I have a white 98' 4runner that is stock. I had a brush guard on it and hit a deer then took it off and I dont know if I want to put another black guard or get a stainless, or not put a brush guard on and spend my money in other places. I would like to get some 1" or 1.5" wheel spacers. And some fender flares. I am looking for all kinds of opinions and help! Let me know what you think I should get. Thanks in advance for the help!

 

how much $ are you working with? in my opinion, brush guards are worthless. If you can afford it, a full front bumper is MUCH stronger and looks a lot better. They can get pricey though.

 

yea go with a full front bumper. And why are you gettin wheel spacers? what are the specs on your rig?

 

nevermind on the specs, just read the first sentence over again...but why are you wanting to get wheel spacers?

 

Do you have any pictures or your rig? Preferably with both, the bar on and off.

Why do you want the wheel spacers and flares? What kind of wheels and tires are you running? Size?
I can understand the flares, but wheel spacers on a stock truck with stock size tires? IMO it wouldn't look quite right.

If you have some pics would be cool!

 

I dont do any real hardcore offroading. I just want to get away from the stock look. So spacers wont look good with Stock wheels? Sorry guys, I wasnt lying when I said I am a newbie. I think I have a pic of it with the brush guard, but everything is just stock.

 

put an ARB bumper on there and it will look completely different. I think ARB makes a bumper for that year, ive got a 1st gen though so im not positive.

 

yea don't do spacers it won't look right...and get an ARB, pepsibluefloat is right, it will look completely different and you'll love the look afterward. and if you want to get away from the stock look get the ARB and also get the biggest tire you can fit under there with no lift. That'll make it look more aggressive. Do some searches on bumpers and biggest tires and take a looks at pictures of what you might like.

 

Stay away from wheel spacers.

As far as brush guard goes - taking it off what the best mod you have done so far.

As mentioned above, a bull bar will be a MUCH better option.

ARB or TJM will be your easiest option.

They are very common and easy to get.
There are a ton of pics on here and online of them if you want to see the look.

There are a ton of other options out there, do a search for "3rd gen front bumper" and you will have more information than you know what to do with.

When I buy a used vehicle, here is the order in which I do things:

Mechanical
This is where most of my money will go at first, without this no amount of armor or lockers or lift will do you any good.

Armor
Bumpers, skids, sliders, etc...

Lockers
Now that you're mechanically sound and protected - you're ready to go just about anywhere.

Lift
Keep in mind the lower the center of gravity the better - the type and quality of tire (as well as the previous three categories) are more important than how high you sit.

Obviously, this is all dependant on funds. If funds allow, I try and stick with that order.

It will also depend on what type of wheeling you plan on doing.

Good luck in your build, you've come to the right place!

Fink

 

Nice looking Rig!

Definitely. If you can afford it, go with the ARB or similar Bumper. They look KILLER!!!!!!
If you change out the stock rear bumper for something a little more rugged makes a big difference too. Just a thought

Also, like was mentioned. Go with the largest tires you can fit under without a lift. Assuming you don't want to lift it.
Bigger tires make a HUGE difference! I was amazed at how the look of my truck changed when I went from stock (or slightly smaller) to 31's on my '85!
Looking at your pic, those are actually pretty decent looking tires that you have on it.
By the way, thanks for posting a pic! It looks good! Plus then we know what your working with.

If you get a set of fender flares, they'll make a big difference in the look as well.
I don't know if you use them much or how fond you are of the stock running boards, but if you remove them. Your truck will look taller, less stock and more rugged. You can always add some aftermarket Sliders. They make it look different, and if you are planning on starting to get into wheeling. You'll want them to protect your Rig!

Look through the pics section on here. I know you can find tons of rigs like yours that have been moderately to severely modified. Here's an example I found just by going to the pics section. I didn't even have to search through.
https://www.yotatech.com/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=69

I look forward to seeing the changes as you develop your rig!
Good Luck with it!

 

I did some looking and those ARB and TJM bumbers are sweet! The only problem is they are super expensive. I found one for like $600. Are there any cheaper imitations?

 

I do not know of any cheap "imitations" of the ARB or TJM but there are a TON of other manufacturer's out there - although these two seem to be the most reasonably priced.

Do a search on here for "3rd gen front bumper" or "3rd gen bullbar" and see what you come up with.

There is a TON of info and pics out there.

Fink

 

There is a version of the TJM made without the hoops that is cheaper (the T-17). You should be able to find it for under $500

http://www.sonoransteel.com/store_tjm_bullbars.html

 

It all depends on the look you want.

Fink