2006 4Runner V8 Limited

[V1GiLaNtE]

Nice!  I might have missed it, but is this a lift kit & if so how much?

It is. It is a 2" lift kit, but that amount of lift is what you would expect from a not saggy suspension. So this could be more like 3" after all said and done.

[V1GiLaNtE]

Assembled the UCA's this evening. Mainly getting the bushings and zerk fittings in.

[V1GiLaNtE]

In the world of vehicle communications our group of travelers has decided to step up to (General Mobile Radio Service) GRMS units. Typically we travel a lot in Virginia where cell service is non-existent and so beyond short distance vehicle to vehicle communication you're mostly on your own. 

CB or Citizens band is fine for very close communication while convoying or running trail (~1 mile). However, we were looking for something that would expand our communication range to where if somebody is rolling into camp at night we can easily pick them up 5+ miles away and talk them in. It's kind of a peace of mind for emergency situations. In a perfect scenario and clear line of site GRMS comms should be able to talk to each other over 50 miles away. Not only do we have the flexibility for vehicle mounted comms, but these also interface with any handheld GRMS radio as well. So if somebody is without a vehicle they can still communicate back to base camp.

Midland was running a 20% off sale so most in the group picked up the MXT115. Good power, good range, compact, and ready to roll with included antenna. There isn't really a need to step up to a 40W unit with repeater. Our one radio guru had already decided to go for the larger unit though. That could prove useful in more obstructed places like WV. GRMS units do not require any tuning out of the box so that's a bonus. I will still run the CB in the truck since outside of the group the comm situation is inconsistent, but I plan on utilizing the GRMS unit for 90% of the communications. A license is required, but it's just filing with the FCC and paying a $70 fee which keeps your call sign good for 10 years. Once I get the unit in my hand I'll post here the install. I am pretty certain it will go in the center console underneath the lid for a clean install.

[D_Eclipse9916]

Clue me in being ignorant but what is the difference between this and like a Motorola base station? Seems like a way cheaper alternative and possible racing radios change up.

I haven’t had any issues with my Motorola base station but people barely gets from the paddock to VIR oak tree which is only about 1-1.5 miles away.

[Senor_Taylor]

This is awesome! I miss having a CB, but the range in the woods was always abysmal. I could pick up truckers 10 miles away on the interstate, but in the woods, it was like having a walkie talkies.

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[V1GiLaNtE]

Clue me in being ignorant but what is the difference between this and like a Motorola base station? Seems like a way cheaper alternative and possible racing radios change up.

I haven’t had any issues with my Motorola base station but people barely gets from the paddock to VIR oak tree which is only about 1-1.5 miles away.

Good question DJ. I'm not sure as I do not know the specifics of your model. Is it an FRS radio? FRS = Family Radio Service. Typically those run in lower power and are limited to 2watts. Which is subject to a lot of interference. 

There could be a variety of issues with your comms situation. Signal propagation could be huge one based on your antenna size and location. For an area like VIR, that's a BIG traffic area for shit to mess up your signal. Lap timers, other radios, the general elevation changes at VIR, etc. could all play a part in poor signal.  Generally speaking, you want your antenna (if you have one) as high up and away from interference as possible.

If you're considering upgrading in the future I would hold out until the end of June when Midland is supposed to release their MXT275. I would have preferred this model as it's all integrated into the handset similar to my Cobra CB.

OR if you're looking for something more "base campy" check out their actual "Base Camp" model. 

This is awesome! I miss having a CB, but the range in the woods was always abysmal. I could pick up truckers 10 miles away on the interstate, but in the woods, it was like having a walkie talkies. 

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

You nailed it Taylor. Vehicle to vehicle comms in the woods gets pretty shit, really quick in the mountains on CB. You can do your best to overcome this by a tuned antenna and powerful CB unit, but inherently the GRMS radios just operates at a higher power and frequency allowing for better communication within obstructed terrain.

[D_Eclipse9916]

I have a Motorola CM300
https://www.radiotwoway.com/index.php?ro...gKyN_D_BwE

Motorola hand helds you lose signal before oak tree. Mine works and is crystal clear but my experience with the handhelds leads me to believe there is no way these things will go 5 miles, least of all 10.

No, mine isn't registered lol.

[Senor_Taylor]

Clue me in being ignorant but what is the difference between this and like a Motorola base station? Seems like a way cheaper alternative and possible racing radios change up.

I haven’t had any issues with my Motorola base station but people barely gets from the paddock to VIR oak tree which is only about 1-1.5 miles away.

Good question DJ. I'm not sure as I do not know the specifics of your model. Is it an FRS radio? FRS = Family Radio Service. Typically those run in lower power and are limited to 2watts. Which is subject to a lot of interference. 

There could be a variety of issues with your comms situation. Signal propagation could be huge one based on your antenna size and location. For an area like VIR, that's a BIG traffic area for shit to mess up your signal. Lap timers, other radios, the general elevation changes at VIR, etc. could all play a part in poor signal.  Generally speaking, you want your antenna (if you have one) as high up and away from interference as possible.

If you're considering upgrading in the future I would hold out until the end of June when Midland is supposed to release their MXT275. I would have preferred this model as it's all integrated into the handset similar to my Cobra CB.

OR if you're looking for something more "base campy" check out their actual "Base Camp" model. 

This is awesome! I miss having a CB, but the range in the woods was always abysmal. I could pick up truckers 10 miles away on the interstate, but in the woods, it was like having a walkie talkies. 

Sent from my Pixel using Tapatalk

You nailed it Taylor. Vehicle to vehicle comms in the woods gets pretty shit, really quick in the mountains on CB. You can do your best to overcome this by a tuned antenna and powerful CB unit, but inherently the GRMS radios just operates at a higher power and frequency allowing for better communication within obstructed terrain.

The thing is, CB receivers are limited in power by law, so even buying the most expensive one just gets you more features, not better range. I had a 5 foot whip that was tuned, so mine was pretty decent, but I can see how guys with 4 foot fire sticks mounted on their bumpers might do poorly.

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[V1GiLaNtE]

The thing is, CB receivers are limited in power by law, so even buying the most expensive one just gets you more features, not better range. I had a 5 foot whip that was tuned, so mine was pretty decent, but I can see how guys with 4 foot fire sticks mounted on their bumpers might do poorly.

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Rules were meant to be broken..

[ScottyB]

as we're about to take off on another camping trip, i'm seriously enjoying all this tech. definitely giving me ideas on how i might want to set up our xterra in the future for extended wheeling.

[V1GiLaNtE]

as we're about to take off on another camping trip, i'm seriously enjoying all this tech.  definitely giving me ideas on how i might want to set up our xterra in the future for extended wheeling.

Honestly, skip the CB and go straight to the GRMS. Especially with the trailer. I think this would be a perfect application for you to have a "base camp" radio in the camper and then use the handhelds in the Xterra or out and about in the woods. The antenna is super tiny and inconspicuous with a magnetic mount. I will probably install a different mount and larger antenna for a more permanent install.

---

Speaking of which.. if you guys ever need to talk to me don't bother texting. Hit me up: WRBN829 channel 17

[V1GiLaNtE]

I'll try and get a teaser pic up this afternoon when I hit the road. Full write-up coming post Wheelers Overland Adventure this weekend in PA! Gonna be a complete slop fest.

Got the radio in and mounted for the trip. I'll need to go back and fully wire the radio into the fuse box under to the hood for dedicated power. For now, it'll work just fine with the 12v in the cab. Looking forward to testing it out on the trails.

[JPolen01]

In for pics of trucks stuck in 3ft of mud. Have fun!

[V1GiLaNtE]

In for pics of trucks stuck in 3ft of mud. Have fun!

For the love of god I hope not! Mud sucks! Should be a good group! We'll have two 4runners, a JK, and an FJ cruiser running all day Saturday around Coal Township. It'll be like a mini Vermont Overland Rally I went to last fall. 

Here's the event if anyone is curious:

http://www.wheelersllc.com/wheelers-over...nture.html

[rherold9]

Did you forget you installed your lift?

[V1GiLaNtE]

Did you forget you installed your lift?

Nope. Hence the teaser shot before I leave. I'd rather go run it through the gambit all weekend bouncing off rocks, chewing up highway miles, and hauling gear before I give any real first impressions.

[rherold9]

Hey everyone, Cabell installed his lift and it feels good. Like Jeep good (not the broken down mechanical good though).

[V1GiLaNtE]

Wheeler's Overland Adventure review is here if anyone is interested. 4Runner did a bitch'n job owning the trails.

[JPolen01]

Moar pics of the G Wagon doing it's thing please.

[rherold9]

Excuse me sir, but your rear tire seems to be flat