I'm looking for a bumper/Tire carrier for my 1986 4runner. Doesn't seem to be a lot out there. Has anyone had much experience with any particular brands/retailers? Any custom fab shops that come recommended?

thanks in advance,
frozen

 

I have the Kennesaw Mountain bumper/tire carrier combo, but I have to admit that I can't recommend it too highly. It was a weld-on installation, which was beyond my installation abilities, and then soon after I had it the locking pin broke (leaving me to ghetto-fab it closed with a c-clamp). The pivot has also rusted so that the swing arm is a total pain to open and close. To keep it working I have to grease the entire pin (using a floor jack to force the pin free) at least three times a year. The tire sits a little too low for my taste, as well. I bought this new from a forum member for a good price ($300, I believe)-- and I'm glad I have it. But I'll still need to address a few of its shortcomings with additional fabrication. The newer versions of Kennesaw may be much improved, but if I had to do it over again, I'd still look elsewhere for a better and more user-friendly product. H.



Note: The 90/91 2nd Gen plate holder did not come with the bumper; I added that later.

 

Here is the one I use:



[url]http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/ForSale/RearBumper.shtml#TireCarrier[/url

I also used to have a KMA rear bumper. It was OK, had to have a set of bolt-on mounting brackets fabbed up for it (more than doubled the cost of the bumper):


- http://www.4crawler.com/4x4/4R_bumpers.shtml#Rear

 

oops, double post

 

I've been planning a build of a yet to be purchased 4runner, and my favorite out of those that've found is the one from 4x4 labs. It's also by far the most expensive. http://www.4x4labs.com/rigs/rubirnr/bumper.html

 

I was considering the KMA one thanks for the insight. friend and I might try to build one as a winter project