AlexJet

I'm considering building the rear bumper for 4th Gen 4Runner. I'm not sure if I can build it myself, so I'd like to talk to some aftermarket manufactures about it.
But before this, I'd like to find what the demand for it, if any is.
The bumper should looks something like Lance (GoodTimes)bumper:

AlexJet

Let's make a list:

Copy and paste this list in your respond and add your name


1. AlexJet (Alex) - '05 Limited V6

vegaskurt

I think the issue you will see with someone manufacturing the bumper is that you need to have that fiberglass piece fabbed. Also I am pretty sure Lance had to chop off his rear cross member to fit that bumper.

AlexJet

I've talked to Lance. He said that there is a way to do it without cutting the cross-member off.

Good Times

At this point anything is possible. There are some things to consider though as this will change your design on the rear bumper.

1. departure angle will not change. adding anything to the rear beyond the stock crossmember will lessen your departure angle. (hitch/shackle hangers etc)
2. weight. the stock bumper is feather light. I'd say after removing the plastic and some aluminum pieces, you're looking at around 15# if that. a typical bumper will weigh in excess of 100-200# depending on what you add to it.
3. frame integrity. it's boxed so that's a good thing but it's not designed to sustain extensive weights in the rear so reinforcing would be recommended. (I will be doing this soon).
4. you will lose your stock tow hitch unless the design works around this. integrating the hitch into the bumper like I have will mean cutting a hole for the hitch thru your stock crossmember. Not sure anyone wants to do that though.

Some ideas:
1. tire carrier - I'm guessing everyone would want this. With that said, are you considering the swing out or swing down?
2. weight reduction - the stock bumper has a lot of surface area to cover. the aftermarket bumper should not cover that much (ugly for one and too heavy for two). With that in mind, how do you plan to cover the other areas? Reuse the stock bumper piece or build your own?
3. it can be bolt on but will require you to drill thru the frame so you can add bolts etc for the attachment purposes.

The angles that I have on the side will not be the same as the stock cross member will be in the way. It is possible to make it work though but the angles will be higher if you want to try and retain the same look and feel.

Like I said, it's possible based on what I've seen with what's left of my stock rear on the floor. It's just a matter of trying. Anyone want to give it a shot? I think once you get a template done, it's just a matter of getting it to a mass fabricator to cad the work and produce it. It'll be $$ since they'll need the $ upfront but it is possible to orchestrate something like this.

SteveO

Wow Lance, you have a really nice looking bumper there. How much does it weigh?

Good Times

Thanks Steve the bumper itself w/o the tire carrier is approximately 75-90ish? The tire carrier with the tire and ammo can is probably another 100 or so. The tire itself weighs in at a hefty 2# so you can imagine the pain (jk of course).

I will be changing the rear though as the tire and the can sits too low. Apparently when I was working on it, my math went fubar! O well no biggie. It works well for the expedition stuff I've been doing recently but definitely sucked at BB with the pebbles I was flying over

trd2001

i like this design. It depends on cost, cost of living on socal sucks.