Ive got an '87 pickup with a 6" lift that looks great but i want to get aftermarket bumpers mainly for the protection but i don't want to spend $800 on it. There's some $400 ones that would serve the purpose but look very generic. I was thinking about making one. Any plans or advice would be appreciated.

 

Marlin crawlers bumper is $400. Top quaity stuff right there. If buying new isn't an option, keep your eyes on craigslist for a used one. There always seems to be one or two rigs being parted out. Talking to people locally can do wonders as well. Its amazing what people have tucked into the rafters of their garages.

 

I build my own off of the TG winch mount. Search a bit, there are quite a few bumper threads.

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f116...bumper-246102/

 

Cheap and bumper is a poor sounding combination in the same sentence

I would venture you don`t weld or you would have built one all ready!!

Figure out what style you like and go for it!!

 

I would love to see one of these marlin crawler bumpers on a second gen 4runner, specifically '94. I havent been able to find a picture yet.

 

Yup.

Marlin Crawler bumpers, $400 each. Not in any way "cheap" at all. http://www.marlincrawler.com/armor/f...r/front-bumper

Here's mine, mounted on my '89 'Runner:

 

Harbor Freight (use 20% off coupons!):
$90 welder
$50 welding helmet and gloves
$15 angle grinder
$40 in cutoff wheels, grinding heads, flap disks, brush cups
$20 corded drill
$20 drill index or step drills
$1 tape measure

$40 misc grade 8 hardware at hardware store

That's all going to run around $200, then go get about $200+ in steel and a case of beer. Use simple pieces of steel so you can use basic tools and don't need a bender and tube notcher -- so like square and rectangle tube, and various sizes of flat stock - all in 3/16".

This will be the cheapest option for you, you get to build whatever you want, and then you get the satisfaction and bragging rights of DIY project. The tools will last you for future projects, or sell it to gain money back and buy something else.

Good luck!