[Rocky Runner]

Nice build. Can't wait to see where this one goes. Also excited to see more of the water life in a thread for once too.

[MT Runner]

Originally Posted by Rocky Runner

Nice build. Can't wait to see where this one goes. Also excited to see more of the water life in a thread for once too.

Thanks!
Nice rig you have there too. That Demello single hoop and the rack you have are a couple of things that I’d love to have at some point too. Maybe some day...

I know I’m not the only one with a raft here, but sure don’t see much about them on here, that’s for sure.

I’ll have to share a few more pics of the rafting trips

[MT Runner]

Not necessarily directly 4Runner related, more what we use the 4Runner to go do.
Here are some pics of some of the rafting adventures.

Smith River here in Montana, only River in the state that a permit is required. And that permit is tough to get. We’ve been fortunate enough to get on during peak season the last couple of years. 60 miles over 4 days of beauty and solitude. Only one put in and one take out in those 60 miles. Have to bring everything you need on the raft, hence the loaded down setups.

[Tanaman]

That looks like a hell of a float! My buddy just went 3 weeks ago and floated the Smith with some other friends. Said it was an absolute blast. I’m in Livingston and will definitely have to see if I can score a permit someday.

[MT Runner]

A few more 4Runner pictures, since I currently have more of the raft than the Runner.

Closeup of the Level 8 MK6’s, Dobinson coil and JBA setup


Under the Roosevelt Arch at the entrance of Yellowstone


On top of Hellroaring Plateau in the Beartooth Mountains at about 10,000’


Madison River, south of Ennis, MT




In the Gravelly Mountains facing the Madison mountains

[Zeke588]

We should hit hellroaring or attempt too get to independence, before you leave or after you guys come back

[discipline7]

So, curious as to how that happened and what came up behind you with the door open. I take it no one was injured?

[MT Runner]

Originally Posted by discipline7

So, curious as to how that happened and what came up behind you with the door open. I take it no one was injured?

I have a link to the thread I started at the time it happened. It was a 1 ton Dodge pulling a horse trailer. He accelerated and swerved into the door to intentionally hit it. My wife was on the other side of the 4Runner and about 6 of us were about 30-40 yds away unloading a raft into the river when it happened.

His truck isn’t quiet, so we all stopped what we were doing in time to watch him come down the road and do it.

[MT Runner]

It’s been awhile since I’ve updated.
Nothing major over the last year, just plugging away at smaller things as I have time/money.

With our first kid on the way, that spare parts cash is going to be a bit harder to come by.

Exhaust:
I don’t like to think about the money I’ve wasted on this. If I knew then what I know now, I would have saved a few hundred.

I started with the Gibson catback system. I liked it when that’s all I had, but I didn’t really love it.

When I had the URD headers installed, I added a Vibrant bottle style resonator about a foot in front of the muffler to cut down on the rasp that I had been warned about.

The rasp was minimal, but the drone and overall loudness was too much. I felt like I was driving an example of what not to do with a V6 exhaust. I did have a few people say they liked it, but I definitely didn’t.

I went with a Flowmaster 70 series muffler to replace the Gibson. I went with this because it still had a little growl to it, but is supposed to be the mildest option Flowmaster offers.
I did like the overall tone of this setup, but the drone was just as bad at 2,000-2,500 RPM’s and still too loud overall

I got a Vibrant Ultra Quiet resonator and had that installed after the muffler. It’s mounted almost vertically, right after the axle, with a side exit now.

This was the ticket. Exhaust is much more mellow, just a little louder than stock under normal conditions, it if I get on it, has a nice growl to it.

In the end, I have maybe 12” of that original Gibson catback still in place, so the $350 + installation or whatever I spent on it originally was all a waste.
Oh well, live and learn I suppose.

Skids:
Purchased RCI aluminum engine and trans skid and bumper filler plate. Great products, very happy with them.

Interior:
I’ve posted a separate thread recently about some sound deadening.
I had done all 4 doors and rear hatch last summer. In the last few weeks I finally tackled some more. I got the cargo area done. I did the floor, back behind the subwoofer and up the sides as much as possible.
I ordered a box of Noico 315 mil foam mat, so now that I have a bunch of extra material, I’m going to go back to all 4 doors as I have time and add another layer and make sure I have better coverage.
I added mat to the A pillars and the bottom kick panels in the front. I don’t think these spots are going to make a night and day difference, but they’re easy, the foam mat is super light, and I think it’s going to be a case of every little bit will help and add up.

Besides that, just some general maintenance, new brakes all around, spark plugs, all fluids changed, etc.
currently at 228k and running great.

We’re leaving on Friday for a 2,100 mile road trip, towing the camper, to the Oregon coast.

[MT Runner]

Quick shot of our spot in the Gravelly Mountains earlier this summer where we spent 9 days.

Saw a few bears this year, but fortunately none came through camp this time.