Couple updates.
Added black overlays to the badges. Bought these from Running 4 Taco's. Spendy but damn they look good. Plan to paint the rear, silver valance, black.
Emblem Overlays - 2010-2020 Toyota 4Runner
– Runnin 4 Tacos
Installed a Smittybuilt model 2763 Storage Vault. 4Wheel Parts has them on sale for $242.85 shipped.
Smittybilt Rear Lockable Storage Box - 2763 | 4wheelparts.com
I mounted it so it's offset allowing me to put water and groceries next to it.
It came with 3 L brackets that I drilled holes for. These are attached to 3 of the 4 tie downs:
I can get all my recovery gear in there.
Note on the Smittybuilt box. I hear noises coming from it. Hitting the brakes while going down hill off road, it sounds like the drawer is moving.
My D-Rings I have stuffed into my Rhino Tow Strap bag are noisy - sound like bells ringing back there. Need to pad them better. Probably stuff them individually into some old pillow cases.
I did have an instance bashing though a mud hole where it sounded / felt like the whole box lifted off the cargo floor.
@ 2/10ths the price of a Frontrunner, Arb, or Dobinson's box - it's functional.
Speaking of the mud hole, I explored some more of an ATV trail that I believe connects to Glade Top Trail. Not 100% about the legality of on road vehicles on ATV trails but there are no signs on either end of the trail.
Went further this time. Did a creek crossing and then found Mud. Passed through 3 muddy field sections with ATrac & the rear locker engaged. The 4Runner plowed right through... sideways more or less.
Heard some kids up ahead gleefully screaming + the sounds of ATV's so I turned back.
Aftermath pic: