SDHQ FJ Cruiser - MWP from Mike Wilson on Vimeo.

For those of you who may not have noticed, the Toyota FJ-Cruiser bit the dust in 2014 after having a successful model run of almost 200,000 units. It was a funky, retro 4X4 that added some much needed oomph to the usually bland Toyota product portfolio.

Although this video clip might be a bittersweet trip for some new-age FJ fans, check out this modded up version frolicking in the desert and find solace in knowing the rig lives on, wailing through the sand at full throttle.

Shot by Mike Wilson Photography, this FJ has an arsenal of upgrades from SDHQ Superstore including a long travel Camburg suspension system with assorted bits from Icon Vehicle Dynamics, big General Tire rubber, cut out rear fenders, and pre-runner style front end.

A rooftop rack with Vision Global Lighting throws down some serious illumination on demand while down below, it’s got a roll cage, Autometer gauges, and MasterShift transmission controls.

The stock FJ-Cruiser was never fast, but that’s been fixed with a trip to engine gurus TurnKey. A GM LS V8 transplant and big horsepower injection cures a lot of ills, not to mention a nice soundtrack to go along with the ride.

The FJ wears its aftermarket mods well and disputes what some might have thought was the “new-age” VW Beetle or PT Cruiser of the off-road world. It’s also a good blueprint for folks who want to buff up their own Cruisers.