3rd gen 4runner ARB bumper question...

[Martinjmpr]

Got a question regarding the ARB bumper for the 3rd gen 4runners:

Some web sites have a bumper for a Tacoma listed, others have a bumper listed for a Taco or a 4runner.

I know the 1st gen (95-04) Tacos and 3rd gen (96-02) 4runners share a similar chassis, but is the bumper made for the 4runner, or is it made for the Taco and then has to be adapted to the 4runner?

Reason I ask is because I really want one, but trying to figure out the cost of a pre-made ARB bumper vs. having something fabricated from scratch.

Who here has an ARB on their 3rd gen 4runner and what did you have to do to get it to fit? My other big question would be, if there are modifications that need to be made to put the ARB onto a 4runner, are they reversible, IOW, can the 4runner be restored to its "stock" condition?

 

[tacollie]

I literally just got of the phone with slee about this issue. You do need to drill holes. I like Armorolgy but their stuff is spendy. Maybe look at shockworks. I saw a Taco bumper from them and it was well made.

 

[shawkins]

IIRC, to fit a Taco ARB bumper on a 4Runner you have to modify the frame end caps. I think the Prado bar bolts onto the 4Runner but it doesn't fit as well as the Taco bar.

 

[CYi5]

It's the tacoma ARB bumper. You trim the lips off of the flat plate on the end of your frame rail (sawzall), then the arb bracket will slip over the end of the frame and you drill 2 holes to put a large bolt vertically through the frame. It cannot be returned to stock without welding on a new plate perpendicular to your frame rails. Which really wouldn't be hard at all.

It's a more solid mounting solution than mounted on a tacoma.

 

[Mr. Leary]

It's the tacoma ARB bumper. You trim the lips off of the flat plate on the end of your frame rail (sawzall), then the arb bracket will slip over the end of the frame and you drill 2 holes to put a large bolt vertically through the frame. It cannot be returned to stock without welding on a new plate perpendicular to your frame rails. Which really wouldn't be hard at all.

It's a more solid mounting solution than mounted on a tacoma.

You must accomplish the above. I would also suggest that before you go ahead and drill two holes as prescribed, you bridge a weld in the existing hole, then move the whole mounting position back about .5 inches. I believe that this configuration looks and performs better, especially when used in conjunction with a body lift.

CAUTION. If you have a body lift, then some minor modification will have to be made to the mounting brackets to make them fit.

Also, DO NOT get the Prado bumper. The brackets will not line up correctly from the start, and you will have to do some more serious modification to the brackets, which will undermine the bumper's ability to perform in a front end collision. Added to this is the fact that it just look plain goofy, sticking out 2 inches on either side.

I have not posted my build thread yet, but I have already gone through this headache, and would be glad to answer any Qs you may have.

 

[cruiseroutfit]

...Added to this is the fact that it just look plain goofy, sticking out 2 inches on either side...

This is an important little note. Some model 3rd Gen 4Runners did not have factory fender flares (for example the 96' base model) same for Tacoma. The reason two different bumpers were used in the past was to accommodate the fender flares. Similar issue on the Gen 1 Tacomas. My 96' model had just a ~1/4" chrome trip around the fender while my 04' has a full ~2" plastic flare.

 

[slomatt]

Since my 2000 Sport has the larger fender flares I purchased a Prado bumper to match the width. For my install I had to cut the frame horns off as expected, but I also ended up modifying the brackets (trimming and new holes) to mount the bumper where I wanted it.

Once installed you will have a gap underneath the headlights, I covered these with some plastic.

Here are installation pictures:

http://www.blankwhitepage.com/gallery/t4r_arb_prado

- Matt

 

[bigbeast]

Here are a couple pictures of my install. Including the frame ends.
I welded on a plate with an attached nut.
I do not have the flares on my 2001 4runner

See post # 8

http://forum.ih8mud.com/az-copper-state-cruisers/75020-welding-frame-question.html#post888124