Hi, I want to buy a bull bar and driving lights for my 2005 SR5, to give it the 'offroad' look while making it easier to drive at my cabin (small town, pretty much no street lighting, and LOTS of wildlife).

I was mainly looking at the Westin Ultimate Bull Bar, but do you guys have any better (read: more bang for buck) alternatives?

As for the driving lights, I'm looking for something basic, where I don't have to hunt down a bunch of addtional equipment. Can anyone suggest some brands/models? Also, some online sources package driving lights with the Westin bull bar, like here: WESTIN® - Ultimate Bull Bar - 2003 Toyota 4Runner Bull Bar
Would that just be wasting money? Or is that a good deal?

Thanks.

I'd avoid the Westin. Only one I'd consider is a Steelcraft. It can be had for around $200 I believe and is much stronger than most on the market. Truckgeardirect sells some on ebay for cheap. I've not seen anyone use that particular bar, but several have purchased a different bar from them and seem to be happy. I'm no pro on lights, but I believe Hella 500's are a good budget light setup.

Any specific reason to avoid the Westin? I'm not crawling or anything paticularly challenging, just trails and general stuff up north.

EDIT: I looked at truckgeardirect's products, and their bull bars are half as much as the westin, any reason for that? I just don't want to buy some cheap ebay product, I want to know if the truckgeardirect stuff is solid.

I have the Westin. Can be seen on my avatar. Love it. Nothing bad to say at all.


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I don't know of anyone with that particular bar, but I do know that quite a few guys picked up a bumper guard from them a year or so ago when they had them on clearance. From what I read here, guys loved them. Fit/finish/quality seemed to be good, and they got them for under $100 shipped. Completely different style though.

Several reasons I prefer Steelcraft over Westin. Other than a few complaints that the Westin shakes (noticeable at night with lights on), I can't say I have anything against the Westin. However, I can say you can get much better for your money. The Steelcraft is beefier (made out of 3" tubing in place of 2.5") and also mounts in four places instead of two like the Westin (and most other bars). The extra mounting locations make the Steelcraft more sturdy (no shaking) and will also hold up better to abuse. I also believe the Steelcraft is wider so it covers a little more area on the bumper. And finally, you get more bang for the buck as the Steelcraft is cheaper. I just priced it, you can get it shipped to your door for $180 (black version). Here's the site, use promo code roadtrip to save $25. That code expires today, but they almost always offer at least a 10%-15% discount. The only suggestion I have is to call and verify they have them in stock, I know several who have had to wait quite a while on backorders from them (good experiences otherwise, just not always the fastest to get items in stock).

I think my freind still has this available. Make an offer if interesred. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/classi...9-4runner.html

I was looking for a black one (my runner is nautical blue) but I will make him an offer. Thanks.

So It looks like I'm buying a Steelcraft bar, just don't know from where yet. My next question is about lights. If I buy a pair of Hella 500's off Amazon/eBay, would I need to buy additional equipment (wiring, mounting brackets, etc.)?

EDIT: I've looked at the 500's at automotiveanything, and it says it comes with evrything I need. I think that's what I'm going to go with. My question now is where can I get OEM-style switches w/ indicators?

Autoanything is cheap on most of their stuff. Again, only complaints I've seen is on shipping delays if the item isn't in stock. I called them before ordering and was quickly told if the item was in stock (it wasn't, and I ended up not ordering it at all). Just be sure to call or be willing to wait. Their price is definitely the cheapest I've seen.

The Hella's come with everything you need. If you prefer a OEM type switch, you can get that. People use a factory switch out of the FJ Cruiser. This switch is great, but pricey. Some have used the Tacoma switch as well. The Tacoma switch is still OEM and looks good, I believe the difference is that it isn't lighted (not 100% sure on that). It isn't as simple as getting just the switch, you need some other stuff with it. Best price I've found is here, that include everything you'll need for the install.

Several here have the Steelcraft, one that comes to mind in JAC. You may search through her posts to find pics.

Wow, $70 for a switch! I'll be keeping my eyes out for a deal on that one. Or a Tacoma switch, if there's a significant difference in price.

You can use any generic switch, but if you want the true OEM look that's what folks go with. The Tacoma switch is cheaper, I'm just not sure if it requires the harness and such like the FJ one does. Can't help you on that one. There will be a switch in the kit, just won't have the OEM look.

I had a weston with lights on it. it looked cool. it got completely destroyed from me running into my friends trailer ball.. I bought a steelcraft to replace it. almost twice the size, and four as opposed to only two mounting points. very sturdy. a rav4 backed into it, doing 2400 in damage to it's rear door, and a minor ding to me. I recommend kc slimlites, because they actually fit where the bar protects them. steelcraft is legit.

see the dent from the rav4 on the top? haha

I bought one off of ebay that i love. It was cheap, it came with lights and it gets the job done. It is sturdy and has kept me from tearing up my front bumper on many different occasions while off road. Best thing about it is once it is too beat up i can order another one for cheap and replace it.

Combo:03-08 Toyota 4-Runner Bull Bar Black+Westin Light | eBay

This would save me $80 over a Steelcraft + Hella 500's, but I'm a little concerned about the lights. What's the quality? I would be more comfortable buying Hellas because they have the name behnd them.

I got one from SteelCraft from Autoanything, which IMO is really sturdy as it connects to frame at two places. I got some Hella 500 off ebay and got them installed over the weekend. Bullbar + Hella500 combo ran me about $250 and I'm very happy with this setup.

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