Noob questions: 5th gen Trail 2013

[JPH]

Hi all. Not new to car forums (active on Corvette boards) nor to 4Runners (now on my 3rd, earlier were gen 2 and gen 3) but have some questions:
1. Anyone know a source for protection, either film or screens, for the lowdown fog lights on gen 5 Trail edition? Seems like they are at-risk on back roads.
2. Need to know some ideas to protect the front of the rear wheel arches. One run on a back road left some light damage on the lower front of the plastic wheel opening surrounds on the rear. Seems something small and horizontal below the front of the rear wheel arches would deflect stones well enough. Anybody seen anything? No interest in full running/step boards; pant dirtiers and ground clearance killers.
3. Will consider a switch to an aftermarket muffler. Faves? Made a noticeable difference in the gen 2's power. Was happy enough with gen 3 to not need it. But those were stick shifts and of course the gen 5 is a slushbox.

Thanks.

 

[brockeverly]

1. Not needed. I beat the hell out of my truck and never broken a fog light.
2. My BudBuilts do a great job of deflecting anything my Duratracs have thrown up. No discernible loss of ground clearance, only looks like it.
3. A lot run the Magnaflow 12586 muffler. I had mine installed a week or so ago. It is okay, I think I expected too much. The more I have it the more I like it.

 

[GrantK]

I really like my Borla cat-back system. Pricey but nice. The only thing I'd change (and might yet have a shop do) is change it to side exit.

 

[JPH]

Thanks. I appreciate the quick input.

 

[JPH]

Borlas on Corvettes = loud and a little harsh for my tastes. I put Flowmasters on them and like the sound. That said, we are talking about two completely different engines. Any sound clips you are aware of for the 5th gen Runner with Borlas (or perhaps even on the FJ?)

Thanks!

 

[adam2562]

3. A lot run the Magnaflow 12586 muffler. I had mine installed a week or so ago. It is okay, I think I expected too much. The more I have it the more I like it.

i've seen many ppl say this.. i think i'll wait to do it after i'm lifted and stuff.. i'm touchy on exhaust notes and this 4runner just doesn't do it for me lol.. i guess im waiting to see if someone installs a size muffler (shorter=louder)that might satisfy my taste, then i'll do it.