Figured I'd share more information another member messaged me about. Might be helpful for someone else:
APEX Bumper:
Here's a bunch of bumper install pictures (sorry low quality):
https://www.dropbox.com/sh/8vs0au33f330to3/pa6UQKJD9W
Apex front bumper is excellent. It has the best fitment and strength of any aftermarket bumper for the Tacoma. Very good approach angle, low profile. The ARB bumper is a joke! I can't believe they make you chop up the factory bumper... Poor at best. Did you see how much it deflects and flexes?? Expedition Overland guys have a picture showing it on their build thread. Scary! Oh yeah, another reason not to chop your factory bumper... I'm very happy with the appearance and durability so far. I've done some hard pulls with the Xeon 10 winch and recovered a number of vehicles with the bumper recovery points. Lower tie in mount and main bumper. The license plate is attached to the main bumper but extends down over the lower mount section. It actually ties into the 4 sway bar frame mounts along with the standard frame horn section. The lower section was the same material thickness as the main bumper. Neat engineered piece.
Suspension:
I did buy longer brake lines. You need them in the rear. I actually haven't installed the front yet. Factory are plenty long. ** Make sure to read Toyota brake bleeding procedure. It's much different (easier) than most rigs but you don't want to screw it up (master cylinder is electric). There's no need to replace lines to "stiffen" pedal feel. It's strictly for length / strength. Front are not required.
886 Springs. These are needed with all the weight added. I had to add a trim packer and 1/4 top spacer to the driver side to level it with the passenger side. Lift height is perfect. Still offers over 2"+ of down travel and CVs are at a fairly low angle. I went with the upgrade Nitro Charger "Sport" shocks which seem to handle very well. They have a bit sharper response. My only complaint is the front shocks need better rebound dampening. They seem to unload a bit harsh when the the tires come off the ground at speed. Otherwise, compression dampening is great. Handling is very responsive and corners well (better than stock). I removed the front sway bar with no regrets. Handles rough roads better without the sway bar as it allows both wheels to act more independently when going through pot holes.
I may upgrade the front to Icon coil overs. Note: you need to "special order" these to get 700lb spring. The standard 650lb spring isn't enough with bumper, winch, skids. They won't tell you this! You end up cranking the adjuster too far down and over pre-loading the spring. One size fits all approach is poor. OME got it right offering the different spring choices. Honestly, the rebound dampening is the ONLY reason I'd even consider replacing. OME are more durable, longer lasting... not to mention less $$.
Buying New:
If you order from the factory get the "rubber flooring option" it replaces all carpet with rubber flooring similar to the FJ. Only costs $50.
Get the TRD! Some people think it's only the locker and suspension. NOT true. The upgrade list is extensive!
Loving my Taco! I've owned 1999 4runner Supercharged Limited, 2007 4runner Sport V8, 1986 4runner SAS, 1983 Toy Truck, 2010 Tundra Limited (and about 50 other vehicles). This truck is fantastic! Hands down the best 4x4 (for my uses) and offers the great function / utility. Get the TRD! The ATRAC is impressive. So good in fact I doubt it will get a front ARB locker. I drove the truck up Yellow Jacket Hill @ Tahuya. People were asking if the front had a locker. You have to learn how to drive it. Drive by wire and ultra sensitive auto transmission! It took me several trips to learn it. Very happy with it.
