**NEW 3rd Gen 4R "OEM+" Front Bumper Prototype**

No, I did not get either of the guard options.

PM me and I’ll let you know if something changes. I’d really be interested in the aluminum OEM-styled bumper, but it seems like its not production-ready just yet so most likely just going to paint and install the 4xI this week.

Please don’t get me wrong, the 4xI front bumper is really a work of art - the craftsmanship and fit for the 3rd gen are outstanding. I’m really just concerned about the extra weight on the front end (at ~100lbs. the bumper is 2x the weight of the OEM-style aluminum one at 50lbs). Plus I’ll also probably need to add a winch and driving lights, so that’s even more weight.

Yeah for sure. I didn't mean to sidetrack this thread. Rickashay's OEM+ type bumper option is high on my list and I may get one even if I end up with something else in the meantime. if I end up with too many bumpers, more 3rd gens will need to follow...
 
Would be very interested in this design if/when it comes to market. Should be compatible with a 2002? Not sure about bumper mount design changes considering it looks to use OEM mounts?
 
**UPDATE**

All, sorry for the radio silence. We are actually developing a line of sliders and an RTT right now as well, plus running our media business. Me jumping around in too many projects is the reason for my tardiness on this. Please bear with me as we sort out the details. Our brand and online store will not be launching until Q1 of 2022. What you are seeing here is this great forum and community at work, helping us to fine tune our design so it meets the needs of our potential customers and user base (you guys) while collaboratively taking your ideas to make the product better (like the front hitch receiver idea). Really grateful for all the ideas and interest we've had so far and stoked to take this thing to market fairly soon.

What I will say is that we will be planning a small prototype run (probably in the form of a small GB - at a very reduced cost) for early adopters before our brand/store launch. The purpose of this one-time run would be to get a few bumpers out into the wild and get some real-world testing on them. Of course this will be happening after my initial prototype #1 gets cut for my truck. We literally got the signed off file package ready late last week and are now waiting for it to slot in for cutting.

Really seems like you've put a lot of thought into this. Even for options you're opting out of, it seems like you've done your consideration!

Thanks for the kind words and again, thanks to everyone for firing us good feedback on the design. Truly is helping to make it a better product.

Any spy photos? I have a line on a used 4XI plate bumper......

Sorry not yet, but VERY soon. ;)

I'd be in for some spy photos too. I'm itching to see some final pics.

See above.

Any eta on when this bumper will be ready?

Thanks for following along, please see my notes above.

No, I did not get either of the guard options.

PM me and I’ll let you know if something changes. I’d really be interested in the aluminum OEM-styled bumper, but it seems like its not production-ready just yet so most likely just going to paint and install the 4xI this week.

Please don’t get me wrong, the 4xI front bumper is really a work of art - the craftsmanship and fit for the 3rd gen are outstanding. I’m really just concerned about the extra weight on the front end (at ~100lbs. the bumper is 2x the weight of the OEM-style aluminum one at 50lbs). Plus I’ll also probably need to add a winch and driving lights, so that’s even more weight.

Weight is literally one of our top design objectives for this. With how gutless our trucks are, and knowing the downside of too much weight in any/all aspects of driving physics, we think our low weight is going to be one of our main advantages. And not to take anything away from current bumper manufacturers, there is definitely some beautiful designs already being produced.

Yeah for sure. I didn't mean to sidetrack this thread. Rickashay's OEM+ type bumper option is high on my list and I may get one even if I end up with something else in the meantime. if I end up with too many bumpers, more 3rd gens will need to follow...

A good problem to have. lol

Any updates ???

Please see above.

Wondering same, need this.

Also see above, sorry for the delay!

Would be very interested in this design if/when it comes to market. Should be compatible with a 2002? Not sure about bumper mount design changes considering it looks to use OEM mounts?

2002 bumper compatibility is definitely on the radar. My only concern is that given the shape of the fat-lip and how much further it sticks out than the 96-98 bumper, will it work with the aesthetic we are trying to create with this? I think it's possible but I am voicing my concerns, albeit before actually having a 99-02' fatlip in my hands yet for testing.

Just read this post and I'm ready to pay you my money to buy this my man this is the answer to all my problems

Lol. Good to hear. Excited to get the first prototype in my hands!

Cheers all,
Addison
 
[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] I honestly don't really think that a fatlip bumper would fit the idea of your bumper very well. I assume the mounting points will be the same for the 96-98 OEM/OEM+ bumper vs the fatlip/99-02?
 
Just from the first post. This checks all my boxes for what I want in a front bumper.
I personally have never really liked all the other tube/plate bumpers.
Keeping a very close eye for the prototype
In other words, just take my money. [emoji23]
 
I am definitely interested in this for Beatr! will be keeping a close eye on this thread for more info on availability for sure!

Awesome thanks!!

[MENTION=63060]rickashay[/MENTION] I honestly don't really think that a fatlip bumper would fit the idea of your bumper very well. I assume the mounting points will be the same for the 96-98 OEM/OEM+ bumper vs the fatlip/99-02?

For the 99-02’ I’m guessing you will need to ditch the plastic valence below the chrome portion of the bumper. That’s how it is setup with the current 96-98 style. I just have not seen a 99-02’ bumper with the plastic fully stripped away - anyone have any photos!?!? The mounting points for the 96-98 are VERY close to the same as the 99-02, so I think that should be an easy adaption to make on our end. The full Tamarack+ version will bolt into the same holes as the factory bumper.

Just from the first post. This checks all my boxes for what I want in a front bumper.
I personally have never really liked all the other tube/plate bumpers.
Keeping a very close eye for the prototype
In other words, just take my money. [emoji23]

LOL. I know right?!!? Stoked to keep this thing clean and simple. I honestly got a lot of inspiration for this from my original 4Runner build when all I had was a rear bumper, sliders, rear locker, and factory 96-98 bumper. The truck was light and very capable and just looked clean and simple. Goal for this is definitely to align with that mentality. Thanks for following along with our progress. Cheers
 
For the 99-02’ I’m guessing you will need to ditch the plastic valence below the chrome portion of the bumper. That’s how it is setup with the current 96-98 style. I just have not seen a 99-02’ bumper with the plastic fully stripped away - anyone have any photos!?!? The mounting points for the 96-98 are VERY close to the same as the 99-02, so I think that should be an easy adaption to make on our end. The full Tamarack+ version will bolt into the same holes as the factory bumper.
I don't have photos, but as I own a fat lip '00 and my neighbor has a '97, I can offer some observations. First thing to point out is that the fat lip protrudes about 3" further forward from the grill compared to the '97. So removing the lower "plastic valence" is the least of the problem, as the 3" protrusion will be very noticeable with the Rickashay bumper from a cosmetic point of view.

Regarding the plastic valence rickashay mentions that is below the Fat Lip steel portion: from what I can tell, there may be some tabs on the steel OEM bumper that you may want to remove for cosmetics. Not a problem for someone interested in a weld it yourself bumper.

I love the goal of low weight of this design, and weight is probably the #1 reason I haven't installed an aftermarket front bumper and winch. Since I have the Fat Lip bumper, I suspect that economics/cosmetics would drive me (personally) to go in a different direction than the Rickashay bumper, either to the semi-low weight Trail Gear Rock Defense 1st Gen Taco tube bumper, or to a custom hidden winch mount option. BTW, if someone developed a hidden winch "weld it yourself" kit, or non-weld kit for my 2000, I would send them a check today!
 
**NEW 3rd Gen 4R "OEM+" Front Bumper Prototype**

BTW, if someone developed a hidden winch "weld it yourself" kit, or non-weld kit for my 2000, I would send them a check today!

6880851c216337f809fc18d8b68833a8.jpg


I agree. I don’t want to thread hijack, so here’s a link to this thread: Winches under factory bumpers?
 
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I don't have photos, but as I own a fat lip '00 and my neighbor has a '97, I can offer some observations. First thing to point out is that the fat lip protrudes about 3" further forward from the grill compared to the '97. So removing the lower "plastic valence" is the least of the problem, as the 3" protrusion will be very noticeable with the Rickashay bumper from a cosmetic point of view.

Regarding the plastic valence rickashay mentions that is below the Fat Lip steel portion: from what I can tell, there may be some tabs on the steel OEM bumper that you may want to remove for cosmetics. Not a problem for someone interested in a weld it yourself bumper.

I love the goal of low weight of this design, and weight is probably the #1 reason I haven't installed an aftermarket front bumper and winch. Since I have the Fat Lip bumper, I suspect that economics/cosmetics would drive me (personally) to go in a different direction than the Rickashay bumper, either to the semi-low weight Trail Gear Rock Defense 1st Gen Taco tube bumper, or to a custom hidden winch mount option. BTW, if someone developed a hidden winch "weld it yourself" kit, or non-weld kit for my 2000, I would send them a check today!

Thanks for the feedback. I’ve actually had both versions of the bumpers in my hands right beside each other, but it was a couple years ago. I am pretty framiliar with the differences but would love to see a 99-02’ with the “fat lip” completely removed. It’s plastic and I know it can be removed to expose the tighter-to-the-body metal portion behind it.

From an aesthetic stand point, I too, love the “fat lip” bumper, which is why we are pulling styling from that variant for our full metal replacement option. I’ll try and get some teasers of where we are at with the design sooner than later, but I think all the “fat lip” lovers out there will at least appreciate the direction. ;)

6880851c216337f809fc18d8b68833a8.jpg


I agree. I don’t want to thread hijack, so here’s a link to this thread: Winches under factory bumpers?

Love how clean that setup is ^. Low weight and factory looking - huge props! Only downside with the fully hidden options is they don’t do anything for you in approach angle and clearance. Probably their only drawback IMO other than the looks category (subjective). I kinda hope we fall right in the middle between a “beefy” aftermarket bumper and being fully stealth mode like the link above. Thanks for sharing the link for other curious about going that route.
 
Only downside with the fully hidden options is they don’t do anything for you in approach angle and clearance. Probably their only drawback IMO other than the looks category (subjective). I kinda hope we fall right in the middle between a “beefy” aftermarket bumper and being fully stealth mode like the link above. Thanks for sharing the link for other curious about going that route.

I agree with you. I think you’re right on the money with the direction of your bumper. Can’t wait to see some photos of your prototype all mounted up!
 
I am pretty framiliar with the differences but would love to see a 99-02’ with the “fat lip” completely removed. It’s plastic and I know it can be removed to expose the tighter-to-the-body metal portion behind it.
Go to 4:55 on this Timmy video. This shows exactly what you see behind the fat lip. I think that's a '99, my '00 looks the same. There is a metal crush bar (5:18) right behind the "fat lip", so removing just the plastic lip wouldn't improve the approach angle significantly. This should all be clear when watching the video.

Even if a person removed the fat lip (and the metal crush bar behind it), the bumper above the "lip" sticks out ~3" beyond the 96-98 bumper! The lip itself is an additional ~1.5". So the 96-98 bumper has a huge improvement in approach angle.
 
Go to 4:55 on this Timmy video. This shows exactly what you see behind the fat lip. I think that's a '99, my '00 looks the same. There is a metal crush bar (5:18) right behind the "fat lip", so removing just the plastic lip wouldn't improve the approach angle significantly. This should all be clear when watching the video.

Even if a person removed the fat lip (and the metal crush bar behind it), the bumper above the "lip" sticks out ~3" beyond the 96-98 bumper! The lip itself is an additional ~1.5". So the 96-98 bumper has a huge improvement in approach angle.

I found the picture I was looking for! This shows how much further the 99+ bumper protrudes, even without the plastic Fat Lip:
https://www.toyota-4runner.org/2342976-post11.html

Thanks for the link and the image! Nice to get a refresh on what it looks like behind there. I wonder if you could bolt the 99-02' metal bumper sans crush cans to a 96-98'? I need one in my hands!
 
**NEW 3rd Gen 4R "OEM+" Front Bumper Prototype**

Have a question about the removable cover plate on the starboard side of the fatlip bumper. Anybody know what it is for or why it would be necessary? It is about 1" tall and maybe 8" wide with a step, on the very bottom of the bumper.
You can see it in the quoted image.


It’s so you don’t rip off the whole lower bumper valence when using the factory tow hook. It just makes a little extra room for a recovery strap.
 
I don't have photos, but as I own a fat lip '00 and my neighbor has a '97, I can offer some observations. First thing to point out is that the fat lip protrudes about 3" further forward from the grill compared to the '97. So removing the lower "plastic valence" is the least of the problem, as the 3" protrusion will be very noticeable with the Rickashay bumper from a cosmetic point of view.

Regarding the plastic valence rickashay mentions that is below the Fat Lip steel portion: from what I can tell, there may be some tabs on the steel OEM bumper that you may want to remove for cosmetics. Not a problem for someone interested in a weld it yourself bumper.

I love the goal of low weight of this design, and weight is probably the #1 reason I haven't installed an aftermarket front bumper and winch. Since I have the Fat Lip bumper, I suspect that economics/cosmetics would drive me (personally) to go in a different direction than the Rickashay bumper, either to the semi-low weight Trail Gear Rock Defense 1st Gen Taco tube bumper, or to a custom hidden winch mount option. BTW, if someone developed a hidden winch "weld it yourself" kit, or non-weld kit for my 2000, I would send them a check today!


Amped up metal fab
 

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