Well, I sold my third vehicle and I think it's time to go all-out on the 4runner. I've got some newb. questions for you guys: I'm trying to decide between a full TE conversion or steel bumper with TE rockers and rear bumper-cover. What"s the advantage of a steel bumper vs just a winch plate? Steel is obviously more durable, but I'm not sure it would be worth the extra weight up front. Both have recovery points available, both have a winch. I almost wonder if a plastic OEM set-up would be safer in a accident (crumple zones and all). Do airbags still work with a steel bumper? Are there any true practical advantages of steel? Thanks!

I recently had the same decision to make, and I decided to go with a full steel bumper up front. The biggest point in favor of the steel bumper was the approach and departure angle advantage Joneseyyy had when we were out in Moab with his Shrockworks bumper. I think it very much depends on what you call "practical" when it comes to a front bumper because there isn't much practical about it if you don't plan on taking it offroad or you don't work on a ranch. However, around town the steel bumper will obviously give you a much higher level of protection up front if you deal with parallel parking and parking garages a lot. I think the advantages of having a steel bumper in a low-speed collision are apparent. As you mentioned, it gives you some really good recovery points and a super easy way to get in and manipulate your winch.

The weight is certainly a consideration as well. Joneseyyy's truck weighed about 6,200# fully loaded whereas mine was right at 6,000#. With a bunch of aftermarket stuff you're going to have to drive your truck differently, but you get used to it quickly. The good thing for you is that you don't have the roof rack, full steel skids, fridge, etc that Joneseyyy and I both have. So, I doubt you'll be close to 6,000# even with the bumper.

Long story short, if you're considering a steel bumper now and you have the funding available to support it, I can't imagine you'll regret getting one over a front TE conversion. However, if you do a TE conversion and get on the trail with someone that has a steel bumper you'll likely regret not doing the steel bumper when you could have.

Most on here will say buy it for offroad uses. It's for better angles and if you do hit the ground/dirt it'll act like a plow (did this the first time I actually did some offroading because I'm a noob) and not crumple like the oem bumper.

The reason why I bought a Shrockworks steel bumper:
Why Shrockworks is definitely worth the price!

Another reason that reinforced my decision:
ANOTHER Shrockworks Front Bumper.....

I didn't buy it for offroad uses, but more so because my wife is a horrible driver and I feel a steel bumper will protect her more during low speed/impact crashes. She's lucky to be alive today running into road guards, swerving across the median on the highway, etc...

I originally had just the bumper on with everything else stock. I upgraded to duratracs. My sister has her 4R with stock tires, so we'll see how those hold up. I haven't noticed any considerable decrease in clearance at the front, I drive by stock SR5 4Rs and they look the same as mine. So far so good for both of us.

Plus the bumper makes an awesome place to do a stuffed animal mod