Sorry but CO is a ways off for me. Maybe I'll wait and see.

Aaron

 

There should be some fabricators in your area that could do it. I am thinking that by the time you add up you TJM and new ARB, it is going to cost considerably MORE than what I spent on my front...

Let me know if there is anything I can help you out with...

Regards,

BWJ

 

"Bigwapitijohnny", If you dont mind me asking, how much did that Amorology bumper set you back? Just the bumper, not the winch and those bad a$$ lights. It turns out I only live like 25 minutes from their shop right now, and i'm seriously thinking about hitting them up before I go back to Washington.

 

I'm Also running a Tacoma ARB Bullbar on my 97 4Runner>

 

This is the single wisest bit of knowledge that someone can bestow upon others in regards to all this bumper talk. Why people spend big money on something that has a so-so fit (ARB) and questionable strength (TJM) befuddles me.

 

I would assume it's because thats what is readily available. Having to have the truck sit and get fabbed up would make the most sense, though the downtime that would result has some people in a bit of a situation. I would love to get an armorology, 1. not driving to CO from FL for a bumper. 2. don't currently have the time or need to be able to run through a brick wall. I think what I might do is get the wings welded on the TJM add some reinforcement, and get the damn thing powder coated and stop this insane spending spree!

Aaron

 

prado bar on 98
It's taller and you do get a bit of headlight glare but it's not a big deal.
The width is definitely a plus, I love the flare protection.
The prado bar is not airbag compatible, which means the frame mounts are flat plate steel and not folded like an accordion. Probably alot more resistant to low speed impacts than the taco bar mounts. Plus arb claims the mounting hardware will bend before the frame will. (don't bet on it)
Prado bar also has a W punched out of the front where you could mount your warn winch control box. And a bit different winch placement that doesn't interfere with front lp.(see first pic of Albuquerque Jim)

 

Florida is a bit farther than kansas.

No doubt custom is nice. You can get it custom built to your needs.

Strength? ARB's are flippin STRONG. They may not the strongest or whatever, but they will take some punishment.

I have a used ARB. It was BEATEN TO S H I T by the previous owner (Flygtenstein), and I have beaten it beyond s h i t. It has more rock rash than I can describe. Ask anyone who wheels with me how hard I smash that thing into rocks.

It is still straight, it still protects, and it looks bada$$.

ARB's are the shiznit. I recommend them all day long.

And TJM's? Both sschaefer3 and Elvota run TJM's. They wheel rocks HARD.

I'm not saying that Custom can't be built stronger/better/nicer, there is no doubt it can be. But if myself, and the three others i've mentioned couldn't break these things, how weak can they be?

Tell you what. If someone can show me an pic/video of an obstacle where custom held up and a similar built truck with an ARB/TJM didn't, I'd be impressed.

However, for the VAST majority of people here, either a TJM or an ARB will be MORE than adequate.

 

Ok so I'm still thinking this over, the support has been just like I though it would be split in 3 and about 33% ea. A few things I need to know, will the LightForce 240's fit inside the ARB Prado hoops? and what year Prado were all these bars ordered for? A part# would be freakin great that way I can get a price quote. I've got the TJM sold if this goes through, need to sell a set of Limited wheels and whatever else I can get on ebay.

Aaron

 

I think you answered your own question ...git-r-done.

Everyone is on this 'spending spree' continuum to some degree, some are more 'INSANE' than others...Some people smoke, some people drink, some people get football season tickets, but I mod my 4runner


Regards,

BWJ

 

Tell me about I keep forgetting the rig goes in on TUEs for gears and rear LSD and manual hub conv. with a locker. yikes!

Aaron

 

Yeah, that is INSANE bro...

BWJ

 

Got a line on an ARB, will my lightforce 240's fit? how many holes are there to mount the bar to my frame?

Thanks

Aaron

 

Bump for how does the taco bar install and will the lights fit?

Aaron

 

Damn thats a sexy beast. So after thinking it over I jumped on ebay like always and searched ARB and funny enough came up with a bumper about 2 hours away. SO I asked a few questions and decided $400 for a Tacoma ARB was a good deal.




So here it sits until next week when I can get it on the 4Runner.

Aaron

 

so i got me a new bumper also???

 

Nice find Aaron. Lucky it was so close by.

 

Indeed my friend indeed. But if you decide to back out there are 2 others waiting in the water like sharks ready to strike.


Aaron

 

nice score. for 4 bills locally..you couldnt ask for a better deal.

 

yep not bad.

is it taco or prado?