SouthernSS
New member
That hasn't been discussed.
Southern Style OffRoad Group Buy - 5th Gen 4Runner Rear Bumper
- Thread starter fargo4x4
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SouthernSS
New member
Progress Pics of 5th Gen 4 Runner Rear Bumper
Kevin has been taking progress pics of the 5th Gen 4Runner Rear bumper all day. Stay tuned for posts later tonight. You're going to love the improvements & modifications.
Kevin has been taking progress pics of the 5th Gen 4Runner Rear bumper all day. Stay tuned for posts later tonight. You're going to love the improvements & modifications.
SouthernSS
New member
Updated Production Pics
So we've been very busy and have MANY improvements and updates from the first prototype that Fargo4x4 is wearing. This is version 3.2 and will be the production model going forward.
Highlights of a few upgrades and refinements:
Much closer tolerances around body
Upgraded spindle nut and cap
Improved gas strut system on each arm
Clearanced material around tail light
SSO branded foot holes with led light standard on driver and passenger side (group buy only)
flushed mounted Rigid Industries SR-M backup lights
Upgraded latching system with zirk fitting
Upgraded side ladder (wider, stronger)
Increased open angle of swing arm
Double shear standard on all swing arms
Provided hard stops both open and closed for each swing arm.
On to the pics!
Ladder with rotopax mount, standard foot hole, no side ladder
Body lines and standard foot hole on passenger side
Rotopax swing out hinge
Ladder and rotopax mount
Bolt on hitch and tire carrier
Upgraded gas piston design. Allows for assistance both opening and closing swing arm. 90 lb force decreased from 130. Zirk fittings on spindle standard.
Close up of spindle nut and cap system
spindle cap
Upgraded heavy duty slam latch with zirk fitting
Sculpted body lines
Increased clearance around tail lights to reduce chance of damage
SSO branded foot well pre drilled for led bolt light. Serves as both rock lights and lighting for step
bolt in double shear system for ultimate spindle strength
Upgraded sided ladder and Rigid Industries SR-M back up lights. Also the beginning of double jerry can mount.
Side ladder and standard foot hole
Here's the bad news though. The camp table is proving much more difficult than first imagined because of the very close tolerances to the rear door and the rise of the swing arm tilt when open. We are still brainstorming but it may not be in the cards. If we determine a table isn't possible with this design, we'll be happy to refund any camp table option. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your order.
These pictures are the most accurate depiction of what to expect when your order arrives. There were a total of 32 group buy bumpers sold, and our goal is to produce and ship at least 3 a week. As it progresses build times will obviously decrease, but we are still a small company so please bear with us. We've worked very hard to bring you the absolutely best product possible and I think you'll be happy with the improvements.
Thank you all very much again!
Regards,
Kevin
So we've been very busy and have MANY improvements and updates from the first prototype that Fargo4x4 is wearing. This is version 3.2 and will be the production model going forward.
Highlights of a few upgrades and refinements:
Much closer tolerances around body
Upgraded spindle nut and cap
Improved gas strut system on each arm
Clearanced material around tail light
SSO branded foot holes with led light standard on driver and passenger side (group buy only)
flushed mounted Rigid Industries SR-M backup lights
Upgraded latching system with zirk fitting
Upgraded side ladder (wider, stronger)
Increased open angle of swing arm
Double shear standard on all swing arms
Provided hard stops both open and closed for each swing arm.
On to the pics!
Ladder with rotopax mount, standard foot hole, no side ladder
Body lines and standard foot hole on passenger side
Rotopax swing out hinge
Ladder and rotopax mount
Bolt on hitch and tire carrier
Upgraded gas piston design. Allows for assistance both opening and closing swing arm. 90 lb force decreased from 130. Zirk fittings on spindle standard.
Close up of spindle nut and cap system
spindle cap
Upgraded heavy duty slam latch with zirk fitting
Sculpted body lines
Increased clearance around tail lights to reduce chance of damage
SSO branded foot well pre drilled for led bolt light. Serves as both rock lights and lighting for step
bolt in double shear system for ultimate spindle strength
Upgraded sided ladder and Rigid Industries SR-M back up lights. Also the beginning of double jerry can mount.
Side ladder and standard foot hole
Here's the bad news though. The camp table is proving much more difficult than first imagined because of the very close tolerances to the rear door and the rise of the swing arm tilt when open. We are still brainstorming but it may not be in the cards. If we determine a table isn't possible with this design, we'll be happy to refund any camp table option. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your order.
These pictures are the most accurate depiction of what to expect when your order arrives. There were a total of 32 group buy bumpers sold, and our goal is to produce and ship at least 3 a week. As it progresses build times will obviously decrease, but we are still a small company so please bear with us. We've worked very hard to bring you the absolutely best product possible and I think you'll be happy with the improvements.
Thank you all very much again!
Regards,
Kevin
Nico240
New member
So we've been very busy and have MANY improvements and updates from the first prototype that Fargo4x4 is wearing. This is version 3.2 and will be the production model going forward.
Highlights of a few upgrades and refinements:
Much closer tolerances around body
Upgraded spindle nut and cap
Improved gas strut system on each arm
Clearanced material around tail light
SSO branded foot holes with led light standard on driver and passenger side (group buy only)
flushed mounted Rigid Industries SR-M backup lights
Upgraded latching system with zirk fitting
Upgraded side ladder (wider, stronger)
Increased open angle of swing arm
Double shear standard on all swing arms
Provided hard stops both open and closed for each swing arm.
On to the pics!
Ladder with rotopax mount, standard foot hole, no side ladder
Body lines and standard foot hole on passenger side
Rotopax swing out hinge
Ladder and rotopax mount
Bolt on hitch and tire carrier
Upgraded gas piston design. Allows for assistance both opening and closing swing arm. 90 lb force decreased from 130. Zirk fittings on spindle standard.
Close up of spindle nut and cap system
spindle cap
Upgraded heavy duty slam latch with zirk fitting
Sculpted body lines
Increased clearance around tail lights to reduce chance of damage
SSO branded foot well pre drilled for led bolt light. Serves as both rock lights and lighting for step
bolt in double shear system for ultimate spindle strength
Upgraded sided ladder and Rigid Industries SR-M back up lights. Also the beginning of double jerry can mount.
Side ladder and standard foot hole
Here's the bad news though. The camp table is proving much more difficult than first imagined because of the very close tolerances to the rear door and the rise of the swing arm tilt when open. We are still brainstorming but it may not be in the cards. If we determine a table isn't possible with this design, we'll be happy to refund any camp table option. Please contact us at [email protected] to discuss your order.
These pictures are the most accurate depiction of what to expect when your order arrives. There were a total of 32 group buy bumpers sold, and our goal is to produce and ship at least 3 a week. As it progresses build times will obviously decrease, but we are still a small company so please bear with us. We've worked very hard to bring you the absolutely best product possible and I think you'll be happy with the improvements.
Thank you all very much again!
Regards,
Kevin
When do you expect the first bumpers to start shipping?
Panzerpatty
New member
I guess I am confused. I was under the impression that these were ready for production when the GB was put through. Now it looks like there has been ~7 weeks of R&D? With a 3 day production time(read somewhere else by SSO) some people may not be receiving bumpers until Oct? As someone who is close to last in line on GB, I hope I'm missing something here.
SouthernSS
New member
At 3 per week, the last group buy bumper should ship by August 12, not October. We are also hiring additional fabricators to handle this work so production times will undoubtedly decrease.
Many may not know this, but SSO has not been my full time job. Until June 30 of this year, I'm still a 9-5'er as a programmer and database analyst. Not very exciting, but it's paid the bills. Come July 1st I'm taking the plunge to become a fully fledged entrepreneur, but its been a long and tiresome road.
This has definitely caused some delay as I'm only able to work from after 5pm until my eyes stay open while trying to maintain some sense of family life with my wife and toddler. I understand your frustration, but will guarantee you will not find a higher quality product on the market no matter the price point. In the end would you rather a product stamped out hastily or one carefully thought out and painstakingly refined and crafted to perfection.
The first bumper will ship next week, and I expect weekly shipments every Friday after that. As the new hires get caught up to how we do things, we will certainly become more efficient as well. Please don't hesitate to call us at (225) 384-5351 (M-F 9-5 CST) or send us a message to [email protected].
Kevin
Many may not know this, but SSO has not been my full time job. Until June 30 of this year, I'm still a 9-5'er as a programmer and database analyst. Not very exciting, but it's paid the bills. Come July 1st I'm taking the plunge to become a fully fledged entrepreneur, but its been a long and tiresome road.
This has definitely caused some delay as I'm only able to work from after 5pm until my eyes stay open while trying to maintain some sense of family life with my wife and toddler. I understand your frustration, but will guarantee you will not find a higher quality product on the market no matter the price point. In the end would you rather a product stamped out hastily or one carefully thought out and painstakingly refined and crafted to perfection.
The first bumper will ship next week, and I expect weekly shipments every Friday after that. As the new hires get caught up to how we do things, we will certainly become more efficient as well. Please don't hesitate to call us at (225) 384-5351 (M-F 9-5 CST) or send us a message to [email protected].
Kevin
Dark Lord
New member
I must say after seeing the final production photos I am impressed! It seems almost as if everything I wanted on this bumper, and did not voice you did anyway (almost like you read my mind). I like the license plate light/bracket placement, and even the location where the Rigid reverse lights go! It's perfect!
Now if I can only get this installed by the time I leave for my overland trip (last week of July) I would be extremely pleased!!!
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
Now if I can only get this installed by the time I leave for my overland trip (last week of July) I would be extremely pleased!!!
Sent from my XT1254 using Tapatalk
borfoo3
New member
Nice work [MENTION=110183]SouthernSS[/MENTION] !
Noticed the redesigned side ladder in the pics has no rests up top to stop it from knocking the rear glass.. Not needed or was it just missing from the pics?
Also, for the camera relocate option, is it as simple as reinstalling the stock one in there? Do I need to make an extension harness of some sorts or is it included?
Really want to see the finished pic of that last side ladder/ dual jerry can/ tire carrier combo too. Ordered the exact same setup!
Glad to see things are finally under way and a timeline is set.. Good luck with your upcoming transition as well.
Cheers from Kuwait!
P.S. A suggestion to handle the upcoming "when's mine shipping" questions, maybe you could update the group buy list in page 1 with all those who signed up for the GB and cross out the shipped ones as you move along.
Noticed the redesigned side ladder in the pics has no rests up top to stop it from knocking the rear glass.. Not needed or was it just missing from the pics?
Also, for the camera relocate option, is it as simple as reinstalling the stock one in there? Do I need to make an extension harness of some sorts or is it included?
Really want to see the finished pic of that last side ladder/ dual jerry can/ tire carrier combo too. Ordered the exact same setup!
Glad to see things are finally under way and a timeline is set.. Good luck with your upcoming transition as well.
Cheers from Kuwait!
P.S. A suggestion to handle the upcoming "when's mine shipping" questions, maybe you could update the group buy list in page 1 with all those who signed up for the GB and cross out the shipped ones as you move along.
Alaska_4Runner
Member
[MENTION=110183]SouthernSS[/MENTION], beautiful work, amazing first run with your design. Congratulations with an overall 32 bumpers to produce. No doubt you'll have more orders in the coming weeks once these photos filter through the internet.
Question:
1.) Will the new bumper continue to accommodate a 48" Hi-Lift jack?
2.) Did this model have the back up camera installed and where was it mounted?
Question:
1.) Will the new bumper continue to accommodate a 48" Hi-Lift jack?
2.) Did this model have the back up camera installed and where was it mounted?
C4 Fabrication
New member
Excellent work Kevin! Those bumpers and options look sick. I really like the built in step with recessed logo :thumb:
C4 Fabrication
New member
And also congratulations taking on your business as full time. I took that step about two years ago and its definitely one that comes with great consideration and can be a very stressful process! However, seeing the quality of your product, i have no doubt you will be successful!
Snow-Jet-MK5
New member
@SouthernSS
Will the cut outs for the Rigid Flush Mounts be automatically included in the bumpers? I'm still on the fence about installing them right now but having the option for it in the future is always nice.
Will the cut outs for the Rigid Flush Mounts be automatically included in the bumpers? I'm still on the fence about installing them right now but having the option for it in the future is always nice.
SouthernSS
New member
Thanks for the kind words. We'll do our best to get these out as quickly as possible.
Side ladder will still have rubber bump to protect the truck. It just wasnt on that ladder yet. The camera relocate kit includes a wiring harness that will need to be spliced into the oem camera wires. Theres also a provision for back up lights and license plate light in the same harness. I'll get some pictures of the relocate kit this afternoon.
Good idea on the thread update as bumpers ship.
License plate mount will be near the center/left on passenger side swing out option and customers can just leave it in the oem location for no swing outs.
Bumper will accomodate 48" hi lift. It is a bolt on piece that wasnt in these pictures. Will take some this afternoon.
They generally arent included unless you ordered the light kit through us, but we can include them for a very small cut fee if you'd like.
RioRunner
New member
The refinements look great, I can't wait to get mine! (even though I missed the group buy and ordered just after the rest of the guys on here:cry2
If you get the opportunity, is there any way we could get a couple of photos from the rear with the swing arms open, both with the rear hatch open and closed? I'm curious to see how the rear door and cargo area all tie in with the new bumper in place. Thanks!
If you get the opportunity, is there any way we could get a couple of photos from the rear with the swing arms open, both with the rear hatch open and closed? I'm curious to see how the rear door and cargo area all tie in with the new bumper in place. Thanks!
fargo4x4
New member
That side ladder is an animal! Im excited for all of you! Cant wait to see all of your pics when you install your new rear bumpers.
I went to visit SSO before the Lone Star Toyota Jamboree and your rear bumpers are far more improved then our prototype although ours has sentimental value I have to admit I will be very envious of all of yours!
Saker
Senior Member
[MENTION=123371]fargo4x4[/MENTION],
Wish you would have given me a shout prior to rolling thru BR, LA...could have possibly grabbed a cup of coffee/beverage!
Maybe next time you are passing thru....
Inferno PRO
Junior Member
In love with all of the improvements. The redesign of the side ladder reminds me of some of the fabrication I see offshore in the Gulf and I like it. Is that going to be welded on or removable? I see this prototype has it bolted and I really like it. The side steps look great too. The spindle cap is just pure class.
Also, there was a mix up on shipping from the front bumper group buy and I owe you a few extra $$.
Do I see a roof rack design in the future? If so, count me in on that too.
Thank you for posting updated pictures for us.
Great job Kevin.
Also, there was a mix up on shipping from the front bumper group buy and I owe you a few extra $$.
Do I see a roof rack design in the future? If so, count me in on that too.
Thank you for posting updated pictures for us.
Great job Kevin.
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