Welding on ARB bumper brackets.
- Thread starter Bucket81
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JWaldz
Moderator
Technically, ARB doesn't make a bumper for the 3rd Gen 4Runner. So how you put it on is completely up to you. However, it's smart to reinforce the end caps b/c you have to cut the original frame horns/caps off to fit the bumper on.
octanejunkie
Elite Member
What is the suggested method for reinforcement, I ask as I am about to finally install my winch lol
On my wife's '96, I cut the end caps off and welded on brackets I 'harvested' from my '99's crash beam, so her custom bumper could bolt on more solidly.
The end caps were certainly stuck onto the end of the frame better than they looked to be (welded on the inside on part, presumably before the other half of the boxed frame was added) it's still not very strong, and it's only one small bolt.
I just carefully angle ground the end cap off, and welded on the new plates. Short bits of weld, scattered around, not heating the frame up too much.
The end caps were certainly stuck onto the end of the frame better than they looked to be (welded on the inside on part, presumably before the other half of the boxed frame was added) it's still not very strong, and it's only one small bolt.
I just carefully angle ground the end cap off, and welded on the new plates. Short bits of weld, scattered around, not heating the frame up too much.
revenantdead
New member
My end caps were cut by the previous owner when he installed the arb. I didn't weld or reinforce anything when I installed my winch. No problems. No movement, and I've pulled a LOT of heavy shit out of the mud with it.
JWaldz
Moderator
Suggested, just a piece of 90* angle iron to fill the void. Weld all around. Ideally, you would also add a hole and weld on nut to the back of the front facing portion to accommodate the hole in the bracket as another contact point for bolting it down; however, this isn't necessary and adds a bit more work. You can google search "4Runner end cap mod" and get an idea on how this all works.
The extra reinforcing isn't something that's required, but it's suggested. It's just up to the owner.
carp73
New member
I cut apart the two end cap box looking things that came with the hardware packet so it was just the one end with the threaded hole and welded that into my frame. It fit perfectly and that way I was able to also install the bolt directly into the end of the frame rails too. It's holding up fine so far but I'm still contemplating welding the brackets to the frame just to make it bullet proof. Sorry I don't have any pictures to help explain
