[Anand]

Originally Posted by 007Tacoma

You mean shots like this?

No no, shots like this

Obviously the plastics aren't trimmed to fit yet (that will be this weekend hopefully), and it still needs some accouterments added (hi-lift, spare tire).

To say that I am thrilled is an absolute understatement. So to cut a much longer story into something (possibly) worth reading on the internet, we made the ~7hr trek down to North Carolina from Maryland yesterday to pick up the bumper (along with a gas tank skid, but that's for another post once it's rattle canned and installed!).

What we were welcomed by was nothing shy of Southern Hospitality. I've had the LFD Full Length roof rack (steel) for over a year now and have fallen in love with it's (subjectively) great looks and (objectively) immense usefulness/functionality. Somewhere in this thread are photos of my (solo) install of the rack and how simple it was to install; the rear bumper follows suit.

Function and simplicity are obvious tenets in the design of this bumper, and everything (...everything...) has a purpose. From the hi-lift lifting points, to the ridiculously serious recovery points, the stainless steel latches that secure the swing-outs in the open position, the secured studs for the spare tire mount, and down to the tiny zip-tie loop to secure the license plate light wiring out of the way. I'm a bit of a sell-out in the "looks tough" department, so I may never take advantage of the fact that the swing arms can be removed in minutes for daily driving, but it's nice to know that feature exists.

I'll make an individual post with some more pictures, along with a more thorough review of all the thoughtful and useful touches once the bumper is loaded with everything.

Oh!! And if you're wondering, no, you can't see a damn thing if you don't relocate the rear view camera... UNLESS! You take off the spare tire swing arm, then you should have a nearly clear view!

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by Anand

No no, shots like this

...


Oh!! And if you're wondering, no, you can't see a damn thing if you don't relocate the rear view camera... UNLESS! You take off the spare tire swing arm, then you should have a nearly clear view!

Yep. I relocated mine to the license plate.

[LFD_Off_Road]

Originally Posted by Anand

No no, shots like this

Obviously the plastics aren't trimmed to fit yet (that will be this weekend hopefully), and it still needs some accouterments added (hi-lift, spare tire).

To say that I am thrilled is an absolute understatement. So to cut a much longer story into something (possibly) worth reading on the internet, we made the ~7hr trek down to North Carolina from Maryland yesterday to pick up the bumper (along with a gas tank skid, but that's for another post once it's rattle canned and installed!).

What we were welcomed by was nothing shy of Southern Hospitality. I've had the LFD Full Length roof rack (steel) for over a year now and have fallen in love with it's (subjectively) great looks and (objectively) immense usefulness/functionality. Somewhere in this thread are photos of my (solo) install of the rack and how simple it was to install; the rear bumper follows suit.

Function and simplicity are obvious tenets in the design of this bumper, and everything (...everything...) has a purpose. From the hi-lift lifting points, to the ridiculously serious recovery points, the stainless steel latches that secure the swing-outs in the open position, the secured studs for the spare tire mount, and down to the tiny zip-tie loop to secure the license plate light wiring out of the way. I'm a bit of a sell-out in the "looks tough" department, so I may never take advantage of the fact that the swing arms can be removed in minutes for daily driving, but it's nice to know that feature exists.

I'll make an individual post with some more pictures, along with a more thorough review of all the thoughtful and useful touches once the bumper is loaded with everything.

Oh!! And if you're wondering, no, you can't see a damn thing if you don't relocate the rear view camera... UNLESS! You take off the spare tire swing arm, then you should have a nearly clear view!

Can't wait to see it all decked out!

[LFD_Off_Road]

So we've been working hard the past couple months to increase stock levels, and are happy to report that the vast majority of our racks and skids are in stock at the moment! (even though the website still says most is on backorder... hopefully updating website inventory in the morning) Bumpers are still make to order, but trying to keep everything else on hand.

We're running a special right now on the in stock full racks, both steel and aluminum. Use code Fullrack! for 10% off and free shipping to the lower 48.

We're extremely close to having our new website completed as well. Working though a few final snags and hopefully testing a lot next week to make sure everything works as it should.

[brenbo75]

Just installed my 7/8th LFD rack last weekend! Super happy with the quality and look it give my 4runner. Almost silent on the highway at 75 mph

[gdvan01]

Originally Posted by brenbo75

Just installed my 7/8th LFD rack last weekend! Super happy with the quality and look it give my 4runner. Almost silent on the highway at 75 mph

Welcome to the Clan.

[SHagood]

Nasty!!

[Anand]

So I said I would post more pics after the plastic OEM bumper was trimmed to fit, but I haven't had time to tackle that yet, and I really feel like this bumper needs a bit more time in the limelight...

Including the drive home from LFD yesterday, I've had this 230+ pound work of art hanging off the back of my truck for just over 500 miles. 500 miles of no bangs/rattles/creaks, just positive comments from people who have seen it (and the occasional funny look when someone sees you moving dual swingouts to the side just to put an iced coffee in your fridge).

After we got home yesterday I spent a few (literally just a few) minutes tossing the spare on the tire carrier and mounting the hi-lift jack. The blank space will probably be occupied by a propane carrier for the colder months and switched to a dual jerry can holder for longer trips (the open invite for the theoretical Canadian trip still stands!).

Also, the thing that is only occasionally talked about, suspension! I understand this is the LFD thread, but in a few sentences, I'm still torn on swapping to different springs. Currently I'm on Dobinsons C59-327's in the rear (intended for 200-400lbs add'l weight), and while the bumper definitely brought the rear down just a bit (enough that reaiming the headlights is probably in my future), I'm not sold on going up to the 329's just yet. Maybe 10mm Dobby spring spacers in the rear?

Either way, enjoy a few more pictures of the bumper!

[57HotrodVW]

I installed a set of five LFD ruggedized crossbars on my 4R this week, and am super happy with them. Nice job, @LFD_Off_Road !

A very simple install, and well designed product. For more pics, info, and installation steps, see the related article that I wrote, at LFD Off Road Ruggedized Crossbars and Accessories - 5th Gen 4Runner

[Lifeline]

Originally Posted by 57HotrodVW

I installed a set of five LFD ruggedized crossbars on my 4R this week, and am super happy with them. Nice job, @LFD_Off_Road !

A very simple install, and well designed product. For more pics, info, and installation steps, see the related article that I wrote, at LFD Off Road Ruggedized Crossbars and Accessories - 5th Gen 4Runner

Question, I read your review (very nice by the way) but why did you have to remove the roof rack? Shouldn’t the rails just slide in and out like the factory rails? Something as simple as removing the end caps, and slide them in??

[Drobs]

Originally Posted by Lifeline

Question, I read your review (very nice by the way) but why did you have to remove the roof rack? Shouldn’t the rails just slide in and out like the factory rails? Something as simple as removing the end caps, and slide them in??

Yeah I just removed the end caps, unbolted the OEM cross bars, slid them out there rear. Then slid on the LFD ones and bolted them on. No need to take the whole roof rack off.

[57HotrodVW]

Originally Posted by Lifeline

Question, I read your review (very nice by the way) but why did you have to remove the roof rack? Shouldn’t the rails just slide in and out like the factory rails? Something as simple as removing the end caps, and slide them in??

Thanks for the compliment, and for pointing out my "duh!" moment 🙃.

You are correct. The OEM crossbars can be easily slid out of the side rails after popping off the side rail caps, loosening the knobs on the crossbars, and removing the tubular rubber inserts from the track of the side rails.

I shot some related pics, and updated the article the morning.

[Rhino11]

Finally got decent enough weather to paint my new wide skid and get it on. Also put the large decal on my rack. Thanks LFD!

[007Tacoma]

Originally Posted by Anand

...Currently I'm on Dobinsons C59-327's in the rear (intended for 200-400lbs add'l weight), and while the bumper definitely brought the rear down just a bit (enough that reaiming the headlights is probably in my future), I'm not sold on going up to the 329's just yet. Maybe 10mm Dobby spring spacers in the rear?...

I think we built the exact same rig... (mostly)

I am running Dobinson's 325(red) rear springs, and now my truck sits perfectly level with the LFD bumper, fridge, recovery gear, RTT, and the Roam Crate up top mostly filled up with camp junk.

I am considering going to the 675V or the 677V to get back some of my rake, ditch my airbags, and still have a comfortable ride (hence the "V" - variable rate springs). Have you considered going with those instead of the 329s?

Also, my (wife's) biggest concern, once we get a trailer to put the RTT and camping gear in; I need to be "short" enough to fit in the garage. Right now I have 3" of clearance, and I intend to go to 285s soon...

[007Tacoma]

this is the closest I have to a side shot from camping last weekend.