How much departure angle does a rear bumper add?

[gimlithepirate]

Took my 4runner out for my first big expedition since lift and tires. Performed amazingly well, but definitely banged my tow hitch several times. This made me think that a rear bumper needs to be a priority.

How much departure angle does an aftermarket rear bumper add? I know they are pricey, and I'm definitely doing skid plates first, but I'm starting to think maybe rear bumper needs to happen before front.

 

[Inv4drZm]

Took my 4runner out for my first big expedition since lift and tires. Performed amazingly well, but definitely banged my tow hitch several times. This made me think that a rear bumper needs to be a priority.

How much departure angle does an aftermarket rear bumper add? I know they are pricey, and I'm definitely doing skid plates first, but I'm starting to think maybe rear bumper needs to happen before front.

None of them really 'add' departure angle except for 4X4 Labs which requires you to cut off the rear frame crossmember.

The reason I say this is that all the other ones keep the rear crossmember so you can use the factory tow hitch. 4X4 Labs has an integrated receiver tube for towing.

 

[gimlithepirate]

None of them really 'add' departure angle except for 4X4 Labs which requires you to cut off the rear frame crossmember.

The reason I say this is that all the other ones keep the rear crossmember so you can use the factory tow hitch. 4X4 Labs has an integrated receiver tube for towing.

Huh, interesting. When looking at pictures online, it looked like most options removed the tow hitch in some way, which gained you departure angle.

Sounds like my original plan of running the stock bumper until I destroy it on a rock may not have been too far off!

 

[Inv4drZm]

Huh, interesting. When looking at pictures online, it looked like most options removed the tow hitch in some way, which gained you departure angle.

Sounds like my original plan of running the stock bumper until I destroy it on a rock may not have been too far off!

Well, you can remove the tow hitch right now if you wanted to.

As far as I know the 4X4 Labs rear is the only bumper that integrates the tow hitch into the bumper.

 

[MDobb79]

Well, you can remove the tow hitch right now if you wanted to.

As far as I know the 4X4 Labs rear is the only bumper that integrates the tow hitch into the bumper.

CBI has an integrated hitch but it says [not load rated] but when I called them to ask them some questions they said it would be about the same as factory. Regardless, they claim improved departure angle.

4th Gen Toyota 4Runner Rear Bumper | 2003-2009 - CBI Offroad Fab

 

[gimlithepirate]

Well, you can remove the tow hitch right now if you wanted to.

As far as I know the 4X4 Labs rear is the only bumper that integrates the tow hitch into the bumper.

Yeah, I'd considered doing that. Hesitant to do so as right now as that is the main thing protecting the rear bumper.

 

[BlairB]

Another +1 to the 4x4 Labs bumper being the only one that adds any significant departure angle that I know of.

The issue is that the stock crossmember sticks out pretty far, so without removing that your hands are somewhat tied in terms of departure angle.