Bumper Choice
After researching bumper options I've decided what I want is an ARB on the front. I'm a little bothered by having to cut the end of the frame rails off to install it, but I like the crush zone and the fact that it's airbag compliant and designed to protect from animal strikes. Mainly want deer and small trees to bounce off. Actually would like to put one on everything we own. So, it's not imminent, but will probably start with the ARB, see how it looks, and then go from there on the flares, etc.
I have to take back my statement about the Runner being more "squirrely" than our pick-ups. My husband has been driving it quite a bit lately and thinks it handles particularly well on slick roads. So, yesterday he showed me the control he has with it in power slides. The back can definitely come around easier than something with a longer wheelbase, but what I called squirrely he calls responsive. The front really pulls it straight when the wheels are spinning. I don't know about the ABS though- pretty crappy compared to what we're used to on the new Tundras. Might disable that.