I did 4/5 things I intended to do to the 4Runner today

[gmctavish]

I optimistically aimed to install my newly acquired stock skid plates, and replace my fuel filter, headlight bulbs, air filter, and windshield wipers.
The obviously easy air filter and windshield wipers took no time, but one of the old headlight bulbs was forced in wrong and was tricky to get out without breaking anything. My headlight connectors are also all corroded and gross, I’ll clean them up and replace them if need be.
The fuel filter was a slow process but smooth enough, I reek of gas now...nice to not have to jack the truck up though.

Now for the skid plate, which is the thing that I didn’t get done.

It didn’t occur to me that a stock skid plate might not fit over the diff drop.....and guess what, it doesn’t.
So I’ll be going to get longer bolts, and washers to stack tomorrow, and hopefully I can make it work...

Oh yeah, 2 weeks ago I got new lower control arm bushings, 2 new alignment cam bolts, new sway bar bushings, new front axles, new front brake hoses, a diff drop, and an alignment....that was an expensive day, but my front end is as tight as it gets now.

[JunkleMKVII]

@gmctavish I don’t know much about these things, but I have a curious mind. What does the diff drop do? Is it to correct a geometry problem?

[gmctavish]

@JunkleMKVII Yup, it’s so the CV axles are brought back to a more ideal angle. Lifting it means the axles would droop too far when the suspension droops fully, and could restrict flex too.

[WhoIsTheLeader]

@gmctavish You now must have one if the tightest driving 4Runners on the road! It's amazing how much of a difference new bushings can make.

[jminer]

@gmctavish that's a seriously successful day of wrenching. I never get that close to my goals.