So I installed my bull Bar Today!

[El Jefe]

In a previous thread I mentioned that I was waiting on a Bull bar and I could nor decide. I came across the Ionic Predator (which looks like some of the Hunter versions I have seen) at Ionic Predator Black Bull Bar | Free Shipping on Ionic Predator Black Bull Bar and he had it for a decent price. Even price matched the KC Hilights price when I found it for cheaper on Amazon.com. Free shipping too.

Well it only took me a short time to get it installed (still waiting on the lights.) Here is a pic or two. More when the lights come.
___________________________________________________________________

My mods so far:

2005 4Runner mods
* Auto dimming Gentec rear view mirror w/compass and Homelink
* Blacked out Altezza Tail lights
* Blacked out headlights (Depo)
* New Set of Sylvania 9005SU/9006SU SilverStar Ultra High Performance Halogen
Headlights, (9006 and 9005replacements)
* DRL Mod
* JA’s Maplight mod
* Complete swap of interior lights with LED’s (doors, interior overhead, glovebox, shifter,
Cupholders.)
* Console Storage light mod (LED)
* Auto on/off headlight mod
* Limited dimmer stalk (for auto headlight mod)
* Exterior LED Mods; License plate, Parking lamps, Modified rear fogs, Dual
mode turning Signals (static white until turning, then amber.)
* AVS Bug deflector
* AVS Rain guards
* Chrome Exhaust Tip
* Driver's Oh-Crap Assist Handle
* Tinted Windows
* 265/70R17 Bridgestone Dueler AT / RHS tires installed
* Rhino Dominator Hitch step
* Ion Predator Bull Bar
* KC HiLites (Driving lights) To be installed next week.

 

[eskimochaos]

Looks silly with the license plate mounted so low IMO.

Really adds 0 function.

 

[ran]

Good price, looks to be 2 mounting points? better chioce over the steelcraft??
___________
'07 SE V6 4x4

 

[Bossman]

I'm with eskimochaos on this one ... not sure why the license plate needs to be moved ... and especially that low - seems like an odd placement.

Bar itself looks nice with the exterior mods you have already done

Looks silly with the license plate mounted so low IMO.

Really adds 0 function.

 

[El Jefe]

Looks silly with the license plate mounted so low IMO.

Really adds 0 function.

Once I get the 3/2 leveling kit on her that may improve. Lights are going on top so I cannot put it where it used to be. Can't possibly give up my lighted Senior Chief Plate!:frog:

 

[El Jefe]

Good price, looks to be 2 mounting points? better chioce over the steelcraft??
___________
'07 SE V6 4x4

It mounts to 2 brackets which are mounted to 2 of the 3 bolts that mount your bumper. The Bull bar itself is attached by two large bolts. The whole thing is set up to allow for leveling and adjusting. Fairly simple install, not sure how it compares to the Steelecraft version.

I like it..... The license plate tabs are removable if you do need or prefer them.

Andy

 

[techmen17]

Thats what I was going to ask, if the license plate tabs could be taken off... Other than that I think it looks good. Maybe see how it looks after the lift, and hey if the plate still sits low you can just remove it. Good alternative to some others out there like westin.

 

[bobbarker]

That's hardly a "bull bar."

This here is designed for bulls.

Anything less is a piece of decoration.

 

[BlairB]

That's hardly a "bull bar."

This here is designed for bulls.

Anything less is a piece of decoration.

The one in your pic is also hardly a bull bar. It will do zero to protect from animal strikes. Bars like this actually cause more damage due to the fact they are mounted on the bottom most part. If you hit something they basically pivot on that point and collapse.

Look at Schrockworks or ARB bumpers if you actually want protection from animal strikes.

 

[gaterose]

The one in your pic is also hardly a bull bar. It will do zero to protect from animal strikes. Bars like this actually cause more damage due to the fact they are mounted on the bottom most part. If you hit something they basically pivot on that point and collapse.

Look at Schrockworks or ARB bumpers if you actually want protection from animal strikes.

:iagree: I've seen a ton of "bull bars" like that after an actual encounter with a bull (or deer) and they fold right into body panels and headlights, especially thin brush guards like the picture.. Only companies like ARB and TJM have real bull bars and they are full bumpers. Everything else is a nudge bar or a brush guard.

The predator still looks good though! Although I'm with everyone else about the license plate being too low, it looks like it could be ripped off if you park too close to a high curb.

 

[JAC]

COngrats....It looks good....and it will look better once the lights are installed.

I agree on the license plate I'd put it back on the bumper... it is still visible there.

 

[bobbarker]

The one in your pic is also hardly a bull bar. It will do zero to protect from animal strikes. Bars like this actually cause more damage due to the fact they are mounted on the bottom most part. If you hit something they basically pivot on that point and collapse.

Look at Schrockworks or ARB bumpers if you actually want protection from animal strikes.

No, you're right....it should all be a single piece. I just hate that those u-shaped pieces of tubing are called bull-bars, when they are clearly not protecting from anything.

The one I posted isn't much better.:moping:

 

[GRIMACE]

That's hardly a "bull bar."

This here is designed for bulls.

Anything less is a piece of decoration.

This is not a bull bar. See my for sale post on Craigslist

Pole hit Brush Guard



This is what happens at 5km per hr (black ice). It ended up costing me $1500 of repairs.

 

[El Jefe]

Okay hows this??

I reconfigured the brackets and raised it up about 2 1/2 to 3 inches. I think it looks better. The KC HiLites that will go in there will cover where the plate USED to be. I think this is better and when the lift goes on it should all look fine.


Andy

 

[chaz]

even with the plate raised up , it still kinda looks low, im not sure the lift will make it look much different.maybe put the plate back in stock position, & put lights on top of bull bar with clamps. just my 2c

 

[FourEyedWilly]

It looks like the entire essembly is about a foot too low??? I guess I'm used to seeing stinger front bumpers?? IDK, appears to be taken off a first gen Toyota and put on a 4th gen.

To each his own that's what makes our rigs unique to ourselves.

Planning on running into some bulls soon? I'll take odds on the bull.

 

[techmen17]

Dang, I dont know why everyone is being so critical....haha

Im sure el jefe understands that its main function is NOT for front end protection.

Simply its a good alternative to mount up some lights, and add a new and different look to ones front end. Looks much better with the plate a lil higher. Good work!

 

[gaterose]

I think it looks MUCH better with the license plate higher, but would still probably look better without it. I think adding the lights will help a lot too though.

 

[Corrosive]

I really like the license plate low like that... sets it apart.

 

[AE1M]

I like the look and have been considering one of these, one reason is primarily to protect the bumper due to slight taps when pulling up to a brick wall that I really need to nose up to close for clearance behind my truck. I keep more distance from the wall than I have to now (never bumped yet!)

Would a slight bump do anything to the frame by the way it's attached?

Is it a 1 person install, how long did it take? My 4R is a 2008.

Bob

In a previous thread I mentioned that I was waiting on a Bull bar and I could nor decide. I came across the Ionic Predator (which looks like some of the Hunter versions I have seen) at Ionic Predator Black Bull Bar | Free Shipping on Ionic Predator Black Bull Bar and he had it for a decent price. Even price matched the KC Hilights price when I found it for cheaper on Amazon.com. Free shipping too.

Well it only took me a short time to get it installed (still waiting on the lights.) Here is a pic or two. More when the lights come.
___________________________________________________________________

My mods so far:

2005 4Runner mods
* Auto dimming Gentec rear view mirror w/compass and Homelink
* Blacked out Altezza Tail lights
* Blacked out headlights (Depo)
* New Set of Sylvania 9005SU/9006SU SilverStar Ultra High Performance Halogen
Headlights, (9006 and 9005replacements)
* DRL Mod
* JA’s Maplight mod
* Complete swap of interior lights with LED’s (doors, interior overhead, glovebox, shifter,
Cupholders.)
* Console Storage light mod (LED)
* Auto on/off headlight mod
* Limited dimmer stalk (for auto headlight mod)
* Exterior LED Mods; License plate, Parking lamps, Modified rear fogs, Dual
mode turning Signals (static white until turning, then amber.)
* AVS Bug deflector
* AVS Rain guards
* Chrome Exhaust Tip
* Driver's Oh-Crap Assist Handle
* Tinted Windows
* 265/70R17 Bridgestone Dueler AT / RHS tires installed
* Rhino Dominator Hitch step
* Ion Predator Bull Bar
* KC HiLites (Driving lights) To be installed next week.