What should I do about a front bumper?

[ADH8796]

I have a Black 99 Toyota 4runner Highlander Edition and I am wanting to put a new bumper on the front end. I can't decide which bumper I want though so I was looking for other's opinions. Tell me what you think.

Here is my Rig how it sits today
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/4x4Fink/4Runner/4Runner_MTZs016.jpg
http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e102/4x4Fink/4Runner/4Runner_MTZs001.jpg

Here are the bumpers I am looking at.

Irbis offroad offers this front bumper
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/4r-fr-b1-800-1.gif
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/4r-fr-b3-800-1.gif
The Irbis bumper will need blinkers mounted or integrated but I can have Irbis do that in the process of the build.

Hanson offroad offers this bumper
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/runnersmall-1.jpg
The Hanson bumper is not offered on their web site but will work with some modifacation. I would also have to find a place to add blinkers.

TJM Products offers this bumper
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/765340_135_full.jpg
The TJM would come with different blinkers and (no) integreated lights but these are things I could do later.

Bruce I hope it's alright I used your bumper as an example

What would you do if you were me?

Thanks!

[Seanz0rz]

i really like the irbis bumper.


i will be making my own, somewhat close to the tjm.

[Cebby]

Hanson gets my vote.

The Irbis is a little too "Silence of the Lambs" looking for my liking - plus you loose your grille - looks unfinished.

Seems everybody has TJM's - be different!

[neliconcept]

yeah go with hanson, or drive out to armorology here in Colorado lol.

I have yet to hear from Bentup but I want a bentup front bumper for my 4runner so i can put a integrated solenoid winch in and get better clearance and strenght.

first off im getting a rear bumper from CBI in about a couple weeks

[Bob98SR5]

i like the tube + conventional bumper (tjm/arb) look. but personally speaking, you need to check out robinhood1500's tube bumper. it is pretty darn nice. that is what i hope to build later this year

[neliconcept]

http://bentup.com/images/4+runner+custom.jpg

thats sorta what i want but with a center hoop

[Cebby]

Is that "Breezy" pre-SAC?

[neliconcept]

yup, they show his rear bumper after the SAC

[ADH8796]

i really like the irbis bumper.


i will be making my own, somewhat close to the tjm.


I like the look too but I'm really considering all my options. Some thinks it's a little too rough looking.

[ADH8796]

Hanson gets my vote.

The Irbis is a little too "Silence of the Lambs" looking for my liking - plus you loose your grille - looks unfinished.

Seems everybody has TJM's - be different!


I agree it does seem everyone has the TJM but maybe that's for good reason??? I like the Hanson bumper a lot but I like the others as well. Thanks for the advice.

[ADH8796]

i like the tube + conventional bumper (tjm/arb) look. but personally speaking, you need to check out robinhood1500's tube bumper. it is pretty darn nice. that is what i hope to build later this year


I'll check it out it sounds nice.

[ADH8796]

http://bentup.com/images/4+runner+custom.jpg

thats sorta what i want but with a center hoop


Yeah I like this I wish they offered it for the 4runner I have always liked it and thought it would look nice on a 3rd gen.

[ADH8796]

Sorry for the delayed responses and thanks for the advice keep it coming. Thanks!

Anthony

[YotaFun]

What about the ARB Delux Bumper?

Just a suggestion.

But from the ones you have listed I would go with the Hanson.

[ADH8796]

What about the ARB Delux Bumper?

Just a suggestion.

But from the ones you have listed I would go with the Hanson.


The ARB is a well built bumper that gives good protections and is actually stonger than the TJM however I do not like the edgy look it has. The 3rd gen has good curves and I don't think the ARB complements them as well as I would like. Thanks for the suggestion though. Hanson is getting more votes than I expected but I like it a lot too.

[Cebby]

Do Shrockworks or Fabfours make 3rd Gen bumpers? I've always liked their work.

[neliconcept]

shrockworks is supposed to be makin them, but you know how they do, it will be 2010 before we see it.

they are supposed to be makin tacoma bumpers, I think flyingwill has been waiting for his front taco bumper from them for lke 4 months

[ADH8796]

I would really like to see what shrockworks comes out with I love all of the bumpers they have made so far. But it's like you said they will take forever before I could have one haha.

[YotaFun]

What about the ARB Delux Bumper?

Just a suggestion.

But from the ones you have listed I would go with the Hanson.


The ARB is a well built bumper that gives good protections and is actually stonger than the TJM however I do not like the edgy look it has. The 3rd gen has good curves and I don't think the ARB complements them as well as I would like. Thanks for the suggestion though. Hanson is getting more votes than I expected but I like it a lot too.


I guess its all a matter of opinion...
http://4rnr.net/red-lake-1.JPG

I must admit Andy's did looks sexy...
imho the ARB Andy has looked a lot better than the TJM

But the Hanson one sill makes you stand out among the rest.

Does shrockworks have any sample picks of what it might resemble?

[ADH8796]

I wasn't refering to the ARB Sahara Bar in my first post about ARB (I agree the Sahara Bar is real nice but it's a little $$$$ for me. Also agreed the Hanson would be stand out bumper (which I like)

And no I don't think Shrockworks has any sample pics but I wish they did.

[neliconcept]

arb sahara is a nice bumper, but from most places you can get a custom job for the same money and have it look anyway you want it.

[ADH8796]

arb sahara is a nice bumper, but from most places you can get a custom job for the same money and have it look anyway you want it.




X2 it's hard to spend that kind of $$$$ even though it is a sweet bumper.

[neliconcept]

where is hanson, are they near you? i freakin like that bumper,

[04 Rocko Taco]

That Hanson bumper is pretty nice. I'm digging it.

[bigwapitijohnny]

Gentlemen,

I am about to pick up my runner from Armorology this Saturday :thumbup:. I had Jed fab up a different set-up than that of Ric. It's a blend of the stinger and 'sonoran-steel' style hoops. I post a write-up when I get the time over the holiday weekend.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Cool deal bigwapit, can't wait to see it.

ADH, what did you end up going with? Or have you?

[Ric]

Johnny, you better call me when ya get to the airport, :) cant wait to see it in person :thumbup:
maybe we could do lunch before ya head back.

[neliconcept]

id like to see pictures soon bet it will look sweet.

[Bob98SR5]

Gentlemen,

I am about to pick up my runner from Armorology this Saturday :thumbup:. I had Jed fab up a different set-up than that of Ric. It's a blend of the stinger and 'sonoran-steel' style hoops. I post a write-up when I get the time over the holiday weekend.


Niiice! Jed's work is pretty good. Too bad he can't make bolt on stuff, but i understand his reasoning why

[fenrisx]

I've always liked the TJM's on lifted 4Runners.. the Hanson looks good too. I'd have a hard time deciding.

[ADH8796]

where is hanson, are they near you? i freakin like that bumper,


I dont' now where they are located but I know they ship so that's a plus for me. But you could always call and ask http://hansonoffroad.com/ hope that helps.

[ADH8796]

Cool deal bigwapit, can't wait to see it.

ADH, what did you end up going with? Or have you?


x2 I can't wait to see it.

I haven't decided still doing a lot of thinking.

[ADH8796]

Bumper for more input.

[ecchamberlin]

As I am sure you can tell (avatar) I have a TJM. It has been okay so far. No real complaints other than it needs to be reinforced to be fully set up to do winching.

I bought it because it helped my approach angle and I preferred the look more than what I knew about at the time. As far as the approach angle I rarely hit the bumper at all. It is the factory bumper mounting tabs that I always smash on the rocks. Unless you cut them off and go a totally different route to mount an aftermarket bumper it will always be an issue with the Runners.

I really like the Hanson pic. I would want to see better pics of how it is mounted though. Ric's Armorology is frickin bad to the bone also.

I like the idea of an open tray for the winch instead of it inside the bumper.

[slosurfer]

Hanson Off Road is in Oakhurst, CA I just drove throught there on my way back from June Lake. It is about a 1/2 hr. south of Yosemite on Hwy 41.

Do you have anymore info on that Hanson bumper? I really like it and if it can be modified to fit a 3rd gen, I'm sure they can make it fit a 2nd gen. Do you know what model it is actually made for? Sorry for the hijack, I just really dig it.

[04 Rocko Taco]

Let us know what you decide, I think my vote still goes out for the Hanson bumper. :)

[RunnerUp]

my vote goes for ARB... very strong, and looks really clean on our black 4runners

[ADH8796]

Hanson Off Road is in Oakhurst, CA I just drove throught there on my way back from June Lake. It is about a 1/2 hr. south of Yosemite on Hwy 41.

Do you have anymore info on that Hanson bumper? I really like it and if it can be modified to fit a 3rd gen, I'm sure they can make it fit a 2nd gen. Do you know what model it is actually made for? Sorry for the hijack, I just really dig it.


The bumper is actually made for a JEEP XJ they have three basic disigns the one in the middle is the Prerunner disgn that's the one on the TLT 4runner you saw on page one of this thread. I really like this bumper as well it's clean and well built along with being a different bumper than the TJM or ARB that everyone else has (not to say anything bad about either of these products because I am still considering them both. Here is a link to the page Hanson has set up for the XJ bumpers. Also I know they worked with TLT to mount the bumper on the 3rd gen but I haven't asked if they could do the same for me. I'm thinking if I buy it I will do that work myself.

http://www.hansonoffroad.com/xj8401-cherokee-front-bumpers-c-25_46.html?osCsid=c0a14e6e30f90f0041a99fe6efec2952

[04 Rocko Taco]

Come on hanson!!

[BruceTS]

Everyone might have an ARB or TJM, but most people that live around you locally haven't seen one, so it would still have that uniqueness. Originally I had placed an order for the ARB Sahara, but after 9 month backorder I cancelled and purchased the TJM. Now I'm glad I did, since it has been quite easy to modify to my tasting. One advantage it hides your winch, so it keeps prying eyes away.

What it really boils down to is your budget and how much your willing to spend.....

[ADH8796]

Thanks for the advice Bruce.

[d0ubledown]

i like my arb prado bull bar...not as tight a fit as a taco bar as its much wider, but i likes it that way...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/d0ubledown/hale%20creek%20camping/PICT0036.jpg

i chose arb because i know its stout, its a re & re bolt on job, and i like the sharp angles as well as its 1 piece hoop. one thing to note about the hanson bar...make sure you get something that covers & protects the lower part of the rad. i remember seeing a rad pinched line of seans runner in a 'zine somewhere...

[rocket]

If Hanson made one for a 4RUNNER, i'd probably buy it right now. It's too bad they don't actually offer one. Spending extra money and time to modify one they make for a jeep is not an option i'd consider.
The huge ARB loses approach angle, TJM is kinda weak, anthing else is custom.

We 3rd gen owners need to get a revolution going with Hanson, Marlin, All-pro, or Bent-up to start producing front (and rear) bumpers for us. I think it's about damn time.

[Seanz0rz]

especially as 3rd gens are getting cheaper used and everyone loves the 3.4. there is basically nothing out there. ARB doesnt even make one for the 4runner, you have to chose between the ill fitting prado or taco bars.

[ADH8796]

If Hanson made one for a 4RUNNER, i'd probably buy it right now. It's too bad they don't actually offer one. Spending extra money and time to modify one they make for a jeep is not an option i'd consider.
The huge ARB loses approach angle, TJM is kinda weak, anthing else is custom.

We 3rd gen owners need to get a revolution going with Hanson, Marlin, All-pro, or Bent-up to start producing front (and rear) bumpers for us. I think it's about damn time.



X2

[d0ubledown]

The huge ARB loses approach angle, TJM is kinda weak, anthing else is custom.




funny..i've never had any issues with approach angles as you can see in the pic i posted. i find its always the people that dont have them that say that...

[bigwapitijohnny]

I would have to recommend Armorology...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Armorology/IMG_0371.jpg


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Armorology/IMG_0392.jpg


These would look sweet on your rig IMHO

[xcmountain80]

i like my arb prado bull bar...not as tight a fit as a taco bar as its much wider, but i likes it that way...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v389/d0ubledown/hale%20creek%20camping/PICT0036.jpg

i chose arb because i know its stout, its a re & re bolt on job, and i like the sharp angles as well as its 1 piece hoop. one thing to note about the hanson bar...make sure you get something that covers & protects the lower part of the rad. i remember seeing a rad pinched line of seans runner in a 'zine somewhere...


I think I'm in love with that bar maybe I can get rid of my TJm and get a prado bar. Wonder what that would run....

Aaron

[TroysToy]

I would have to recommend Armorology...


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Armorology/IMG_0371.jpg


http://i164.photobucket.com/albums/u38/bigwapitijohnny/Armorology/IMG_0392.jpg


These would look sweet on your rig IMHO




I Like....I Really Like!!!! :bowdown:

[ToyFamily]

shrockworks is supposed to be makin them, but you know how they do, it will be 2010 before we see it.

they are supposed to be makin tacoma bumpers, I think flyingwill has been waiting for his front taco bumper from them for lke 4 months


We're shooting for 2007. Development takes a long time, the 4th gen 4r guys waited over 2yrs for ARB, told them they didn't know when it would happen and bang when we put ours out..it materialized.

Flyingwill was bringing his for measurements, we were test fitting on various years and covering all the bases and fit all the years 95-04 tacoma,96-02 4runner

http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/ToyFamily/IMG_8850.jpg
http://i62.photobucket.com/albums/h110/ToyFamily/IMG_8832-edit-1.jpg

Nick

[ADH8796]

I love the Shrockworks bumper I think I want this one

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/IMG_8537.jpg

[20005spd]

i didnt read all the posts but im going to chime in and say, i do like that shrockworks bumper. i dont like the arb bumpers though. just about every 3rd gen owner i know owns one and they all dont like it. more clearance is needed in the front than an arb gives, and when it does hit a rock it gets damaged easily.

[Lee]

i think youre talking about my tjm when you say that.

[rocket]

The huge ARB loses approach angle, TJM is kinda weak, anthing else is custom.




funny..i've never had any issues with approach angles as you can see in the pic i posted. i find its always the people that dont have them that say that...


Actually it's the people that DO have them that say it.

[20005spd]

i think youre talking about my tjm when you say that.

ya i am :D

but i am also talkin about flooks'. when we were at the first ledge at ofr his arb hit the ledge quite hard. then next in line was me and my bumper did not touch any part of the ledge.

[Lee]

he has a tjm dummy!

[ADH8796]

Well after long debate have finally ordered my bumper and here is what I decided to go with

http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/bentup.jpg

This is the bentup winch bumper that was designed for the toyota tacoma. However I talked to Emily at bentup and she is sending the bumper with no mounting brackets attached so I can build my own (so it will fit the runner). Because I ordered the bumper with no mounting brackets and no PC the bumper only cost $550 before shipping (shipping was another $120) Total $670. My winch is here and my synthetic winchline that I ordered from Winchline.com should be here soon. The bumper ships out Monday morning from CA. Something else I'm considering is when the bumper showes up maybe throwing a stinger on it like this
http://i139.photobucket.com/albums/q294/aharder_album/bentup2.jpg

Let me know what you think. Thanks!

Anthony

[bigwapitijohnny]

Anthony,

Congrats on your decision :thumbup:. Looking good man!

[ADH8796]

Thanks man I really appreciate it.