The entire package was good for 305 mm (12 inches) of ground clearance, which made it good for getting over the majority of obstacles. For mountain climbing purposes a Toyota factory built driver-controlled rear-locking differential and a dash-mounted center-locking differential button were added, much better than wading out into the mud to lock the wheel hubs by hand - as I remember not my favorite job. To minimize undercarriage damage when the going got rough, the Retro Cruiser also received a set twin set of specially made Kevlar skid plates - lightweight and extremely strong. In order to tackle mud and snow, and look really sharp, Rod machined imposing looking 17 inch billet wheels and mated them to BFGoodrich 35x12.50R17LT tires all round.
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| With all its luxury appointments inside, the Cruiser concept is a big change from the FJ's typical stark interior. (Photo: Rod Millen Group) |
While utilitarian in purpose there was no reason to continue on with the FJ's oath-of-poverty interior. Specially ordered Connolly leather seats and trim, including a leather-wrapped steering wheel, were added. Of course, despite the luxury appointments it would be impossible to forget the Retro Cruiser's primary 4x4 mission, a full interior roll cage made this point clear.
Other service oriented upgrades included a 150 L (40 gallon) fuel tank for improved range, a 38 L (10 gallon) water storage tank (with a shower nozzle hook-up I might add), front and rear 4,082 kg (9000-pound) Warn winches, a GPS navigational system and a satellite telephone. Now the Retro Cruiser could get its driver and passengers out of almost anywhere, and keep them clean in the process.
After all the engineering challenges and simple hard work, both Toyota Motor Sales and Rod Millen Group had a 4x4 force to be reckoned with. Not only did it boast the capability to overcome almost any obstacle that dared enter its path, but it had looks that kill.