July 14th UPDATE -
I found an amazing parts supplier of Hi-Lux parts out of Thailand. I needed new windshield wiper linkages and there were only pull off OEMs on eBay. $250. NOPE!
I found NIB OEM from this supplier and had it in my hand in 5 days. Modern internet magic. I'm old enough to remember when that would have been impossible with a catalog and a landline voice phone.
I got a new OEM hood latch cable from the same outfit.
Had to go the used pull-off route for the washer fluid/coolant overflow reservoir. On the Gen 2 trucks Toyota used a one piece molded combo. $215 shipped.
One really cool development is that I called my buddy who serviced our Volvo for 13 years. Shout out to Import Car Services in Pullman. Karl is an old school Toyota 4x4 guy.
He calls them "The best hunting rig ever made." I originally had plans to drop a v6 in this and build a rock hopper. He helped my realize that is a game for flatbrimmers. Everything will stay stock for now.
I asked him why I've had so much trouble with blown rear axle seals. (I can hear all you Kip Addata fans laughing right now). He said I needed to check the front and rear differential breathers. Like a PCV valve, if they go bad, it builds up positive pressure in the diff and the only place it can go is through the seals.
I checked them and both bad. These will be replaced with NPT 90° fittings and hoses routed up to the top of the firewall, next to the brake master cylinder. Easy to zip tie the hoes to the brake lines and route. No more worries about water in the diffs.
I'm at a full stop right now waiting for the rear axle bearing kits I ordered from LCE Performance. I got the supply chain "dear John" letter this week. I have all the rear brake rebuild parts lined out, waiting for the bearings to be done.
There is a flatbed kit maker out of Bend, OR that has my attention. $799 for all the materials laser cut. You weld it up yourself. (I would take it to
@p_ham for the welding, but I don't want to distract him. ) I would have to mod their Taco kit for my rig. The Taco is a full 11" wider.