We got everything on the list done and drove the 4runner to the beach where my daughter drove it while we were there.
Upon our return to England I started researching next year's modifications (August 2008). The first thing on my mind was regearing to 4.56 ratio and maybe installing some lockers while the differentials were out. I thought about all kinds of combinations from Detroits to Tru-trac but finally decided the most cost effective way to get from point A to B was to install two TRD elockers in 4.56 ratio.
I won't go into the entire debate here about why I chose those but if anyone is considering regearing and adding lockers I would ask them to compare their estimated spend against the $900 or so price for the TRD elockers. Of course if you're going 4.88 or higher then the cost effectiveness kind of goes out the window.
There are lots of ways to control these elockers and I looked at most of them. Somewhere in the middle of this research I decided that I had to have a 1997 Land Cruiser with elockers. Long story short, I finally found the one that I wanted in Portland Oregon. I bought it via photos, service records and conversations with the owner and had it shipped to Alabama. I was able to see it in February when I had to fly to the US on business and I wasn't disappointed.
About this time I had a 4Runner, elocker epiphany. I wanted to control the elockers with an FZJ80 elocker ECU and switch. It took a while but I finally sourced the ECU, switch and pigtails. It also took me a while but I finally sorted the wiring out between the Land Cruiser ECU and TRD elockers. Thanks to everyone for their patience and help with my earlier threads on this subject!
Here is a link to the elocker install:
http://forum.ih8mud.com/79-95-toyota...cu-switch.html
My list for this year's work included the following:
Install two TRD elockers
4X Innovations sliders
Budbuilt cross member and skid plate
Rebuild front and rear axles
Paint axles, sliders and axle parts with POR15
Install SR5 rear seat, seat belts, and side panels
Install SR5 map light
IPF 968 driving lights (installed on the ARB bumper)
I again performed this work in my friend's shop over 3 or 4 days before heading to the beach.
A few photos: