For anyone who hates their "fat lip"

[mountainbiker42]

I finally pulled the trigger on getting rid of my fat lip bumper. You'll need new blinkers, new connectors (the connectors on the harness are different), and new brackets. I bought it all on eBay except for the connectors. I was considering an armor bumper but it's hard to spend $500-600 for a DIY bumper. This one costs $150, thats the bumper, and all the hardware needed. In the future I'll mount a winch and lights. I'm pretty happy with my purchase. My approach angle is much better and the skidplate keeps everything protected. And in my opinion it looks better.

I'll paint the bumper with herculiner to match the rear and call 'er good.

 

[fblainen11]

I like the fat lip. That number makes me a little uneasy about how exposed the radiator appears to be.

 

[ShooterMcGavin]

I like the looks of your new bumper, but I do also have to agree with fblainen11. It looks like a stick at the right angle could rip a hole into the radiator. That looks like a great opportunity for a custom lower grill

 

[jgue467]

Unfinished looking....

but I like the fat lip anyway - safer..... :cowboy:

 

[fblainen11]

Custom lower grill would look pretty good!

Also, how do you like your Cooper tires?

 

[mountainbiker42]

The winch will cover up the radiator. If someone didn't wanna put a winch there maybe some expanded metal or mesh could be fitted in there for protection.

The cooper tires are okay. They won't stay balanced for very long. I regret not getting the BFG all terrains

 

[BoomSticks]

I'm thinking of doing something similar to mine, but I'm not exactly sure what I'm looking at here. Is this a new bumper, or the fat lip chopped up?

Any other links or ideas to improve fat lips?

 

[skcolb]

but I like the fat lip anyway - safer..... :cowboy:

Yeah ... I dislike the looks of the fat lip, but for me it stays unless it can get replaced with something just as safe.

 

[paddlenbike]

I remember not liking the fat lip in 1999 when 4Runners first hit the dealership, but I got used to it pretty quick. (Unlike the look of the 'refreshed' 5th gens...I will never get used to that look.)

 

[Scramble]

It's not a fat lip, it's a strong manly chin. Your radiator is too exposed but otherwise looks good.

 

[1985taylor1925]

Why not just finish the bumper with the lower valance? They're cheap. And you can add your stock fog lights by drilling some holes and making a custom mounting bracket.

 

[BrandonF]

Looks good. I've never been a fan of the 99+ bumpers either. In fact I think they look absolutely terrible haha.

I like how you've gone with full length skids before any other armor. Rock sliders and proper skids are by far the most important pieces of armor. It shows that you really use your rig.

Just get that radiator covered up and you'll be golden! It could be something as simple as a piece of plate bolted onto the front of the frame rails.

 

[Blue Seat Lyfe]

I'd like to see you rest a beer bottle on a thin lip

 

[mountainbiker42]

I didn't put the plastic valence on because I broke it off twice on my previous bumper trying to climb things. Who can resist climbing a nice pile or dirt or snow? I stated it before but the winch is going to be mounted in front of the radiators. That will be plenty of protection. In the mean time ya I can put a plate there or some heavy duty mesh.

Having full skids is such peace of mind while your on the trails in my opinion. Idk guys I think it looks pretty aggressive

 

[midcoma]

Not quite as low profile, but here's my fat lip bumper with the lower plastic section removed. I made the plate to protect the radiator out of scrap 14ga aluminum I had laying around. I agree with adding something to cover up that lower portion of the radiator.

 

[hang10]

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What did you use for turn signals ? Midcoma....

 

[midcoma]

I have switchback LEDs in the corner lights and switchback halo rings in the projector headlights.

 

[mountainbiker42]

update!

Alright guys here's what I did, I decided now isn't the time to drop a few hundred on a winch so I fabed up a skid plate instead to protect the coolers. Just thought I'd share in case anyone was looking to do something similar

I utilized the plates on the frame ends where the crumple zone bolted on. I'm not a great fabricator but I'm happy with it and the strength it has.

(My engine skid is bent so it makes my new skid look off buts it not)

 

[mountainbiker42]

How it bolts on

 

[mountainbiker42]

Side view