank Canseco, and James So, he transformed the Toyota from a nice looking truck to a vehicle capable of beachcombing, rock crawling, camping, trail running, and wide open desert travel.

Neil Leysea is not afraid to take is 2010 Trail Teams Edition FJ Cruiser anywhere. He knows that he will still be able to get home safe no matter the adventure.

Donning one of 1500 Trail Team badges.

Only 1,500 Trail Teams edition trucks were produced in 2010 with the monotone paint, locking rear differential, A-TRAC traction control, backup camera integrated into the rearview mirror, BF Goodrich tires, Bilstein shocks, and blacked out trim.

The truck is powered by the factory 4.0-liter DOHC 24-valve V6 with four valves per cylinder, and dual VVT-I variable cam phasing system. It puts out 285 horsepower at 5,600 rpm and 289 lb-ft. of torque at 4,400 rpm. Aside from the Safari snorkel intake and AFE exhaust system, it remains as the factory delivered it.

With Toyota’s reputation for reliability, there’s no need to make any changes to the engine or five-speed A750F automatic transmission on the truck. That doesn’t mean Neil has not paid any attention under the hood — he mounted an LED strip light behind the inner support that illuminates the engine compartment when the hood is raised.

This FJ Cruiser has been all over the place, from the desert to the beach.

Attached to the firewall is the sPOD power distribution box that feeds power to the toggle switches mounted inside the cab, and your choice of electrical components mounted on your vehicle. The sPOD distribution box contains multiple fused circuits that are further protected by a 50 amp circuit breaker, allowing anyone to perform a professional level installation with simple connections to the unit.

Speaking of electrical needs, Neil installed a group 31, Die Hard Platinum sealed absorbed glass mat (AGM) battery. Ultra-fine fiberglass mats, saturated with battery acid, are sandwiched between the plates. The plates and saturated mats are packed so tightly, they are almost immune to vibration. AGM batteries stand up to off-road abuse and since they are sealed, there is little chance of spilling acid, even if upside down.

The FJ rolls on Hankook DynaPro MT tires that measure LT295/75R16, wrapped around blacked-out simulated bead lock rims from Method Race Wheels. A full custom suspension keeps the tires firmly planted to the varied terrain that Neil frequents.

With all-new front and rear suspension this FJ Cruiser is ready to take on anything in its way.

The front suspension features gusseted uprights, Icon Vehicle Dynamics tubular upper control arms, and specially valved Icon 2.5-inch coil over shocks. In the rear is a beautiful Icon billet aluminum trailing arms, Fox 2.0 performance series shocks, and Toltec Super Flex coil springs.

Neil’s suspension allows him to go just about anywhere. When you’re covering unforgiving terrain, it’s nice to have a little insurance. Neil has substantial protection underneath his truck with a set of beefy Astir skid plates that were originally developed for Israeli military use with 1/4-inch thick, five series, ballistic-grade aluminum alloy.

The skid plats protect the engine, transmission and transfer case like most, but also the lower A-arms in front and the fuel tank that runs down the left side of the truck. The rocker panels are equally protected by DOM tubular steel sliders from All-Pro Offroad with dimple die filler plates added.

Beefy Astir skid plates cover the vitals underneath the FJ Cruiser. Developed for Israeli military use, they are made from 1/4-inch thick, 5 series, ballistic grade aluminum alloy.

Moving to the front, an Expedition One, Trail Series, diamond style fabricated steel bumper with tubular grill guard offers protection and mounts up to a 10,000 pound winch, something that Neil plans to add next. The bumper allows for maximum protection while following the contours of the FJ, and does not interfere with the factory headlights which have Lexan covers mounted to shield them from errant rocks.

Expedition One front bumper offers excellent protection and solid recovery points. The D-rings have been augmented with a Daystar D-ring isolator kit to keep them from clanking against the bumper.

Integrated light openings on each side of the bumper house round LED lights that add to the output provided by a horizontal LED light bar with amber covers. Threaded D-rings for recovery work hang from mounts on either side of the bumper, and have been augmented with a Daystar D-ring isolator kit.

The Daystar kit comes with urethane washers and pads to prevent the D-rings from clanking against the bumper. The pads protect the bumper, and the peace and quiet of the great outdoors. Unless you have a cowbell mounted to your rig, you will appreciate this simple and effective modification to your own truck.

The excellent craftsmanship of the Demello Offroad rear bumper can be seen in the clean design and solid construction.

Out back, one of Neil’s most current upgrades, and one he is rightfully proud of is the Demerol Offroad three-piece steel bumper. The bumper highlights Demerol’s smart design and precise craftsmanship, and is constructed from 3/16-inch plate steel with a 1/4-inch thick mounting plates and 1/2-inch recovery points.

The swing out rides on a stout tapered bearing and locks open or close with the spring loaded T-handle mounted next to the pivot. It holds two five-gallon Jerry cans and Neil’s full-size spare tire. The design tucks everything in tight and compact when closed and locks in the open position when you need access to the rear hatch. Like the front, a pair of LED lights is mounted in each outer section to light the trail behind the vehicle when traveling in reverse.

Storage bags attached to the rear tailgate hold a first-aid kit, machete, spare parts, and tools.

When traveling far off the beaten path, you need to be self-contained. Tools, supplies, and all types of gear need a secure home and Neil’s FJ can stow a ton of cargo. Storage bags attached to the rear tailgate hold a first-aid kit, machete, spare parts, and tools within easy reach. The rear compartment has a truck vault storage box with two lockable, sliding drawers. The truck vault is strong enough to pile heavy stuff on top without effecting the smooth operation of the drawers. Inside Neil stores recovery gear, larger tools, and survival supplies. The full length roof rack has a ton of space on top and also mounts a Hi-Lift jack, shovel, and a serious axe. Once at his destination, Neil can unload and then roll out the ARB awning; also attached to the roof rack.

Neil deploys the ARB awning that shields occupants from the sun when camping or just hanging out. The ARB awning goes up in seconds and stows away equally as fast.

There are many names for sandstorms around the world; Haboob, Calima, or Sirocco. When the wind and sand starts to blow, people run for cover. When Neil’s sandstorm FJ blows in, people run towards it to get a better look of this unique custom rig.

With all the work that has been done to this vehicle it is a one-of-a-kind capable off-road vehicle., where would you take this FJ Cruiser? Tell us in the comments below, and be sure to check out the gallery below with even more pictures of this Toyota.