Haven't had time to post for ages, but here are a few updates:
LED DRLsHad some ebay LED DRLs for a while, but they started playing up after a couple months (flickering between bright and dim) and I found the auto headlights werent working properly, so I threw them in the bin and put back the stock bulbs. Wish they weren't so yellow but am over it now
On the subject of the DRLs; the bulbs in the SR are dual filament, 5W and 21W for parkers and DRLs respectively. Had a strange issue where the 21W filaments on both bulbs blew (I didnt realise) but the effect was that any time the headlight stalk was on Auto, and i was in bright light (so headlights should turn off and DRLs on) all the dashlights would flicker on and off, and relays all over the place were clicking on and off. Switch to park, or to headlights on, and the issue went away. I didnt realise that both bulbs were dodgy as every time I got out to look at it the parkers seemed to be on - but of course they were only using the 5W filament as the 21W was no good. So I thought that the auto headlight sensor on the dash was dodgy. Took it to local dealer and he worked it out - replaced bulbs and all good again!
Nudge bar:Originally had a Bossco Auto nudge bar on there (from ebay), but unfortunately I hit an emu coming home from Arkaroola late 2017. Was only low speed, about 60ish, but luckily I had the nudge bar on as it took most of the brunt of the hit. It pushed into the bumper and grille, but didn't get to the radiator. I was surprised at how well it absorbed some of the shock - when I installed it I didn't think it would offer any protection at all.
Anyway the lower plastic bumper was destroyed, and the grille, plus my nudge bar and light bar. So I asked the insurance company if I could put the money for a new bumper and nudge bar towards a new bullbar instead, and it was no problem (progressive online insurance - they were good). Settled on an Ironman bullbar, as this is the only one (AFAIK) that is a full bumper replacement. No point getting one that I had to cut the bumper with, as I would have had to buy a new bumper to cut.
Am very happy with the Ironman, looks pretty good on the hilux I think. Also gives it a much higher front approach: I had scraped the bottom of the nudge bar a few times doing some 4WD tracks in the flinders and arkaroola, so next time I'll be less likely to scrape at the front (no lift on my lux).
It did come with a green ironman logo on the front but I black plastidipped that out, you can still see the logo but it's no longer a green monstrosity on the front of my black and white ute.
(Will post a pic soon, am waiting on imgHOSTR verification email)
I haven't changed the stock suspension at all, and so far it seems perfectly fine. It may be sitting a small amount lower at the front but not a huge amount. Also surprisingly fuel consumption hasn't really changed at all, still get around 9-10 l/100km generally.
Tyres:So far the Cooper AT3s (265/60/r18) are holding up well. Have done 30,000km so far on them. Had no issues doing lots of 4WD tracks in the flinders and Arkaroola, no flats up there at all. Have had the odd nail in the tyre but that can't be helped. Road noise is very low.
Have worked out that I was running way too high a pressure though - I always liked to run 40psi (for sealed roads anyway) on all my previous vehicles, but recently I noticed that these tyres were much more worn in the middle than the outside edges. Also running lower pressures last year on my trip to the flinders/arkaroola have made me rethink tyre pressure. I'm now running the toyota recommended pressure of around 200KPA (around 29psi). I think I've shortened the life of my tyres running 40psi, but I would think I can get another 30,000km out of them still, there is still a lot of tread left.
Other issues:Haven't really had any other issues with the ute, only thing I had fixed recently was the blower fan unit for the aircon/cabin fan, which was making a high pitched noise when on low or medium fan. Drove me nuts, but was replaced under warranty without fuss.
In the past I've had the propshaft replaced to fix the clunking gears at about 10,000km, that hasn't reappeared at all.
Still to do:Bought a raptor liner kit ages ago to spray the tub with, but never seem to have time to do it. Will get to it eventually.
Might look at some roof racks one day, I like the idea of a track mount, saw these recently although am not sure about the wind noise they might make (I hate noise!)
https://www.ebay.com.au/itm/Yakima-Lock ... 1438.l2649