I'm also looking for some opinions on high lift fenders (Bushwacker or Rustys?), and which direction should I go from here?? I have a modification budget of around 2k. I've been told I need to do 4.56 gears front and rear and lockers front and rear. Any suggestions are appreciated! :cheers:
1) Screw Bushwackers - overpriced and easily broken. Throw some TJ or YJ flares on it and call it good. Personally, I went with YJ flares because I don't like the side-marker on the front of the TJ flares. Also, the YJ's have a flat spot on the front fenders where the side-marker lights mount. I took off the backing plate and plan on installing some 55w driving lights aimed at 45* for night-wheeling (same lights I have for my reverse lights).
I went with a full set of front/rear flares due mainly to time constraints (fix-it ticket). I would've liked to get four rear flares, as I think they look a little bit better. However, these work in a pinch and I'm happy with 'em
2) Personally with 35's, I'd go with 4.88's as previously mentioned. I fell your pain a little at the moment, running 5-spd as well (so same 3.07 gears) but only on 33's and it SUCKS. Can't imagine yours! x2 on the previously mentioned upgrading the front-end (and rear if you're going to keep it, see #3) shafts due to stress and such associated with 35's, especially if you're going to lock the front.
3) Also as previously mentioned, I'd verify which rear-end spline-count you have. With a $2k budget I'd look into swapping out the rearend and sticking a Ford 8.8 in there. Can be done for around $650 or so.
4) Lockers, but being a Yota I'm assuming you have some experience off-road and already know the benefits of lockers. I'd highly recommend saving up and doing the gears and lockers together, especially if you're having someone else install them. No point in going in there twice! Also, I'd recommend determining whether you plan on swapping rear-ends out. Again, no point in spending money to regear something you're getting rid of later.
5) Armor - lots of it. Sliders at minimum, some decent bumpers. RECOVERY POINTS! I can't really tell in the pictures, but it doesn't look like there are any on the rig at all. C4x4 has a good set of front tow-hooks for around $75, including hardware and brackets. Some of the best money I've spent so far - still designing a front bumper that I like.
6) If it hasn't already, I'd take a peek at the exhaust manifold and see if it's cracked. If it hasn't, it more than likey is going to - mine-as-well swap it out for a header, or save for one to swap at your convenience.
