Bruce,
The shipping damage is a separate issue. The restocking fee is plainly stated on our website and is a VERY common business practice considering the cost of accepting a return when a customer changes their mind. We did give you the choice to keep the bumper and we would have covered the...
I could probably add a picture that shows a direct down shot of the gap, but I thought this picture gave a pretty accurate representation of what to expect. Its not like we're trying to hide the fact that it has a gap except that we make it match the body lines when viewing from the side. Lesson...
It's always a crap shoot when trying to get shipping damage reimbursements and often they find that they did no wrong, go figure. We eat the cost of shipping damage about 80% of the time in one way or another, so we do our absolute best to ensure it doesn't happen in the first place. So to say...
Bruce,
We are sorry the bumper wasnt as you expected, but those gaps are quite necessary for the style of offroading it was designed for. The original protoype was a bit closer, but after coming down hard on a stair step the rear of the bumper flexed up into the body panel under the tail light...
I've tried all levels and found absolutely no difference in mpg or power. I've been running regular unleaded for the last 50k miles I'd say. no problems.
I've swapped the axle from an FJ with elocker into my GX, but it was free to me. For 1000 just into the axle you'd be better off with an 8.2 like mentioned.
I ran 3 - m33" tires and 1 - 35" tire during my long travel setup. Well I ran it for about 8 miles to my house from the body shop, but still no problems.
Wait, do the vsc zero point calibration before you start tearing the calipers apart. Your lift and alignment could have caused it to be on the threshold of activation.