SacRunner

Since I know there's a small number of suppliers for rear bumpers for 2nd gen 4Runners, I figured I would post some pictures of my new 4x4 Labs bumper.

The combination of the 4x4 Labs shop being about a mile from my work (in Grass Valley, CA), them being able and willing to accomodate my 1.5" body lift, and the fact that I really like the look of their FJ80 bumpers (which was all I could really find pictures of or had seen around town), I decided to pull the trigger and place a deposit and have them build me one.

Initially I was only going to get a basic bumper with no swing outs since I had the factory swing out tire carrier, but after thinking about it I decided to go with a single swing out with a tire carrier (with integrated Hi-Lift jack mount) and had them build a custom mount for the license plate holder from the factory swing out.

And now the fun part:

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

looks fantastic! i've always love the 4x4labs bumpers. considering the DIY weld kit for my 100-series.

Yotard

How much was the bumper with everything. I have a cabin off 20 on zeibright. I go through grass valley a lot on my way up there. I will be up there all next week actually for wheeling and deer hunting

SacRunner

Yeah, the price...it's not for the faint of heart. Check his website for pricing ( http://www.4x4labs.com/products/rear-bumpers/ ), but in a nut shell, $1,375 for the bumper with a single swing out, $225 for the tire holder and a bit extra for the body lift modification and license plate bracket.

It's not exactly the cheapest option out there, but the build quality is fantastic, not having a huge body lift gap, and being able to stop by whenever to check on things was well worth it; and also considering I've had the truck for the last 12 years and have no intention of ever getting rid of it, the higher price tag wasn't much of a deterrent.

atlastrekker

Looks really good! Luke and his guys do good work and are all real nice.

Do you have a build thread? I've seen you around town, I think. You have a nice looking 4runner!

SacRunner

Thanks man, and yeah, Luke and his guys do some fantastic work.

No build thread, the closest thing I have is my 3.4 swap thread (see link in the signature), but basically your run of the mill 1.5" BJ spacers, OME 901 HD coils, then 1.5" BL to clear the 3.4 and a set of 33x12.5 Duratracs.

While I don't drive it all the time, I do tend to find myself out and about with it more often than not, so not too surprising that I've been spotted in the "wild.'

Gevo

That's pretty good looking. I've been looking around a bit for a diy kit I can use. Safe some money and have some welding fun at the same time... not much available that look nice and would accomodate a 1.5 inch body lift. So... I was thinking of just fabricating it myself.
If you get a chance, can you take some pics of the mounting underneath?

Thanks

SacRunner

They're not the best pictures, but basically there are 2 fairly large bolts holding each mount to the frame, then there's a small support brace that attaches the side "wing" to the frame.

Mount entering the frame with one of the 2 bolts:


The second mounting bolt from the outside of the frame rail:


Side "wing" support:


I would give Luke a call (or send him an email) becasue they do sell their bumpers as kits, and I'm sure he could dig up the drawing he did for mine (with the same 1.5" BL) and build you a DIY kit.

Gevo

I never got back here to thank you for sharing your pictures! As life would have it, I am minutes away from calling Luke back to place my order... except I apparently have more money than time these days because I'm going to get the whole shebang built and all. I was really hoping to keep it all under $1k, but I'm going to be just shy of $2k now

Whatever. As you wrote earlier, I plan on having this rig forever, and I need that hitch in a few weeks! Any issues with yours after these many months of use?

SacRunner

The bumper has been terrific! Post up pictures when you get yours.

Gevo

Soooooo.... I have been waiting for my bumper for about 4 months. A couple of wees ago I calle din for an update again and Luke said they are workign on the mounting brackets as I needed one with a 1.5 inch body lift.. And now, for a week I have been trying to get a hold of anyone at 4x4labs, but noone is answering the phone or responding to voice messaged or emails. I don't know if I have any more patience.... I atleast need to talk to them to see when to expect it at this point... Anyone know what's going on over at 4x4labs???

highonpottery

iTrader: (1)

My understanding is he's super busy and it's a small operation. I've heard phone is the best way to get hold of him, but you gotta catch him in the shop, lol

Gevo

Yesterday after a week of trying I got a hold of HD who seems to work in the office and I had spoken with him several times already. Anyway, he admitted that they had not done anything on the bumper since they realized the wrong mounts were welded and that he is pulling it back to the shop and making sure Luke does something about it. I said thanks, but since it has been so long I will call back in a couple of days and if there has been no progress I'll have to ask for my deposit back. I really don't want to go that route as I want this bumper!

I'll keep yotatech posted when I get the bumper.. you will see a gleeful post in my build thread. lol

coryc85

Hopefully you get it soon, that is probably my favorite bumper of all time.

habanero

Crossing fingers however it works out that it works out right for you, Gevo.

Gevo

Well according to HD they were supposed to ship it today. I am skeptical however because of they shipped it, they would have asked for the rest of the invoice amount.

He did say it's all ready though.... I'm a little confused but I'm going with it.

wyoming9

iTrader: (1)

Growing pains are hard on the best of shops.

You think is this just a temporary spurt or a sign of the future .

Do you have a place big enough to expand do you want to expand.

Bringing on new employees in all honesty it can be a month or even longer depending how complex your work is till they fit in and earn their keep

Then some places get in the habit of telling the customer what they think they need or want to hear rather then the truth .

Another aspect people don`t think about are the suppliers these are just random numbers your metal supplier your credit line was $2500.00 now that might double or triple in a month for a up and coming shop with no real history things can get interesting Add in your other vendors .

It is quite easy to see why phones or emails just might not get answered for some time

Gevo

Wyoming, I think the shop has been around for some time... I don't know about growing pains.. but.. regardless.. it took 4+ months and now it is on it's way here!

It was shipped out yesterday I'll post some pics in my build thread when it arrives.