A couple updates
Bumpers:
I have a Coastal Off-road front bumper and Nguyen Works swing out rear bumper on order, along with a 1” body lift. I REALLY struggled with the decision to move away from the OEM+ look, I just think it looks perfect as is, but in the end, I decided I just want better approach and especially departure angles, and I’d like to run 285s without rubbing and with a full size spare, and maximize up-travel with the IFS. I will probably color-match the bumpers to the Topaz Metallic flares. With the added weight I’ll probably need to change out my springs (currently 880/906). I’ll also be doing the smaller Sequoia brakes at some point soon (my friend has a Sequoia he’s using for a 2UZ swap in his 3rd gen).
E-locker retrofit:
Spent yesterday evening trying to open up the diff housing in order to inspect before moving forward with the swap. Could NOT get this thing to open!! Treated it for a few days penetrating oil, hit it with mapp heat, pry bars, hammers, brass drifts, that little hardened hammer-able gasket blade tool, … nothing worked! The nuts zipped off just fine.
Any tips?