Review: 4xInnovations Rear Bumper and Tire Carrier

[kishanSR5]

4xInnovations Rear Bumper

Options –
Swing Out Tire Carrier
Single Jerry Can Mount
HiLift Jack Mount



There are not many detailed pictures or reviews out there for the 4xInnovations rear bumper and tire carrier for the 3rd Gen 4Runners so I thought I’d share mine to help others that are trying to decide between the few options that are out there for the 3rd Gen platform.

After removing the OEM spare, hitch and rear bumper the 4XInnovations rear bumper simply slides below the frame rails and is held on by 5 large grade 8 bolts on each side. 4 of the 5 holes were in the frame already with only the rear most hole (next to end of the frame rail) required to be drilled. After drilling the 2 extra holes it was just a matter of bolting the bumper in place...very simple with no issues as all the holes lined up perfectly :thumb:

You can see the 5 bolts on each frame rail as well as the 2 tubular side bracing supports. The bumper is built off a Class III hitch and all the mounting brackets are ¼” steel. Needless to say it’s STOUT and quite heavy.







I didn't really care for the gap that was left between the bumper and the body so I covered it with a nice piece of aluminum diamond plate. This will provide protection as well when loading items in the back.





A few more pics of the rig....she's getting there :driving:





Final Thoughts -
Overall I'm very happy with the fit and finish of the bumper and would purchase it again. Other than a missing piece of hardware, which Adam promptly shipped to me, and a few minor hiccups on the swing arm install I have no complaints.

Props to 4xInnovations for a great product and for continuing to support the 3rd Gen platform.:thumb:

Great looking rig! What are you using as the license plate light? I couldn't tell from the pictures and the 4xinnovations website isn't really much help either.

 

[krenaud33]

We do offer powder coating now. We finally have a local supplier that has a really nice powder line.

Thats good that you have that option now. Sorry I shouldn't have said you didn't offer it.

 

[E-LOK'D]

Great looking rig! What are you using as the license plate light? I couldn't tell from the pictures and the 4xinnovations website isn't really much help either.

4xInnovations sends a license plate kit that includes the plate mount, hardware and LED license plate bolts. They aren't the brightest in the world but they keep it legal :cheers:

 

[judoant]

how did you cut and attach the diamond plate to the bumper?

 

[Road Bull]

Looking pretty hard at pulling the trigger on this rear bumper / tire carrier combo. I had also been looking at the Savage Offroad rear combo, but they have been out of stock for several months now. This has given me time to keep looking at the 4x Innovations option. I am about 90% on going this route over something else now.

The more I look at it, the more I like the latching mechanism, all the options that they offer and the overall look of it. It looks like everyone who has one is still pretty happy with it from what I can tell. I see that they offer a lot of various options. If you were to replace you bumper today, would you pick the same options?

It looks like the light cut outs, and hi-lift cut outs are pretty new options. I have seen what the light cut outs look like, but not the hi-lift cut outs look like.

I see that they offer a 5% sale to forum members. That's cool. If there was a sale coming up, I would jump all over it.

 

[Unner]

Looking pretty hard at pulling the trigger on this rear bumper / tire carrier combo. I had also been looking at the Savage Offroad rear combo, but they have been out of stock for several months now. This has given me time to keep looking at the 4x Innovations option. I am about 90% on going this route over something else now.

The more I look at it, the more I like the latching mechanism, all the options that they offer and the overall look of it. It looks like everyone who has one is still pretty happy with it from what I can tell. I see that they offer a lot of various options. If you were to replace you bumper today, would you pick the same options?

It looks like the light cut outs, and hi-lift cut outs are pretty new options. I have seen what the light cut outs look like, but not the hi-lift cut outs look like.

I see that they offer a 5% sale to forum members. That's cool. If there was a sale coming up, I would jump all over it.

This bumper is super solid. The only time I had a noise or vibration out of it was when I first installed it I didn't have time to install the two bolts you have to drill the frame for. Once I got them in there were no issues at all. There's no tire vibration like some people complain about with other manufacturers. Even at paralegal speeds bombing through Wyoming I had no issues.

I drove around probably 40-50 lbs of firewood at least in my trasharoo while I was in Moab. We bought the wood in Salt Lake City, drove it 250 miles on the highway, then through fins n things. Then 100+ miles of dirt on White Rim Trail, and then more dirt going to our campsite and the bumper didn't question it once.
DSC06755a by Unner Unner, on Flickr

Adam [MENTION=76968]traxman25[/MENTION] is a great dude and runs a great company. 4xInnovations is the only company where there was no pain in the process of ordering, receiving, or installing the product. I called Adam to ask a few questions about the bumper and he said it would take about 3 weeks. I was out of town when he called saying the bumper was ready to ship, but I asked him to hold it for a few days so I don't have an expensive bumper laying at the front door while no one is home. He did so and I had the bumper at my door as soon as I got back, right at 3 weeks from my order date. 4xInnovations is the only company I have called a few months after receiving the product to leave positive feedback with the guys about the product and entire process I was so happy with it.

The latching mechanism is solid, Once the pins are in there is no way the swing out is coming loose unless someone messes with it. The hi lift cutouts can be seen on their 2nd gen Tacoma bumper on their website, they're those triangle shaped things on the corners of the bumper. I ordered mine without because I didn't care for the way they looked, but they obviously have a good purpose.

This bumper is also very heavy, but you'll understand why when you get it. The thickness of the plate and internal reinforcing is outstanding. I could back into a honda civic at 45 mph and only have to touch up my powder coat... One of the main reasons I got a rear bumper was for protection from stupid people driving.

If I were to order again with what I've learned over the last year of having my swing out I would order with the fold down table option. Everything else I would leave the same. The Jerry can option is nice, but with my ladder it would make it completely useless unless you open the swing out. Seriously though, get the table. I've been trying to figure out a way to add a table to mine, I might call 4x and see if they have any suggestions.

 

[cbr900boy]

Looking pretty hard at pulling the trigger on this rear bumper / tire carrier combo. I had also been looking at the Savage Offroad rear combo, but they have been out of stock for several months now. This has given me time to keep looking at the 4x Innovations option. I am about 90% on going this route over something else now.

The more I look at it, the more I like the latching mechanism, all the options that they offer and the overall look of it. It looks like everyone who has one is still pretty happy with it from what I can tell. I see that they offer a lot of various options. If you were to replace you bumper today, would you pick the same options?

It looks like the light cut outs, and hi-lift cut outs are pretty new options. I have seen what the light cut outs look like, but not the hi-lift cut outs look like.

I see that they offer a 5% sale to forum members. That's cool. If there was a sale coming up, I would jump all over it.

I would definitely order it again, but this time I would get one that would accommodate a 1" body lift. That option wasn't available when I ordered my bumper.

 

[Chim]

I have bought this rear bumper with carrier twice now. Very happy with it. I hope I never have to buy a third!

 

[IsaiahC]

Looking pretty hard at pulling the trigger on this rear bumper / tire carrier combo. I had also been looking at the Savage Offroad rear combo, but they have been out of stock for several months now. This has given me time to keep looking at the 4x Innovations option. I am about 90% on going this route over something else now.

The more I look at it, the more I like the latching mechanism, all the options that they offer and the overall look of it. It looks like everyone who has one is still pretty happy with it from what I can tell. I see that they offer a lot of various options. If you were to replace you bumper today, would you pick the same options?

It looks like the light cut outs, and hi-lift cut outs are pretty new options. I have seen what the light cut outs look like, but not the hi-lift cut outs look like.

I see that they offer a 5% sale to forum members. That's cool. If there was a sale coming up, I would jump all over it.

If I were you, I wouldn't bother waiting for a sale. I waited 3 months until Black Friday to order my bumper and it only equated to a savings of $20. I would much rather have had it sooner.

That being said, this bumper is awesome. It's incredibly stout. Plan on having help when you install it. The latching mechanism is nice and secure: much more so than those destacko clamps on other bumpers. I'd say my only complaint is that the hilift mount is in a place where I can only mount the hilift upside down but that's just nitpicking.

 

[Road Bull]

[MENTION=125059]IsaiahC[/MENTION], @Chim, [MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION], [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION]

Thanks for posting!

It's always good to hear people that are happy with their gear and experiences getting and using it. I liked the modular aspect offered by the Savage rear bumper, but I had a chance to see Chim's bumper in person and I was impressed. It looked stout, and incorporated all the options I am interested in at a fair price.

Are most of you using 861s? To compensate for the added weight? I currently have 7 wraps LC coils. I do like the raked stance. I would also look at putting in the Sonoran Steel body mounts right off the bat to avoid body flex contact.
[MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION] did you want the 1" BL in general, or for bumper clearance buffer?

 

[theesotericone]

Looking pretty hard at pulling the trigger on this rear bumper / tire carrier combo.

2:10am man? Someone must have been dreaming about bumpers and couldn't sleep? lol

As usual where looking at the same options. I really like [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] comments about the fold out table. I've been thinking of how useful one would be. Having to carry around a camp table isn't that big of a hassle but having one integrated would be even less so.

 

[Chim]

[MENTION=125059]IsaiahC[/MENTION], @Chim, [MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION], [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION]

Thanks for posting!

It's always good to hear people that are happy with their gear and experiences getting and using it. I liked the modular aspect offered by the Savage rear bumper, but I had a chance to see Chim's bumper in person and I was impressed. It looked stout, and incorporated all the options I am interested in at a fair price.

Are most of you using 861s? To compensate for the added weight? I currently have 7 wraps LC coils. I do like the raked stance. I would also look at putting in the Sonoran Steel body mounts right off the bat to avoid body flex contact.

[MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION] did you want the 1" BL in general, or for bumper clearance buffer?

I'm using 861's with mine and it sits really good! Good call on the body mounts, those are a must!

 

[MattJakobs]

I may be pulling the trigger on one of these very shortly. A few questions for those who have them. At any time, do you wish the tire was mounted higher or at an angle? Does anyone have the light bucket? I'm having a hard time figuring out where it would mount. Without the Hilift cut outs, are there any points to jack up the rear with a Hilift or is it best to use a slider?
[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] How much room do you have between the swing out and the Gobi ladder when fully closed? Any modifications necessary? Rubbing? Do you find yourself using the ladder or would a slider suffice?

 

[JohnMc]

I've been perfectly happy with my 4xInnov rear bumper so far.

Solid as can be, no rattling from the swing-out. I did swap the rear body mounts for SS polys within a month or so - the frame just isn't as solid and stiff back there as you'd think. I guess it doesn't really need to be since the stock rear bumper mounts to the body.

I've dragged and clunked it into some solid trails features, didn't do anything other than scrape up the rattle can paint job.

 

[Chim]

I may be pulling the trigger on one of these very shortly. A few questions for those who have them. At any time, do you wish the tire was mounted higher or at an angle? Does anyone have the light bucket? I'm having a hard time figuring out where it would mount. Without the Hilift cut outs, are there any points to jack up the rear with a Hilift or is it best to use a slider?

[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] How much room do you have between the swing out and the Gobi ladder when fully closed? Any modifications necessary? Rubbing? Do you find yourself using the ladder or would a slider suffice?

I got the light buckets this time and I bought some Rigid back up lights to fit in them I just haven't hooked them up yet. They are in the main body of the bumper. You can see it under the latching mechanism. There is another one on the opposite side as well.
Tire position is fine and have had no thoughts about it being anywhere else than where it is now.
I don't know where you would hook up a high lift though... I was just planning on using my sliders when I got those on. You could always get the strap and hook attachment for the jack and lift from the shackle point.

 

[Road Bull]

2:10am man? Someone must have been dreaming about bumpers and couldn't sleep? lol

As usual where looking at the same options. I really like [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] comments about the fold out table. I've been thinking of how useful one would be. Having to carry around a camp table isn't that big of a hassle but having one integrated would be even less so.

Yeah... I don't really sleep. I should try to get to bed at a respectable hour, but, I love burning candles on both ends. LOL.

And what can I say, we have good taste! I try to research the hell out of things I add to my rig. And this is a big one.

I am wondering just what this would do to my LC 7 wraps. I currently love the way my 4runner sits and rides, but that is a hefty weight increase. 861s seem like the go-to springs, but I wonder if some use 8 or 9 wraps LC coils.

 

[ltsr]

Yeah... I don't really sleep. I should try to get to bed at a respectable hour, but, I love burning candles on both ends. LOL.

And what can I say, we have good taste! I try to research the hell out of things I add to my rig. And this is a big one.

I am wondering just what this would do to my LC 7 wraps. I currently love the way my 4runner sits and rides, but that is a hefty weight increase. 861s seem like the go-to springs, but I wonder if some use 8 or 9 wraps LC coils.

If you end up going with this bumper and staying with your LC 7 wraps, I would be interested in your experience.

I have been trying to hold off on a rear bumper but everyone who's posted praises it. I had 4xinnovations sliders on my tacoma, already know the quality of their work.

 

[Unner]

[MENTION=125059]IsaiahC[/MENTION], @Chim, [MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION], [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION]

Thanks for posting!

It's always good to hear people that are happy with their gear and experiences getting and using it. I liked the modular aspect offered by the Savage rear bumper, but I had a chance to see Chim's bumper in person and I was impressed. It looked stout, and incorporated all the options I am interested in at a fair price.

Are most of you using 861s? To compensate for the added weight? I currently have 7 wraps LC coils. I do like the raked stance. I would also look at putting in the Sonoran Steel body mounts right off the bat to avoid body flex contact.

[MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION] did you want the 1" BL in general, or for bumper clearance buffer?

Yes, I have 861's. You should definitely do the SS body mounts while you have the stock bumper off, and before the new bumper goes on. More space to work with and no sense in waiting to see if it causes damage to the body. I'd rather prevent the entire situation.

I may be pulling the trigger on one of these very shortly. A few questions for those who have them. At any time, do you wish the tire was mounted higher or at an angle? Does anyone have the light bucket? I'm having a hard time figuring out where it would mount. Without the Hilift cut outs, are there any points to jack up the rear with a Hilift or is it best to use a slider?

[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION] How much room do you have between the swing out and the Gobi ladder when fully closed? Any modifications necessary? Rubbing? Do you find yourself using the ladder or would a slider suffice?

I've thought about that before, but frankly, I've never had an issue with where the tire is currently mounted. I've never drug the tire itself, actually I've only drug the shackle mounts in the rear, even coming off some of the super steep stuff at Fins n Things. You can get them to custom mount the tire at an angle, someone here did so recently. I can't remember their name though.

I would try and use a slider if I needed to jack the truck up, but if that doesn't work I'd throw a D-ring on the shackle mounts and carefully use the hilift back there.

There's enough space that I can get three fingers between the ladder and the bumper in all places. I didn't have to do any modifying to get it to fit. [MENTION=5345]habanero[/MENTION] was nice enough to take measurements of her bumper and hatch before I ordered mine so I knew it would fit. Things might be different if you order a bumper with jerry cans, hi lift, or table though. Not sure how those mount in relation to where the main cross beam for the swing out is.

I actually use the ladder quite a bit. I go up there to take pictures, look around, lay down and look at stars, etc. It's definitely easier to get up there with the ladder. Before I had the ladder I would climb up there by opening the rear door and kinda pulling my way up there. I don't think my girlfriend would be able to do this though, she's too short. If I'm just loading stuff on the roof like gas can and traction boards I usually just use the sliders and rear tire as a standing platform.

If you end up going with this bumper and staying with your LC 7 wraps, I would be interested in your experience.

I have been trying to hold off on a rear bumper but everyone who's posted praises it. I had 4xinnovations sliders on my tacoma, already know the quality of their work.

I had 7 wraps (SS1.2 rear lift) before I swapped for my 861's because I wanted more rake.

Here's my post from my build where I swapped over to the 861s.
http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-g...d-2001-toyota-4runner-4x4-30.html#post2603348

 

[MattJakobs]

How do you guys like the latch mechanism? Secure? Locking? Have any detailed pictures?

[MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION]
@Chim

 

[cbr900boy]

[MENTION=125059]IsaiahC[/MENTION], @Chim, [MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION], [MENTION=116387]Unner[/MENTION]

Thanks for posting!

It's always good to hear people that are happy with their gear and experiences getting and using it. I liked the modular aspect offered by the Savage rear bumper, but I had a chance to see Chim's bumper in person and I was impressed. It looked stout, and incorporated all the options I am interested in at a fair price.

Are most of you using 861s? To compensate for the added weight? I currently have 7 wraps LC coils. I do like the raked stance. I would also look at putting in the Sonoran Steel body mounts right off the bat to avoid body flex contact.

[MENTION=114619]cbr900boy[/MENTION] did you want the 1" BL in general, or for bumper clearance buffer?

I installed a 1" BL after I got the bumper. Just like Unner i had the SS 1.2 lift which was fine untill I got the rear bumper. I then swapped them out for 861s. It sits perfect now with about a 1.5" rake.