Building, Driving and Adventuring the MTN4RNR

[MTN4RNR]

Things are noticeably more fun in thin air. It's where I tend to go to get away from everything. To help get me there, I picked up a 2016 4Runner Trail Premium on a recent trip to Bend, OR. I hadn't intended on buying a truck on the trip, but when the numbers add up sometimes its best to pull the trigger and enjoy it! The overall goal with this build is based on function. I want to make sure that everything added on to the vehicle has an intended purpose or use. This will not only keep my budget in check for the build, but really create something that works well for my intended purpose. Yes, it takes longer to "get there" but in the interim, I am still getting out and enjoying the adventures that the rig can handle under it's given build condition. So follow me on my adventures and take a look at some of the modifications that I do along the way. I'm in it for the long game!

In affiliation with:

Click here for special pricing on your Gaia GPS membership

As it sits: March 2019

​

Build Details:

Drivetrain: Stock

Suspension:
- King Shocks 2.5 OEM Performance Series, sans compression adjusters
- Total Chaos uniball upper control arms
- Dobinsons C59-725 KDSS specific rear springs

Armor:
- 4x4 Labs Sliders

Wheels/Tires:
- OEM Trail Edition wheels, Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT 285/70R17

Vehicle Additions/Modifications:
- 1Up USA bike rack
- The MTN4RNR hatch mod
- Blue Ridge Overland Gear visor organizer
- RAM dash mount for iPad [Nav, weather, topos, etc.]
- Thule rack [transfer from old truck]
- Ruff Tough Kennel (home of the Maeve)
- Custom CA license plate
- LED back-up/license plate lights from [MENTION=12905]XenonDepot[/MENTION]
- HID low beam headlights from [MENTION=12905]XenonDepot[/MENTION]
- LED rear hatch lights from [MENTION=12905]XenonDepot[/MENTION]
- LED fog lamps from [MENTION=12905]XenonDepot[/MENTION]
- LED interior & puddle lamp upgrade from [MENTION=12905]XenonDepot[/MENTION]
- Gobi Ladder
- Differential/E-locker breather mod
- Baja Designs 20" s8 LED bar
- Ellis Precision aluminum transfer case shifter knob
- Baja Designs S2 Pro LED light - The "who needs a hand hold" ...mod
- ARB compressor
- The MTN4RNR 4Runner Platform
- The Blue Ridge Overland Gear Attic
- The Kenwood HAM Radio Installation
- Baja Designs Squadron Pro Fog Light Upgrade
- Baja Designs Hatch Dome Light Upgrade
- Baja Designs S2 Pro Rear Dust Light Upgrade

Communications:
- Amateur Radio License - Technician
- Kenwood TM-V71A Mobile Transreciever
- Kenwood KES-3S External Speaker
- Diamond K400SNMO Antenna Mount
- Comet 18" NMO Antenna
- Yaesu FT-60r (X2)
- Diamond SRH77CA 15" antenna (X2)
- Yaesu MH-34B4B Speaker/Microphone

Mapping/GPS:
- Gaia GPS Pro

Maintenance History:
- 20k --- Air filter (Toyota OEM)
- 25k --- Tire rotation
- 30k --- Tire rotation, engine oil (Toyota 0w-20), cab filter (Toyota OEM), FR/RR diff gear oil (Redline 75W-90), transfer case gear oil (Redline 75W-90)
- 35k --- Driveline lube
- 37k --- Lift installation, alignment, rotation
- 39k --- Engine oil (Toyota 0w-20), driveline lube, air filter (Toyota OEM)
- 40k --- UCA lube
- 43k --- Tire rotation
- 45k --- Needle bearing TSB (new FR gear oil, Redline 75w-90), engine oil (Toyota 0w-20), UCA lube
- 52k --- New battery (Batteries Plus X2), lower link lube, engine oil (Toyota 0w-20), rotation, rear brake pad replacement (OEM)
- 55k --- Suspension / driveline lube
- 57k --- Engine oil (Toyota 0w-20), air filter (OEM), cabin air filter (Lexus charcoal OEM), FR/RR diff gear oil (Redline 75w-85), transfer case gear oil (OEM 75w)
- 58k --- New tires/alignment, Cooper Discoverer AT3 XLT 285/70R17
- 60k --- Removed Metal Tech lower links, replaced with OEM

Bucket List:

Trip Reports:
- West Camino Cielo Road, Santa Barbara, CA - November 2015
- Crawl to the Top - January 2016
- Big Sur, CA - March 2016
- Hollister Hills SVRA - April 2016
- Big Sur, CA - May 2016
- Stanislaus NF, Highway 4 to 88 Adventure - May 2016
- Rattlesnake Road exploring - June 2016
- Ellis Peak/Tahoe National Forest - June 2016
- Lola Montez/Fordyce Creek - July 2016
- Downieville to Sloat - July 2016
- Slick Rock / Corral Hollow - August 2016
- Bald Mountain OHV - August 2016
- Labor Day Adventures in the Sierras - September 2016
- Niagra Rim/Eagle Peak - October 2016
*NOTE: All new trip reports located HERE*

The day after I bought it:

I will be putting it to good use, and trying to keep up with additions and mods here as I can!

More to be added...​

 

[MTN4RNR]

A closer look at the 1up rack I have for my bike. I have really liked this rack since I got it earlier this year. Very functional, simple and well built. I would highly recommend it to anyone in the market. I have the single, and one add on that I use as needed. The single makes parking easy, and allows for the lift gate to open without lowering the rack.

 

[MTN4RNR]

MTN4RNR Hatch Mod

When you bring the new truck home, and the lift gate doesn't clear the overhang... Custom limiting strap, installed. Uses a Nite-Ize CamJam XT on the d-ring in the corner, and a carabiner attached to the lift gate strap.

Function>Form

 

[momo.75]

When you bring the new truck home, and the lift gate doesn't clear the overhang... Custom limiting strap, installed. Uses a Nite-Ize CamJam XT on the d-ring in the corner, and a carabiner attached to the lift gate strap.

Function>Form

That is a great idea! I have had my truck for 13 years and have always had a towel in the back so that when I open the hatch in my garage I could put it between the hatch and garage door......why couldn't you have posted this 13 years ago.....lol.

 

[MTN4RNR]

That is a great idea! I have had my truck for 13 years and have always had a towel in the back so that when I open the hatch in my garage I could put it between the hatch and garage door......why couldn't you have posted this 13 years ago.....lol.

Haha, wish I could have helped sooner! It works double time when I need to tie my dog to the car, I just lengthen the rope with the clamp, and ta da, dog leash.

 

[momo.75]

Going to be doing the "MTN4RNR Mod" this weekend. Thanks again.

 

[C4 Fabrication]

nice 4Runner, its going to look great with the 275's on it!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Going to be doing the "MTN4RNR Mod" this weekend. Thanks again.

I like it! Here is the Nite Ize product I used: CamJam XT - Aluminum Rope & Cord Tighteners

It's aluminum, takes up to a 6mm paracord, and allows for an adjustable fit. Plus you can adjust it and use it for tying a dog up or your cooler down so give yourself a few extra feet of paracord.

 

[MTN4RNR]

nice 4Runner, its going to look great with the 275's on it!

Thanks! Just got them put on yesterday, and am in the process of build updating... Pictures to come soon!

 

[MTN4RNR]

BROG Visor Organizer

Quick to add to the truck was this visor organizer from Blue Ridge Overland Gear. It has Molle paneling on one side, velcro on the other and a zipped compartment for vehicle documents, cash, etc. The velcro works perfectly with their pouches they sell, which I am soon to order for being able to zip small items into. Very well made in the USA. You'll get a tag on any/all of their products with the cutter and the sewer's name on it. Little details like that from products and manufacturer make me very happy and very brand loyal. I also have one of their Hydroflask sleeves, and have a list going for a bigger order from them in the future. If you like to organize your stuff in a very cool way, give these guys a look.

Visor Organizer
Blue Ridge Overland Gear

 

[MTN4RNR]

FJ style emblem

I picked this piece up from [MENTION=124475]bhicks22[/MENTION] on his website: Products | BH3D Printing

Fought for a while on where to put it, and settled on the lift gate, passenger side, FJ40 style. Backed with 3M adhesive in CNC "channels" to make the emblem as flush as can be, this aluminum emblem is a well built piece.

[MENTION=124475]bhicks22[/MENTION] also makes the forum infamous TEQ replacement emblems featured on this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/207207-interest-teq-badges-5th-gen.html

I am hoping to work out something a little more custom in the coming months to stay tuned!

 

[MATTYDIRT]

I picked this piece up from [MENTION=124475]bhicks22[/MENTION] on his website: Products | BH3D Printing

Fought for a while on where to put it, and settled on the lift gate, passenger side, FJ40 style. Backed with 3M adhesive in CNC "channels" to make the emblem as flush as can be, this aluminum emblem is a well built piece.

[MENTION=124475]bhicks22[/MENTION] also makes the forum infamous TEQ replacement emblems featured on this thread: http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/207207-interest-teq-badges-5th-gen.html

I am hoping to work out something a little more custom in the coming months to stay tuned!

Same truck and same bike, different rack. Didn't know much about the 1up USA before I bought my Kuat, but I've been seeing them around more and more. I like the flexibility of only have a single bike tray vs the two fixed on all the other hitch mounts.

Cheers!

 

[MTN4RNR]

RAM dash iPad mini mount

I followed a bit of guidance from [MENTION=112895]balistikboy[/MENTION] 's RAM mount addition [ http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-g...r-trail-premium-build-thread.html#post1779403 ] and added my own. Removing the panel was easy but nerve racking because this was the first thing I had to do where I needed to pull something apart, drill something, and put it back together.
​

Parts used:
RAM 2.43" x 1.31" Diamond Ball Base with 1" Ball Unpackaged - RAM-B-238U | RAM Mounts
RAM Long Double Socket Arm for 1" Balls (Overall Length: 6") - RAM-B-201U-C | RAM Mounts
RAM 2.5" Round Ball Base with the AMPs Hole Pattern & 1" Ball Unpackaged - RAM-B-202U | RAM Mounts
iPad mini Car Mount & Cradle from LifeProof | LifeProof
Nuts, bolts, backing plate, loctite, beer.

1. Open your beer of choice, IPA for me
2. Remove passenger panel around the climate control knob using a bit of encouragement
3. Line up and drill holes in both the plastic and on the metal backing plate (mine was a piece from a hangar bracket I had laying around)
4. Install the ball mount with cap socket bolts, loctite and backing plate.
5. Throw 'er back together
6. Finish said beer

I didn't take any progress photos this time, but I will for upcoming additions. The mount holds up really well day to day, doesn't rattle or show signs of stress from the plastic panel it is mounted to. Now I can run nav, music, topos, and radar conveniently!

​

 

[MTN4RNR]

Cooper Discoverer ST MAXX - 275/70R17

I had a set of Coopers installed yesterday. I have the same set on my work truck, and have really liked them. I have 33k miles on them on the work truck with 9/32" remaining out of the original 18.5/32". Not bad for a full size GMC truck that tows a few times a week. Needless to say, I was impressed. Load range E with a 10ply tread. These tires are heavy as a mother weighing in at 58lbs a piece. After debating C vs. E rating, I went with the E rated mostly because if you are going to add some weight, having a heavier tire that is more resistant to pesky roots and rocks might help down the road. After driving home with them, I can't say that they are much "rougher" than the Dunlops that came off. But when you drive a work truck during the week, it doesn't take much to be comfy on the road, the 4R with the new tires is still mighty smooth. I will update the tire review as I put more miles on them in different conditions. Thanks [MENTION=66316]1engineer[/MENTION] for the tire fitment guide! Spot on with no rubbing on the 275/70R17 thus far.

​

 

[C4 Fabrication]

Tires look great, I like the vintage 4wd emblem!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Tires look great, I like the vintage 4wd emblem!

Thanks! It's amazing how tires can really change the look of the truck. Very happy so far, but I need to find some dirt today before work tomorrow! That emblem is one of my favorite additions. I am happy that it didn't turn out too hoakie.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Overland Bound #0614

I joined Overland Bound a while back on the forum, and upon arrival of the 4Runner in my life, I ordered the emblem and plan on being more involved in their expeditions. They just completed their first annual Off the Grid overland rally in the Sierras.

Check out the wrap up videos:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=83NrtwWME2I
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A6zZ5KvmsAQ

I can't wait to attend next year, and hopefully join along on some trips in the mean time. If you haven't already, check out their website! Overland Bound - Overland Bound

 

[USNA91]

Quick to add to the truck was this visor organizer from Blue Ridge Overland Gear. It has Molle paneling on one side, velcro on the other and a zipped compartment for vehicle documents, cash, etc. The velcro works perfectly with their pouches they sell, which I am soon to order for being able to zip small items into. Very well made in the USA. You'll get a tag on any/all of their products with the cutter and the sewer's name on it. Little details like that from products and manufacturer make me very happy and very brand loyal. I also have one of their Hydroflask sleeves, and have a list going for a bigger order from them in the future. If you like to organize your stuff in a very cool way, give these guys a look.

Visor Organizer
Blue Ridge Overland Gear

Gonna have to get me one of those. I wonder if the visor is strong enough to hold up a Wave Multitool and a small Surefire?

 

[MTN4RNR]

Gonna have to get me one of those. I wonder if the visor is strong enough to hold up a Wave Multitool and a small Surefire?

It has two large straps on it, so it should hold a good amount of weight. I have a small pocket flashlight that fits in the molle webbing. See link below:

Fenix E12 Flashlight - REI.com

Good light output, quick access, win.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Packed up and ready for a Thanksgiving trip to Santa Barbara! The Coopers look great and have really changed the look of the truck. They're quiet on the road, and haven't effected the ride quality much considering the E load rating. I'm determined to find some dirt on the trip. More photos to come. Happy Thanksgiving, all!​