Thanks Qjake,
So I got about 45 minutes this evening and went out and spaced the brackets correctly. It is still over 40 degrees in MA and its 10:30 at night. So nice out!!!
the first pic is how low the bracket sat originally without the spacers.
The second is after inserting 9 grade 8 washers 5/16 x 1.5" on each bolt in between the bracket and the frame. This left plenty of room on the thread and actually pulled about two threads past the bolt. I was very pleased with the fitment FINALLY!:jaw drop:
There is a nice rubber flap that attached right to the bolts and covers most of your work keeping the general look under the hood clean (which I like). It's a North East 4Runner please save the surface rust comments.
Final pic is how it sits right now. A bit higher and more level. It actually improves the look of the truck and it doesn't slouch as much. I need a 3/2 so bad. Spring can not come soon enough.
I figured out how the upper brackets will mount up. Of course I will have to heat them, and bend to make it flush.
Overall the project was bit bigger than expected but at the same time it was pretty cheap. $140 for the bar shipped, $20 back from seller due to brackets that suck!
but kinda
then about $5 in washers and all in all 3 hours of time, mostly filing by hand. IMO worth it.