Bumper options for Runners with no lift

[fihnguy]

So the 4Runner got hit at the parking lot today. At the least, the bumper cover has to be replaced. This got me thinking.

First thing to mention is this 4Runner has no lift and no plans for one at this time. I recently installed Bilstein 4600 shocks on it. Everything else is stock, including the springs (or coils, if you like). It is a daily driver for my wife, yet I get to have fun with it and comes a hunting season, this becomes my vehicle.

I was planning to install a "hidden" winch on it before the next hunting season (more or less September). Now that the bumper (cover) has to be replaced and the person that caused the accident is going to eat up the cost (for the original bumper replacement) and will pay cash, it got me thinking about other options. Thinking of an aluminum bumper that can be installed with no lift on the vehicle and that can be handled by the 4600 Bilsteins.

Any thoughts on that?

Another question. From what I understood, the vehicle was hit from the passenger's side and actually slid some distance sideways (well, the front of the vehicle did anyway). So it was a pretty hard hit it seems. Looking at the damage though, it seems like the hit was not all that bad at all and most likely the bumper cover is the only thing that needs to be replaced. The weird thing is that my wife said that she could not start the vehicle after the hit. After a few tries it started and she drove home. I drove it twice today since (once on a highway) and it seems totally fine. Any ideas about the no starting after the hit part?

Thanks for all the input!

Just to note, no lift and all stock, this Runner has been through quit a bit and probably more than some of the "built" ones on this forum.

A couple of pics:

 

[theoutbackdream]

1. An aluminum bumper will still put a good amount of weight on the front end. Maybe 60 or so lbs? It isn't all that much weight, but on stock springs, and with age, it might drop the front end a little more. Since you have 4600's, why not look into getting some cheap springs(like FJC's or something), if you're set on the full front bumper route? It'll retain identical ride qualities as the OEM springs, but at least will get you close to OEM, maybe a little bit of lift, with the front bumper on there.

There's this for a hidden front winch, just incase.

2. I have no idea why it wouldn't start. Was it trying to turn over? If it was, (I'm not sure if Toyota's do this), but it could be possible that the accident was bad enough to cut the fuel pump. If it wasn't at all, check your battery connections. It might've knocked something loose.

 

[fihnguy]

Thanks for the response!

1. I would not say I am set on full bumper route. It is rather an option now. I could definitely throw in some springs, not that big of a deal. If this had happened about a month or two ago, the suspension on this vehicle would likely look a little different today.

I really just wanted to know if anyone put a bumper on a vehicle with no lift and what are the bumper options out there. I have done different things with different vehicles, but have never installed a metal bumper, so I don't know much about them and what's out there. This seems like a the best place to ask

Thanks for the link for the mount! It might come handy. I was actually looking for something like this.

To be honest, I was stuck to the point where I needed help to get out more times than a guy should admit. Just last December, I had to walk in snow and freezing rain for about 10 miles to the main road, lol.

2. According to the wife, it was cranking but would not start. She even called me and the funny thing is I was literally a minute away, but did not hear the phone ring. Eventually it started and she drove home. I had no problems starting it later and driving around. The fuel pump was my first guess as well.

Again, thanks for the reply!

 

[Inv4drZm]

For your bumper options:

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/242564-4th-gen-armor-thread-2-0-a.html

Another option might be to see if you can buff out most of the damage, and put the money towards suspension mods.

 

[fihnguy]

Thanks for the reply and for the link.

Not really looking to do a lift at this point. Plus I have brand new 4600s installed already.

Also, I doubt any of it will buff out, really. It definitely needs a new cover, at least.

I know it might be crazy, but has anyone else installed any other bumper on a vehicle that is not lifted?

 

[alia176]

Thanks for the reply and for the link.

Not really looking to do a lift at this point. Plus I have brand new 4600s installed already.

Also, I doubt any of it will buff out, really. It definitely needs a new cover, at least.

I know it might be crazy, but has anyone else installed any other bumper on a vehicle that is not lifted?

This is a long shot but I have more time than money and the process worked for a plastic bumper that got dented in on a vehicle of mine. Heat up the affected area with a heat gun evenly and slowly then have someone push affected area outward from behind. Depending on how much room you have to work with , the head of a rubber mallet is a good one because it's pliable and smooth. If not, then pick something that's smooth or simply use your fist. Then, you can buff it out. It won't be perfect but an hour of your time might be worth it. Youtube has lots of vids on this.