I stumbled onto this and thought it was pretty cool. Figured I'd share.http://http://www.frontrange4x4.com/forums/showthread.php?17627-New-4runner-Bumpers-sliders-and-hidden-winch
For the Sr5 and Limited owners...
- Thread starter Briton
- Start date
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MeBe4running
New member
Nice... Thanks for sharing. Thats an interesting setup, I like it!
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Link is broken.
MeBe4running
New member
Skeletor03
New member
Agreed!
DannyLlama
Elite Member
Better option in my opinion is > Toyota 4runner Undercover Hidden Winch Mount System looks cleaner and highly recommended by another member on the forum.
MeBe4running
New member
Disagree. I think this would be the perfect option for those who use there 4runners as daily drivers yet want the added armor and clearance for weekend trips and trails without having to have a full bumper front and rear replacement setup like arb/shrockworks/heftyvwhich isnt the best option for a daily driver. Imo this setup is a hybrid of what's currently out on the aftermarket for the 5th gen 4runner. So I think this setup is a perfect balance for both a DD and off roading.
Natey
Member
I was thinking the same thing until I read the disclaimer on the 2nd link's site.
By purchasing the UndercoverHWMS you the purchaser are soley responsible for replacing the vehicles factory bumper/crush zone.
That makes me nervous for a number of reasons. Insurance, airbag accidents, bent frames from minor fender bends and resale value are the 1st that pop into my head.
By purchasing the UndercoverHWMS you the purchaser are soley responsible for replacing the vehicles factory bumper/crush zone.
That makes me nervous for a number of reasons. Insurance, airbag accidents, bent frames from minor fender bends and resale value are the 1st that pop into my head.
DannyLlama
Elite Member
See the attached from the repair manual. Parts 19,20 and 21 are the parts which are commonly referred too as the 5mph bumper. Not much really, plastic or styro from which is meant to absorb a 5 mph or less crash by absorption. Those parts go behind the front lower bumper cover, which is now gone when you install the winch system as described. Another "crush zone" is actually built into he frame rails. Holes are placed in strategic positions allowing the frame to "crush" during a heavy impact, thus absorbing the energy in those places instead of passing it through the whole vehicle, including the occupants. I doubt the front frame rails are removed during this winch installation, so I think what they are referring too in this generic statement is the 5 mph bumper stuff. Be safe.
MeBe4running
New member
Personally I see different purposes:
Budbuilt Hidden WInch: A recessed winch mount, mounted within the FACTORY bumper that accommodates a winch
Skiiny Fab: A bumper that requires the lower part of your FACTORY bumper to be cut and as a result it will INCREASE your approach angle a front end protection as well as having a winching option.
So Budbuilt hidden winch and Skinny's bumper have a different purpose IMO,
KCcarguy
New member
It would be interesting to see how much increase in approach angle there is....doesn't look like much to me. However, departure angle is definitely improved. I guess if it's worth it or not depends on personal preference. This is what happens when function takes complete priority over form. To paraphrase 1engineer: if engineers had complete control in designing a vehicle, no one would want to buy it.
