Pardon my ignorance but I am getting ready to install a TG rear bumper on my 88' 4runner. There are two brackets on each side from the old bumper. I am assuming that you cut these off before installing the bumper. Is it possible to leave the bracket closest to the wheel wells still attached? It looks to support the mud flaps. All opinions are welcome.

 

Not necessarily but most probably do.

:wabbit2:

 

I did that on my old 86 4runner even though I wasn't running a TG bumper. If for some bizarre reason you ever want to put the old bumper back on keep them on.

A grinder with a cut-off wheel works really well for that

 

I would just paint them black. Just in case you ever wanted or needed to put the stock bumper back on.