Attempting to use this crap forum- because it is the most active and archived, and I thought OG owners would like to see another winch bumper option. I'm not sure this has been done before, at least I couldn't find any photos.

As many of you know, we early 5th gen peeps are SOL in the winch bumper market. I tried lots of bumper manufacturers to beg for a custom width low profile bumper, like modifying one of their existing designs- no luck. Not even from anyone who used to make them. I couldn't find anyone who would even make me one locally. I considered buying a 14+ hybrid bumper and cutting width off of the fascia/ having plate welded to fill it back in. That would have been over $1,000 new. I definitely didn't want a full bumper, or just a winch plate. I like the early 5G look and really just wanted a low-key winch bumper with recovery points. Trying to keep my rig unsuspecting and simple looking with just enough tasteful mods to use it like I want to.

After combing the classifieds for 2 years, I finally found an older LFD GX470 hybrid front bumper on marketplace. Took a chance, and it bolted right up. It's a decent fit, not perfect- but I can live with it. I needed to add 1/2 inch of plate steel to the frame horns for spacing the LFD bumper to line up with my plastic cover. It appears that GX bumper sticks all about a half inch less than mine. I picked up the bumper for $350, did a decent refurbish - cleaned up the welds, sanded it, treated surface rust where powder coat was starting to fail, and sprayed it with 2K paint and 2K satin clear. Badlands 12K winch fit with no relocations.

For anyone researching bumper options, that 03 to 09 generation GX470, maybe 460 also- the frame horn mounts are exactly the same as 5th gen 4runners. I hope this opens up more possibilities for those of you looking to retrofit a lucky used find.

FYI, my rig is a 13 Limited with Trail Edition rockers and rear bumper, and Canadian SR5 front bumper. That front bumper is the same as the TE, minus the mounting holes for the front Bull Bar garnish thing. I would never have paid full price for that swap, but my rig was nearly totaled in front of my place- requiring nearly every trim piece be replaced. For the rebuild, I had the body shop dress it up like a 10 to 13 Trail Edition. This should probably work on any 10-13 though; LE/SR5/TE with the right amount of space between the frame horn ends and bumper.

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I like that idea. I too have had no luck finding 10-13 bumpers for winches. although in Canada I need a front license plate. is that mount you have for yours custom made, it looks to stick up a bit higher. I don't think my plate would fit with that bumper

You are correct. It's a license plate mount for a Camry that I modified. Not in the best spot now with the bumper hoop. I've thought about trying something different, but probably won't because of the holes there now.

if it's legible I wouldn't bother changing it. it looks good the way it is. looks legible from the pic even with the bar there. I really want a winch but I just don't think I will be able to find a solution that works and is economical. shipping that heavy steel from the states is costly...