ARB front bumper install on 1999 4Runner

[Zacher]

I purchased a new ARB Bull Bar on December 7th, 2017 from Amazon and recieved it on December 15th. Quick and easy delivery. All said and done for under $1000.

I used [MENTION=49642]jsmithjr732[/MENTION]'s google doc write up for most of the install. His directions are pretty straighforward but it is a 7 year old write up so I figured I would add some more pics of the install to help others who are still having some trouble. Using his write up along with some more info from me should be sufficient for anyone who makes the decision to purchase and install one of these bumpers. Here is [MENTION=49642]jsmithjr732[/MENTION]'s write up http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/78268-arb-bumper-installation-3rd-gen-t4rs-step-step.html

Tools used:
Metric ratchet set
Drill with set of drillbits
Makita angle grinder
Another human

As stated in the other write up we began by removing the stock bumper from the truck. We sprayed penetrating oil on the nuts beforehand to make it easier. Once you remove the stock bumper you should be left with something that looks like this.

IMG_1401 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr

At this point it was time to cut the ends of the frame rails off. I do not recommend using a sawzall for this unless you really want to. We had great success with the angle grinder. Cut as close to the plate as you can and then grind the welds down so the surface is smooth. Do not try to cut the whole frame rail off in one swipe. Do it one side at a time. Make sure to wear safety glasses for this step! Once you are finished with the grinding hit the bare metal with some black Rustoleum to prevent future rust formation.

IMG_0473 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr
IMG_2919 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr
IMG_2921 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr
IMG_2922 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr

After cutting the frame rails we fitted the crush cans to the chassis. They slid onto the frame with no problems whatsoever. You can use grease to make them slide on more easily and prevent scratching.

IMG_2932 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr
IMG_7643 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr
IMG_7617 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr

Follow the other write up's intructions and reinstall the tow hook on the passenger side with the factory hardware. Reinstall the tie down using hardware provided by ARB. Keep these finger tight to allow for play when mounting bullbar. (For the tie down and tow hook)

IMG_2353 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr

Next you need to tap into the frame rails from underneath. Following [MENTION=87972]JSmith[/MENTION]jr373 instructions we used increasing drill bit sizes to create a 1/2" hole that allows for the crush cans to be bolted onto the frame securley. Do not tighten too much because you will need to have some play in order to mount the bumper with ease. This pic shows a small dot where you need to begin drilling.

IMG_2931 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr

Once completed, it was time to install the bull bar onto the mounting brackets/crush cans. This is pretty simple and can be done by two people with little problem. Use caution and pay attention becuase someone will be underneath the unsecured bumper. Have one person hold and adjust while the other is underneath installing the nuts and bolts. there should be 6 flat washers, 6 spring washers, 6 nuts, and 6 bolts (3 areas on each side) that secure the bumper to the mounting brackets. When you have all the hardware installed you can go ahead and tighten everything down. Take your time with this step and make sure you dont miss anything. Tighten the tow hook bolts, tie down bolts, crush can/mounting bracket to frame bolts, and bull bar to crush can/mounting bracket bolts.

At this point the install is complete. Note: The blinker bulbs that ARB provides are very low quality and I recommend going ahead and replacing them immediately.

IMG_2943 2 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr
IMG_3072 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr
IMG_1474 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr

If there are any questions please feel free to ask.

Big thanks to [MENTION=49642]jsmithjr732[/MENTION] for the write up!

 

[Zacher]

Photos and links are fixed.

 

[jsmithjr732]

Nice job - bumper looks great!

 

[tkearns23]

How my stock bumper looks on my 97’ looks pretty different from the newer 3rd gens.. any idea if the ARB bumper would work an the 97’ as well? I know it says it fits 3rd gens but the later models look different.

Thank you!

 

[infamousRNR]

Hey look! We’re twinning

Black with topaz metallic cladding (k90)

.

 

[Zacher]

How my stock bumper looks on my 97’ looks pretty different from the newer 3rd gens.. any idea if the ARB bumper would work an the 97’ as well? I know it says it fits 3rd gens but the later models look different.

Thank you!

From my understanding the process should be the same. Some things may look slightly different. I'm not entirely sure what looks different on the 97 in terms of the frame rails though. [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] made a very in depth install video recently that may clear up any confusion. Here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/Wey2f8n0Klc

 

[FinSport]

Hey look! We’re twinning

Black with topaz metallic cladding (k90)

What turn signals are you running in your ARB? The stock ones were small aquariums and rusted out about every 5 years on my Taco.

F

 

[FinSport]

At this point it was time to cut the ends of the frame rails off. I do not recommend using a sawzall for this unless you really want to. We had great success with the angle grinder. Cut as close to the plate as you can and then grind the welds down so the surface is smooth. Do not try to cut the whole frame rail off in one swipe. Do it one side at a time. Make sure to wear safety glasses for this step! Once you are finished with the grinding hit the bare metal with some black Rustoleum to prevent future rust formation.

IMG_2922 by Tyler Zacher, on Flickr

Great write up!

On my Taco, everyone was doing the end cap mod back 15 years ago. Is that still a thing?

F

 

[nat103]

Great write up!

On my Taco, everyone was doing the end cap mod back 15 years ago. Is that still a thing?

F

I had caps welded on mine, but I'm winching from the bumper.

 

[FinSport]

I had caps welded on mine, but I'm winching from the bumper.

Thanks, I'll do the same when I get a new rig. Mine will live the hard life now the Taco is gone.

 

[Mchaz]

How my stock bumper looks on my 97’ looks pretty different from the newer 3rd gens.. any idea if the ARB bumper would work an the 97’ as well? I know it says it fits 3rd gens but the later models look different.

Thank you!

It shouldn't be an issue fitting an ARB bumper to 96-98s

The pre 99s just have caps over the end rails as opposed to the big mounting plates of the later models. See the pic below for a picture of a 98 with the stock bumper removed. It's from user Chuckle89's build thread...all credit goes to him.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attac...es-98-manual-sr5-4runner-1998-4runner-983.jpg

Sent from my RS988 using Tapatalk

 

[tkearns23]

From my understanding the process should be the same. Some things may look slightly different. I'm not entirely sure what looks different on the 97 in terms of the frame rails though. [MENTION=120071]mtbtim[/MENTION] made a very in depth install video recently that may clear up any confusion. Here is the link to the video: https://youtu.be/Wey2f8n0Klc

I'll take a look at that video! Thanks for the response!

 

[tkearns23]

It shouldn't be an issue fitting an ARB bumper to 96-98s

The pre 99s just have caps over the end rails as opposed to the big mounting plates of the later models. See the pic below for a picture of a 98 with the stock bumper removed. It's from user Chuckle89's build thread...all credit goes to him.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/attac...es-98-manual-sr5-4runner-1998-4runner-983.jpg

Sent from my RS988 using Tapatalk

Thanks! I’ve been doing a little research and found many 96-98’s with the ARB’s on them so I know it can be done. I’ll probably get it ordered in a week or so. Thanks again!

 

[dradeka]

Very easy install and thank you

I just wanted to extend thanks to all of the folks that posted and shared instructions, links, and videos regarding the ARB bumper install. Studying these ahead of time, and then keeping the Youtube video handy on a laptop nearby, was a huge help.

We finally had a warm and dry weekend day yesterday and were able to finish the install in one day. Everything went smoothly, with a few of the expected hiccups like frozen rusty bolts and some extra grinding here and there. The best part for me was that my son dove in and did most of the work. He learned how to use the grinder, how to heat up frozen bolts with a torch, and so on. I did have to jump in a few times when some extra muscle was required. We had a great time and he is stoked!

The truck is a "one family" 99 Limited with about 165K on the clock. My mom bought it new in 99 and it was garaged most of its life. She gave it to me 3 years ago when she stopped driving. I daily drove it for 2 years before I gave it to my son last year when he got his license.

Next up will be removing running boards, installing CB, aux lights, wheels/tires and some other bits as his budget and time allow.

Here are a few pix. Thanks again.

 

[snydmax]

Photos and links are fixed.

ZACHER...
That ride looks awesome! what suspension are you running? also, which parking lights did you use in lieu of the parts furnished with the ARB?

 

[dradeka]

Thanks! Nothing special at the moment; stock suspension and the stock directionals from ARB, which seem to be working fine for now. He wants to do a mild lift at some point...