rkmedic1

I am thinking of getting a Rockware front bumper for my 4runner and I was wondering if anyone has had one and if so, what do you think of their product?

ravencr

Welcome! Have they ever made one before for a third gen?

Chris

CTB

Ya, I'm pretty sure Ishikawa (Max) had both a Rockware front and rear bumper on his 3rd Gen. Try a search on here, or just go to their website and give them a call or email.

From what I have heard/read, they make very high quality stuff!

rkmedic1

I have looked at their website and talked to them on the phone and they stated that they need the 3rd gen there to do the fabrication. If I am going to go there I want to make sure that they are reputable.

ravencr

From what I've heard they are the best around. Their rear bumpers are loved by most folks on this board, but are a little out of most's price range. But, they are totally awesome! I've never seen a front bumper by them though.

Chris

Beavah

$$ $$

They do make good stuff.
We poe folkz went TJM or ARB

Go for it, if you can!

:beaver:

Flygtenstein

There are two custom fronts out there, one was Max's which is now Danny's and one is JadeRunners.

I have seen JadeRunner's in person and it is a sweet piece.

I have a rear from them and I love it. Lots of compliments and it surely has taken a beating, a work of art.

In custom fab work, you get what you pay for. The clearance is better, the fit and finish will be better, and it will be made to your truck.

I have an ARB up front, regular old off the shelf bumper that humps rocks and needed the holes to be hogged out for mounting.

For any custom shop, you are not allowing them to do their job completely if they just make it to measurements. Have it built on the truck and it will be better.

If I lived in Colorado and wanted a bumper, it would be a no brainer.

Darren

Here's a good recent picture of Scott's.

He has some other pictures on his site.

Rock Ware's reputation is not in question. Not only are they loved by those of us 4Runner owners that has a piece of theirs, but they are very highly regarded by the CO 4-wheelin' community as a whole. Matt and his boys do some incredible work.

rkmedic1, do you happen to know Dave down there? Goes by "DSP" on the board.

bluechip932

I think data's is a rockware.. and ive seen him run into tons of things and it still has no dings in it..

ravencr

What thickness metal are they using for the front and rear bumpers from Rockware?

Chris

rkmedic1

I appreciate all of the replies. Everything that you have told me has been valuable in the decision making process. Thank you all very much and I will let you know what happens in the next two weeks. Next question.... winches... so many options, though I am sure that one is better than the rest. I have used Warn and I am thinking of sticking with them unless others think othewise.

Flygtenstein

The plate is 3/16's.

I would take in a Warn HS9500 and have the bumper built for it. I am partial to the ones without the integrated solenoid for space considerations.

DSP

Finally another To-Hell-U-Rider. Welcome!

RKMedic1...do i know you?

I have been a member to this board since april and have found it invaluable. I have almost saved a my dimes for a Rockware rear bumper swing, and would recommend them if you have the coin.

I am running TJM up front and if you want one to look at to see fit and ideas give me a shout at 708-1426 or PM me here. Mike at off road may be able to give you a buy on a winch. I am waiting until next year for that, but if you find a good buy it may be time for me to bite.

Anyway, what kind of truck do you have?

I am the Black, Lifted, 2000, with red recovery hooks in front. Keep an eye out for me and Darren. He is the elusive Front Ranger with the bad ass mobile that I have seen touring town but have yet to stop him.

Cheers...see you on the hill.
Dave Pihlgren

Darren

Ha!

We'll definitely hook up next summer. Perhaps we'll even have a little mini-4Runner jam down there the way it sounds.

data

Did someone say Rockware? I bought mine from Max. It is very, very strong. I love this thing! Hell, I'm willing to drive to Colorado to get them to make me a rear bumper. I gotta wait till I get some vacation time though I highly recommend Rockware. They make quality stuff!!! I had three rigs pulling on the front of this thing last time I got stuck. I figured it would have bent or something, but this thing held up strong. It didn't even flinch! Now go get your Rockware!!!!!!!!

data

I stuck a Warn hs9500i on the front of mine. It has saved me plenty of times

JadeRunner

As everyone has said, Rockware is a no brainer if you can get your rig to Colorado Springs for a few days and have the cash.

After over two years of wheeling that bumper it has held up very well. I have smacked the corners on rocks and trees, and winched on it very hard without it flinching. I use the Warn HD9000i. Mounted right up.

Two things to consider would be; The rattle can paint job Rockware does is not appropriate for a daily driver front bumper that's going to see miles on the pavement. A lot of the paint is gone on mine and it';s starting to rust. Why pay them to paint it anyway. I would suggest buying it unpainted. Then take it home, remove it and give a proper paint job (primer and several coats of rustolium hardhat) or even a powder coat.

Next, make sure they rework the front plate mount points to beef it up and so each plate will accommodate 4 bolts. I had to take mine back to get that done, after the whole bumper started to flex away from the truck on my first hard winch.

data

Jade do you have a picture of your four bolt mounts? Where in the hell do you find hardhat at? I've looked everywhere. I can't find it.....

Cebby

Danny - your website isn't coming up - it just says "welcome to your website"

data

I'm in the process of redoing it. Maybe I should take the link off :pat: