justin_4runner

swing out would work better, the swing down one would be in the way if u ask me when trying load things and that into the back of the 4runner or truck.

7.62 M43

I think the swing out type makes more sense. It is more "user friendly" as people tend to carry fuel/water cans mounted on them - and that would be a lot of weight for a swing down. I see people carrying cans on roof carriers, but worry about that much weight on an already top heavy vehicle. I personally would prefer a roof top tire carrier, and use a swing out rack for fuel/water cans.

neil_P_smith

I like the top rear one better, it fallows the lines of the front better. I havent found a plate front bumper without a stinger/light bar. I would like it flat and clean just a little bigger and a lot stronger then the factory front with winch plate. Very nice designing. I would also like one soon!!

Leviticus6432

I would have to suggest bracing there in the middle where the reciever is. I built a rear bumper out of 3/8 thick 2" by 4" steel and made a reciever in the middle like that. I had planned to brace it but didnt get around to it right away. Went to pull a buddy out and bent it pretty bad. I would have been really upset if it was as nice as one of yours is gonna be.

drew303

Make sure you sell these with an offroad use only disclaimer, hate to see a jackass sue ya

Also, more advice, before you shell these out to strangers for a fee make sure you really got the structural mounting really honed in and are confident with it. In other words if youre going to offer a front/rear setup make sure you know it can handle a 9000lb cradle mounted winch at a full 90deg full load pull (bad idea to do this anyway but people might), otherwise bad things are gonna happen...

racerflea

Shackle hoops for the rear bumper would ne a nice addition

racerflea

Oh and maybe some on the front as well

7.62 M43

Shackle loops front and rear would HAVE to be a standard feature. As well as holes front and rear to jack from.

7.62 M43

Here is a great thread from another site that gives you a good comparison of what is out there in the marketplace.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/3rd-ge...mper-list.html

BNM

Definitely making sure that the mounting system is as strong as possible. That is what is taking me so long to get it finished. Every time I think I got it I think of a better way. Basically you should be able to lift the truck off the ground by the winch and loop points when I am done. I think I am going to use 2" square tubing and 1/4 in plate to brace everything up. Hopefully I can make some solid progress today after my classes. Just need to get material for the hitch receiver tube and some 3/4" or 1" pieces for the loops.

Leviticus6432

any progress pics?

Leviticus6432

http://4xinnovations.com/merchant.mv...Category_Code= 4xinnovations sells this bumper frame support if it helps you out any... Maybe you could do something like offer different packages. Bumper with no mounts, Bumper with mounts, and bumper with mounts + guessets ect

BNM

Should be some today. I should have time to work on it this afternoon.

Replicant

I would definitely be interested as well, assuming the price is right! Great work!

BNM

Well almost got all my bracing together and I found out that my shackle loops aren't going to work. Got the holes for my PIAA's in and the hitch receiver tube welded up to the bracing. The way I am bracing it I need the shackles loops before I can weld any of the frame to the shell.

I was thinking about taking some heavy duty shackles and cutting off the threaded part and use the loop part of it for the shackles loops. Anyone done something similar?

James Woods

iTrader: (1)

Looks sweet.

racerflea

How far recessed are you doing lights? Def dint wont those pricey things broke from contact wuth terra furma!! But its a great looking bumper im guess price would ne round 2 to 3 hundred?

BNM

They should be another inch or so recessed in there. I had a hard time cutting the tubing with my side grinder. Getting a chop saw asap.

Honestly I have that much in materials alone. What I am going to do for the price is be able to be beat anyone's price on similar plated bumpers.

I would like to be able to offer like a DIY kit so people could get one and build it themselves for relatively cheaper.

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

Several suggestions.

Don't be tempted to get ahead of yourself. "Ready. Fire. Aim." mentality.

If you are not a business yet, form one for professional, ethical and legal reasons.

Test the prototype. Test the prototype. Try to tear up the prototype. Test the prototype.

Well made bumpers you see on the market are expensive for a reason.

Good luck.

:wabbit2:

BNM

Found out what shipping from 4xinnovations costs.


For overnight shipping it was $650.

I am going to try to beat their price by at least 100 to 200 if I can. It all depends on if I can find some cheaper cnc cutting and metal suppliers. Not much I can do to get the shipping price down unless I can make a lot of them I might be able to get a discount.

I would like to offer some sort of a DIY kit so there is an option instead of a ready to bolt on one that would be relatively cheaper.