Aluminum ARB-style bumper for my 1st gen 4Runner (Aluminess)
12-04-2011, 08:56 PM
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Aluminum ARB-style bumper for my 1st gen 4Runner (Aluminess)
I've been wanting an ARB-style front bumper for late-night animal (and other) protection, but the weight of those bumpers was way more than I was willing to add to the front of my 4Runner since this truck will also be a high speed desert mobile when I'm done (it only has Bilstein 5100s on it at the moment).
For even more detail, including the bumper build thread, check out these two blog posts
Aluminess - purveyors of fine aluminum bumpers
Aluminess beef - more details of the bumper!
It turns out Aluminess' shop is only about 20 miles from my house. They already made FJ, fullsize Ford and Chevy truck and van, and other bumpers, but out of aluminum.
I called and they just needed to borrow my truck a couple/three times to engineer and test-fit it. So I spent a couple of afternoons there, working from their conference room, while they measured and test fit, and tweaked. The guys were very cool and asked all kinds of questions about what I wanted. The brushguard is angled back, just the way I wanted. And I can just see it over the hood so I know see far up I can go before I start pushing a car back in the parking lot.
I also spend a lot of time in Mexico, so having a locking winch compartment is awesome. Plus I can stash some other stuff in there and lock it up!
This is an all-aluminum unit and it weighs less than the Smittybuilt tube bumper that was on here. I about fell over when I picked it up, I was expecting a lot more weight. The fit and finish is awesome, it curves around the fenders, but with enough clearance that as things move they shouldn't contact each other. The clevis points are good for 10K and they look it when you check out the inside.
Night-time is good too, no glare off the bars blinding me (I wanted the bars out a bit more, but the engineer explained why that was a bad idea). I have lights to install in the cans. The blinkers are relo'd into the bumper; I still need to wire them, the bumper is that new and I was that anxious to go 'wheeling!
I've had it on several rough roads pretending I'm back in my class 1700 truck (22' from jump to landing at one point) and it doesn't move at all. The clevis' get rubber bump stops on the bumper so they don't rattle - I love the attention to detail!
And now, you got it, they can build 1st Gen 4Runner bumpers.
In fact, tell them "Eric D with the 4Runner" sent you and they'll knock $50 off your bumper or shipping (any bumper they make, not just 4Runner bumpers). They can apparently adjust them up if you happen to have a body lift too!
Another shot
Questions? Hit me up!
For even more detail, including the bumper build thread, check out these two blog posts
Aluminess - purveyors of fine aluminum bumpers
Aluminess beef - more details of the bumper!
It turns out Aluminess' shop is only about 20 miles from my house. They already made FJ, fullsize Ford and Chevy truck and van, and other bumpers, but out of aluminum.
I called and they just needed to borrow my truck a couple/three times to engineer and test-fit it. So I spent a couple of afternoons there, working from their conference room, while they measured and test fit, and tweaked. The guys were very cool and asked all kinds of questions about what I wanted. The brushguard is angled back, just the way I wanted. And I can just see it over the hood so I know see far up I can go before I start pushing a car back in the parking lot.
I also spend a lot of time in Mexico, so having a locking winch compartment is awesome. Plus I can stash some other stuff in there and lock it up!
This is an all-aluminum unit and it weighs less than the Smittybuilt tube bumper that was on here. I about fell over when I picked it up, I was expecting a lot more weight. The fit and finish is awesome, it curves around the fenders, but with enough clearance that as things move they shouldn't contact each other. The clevis points are good for 10K and they look it when you check out the inside.
Night-time is good too, no glare off the bars blinding me (I wanted the bars out a bit more, but the engineer explained why that was a bad idea). I have lights to install in the cans. The blinkers are relo'd into the bumper; I still need to wire them, the bumper is that new and I was that anxious to go 'wheeling!
I've had it on several rough roads pretending I'm back in my class 1700 truck (22' from jump to landing at one point) and it doesn't move at all. The clevis' get rubber bump stops on the bumper so they don't rattle - I love the attention to detail!
And now, you got it, they can build 1st Gen 4Runner bumpers.
In fact, tell them "Eric D with the 4Runner" sent you and they'll knock $50 off your bumper or shipping (any bumper they make, not just 4Runner bumpers). They can apparently adjust them up if you happen to have a body lift too!
Another shot
Questions? Hit me up!
Last edited by edeslaur; 12-05-2011 at 04:12 PM.
12-04-2011, 09:07 PM
#2
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that. is. rightous. i've been wanting to build my own but as you were i've been dreading the weight. and i never thought of aluminum because i am apparently that closed minded.
you should shoot a pic of the frame mounting/ clevis reinforcement detail! please
you should shoot a pic of the frame mounting/ clevis reinforcement detail! please
12-05-2011, 06:27 AM
#5
Registered User
The only issue I can really point out is approach angle, but thats not a big deal! it looks great, and an all aluminum construction? it must be 60-70 lbs, at the most. I wonder if they'd make me a roof rack :o
it looks great, and an all aluminum construction? it must be 60-70 lbs, at the most. I wonder if they'd make me a roof rack :o
12-05-2011, 04:06 PM
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Questions so far
Price: I need to check. I think I got a bit of a deal since I spent a few afternoons getting to know them. Though, now that I think about it, that may have wanted to make them charge me MORE!
Sliders - Trail Gear sliders are on the XMAS list. These SmittyBilt steps have got to go! Aluminess didn't recommend aluminum sliders, we talked about it.
Approach angle - When you factor in the valance that was under the SmittyBilt, approach angle isn't so bad. It's definitely reduced a bit. So far, the rear hits way before the front does. Climbing that big rock for the pose, it didn't touch. Also, the frame mounting holes are that low (check out next post with more pics).
Backing up that rock for a reverse shot, I smashed one of the SmittyBilt rear tubes as I ground it into the rock in 4Lo. TrailGear rear bumper is on the XMAS list... BUT I really want a rear tire carrier. May go visit the Aluminess guys again... For a rear bumper, which I drag a LOT, I'm going to need steel.
Earlier in the day on an optional section of Sidewinder in Corral Canyon, I thought for sure I'd be playing bulldozer with it, but it ended up not touching.
I'll see how this one does, but some day I may go back for front bumper edition #2 where the winch is not covered and pokes way up in front of the grille (without cutting the grille!). I have a feeling the engineers will have a couple things to say about the clevis and winch pull angles, but that we can come to some agreement. LOL
Roof Racks - yes, they make 'em! They had some nice ones in the shop. They probably need a model truck tho. ;-)
Add'l notes
My truck had some kind of roof rack on it before I bought it - the cab rain gutters are beat to poo, and the shell still has the mounts for the back of whatever was on there.
Price: I need to check. I think I got a bit of a deal since I spent a few afternoons getting to know them. Though, now that I think about it, that may have wanted to make them charge me MORE!
Sliders - Trail Gear sliders are on the XMAS list. These SmittyBilt steps have got to go! Aluminess didn't recommend aluminum sliders, we talked about it.
Approach angle - When you factor in the valance that was under the SmittyBilt, approach angle isn't so bad. It's definitely reduced a bit. So far, the rear hits way before the front does. Climbing that big rock for the pose, it didn't touch. Also, the frame mounting holes are that low (check out next post with more pics).
Backing up that rock for a reverse shot, I smashed one of the SmittyBilt rear tubes as I ground it into the rock in 4Lo. TrailGear rear bumper is on the XMAS list... BUT I really want a rear tire carrier. May go visit the Aluminess guys again... For a rear bumper, which I drag a LOT, I'm going to need steel.
Earlier in the day on an optional section of Sidewinder in Corral Canyon, I thought for sure I'd be playing bulldozer with it, but it ended up not touching.
I'll see how this one does, but some day I may go back for front bumper edition #2 where the winch is not covered and pokes way up in front of the grille (without cutting the grille!). I have a feeling the engineers will have a couple things to say about the clevis and winch pull angles, but that we can come to some agreement. LOL
Roof Racks - yes, they make 'em! They had some nice ones in the shop. They probably need a model truck tho. ;-)
Add'l notes
My truck had some kind of roof rack on it before I bought it - the cab rain gutters are beat to poo, and the shell still has the mounts for the back of whatever was on there.
Last edited by edeslaur; 12-05-2011 at 04:14 PM.
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12-05-2011, 04:10 PM
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Ok, here are some more bumper shots.
For even more detail, including the bumper build thread, check out these two blog posts
Aluminess - purveyors of fine aluminum bumpers
Aluminess beef - more details of the bumper!
I've had a few requests for some more detailed shots of the bumper, so here they are!
One of the interesting things about the SmittyBilt is how wiggly it was. It wasn't too bad offroad (not annoying, thank goodness!), but you could grab it and wiggle it easily. It flexed a lot when using it as a tow point for a tow strap (I'd loop a strap around a frame horn on either side since I'd replaced my tow hook with a bracket for my tow bar). The top two mounts of the SmittyBilt go on top of the rubber body mounts for the radiator core support (see pics below). I know you can get winch mount plates for the style SmittyBilt bumper I had, but have to wonder what other brackets come with it to tie it in more firmly.
One of the things I like about the Aluminess bumper is that the winch area is fully enclosed and lockable. Or you can leave it unlocked.
The fairlead hole even comes with a powder-coated cover plate in case I'd like to convert it to just storage some day.
The vents do a great job getting air into the winch so things don't rust, plus the 4Runner needs them since the bumper and AC condenser do hang down lower than the grille. A lot lower.
It's easy to remove the rubber cover and unlock the winch cover. There's a trick to locking it - don't push down on the button (silver circle) otherwise you just unlock it and have to scratch your head a while wondering why it's not closing.
Inside the winch compartment is a lot more beef. Each side has 3 bolts holding the bumper on, and check out that clevis mount. The clevis has a straight pull to the mounting. Less twist on the frame or mounts. Check out those welds. I wish I could weld aluminum that pretty!
Three beefy bolts on each side bolt into the front of the frame. My truck has a tow bar which reuses the tow hook frame holes, they're still on there. Will my towbar still work? I doubt it!
This is the top mount I'd mentioned earlier, where the SmittyBilt mounted. This is shot between the bumper and the grille. Note that the SmittyBilt didn't have any other top mounts, hence the wiggling. I thought it was a nice touch for the Aluminess guys to tie it back into here, on top of the 3 bolts above.
Here's an underside shot of the same mount.
For even more detail, including the bumper build thread, check out these two blog posts
Aluminess - purveyors of fine aluminum bumpers
Aluminess beef - more details of the bumper!
I've had a few requests for some more detailed shots of the bumper, so here they are!
One of the interesting things about the SmittyBilt is how wiggly it was. It wasn't too bad offroad (not annoying, thank goodness!), but you could grab it and wiggle it easily. It flexed a lot when using it as a tow point for a tow strap (I'd loop a strap around a frame horn on either side since I'd replaced my tow hook with a bracket for my tow bar). The top two mounts of the SmittyBilt go on top of the rubber body mounts for the radiator core support (see pics below). I know you can get winch mount plates for the style SmittyBilt bumper I had, but have to wonder what other brackets come with it to tie it in more firmly.
One of the things I like about the Aluminess bumper is that the winch area is fully enclosed and lockable. Or you can leave it unlocked.
The fairlead hole even comes with a powder-coated cover plate in case I'd like to convert it to just storage some day.
The vents do a great job getting air into the winch so things don't rust, plus the 4Runner needs them since the bumper and AC condenser do hang down lower than the grille. A lot lower.
It's easy to remove the rubber cover and unlock the winch cover. There's a trick to locking it - don't push down on the button (silver circle) otherwise you just unlock it and have to scratch your head a while wondering why it's not closing.
Inside the winch compartment is a lot more beef. Each side has 3 bolts holding the bumper on, and check out that clevis mount. The clevis has a straight pull to the mounting. Less twist on the frame or mounts. Check out those welds. I wish I could weld aluminum that pretty!
Three beefy bolts on each side bolt into the front of the frame. My truck has a tow bar which reuses the tow hook frame holes, they're still on there. Will my towbar still work? I doubt it!
This is the top mount I'd mentioned earlier, where the SmittyBilt mounted. This is shot between the bumper and the grille. Note that the SmittyBilt didn't have any other top mounts, hence the wiggling. I thought it was a nice touch for the Aluminess guys to tie it back into here, on top of the 3 bolts above.
Here's an underside shot of the same mount.
12-07-2011, 07:56 AM
#10
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I checked with the guys there, looks like the bumper will be in the $1250 range to stay competetive with their other small truck bumpers.
Looking forward to getting it on the trail again this weekend!!
Looking forward to getting it on the trail again this weekend!!
12-07-2011, 08:37 AM
#11
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Copied directly from their site under pricelist.
TOYOTA
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210062 $1,250
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Front Bumper with Bull Bar 210065 $1,225
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210066 $1,200
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Rear Bumper With 2 Swing Arms 210067 $1,895
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Rear Bumper No Swing Arms 210068 $1,095
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Rear Tow Hitch 210069 $120
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Washer Bottle Cover 210063 $75
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Skid Plate 210064 $75
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Front Bumper With Bull Bar 210074 $1,225
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210075 $1,250
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210076 $1,200
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210119 $1,895
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210130 $745
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Aftermarket Hitch (Compatible with Aluminess Rear Bumper) 210141 $120
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Roof Rack Basic Crossbars 210124 $995
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Roof Rack With Slats 210124.1 $1,295
2001-2004 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210185 $1,250
2001-2004 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper without brush guards 210185.1 $1,200
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210099 $1,250
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210100 $1,200
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms (Stock Hitch) 210111 $1,895
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms (Stock Hitch) 210112 $745
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms (No Hitch) 210058 $1,895
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms (No Hitch) 210059 $745
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210085 $1,995
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210086 $1,895
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210087 $2,375
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210088 $1,350
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210083 $1,995
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210084 $1,895
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210153 $2,375
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210183 $1,350
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210006 $1,995
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210007 $1,895
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210081 $2,375
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210082 $1,350
TOYOTA
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210062 $1,250
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Front Bumper with Bull Bar 210065 $1,225
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210066 $1,200
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Rear Bumper With 2 Swing Arms 210067 $1,895
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Rear Bumper No Swing Arms 210068 $1,095
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Rear Tow Hitch 210069 $120
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Washer Bottle Cover 210063 $75
2003-2009 4Runner N/A Skid Plate 210064 $75
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Front Bumper With Bull Bar 210074 $1,225
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210075 $1,250
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210076 $1,200
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210119 $1,895
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210130 $745
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Aftermarket Hitch (Compatible with Aluminess Rear Bumper) 210141 $120
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Roof Rack Basic Crossbars 210124 $995
2007-2011 FJ Cruiser N/A Roof Rack With Slats 210124.1 $1,295
2001-2004 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210185 $1,250
2001-2004 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper without brush guards 210185.1 $1,200
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210099 $1,250
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210100 $1,200
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms (Stock Hitch) 210111 $1,895
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms (Stock Hitch) 210112 $745
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms (No Hitch) 210058 $1,895
2005-2011 Tacoma N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms (No Hitch) 210059 $745
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210085 $1,995
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210086 $1,895
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210087 $2,375
1999-2002 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210088 $1,350
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210083 $1,995
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210084 $1,895
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210153 $2,375
2003-2006 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210183 $1,350
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Front Bumper With Brush Guard 210006 $1,995
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Front Bumper No Brush Guard 210007 $1,895
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper With Brush Guard & Swing Arms 210081 $2,375
2007-2009 Tundra N/A Rear Bumper No Brush Guard or Swing Arms 210082 $1,350
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