Yet another ARB bumper question for my 99

[wdhigh]

I have been searching for few weeks now and read tons of post about the arb tacoma bumper being used on 3rd gen runners.

My question concerns the recent post I stumbled across the web stating that arb has "updated" the mounting setup on the 3423030. I have called arb and they say nothing fits my model. I have also read the mounting directions on their site and it mentions a few different ways of mounting depending on year.

Is there a difference in the latest version of the arb? Anyone ordered a new one in the last year? Is the end cap mod still necessary for winching? Not sure how much use I would get out of a winch with the exception of myself getting stuck at out hunting lease. Would the regular mounting setup be ok for that?

Thanks in advance, I have over 15 tabs open looking for these answers and no cut and dry answer.

 

[the great him]

i just ordered mine back in the end of nov i think... anyhow the new updated design only make putting everything together less of a hassle (i have done three of these bumpers, the first two were the old design and it was a requirement to have two people to do it, this "new" design just makes things easier, its more to do with the hardware kit and fasteners than anything. the end cap mod is still needed. -i did a wright up step by step on how to mount it -i did not do the end cap bolts or drill through the frame, but will be going back and doing so, as i have some "wiggle" with my bumper loaded with a winch, and im not sure that id trust it under a full pull or heavy pull as it sits with just the 4 bolts from the original set up.

heres a link to my build thread http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-gen-t4rs/85361-collection-3rd-gen-build-threads-6.html#post947286

my instal is on page 6 of my build, and another guy posted in there about the nut in the endcap to help secure the bumper, i now think this is a must do. and i will be doing this soon. hopefully before i have to use my winch

 

[wdhigh]

Thanks, just read through and found the info in your build.

I am not wanting to deal with the end cap. Not sure what hardware to use or how much of a pain it is. I would assume the hardware is not included in the kit and would have to be bought elsewhere?

 

[the great him]

no no all the hardware is included in the bumper, that first pic i have in my install is all the hardware that ARB includes with the bumper, like 70% of it i didnt use, as its designed for a tacoma(slight differences). the other guy took the end cap adapter and cut it down(as it already has the nut welded in place) and use that for the end cap plate. you dont need to run around to hardware stores any other stores to find all the parts ARB gives you everything you need

 

[98OzarksRunner]

I installed mine last November so it might not be the latest design. I welded a 3/16" plate with 7/16" nuts to the end of the rails for additional support.

However, though I would strongly recommend it, I doubt this is absolutely necessary. The ARB design assumes using the endplate on the Tacoma, which, like the 4Runner, is a plate of about 12 ga. steel tack welded to the end of the frame rail, with a small nut on the backside. While that does add some vertical stability and adds to the overall mounting structure (like a unibody car design) it probably doesn't add that much to the 'pull' strength of the installation. Using the vertical bolt with the spacer in the end of the frame rail probably adds more 'pull' strength than the end plate (making it have 6 bolts on the rails instead of just the 4 for the tow hook mounts).

If you don't have a welder, I would suggest cutting the rails down where they need to be and drive your truck (taking your ARB mounts) to a welding shop and have them weld in the end plates. I'd guess you're looking at less than $100, and it would give a lot of additional strength (and peace of mind). Or find a buddy (or someone on here) with a welder to help you.

 

[wdhigh]

Thanks alot guys. Might just have to order one soon so I can see first hand what it needs.

Anyone seen a frame that had to have few inches cut off for the bracket to fit? Have come across atleast one thread on another site that had to do this.

 

[98OzarksRunner]

The one I bought was 3423020.