Building, Driving and Adventuring the MTN4RNR

[MTN4RNR]

This is such a fantastic build thread. Thank you for taking the time to document everything.

Awesome build!

Glad that you have enjoyed it! It's been a slow summer for trips and internet content, but I have some good stuff in the works for the winter/spring!

 

[MTN4RNR]

The Mountain 4Runner gets a Maggie

I have spent the last few years of exploring spending nights either in the 4Runner when I am solo, or in our REI Half Dome 2+ when I am with my lady. I knew that a roof top tent would be somewhere in the future plans, but I also knew that it would be a ways off on the build list. A few weeks ago, I had a great opportunity to pick up a used AutoHome Maggiolina Extreme that I couldn't pass up. It's a size small, so it fits well on the roof of the rig being attached to my existing Thule rack. I have plans to upgrade the rack to take advantage of what space I have left for my single Rotopax and if I can, my Stihl. But for now, I am sitting (laying) high and happy. The tent makes little to no noise up there and hasn't really affected my milage. The KDSS system really keeps the additional 150 pounds on the roof in check and I don't notice any more body roll than before on mountain roads. After a BONE CHILLING first night in the tent, a new bag is on order to take advantage of the space and the ability to leave it in place in the tent between campsites.

Looking forward to many nights in it! More to come!

​

 

[bimrunner]

I have spent the last few years of exploring spending nights either in the 4Runner when I am solo, or in our REI Half Dome 2+ when I am with my lady. I knew that a roof top tent would be somewhere in the future plans, but I also knew that it would be a ways off on the build list. A few weeks ago, I had a great opportunity to pick up a used AutoHome Maggiolina Extreme that I couldn't pass up. It's a size small, so it fits well on the roof of the rig being attached to my existing Thule rack. I have plans to upgrade the rack to take advantage of what space I have left for my single Rotopax and if I can, my Stihl. But for now, I am sitting (laying) high and happy. The tent makes little to no noise up there and hasn't really affected my milage. The KDSS system really keeps the additional 150 pounds on the roof in check and I don't notice any more body roll than before on mountain roads. After a BONE CHILLING first night in the tent, a new bag is on order to take advantage of the space and the ability to leave it in place in the tent between campsites.

​

Now, only thing left to make it perfect is a fridge. Such a great tent! no more pitching tents on the ground! :bravo:​

 

[YetiX]

Max, how tall are you? I was looking at these but am concerned that at 6'3" I'm to tall for a 72" mattress. Thoughts?

 

[MTN4RNR]

Now, only thing left to make it perfect is a fridge. Such a great tent! no more pitching tents on the ground! :bravo:

REI dividend time! They sell ARB's!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Max, how tall are you? I was looking at these but am concerned that at 6'3" I'm to tall for a 72" mattress. Thoughts?

I am 5'11" and the Extreme is juuuuuuust long enough that I can lay down straight on it. You might want to look into the XL versions of the Columbus and Air Land models. They are up to 6'8" in length on the mattress. Or you can sleep diagonal on the 72" mattress and call it good. I would try to find one that you can get into in person to try out, or even rent one depending on where you live.

Good luck!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Cold Nights and High Altitudes - October 2017

New trip report posted on the site including some T4R members, [MENTION=115782]RedStripeRanger[/MENTION] [MENTION=44305]weeeee[/MENTION] [MENTION=56922]NoOneBetter[/MENTION] and [MENTION=77370]Gabex35[/MENTION]! Enjoy!

 

[NC-Chris]

Nice write up. Are you using the Baja wiring harness or something different from Apollo. I didn't see any harnesses on their site. Thanks.

 

[NC-Chris]

To be clear I'm asking about the S8 light bar install.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Nice write up. Are you using the Baja wiring harness or something different from Apollo. I didn't see any harnesses on their site. Thanks.

To be clear I'm asking about the S8 light bar install.

It was a standard harness from Apollo. It's a fairly standard harness and could be something they could provide, or Bailey from Baja Designs directly :thumb3:

 

[NC-Chris]

Thanks. I've ordered all my materials and will attempt this when it all arrives. The wiring has me a little nervous so I may pm you with a question if that would be ok.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Thanks. I've ordered all my materials and will attempt this when it all arrives. The wiring has me a little nervous so I may pm you with a question if that would be ok.

Absolutely. Shoot me a message if you come across anything and I will do my best to help.

 

[MTN4RNR]

RAM X-Grip for iPhone

I added a more secure mount for the phone this weekend using the RAM X-Grip, a dual pivot arm and a female threaded ball mount. I removed the radio/trim center piece and secured the ball with a flange nut on the inside of the trim. So far the vibration has been minimal, and nothing more than I would expect considering typical road conditions. I have another idea for a sturdier mount that will happen in the future, but I am starting with this!

Also, Happy Holidays to you all! No Christmas Tree run to the National Forest this year, but I did make good use of the bike rack carrying the tree home :thumb3:

 

[LeeBoatright]

Pros pee on the bike!

 

[MTN4RNR]

Pros pee on the bike!

 

[mgreen6616]

Nice use of the 1up Max! Do you have any installation photos of that what the female RAM ball threads onto?

 

[yellowdog]

What do these do for you- - Metal Tech 4x4 Offset lower links

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!

As it sits: October 2017

​

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
- Metal Tech 4x4 Offset lower links (THANKS [MENTION=89562]bimrunner[/MENTION]!)

Armor:
- 4x4 Labs Sliders

Wheels/Tires:
- Stock Trail Editions/Cooper Discoverer STMAXX 275/70R17

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

Recovery:
- ARB E-Z deflator
- ARB 30' 24K lbs. snatch strap
- 4-3/4T shackle, painted school bus yellow because spray paint
- Hitch shackle recovery point I transferred from my old truck
- Gloves, ear plugs, safety glasses
- Shop towels
- First aid kit
- All stowed away in an 8 gallon Action Packer Front Runner Wolf Pack
- Amazon Special Traction Mats (x2)
- Blue Ridge Overland Tool Bag full of tooooooools

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

Self Maintenance:
- 20k --- Air filter (Toyota OEM)
- 25k --- Tire Rotation
- 30k --- Tire Rotation, Engine Oil (Toyota 0w-20), Cab Filter (Toyota OEM), FR/RR Diff (Redline 75W-90), Transfer Case (Redline 75W-90)
- 35k --- Driveline lube
- 37k --- Tire Rotation (Lift Installation),
- 39k --- Engine oil (Toyota 0w-20), driveline lube, Air Filter (Toyota OEM)

Bucket List:
-Skids
-Roof Rack
-Electrical upgrade
-More lumens

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...​

 

[YetiX]

What do these do for you- - Metal Tech 4x4 Offset lower links

I clicked on the link in Max's post and found the following information:

When Metal Tech 4x4 designed their rear long travel suspension system for the FJ Cruiser/4Runner we quickly realized a flaw in the Toyota link design. With the increased suspension travel the links contact the axle housing not allowing for full freedom of movement for the axle. By doing an offset notch we simply moved the bushing to sit higher on the link tube which in turn provides greater clearance between the axle housing and the link. Our offset lower links will not bind a full articulation and vertical travel when used with our rear long travel system and other 2" lifts. Also another benefit to the offset notch is a smooth sliding transition when rubbing up against an obstacle. Links with a standard notch have an uneven sliding surface which can cause damage to the axle mount, while the offset notch allows the link to sit lower allowing full protection against rock, trees, and other objects.

So it looks like they're designed to allow more articulation for the rear axle.

Hmmnnn, maybe I need a set . . . :eyebrows:

 

[ECUDrummer]

I clicked on the link in Max's post and found the following information:



So it looks like they're designed to allow more articulation for the rear axle.

Hmmnnn, maybe I need a set . . . :eyebrows:

I highly recommend them, they're awesome.

 

[MTN4RNR]

Nice use of the 1up Max! Do you have any installation photos of that what the female RAM ball threads onto?

RAM mount part number (RAM-B-273-M6U) attached to the trim piece with a flange bolt from the inside and thread locker to make sure it stays snug. I can tighten it from the outside without removing the trim because the flange bolt has notches on it. So far the vibration is acceptable. But time will tell off-road what it will be like. I already have a plan for RAM phone mount 2.0 that is much much sturdier that might happen at the beginning of the year.

Hope this helps! Ask away if you have other questions.