Albuquerque Jim

What do you guys think about adding something like this All Pro Rear Bumper instead of replacing the stock bumper?

RTdawgs

that IS a bumper, not a bumper guard or whatever.

if you were to place something over that, that attaches to the frame, it would have to be about 1" lower than the bumper, otherwise the "guard" would contact the bumper when the body flexes under max rear suspension travel.

my pennies...

Ric

I think RTdawgs is right, thats a replacement bumper

Albuquerque Jim

I realize that IS a bumper. I am only using it as an example of my concept. I'm not a dumba$$!

My thought is...

I like my rear bumper.

I want more protection.

Our factory hitch is like 6" or 8" inches below the bumper already.

So, remove the factory hitch and add a "Slider Type" bumper under the factory bumper LIKE the one shown above that attaches where the hitch attaches.

So you get stock rear bumper lines, added protection and an increased departure angle (no huge hitch). At a fairly low cost probably less that $100 (especially if you can do it yourself).

If you want to tow you could always remove it and slap on the hitch if you need it (6 bolts).

RTdawgs

wow, i hope thats an exaggeration. my hitch (when i didnt have the body lift) sat right below the bumper and offered excellent protection for the underside of the stock bumper.

FirstToy

kinda like this?

turboale

Just a little thought on the hitch problem. Not sure if your hitch is like mine, but i just did a mod today to really help my hitch get out of the way. I'll do a writeup soon, but here is a pic of what I did. I like your idea, not sold on its worth as it wouldn't save THAT much under the hitch. Plus, after all is said and done... how much more would a custom bumper be? I like the idea though.



Edit:
Just had a thought...
Then there is the bull bar vs brush guard argument. If infact it does fail, would it do more dammage than if it wasn't there at all? Just a thought... constructive critisim...

Albuquerque Jim

RTdawgs-The bottom edge of the factory hitch measures just about 7" below the bottom edge of the bumper (just measured). So, no I wasn't exagerating. I am sure I can cut that (at-least) in half even allowing a 1" gap for flex. Although I do agree it gives you great protection (for the center of the bumper). That's not where I've seen people destroy their stock bumpers though. It's usually at the corners.

First Toy-Yes almost exactly like that. Where did you get that pic?

Turboale-My hitch is welded so I can't do that. And, I would make it out of material strong enough to act as a rear bumper, not a light weight brush guard. And I am sure I can do it for about $100. I only have about $100 in my sliderz and this would require less material.

Face it our stock rear bumper isn't really a bumper anyway. It's more like an extended roll pan. Keep the feedback coming guys!

turboale

I'm definately with you on the roll pan thing. The sawzaw cut through it like paper. Ive also got a nice dent the size of a couple fists from this mud hole . I could probably bang it out, just haven't even thought about it. I want a tire carrier, so eventually i'll probably end up with a custom bumper if someone doesn't figure out how to make them cheaper than $1k. I'm also not too fond of the chrome either. Ive got a tjm, and rock crawlers, and hopefully some sliders soon, a nice black bumper would just look right at home

Robinhood150

You mean something like this:

Bighead

If you want something that wraps around the back bumper (like the All-Pro design), I think Robinhood has a good starting point. Why not weld those AllPro-like ends to your hitch?

That rear guard on the 4th Gen in FirstToy's photo is made by Safari Guard .

shazaam

That thing is good for only one thing. Saving you from dents and dings from all the idiot people who can't parallel park.

MTL_4runner

I like your idea of flipping the hitch upside down.

I also think a cage like the 4th gen pics would work if it were welded to the hitch flanges (like a slider). Anything short of that will be for show only (ie it should be strong enuf to be a jackpoint to protect the vehicle well). I wish I had a welder and a tubing bender so I could fab something up but I will have to leave it to you guys to do the work on that.

FirstToy

The SafariGard 4th gen rear bumper is basically a rockslider for the rear.
It is mounted to the frame and can support the weight of the truck.

If they ever get off their arse and quit delaying, I'll buy one

If they don't I'll just have someone fab it up

cubuff4runner

Last week I finished my rear bumper protection which I welded onto the hitch. I have already hit it on rocks and it works great.

Jeff

Webpage Link

RTdawgs

i was just about to add Jeffs link to this thread...

sounds like exactly what you want Jim.

shazaam

Damn, that looks good. If these TC rear bumpers are too expensive I'm going to do the same thing. Hope you don't mind if I steal .. I mean borrow the pic to give to the welder to fab some up for me.

cubuff4runner

Here is a pic of it mounted, but the lighting makes it kinda hard to see.

shazaam

It looks good. How much of a gap did you leave b/w the bar and the bumper? I wonder if you smack down on it hard enough would the bar push into the bumper and dent it anyway?

cubuff4runner

There is 5/8" of gap. I dropped it already once and the bumper survived without a scratch. when I jacked it up from the very corner it ended up with about 1/8" gap, so If I landed on the very corner it would possibly slightly dent the bumper, but only where the bar goes underneath the bumper closest to the tire.