Got to agree that welding them is the way to go. Lots of back and forth points on this but welding is plenty strong for what you will probably ever do with that Runner.
Call up Brian or one of the other quality fab guys here and get a set you like and put them on that rig! Then come wheelin with us!!!!
I would suggest that you get a set with kick outs in the rear. I wish mine had them and may be modding them so that they do. It sucks when you are trying to pivot on a rock and slide into the rear tire instead of just pivoting the way you planned.
Just a thought though...