Bumper options

[Mtns_Yo]

Now that I can finally post something I'd like to hear your opinions on few things. My front and rear bumpers are just about done. Just have a few minor details to square away. Here's where I am at.

Rear bumper.

I'll be swapping those Rigid Ignite with these Rigid Dually

Front Bumpers.

I still need to mount the PIAA Driving Lights and add D-Rings for shackles. They are going on either side of the Fairlead.

Here's where I need your opinion.

I currently do not a which yet, but am hoping to get one soon. I already have the mount build into the bumper. I can't decide a winch. My question is, is having which access points in the front a must?


I am set on having both the front and rear bumpers color matched. There's too many black and red vehicles out there. Kinda over played for me. Where I am stuck on is wether I should get them Line-X or not. I am kind of leaning towards getting them color matched with Line-X Ultra. LINE-X ULTRA*|*LineX Which is not as heavy and aggressive as the original Line-X.

I'd also like to hear your thoughts on how the bumpers are coming out. I am hoping to get my 4Runner back this weekend. I have lots of parts waiting to be installed. Hoping to start a mini build thread once I get everything dialed in.

Disclaimer: I am not the one building them, my buddy owns a fab shop and he's skilled fabricator. I just helped with the design.


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[96RedRunner]

Bumpers look real good from what I can see in pics. Buy your fab guy a beer!
The Winch, look at some pics or in person. If you ever want to free spool your winch there is a lever that you must throw. Easy access is nice, the lever needs room to swing.
What you use for paint is up to you. LineX can be tough to touchup when needed, same with powder coating. why a lot of folks just straight paint.

 

[Co4Fun]

Wow

Wow looking great! I love all the details and he added a lot of extra angles which I REALLY like!

I also had mine fabbed up and it's amazing how similar your guy and my guy decided to do things (though again I like the extra angles yours has.) They look great!

I'm guessing (even though he's your buddy) that it's costing you more than a beer...but well worth it.

On the winch access...from experience with lots of 4wd...yes you'll need access points to get to the spool release, hook up remote, etc. (depending on winch model but typically yes you need access to it.) I've seen them cut from the top but that's kind of a bummer to do to that beautiful bumper. They more typically cut them from the bottom. Those look better but do make access a bit harder...still managable. That's where mine are (look closely in pic below) but they are not big and I only need them to put a receiver pin in. I went with a receiver in front and have an M9000 on a remote/cradle setup that can go front/rear. It's not for everyone but I find it much better for what I do and like not having it up there all the time etc. It looks like he's already got your winch mount figured out though so probably too late for that option and you'd probably rather have a fixed-mount anyway. How did he fab the actual winch mounting plate? Always like to see how guys design those.

Google and see where CBI and Shrockworks put theirs access holes etc. That will give you ideas.

Also, when you do get to winching, use those shackle tabs! Double your line back whenever you can with a snatch block and get more pull with less power that way over a straight pull. That's the best use of those.

My only other "must-have" advice would be a synth line. Wow what a difference over wrestling cable. Plus it will lighten things up a bit and has a lot more advantages. All other stuff like in-cab control etc. is cool but can be done later.

For finish, I just did bedliner to save some money and it came out great and is holding up great. Plus it's so easy to touch up. But I hear you on finishes. Nothing like a nice, custom powdercoat etc.

Here's some pic of mine when they were at your point and when they were done.

 

[psraff]

Color.... for a short time I thought I wanted to change to a two tone look so I bought my rear in a gray. Not quite a gunmetal but almost. Just couldn't follow through with it so I painted it black.

But for you, I just searched for "red and gunmetal gray" it has some potential. If you did the bumpers, spray the bottom part of your truck (fender flare / rocker panel area) then tie in your wheels somehow (maybe).

As for options for the bumpers. ... they look clean. I like them. For me, I always wanted hoops infront of my headlights and have small tabs welded in to fit a bolt and nut on. That way I could secure a metal screen in the hoop to to protect the headlight from rocks. That is my ONLY regret with my bumber.

Rear bumber.... over build it because you may want to modify it later on (add a swing away, or a jerry can rack). Add extra mounting points to frame. Not just for horizontal force but vertical also.

That's all I can think of from my bumper experience. Looks good otherwise!



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[Co4Fun]

I agree on adding vertical reinforcement. That frame is long in the rear and more flexy than I like. So we also did some of that and I can still make it flex a bit.

Also, after mine it was fine sitting on OME 891 springs but that extra weight squatted it a bit and I have 75's on there and wanted a bit more clearance and a slight "nose down" so I swapped them for the 861's. Now it sits perfect just a hair nose down and level when I'm towing or have it loaded up. Just mentioning because this was not something I thought a lot about until it was done. Without a swing out and all that though you may not be quite as heavy.

Hey also, are you having him do sliders while it's there? Can't tell from pics and maybe you already have them. Just a thought while he's at it...finish it out.

 

[psraff]

I agree on adding vertical reinforcement. That frame is long in the rear and more flexy than I like. So we also did some of that and I can still make it flex a bit.

Also, after mine it was fine sitting on OME 891 springs but that extra weight squatted it a bit and I have 75's on there and wanted a bit more clearance and a slight "nose down" so I swapped them for the 861's. Now it sits perfect just a hair nose down and level when I'm towing or have it loaded up. Just mentioning because this was not something I thought a lot about until it was done. Without a swing out and all that though you may not be quite as heavy.

Hey also, are you having him do sliders while it's there? Can't tell from pics and maybe you already have them. Just a thought while he's at it...finish it out.

X2 on the 891 861 upgrade if your bumper gets any larger. 891s will sag pretty quick with the extra weight. I also personally perfer a larger then normal rake so when I load up with all camping gear I'm still level.

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[JoeT4R]

[MENTION=161842]Mtns_Yo[/MENTION] I absolutely LOVE that front bumper! In my mind, if I were to have an aftermarket, off-road front bumper, that would be it. Ideally. As to answer your question regarding if having access points are a must, I can not really tell you, as I have zero experience with a winch. I would like to think that they would be a plus, but I'm not totally sure if it's absolutely necessary that you have them.

 

[Mtns_Yo]

Bumpers look real good from what I can see in pics. Buy your fab guy a beer!
The Winch, look at some pics or in person. If you ever want to free spool your winch there is a lever that you must throw. Easy access is nice, the lever needs room to swing.
What you use for paint is up to you. LineX can be tough to touchup when needed, same with powder coating. why a lot of folks just straight paint.

Thanks! And we both did a lot of research I just didn't want to put any holes in the front bumper. It looks too clean the way it is. As far as paint, I just dropped them off to get lined and paint matched. We'll see how they turn out.

Wow looking great! I love all the details and he added a lot of extra angles which I REALLY like!

I also had mine fabbed up and it's amazing how similar your guy and my guy decided to do things (though again I like the extra angles yours has.) They look great!

I'm guessing (even though he's your buddy) that it's costing you more than a beer...but well worth it.

On the winch access...from experience with lots of 4wd...yes you'll need access points to get to the spool release, hook up remote, etc. (depending on winch model but typically yes you need access to it.) I've seen them cut from the top but that's kind of a bummer to do to that beautiful bumper. They more typically cut them from the bottom. Those look better but do make access a bit harder...still managable. That's where mine are (look closely in pic below) but they are not big and I only need them to put a receiver pin in. I went with a receiver in front and have an M9000 on a remote/cradle setup that can go front/rear. It's not for everyone but I find it much better for what I do and like not having it up there all the time etc. It looks like he's already got your winch mount figured out though so probably too late for that option and you'd probably rather have a fixed-mount anyway. How did he fab the actual winch mounting plate? Always like to see how guys design those.

Google and see where CBI and Shrockworks put theirs access holes etc. That will give you ideas.

Also, when you do get to winching, use those shackle tabs! Double your line back whenever you can with a snatch block and get more pull with less power that way over a straight pull. That's the best use of those.

My only other "must-have" advice would be a synth line. Wow what a difference over wrestling cable. Plus it will lighten things up a bit and has a lot more advantages. All other stuff like in-cab control etc. is cool but can be done later.

For finish, I just did bedliner to save some money and it came out great and is holding up great. Plus it's so easy to touch up. But I hear you on finishes. Nothing like a nice, custom powdercoat etc.

Here's some pic of mine when they were at your point and when they were done.

View attachment 253522

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View attachment 253525

View attachment 253527

Thanks for all the info! I took everything you and all the other guys said into consideration when it came to the winch access. But I didn't want to cut two big holes on it so what I ended up doing is picking up a winch from my local 4 Wheel Parts and had it mounted. The clutch lever just barely sticks out of the top bumper, right next to the driver side light bar mount.

I also did go with a synthetic line on the winch. It was a must! I ended up getting a Smittybilt XRC-9.5K. Got a killer deal on it, I couldn't pass up.

Color.... for a short time I thought I wanted to change to a two tone look so I bought my rear in a gray. Not quite a gunmetal but almost. Just couldn't follow through with it so I painted it black.

But for you, I just searched for "red and gunmetal gray" it has some potential. If you did the bumpers, spray the bottom part of your truck (fender flare / rocker panel area) then tie in your wheels somehow (maybe).

As for options for the bumpers. ... they look clean. I like them. For me, I always wanted hoops infront of my headlights and have small tabs welded in to fit a bolt and nut on. That way I could secure a metal screen in the hoop to to protect the headlight from rocks. That is my ONLY regret with my bumber.

Rear bumber.... over build it because you may want to modify it later on (add a swing away, or a jerry can rack). Add extra mounting points to frame. Not just for horizontal force but vertical also.

That's all I can think of from my bumper experience. Looks good otherwise!



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I did look into a red and gunmetal when I originally got the rig but saw a few and wanted to do something different. I going for a red and bronze look. And bronze bumpers didn't convince me.

As far as vertical reinforcement, he did add one on the frame and the hitch bolts on to it. Maybe I'll add more whenever i have him build rock sliders.

I agree on adding vertical reinforcement. That frame is long in the rear and more flexy than I like. So we also did some of that and I can still make it flex a bit.

Also, after mine it was fine sitting on OME 891 springs but that extra weight squatted it a bit and I have 75's on there and wanted a bit more clearance and a slight "nose down" so I swapped them for the 861's. Now it sits perfect just a hair nose down and level when I'm towing or have it loaded up. Just mentioning because this was not something I thought a lot about until it was done. Without a swing out and all that though you may not be quite as heavy.

Hey also, are you having him do sliders while it's there? Can't tell from pics and maybe you already have them. Just a thought while he's at it...finish it out.

Yeah I thought about the sagging and plan on upgrading to Toytec Superflex later down the road.

As far as rock sliders, I am kind of tapped out on funds at the moment. But I do plan on getting some done here in the near future along with some skids and maybe a roof rack.

[MENTION=161842]Mtns_Yo[/MENTION] I absolutely LOVE that front bumper! In my mind, if I were to have an aftermarket, off-road front bumper, that would be it. Ideally. As to answer your question regarding if having access points are a must, I can not really tell you, as I have zero experience with a winch. I would like to think that they would be a plus, but I'm not totally sure if it's absolutely necessary that you have them.

Thanks!


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[Mtns_Yo]

Here's a little update. Wish I had better pictures but I wasted no time. Picked up from the fab shop and dropped it off at the painters.

Check out those welds!

Ended up changing my mind last minute about the lights. My buddy had this light bar laying around and we traded for those Rigid Ignites I had. Looking to upgrade it in the future to a 20" Black Oak single row.

If anyone is interested, I might consider selling the 5" LED PIAA I originally bought. They the complete set with wiring harness and switch, they are brand new.

 

[RedSled]

Your fab guy did a very nice job on both the front, and rear. I like them a lot.

 

[Co4Fun]

Well it looks fantastic!

Very cool on the winch setup sounds like a great option. The larger square flush mounts look good/better in the rear. And though I like mine as well I will say I think he just nailed all the angles on both front and rear. The best I've seen either produced or fabbed!

Now, one more option...which my guy mentioned but we didn't do would be to cut a hole on the passenger side rear and route the exhaust through it and tuck it up under there even more. My guy did that on another he fabbed up and it was slick. I may explore that later on.

 

[96RedRunner]

I'll say it again Looking real good,
One other thing about front bumper just something to think about/monitor. The holes in bumper serve two purposes access to winch and the biggy by installing closed bumper you just cutoff a 1/3 of the air flow across radiator. That is the reason for lower valence grill openings. Again bumper looks great there is a trade off though.

 

[96RedRunner]

Your welder laid down some fine looking beads, he's good. Buy him another beer or 24.

 

[Unner]

Those seriously might be the best looking "one off" bumpers I've ever seen on a 3rd gen. I expect the bumpers coming out of the vendors to look gorgeous, but for a fab shop that doesn't specialize in 4Runners these are absolutely amazing. If your guy wants some business selling these bumpers I'm sure he could get it. Especially if his prices are reasonable.

The color match should be interesting, I've never seen it on a red rig like yours. There's hardly and ones in that color, let alone built ones.

 

[96RedRunner]

Mtns Yo, I wouldn't want to cut holes in that bumper either. Something that might help you with access to winch lever is on the XRC you can clock that end of the winch 3, 6, 9, 12. At least I was able to on my XRC8, the 9 looks to be made the same.

 

[Mtns_Yo]

Your fab guy did a very nice job on both the front, and rear. I like them a lot.

He really did, I am very happy with his work.

Well it looks fantastic!

Very cool on the winch setup sounds like a great option. The larger square flush mounts look good/better in the rear. And though I like mine as well I will say I think he just nailed all the angles on both front and rear. The best I've seen either produced or fabbed!

Now, one more option...which my guy mentioned but we didn't do would be to cut a hole on the passenger side rear and route the exhaust through it and tuck it up under there even more. My guy did that on another he fabbed up and it was slick. I may explore that later on.

I really liked that winch placement, I was just a little bummed I had to cut a small section of the grille to make it easier to access the clutch. It's not noticeable though, unless you look for it.

Yeah, he nailed it those angles. I am so glad I went with custom bumpers.

That is a great idea on tucking the exhaust. Maybe I'll have to do something like that in future. It seems like a clean looking idea.

I'll say it again Looking real good,
One other thing about front bumper just something to think about/monitor. The holes in bumper serve two purposes access to winch and the biggy by installing closed bumper you just cutoff a 1/3 of the air flow across radiator. That is the reason for lower valence grill openings. Again bumper looks great there is a trade off though.

I'll definitely keep that in mind, and keep an eye on the temp.

 

[Mtns_Yo]

Those seriously might be the best looking "one off" bumpers I've ever seen on a 3rd gen. I expect the bumpers coming out of the vendors to look gorgeous, but for a fab shop that doesn't specialize in 4Runners these are absolutely amazing. If your guy wants some business selling these bumpers I'm sure he could get it. Especially if his prices are reasonable.

The color match should be interesting, I've never seen it on a red rig like yours. There's hardly and ones in that color, let alone built ones.

I am really curious to see how that color match comes out. It should be ready tomorrow afternoon. I am not going to lie, I am a bit nervous to see how they come out. Especially since I decided to do go with color match liner not just paint. I did notice that too though, I've only seen a handful of sunfire red 4runners on here.

Mtns Yo, I wouldn't want to cut holes in that bumper either. Something that might help you with access to winch lever is on the XRC you can clock that end of the winch 3, 6, 9, 12. At least I was able to on my XRC8, the 9 looks to be made the same.

Yeah, I think the winch I bough can be clocked, but for this set up we didn't have to move it at all.

 

[Mtns_Yo]

Here's another update on the bumpers. They won't be ready until tomorrow now, paint isn't completely dry.

Here what the front looks like with the color match.

To me it seems like the colors aren't going to match. I did a ton of research when I got this picture because the color looks to be brighter than the vehicle. The color code on the door jam says KH6, but everything I founds says that Sunfire Red Pearl is 3K4. I am hoping it's just the lighting!

Anyone run into this sort of problem?

 

[Prefontaine]

Wow, that armor looks great. Is the base coat the Line-X? The texturing looks a lot more aggressive than I've seen.

 

[99problems]

I see 2 color codes for Red Pearl: 3H4 and 3K4

I think KH6 is correct for your 2002 Sunfire Red though.