Ok, here's a quick teaser of Lance's new bumper, in progress, that the both of us have been working on. I based it on my 3rd gen design, the back portion of the stock frame had to be cut off to gain the clearances needed.

 

Cool...I've been waiting to see the progress on this. Any photoshopped pics available that'll indicate what the finished product will look like with the filler panels in place? Also, does the underneath spare tire go bye-bye from the factory spare location?

 

Lance wants to relocate his fuel tank to the back, so he already cut out the spare tire crossmember. A crawl box won't fit unless you move the tank to make room for the additional length.

The filler panels will be made out of fiberglass, and if I have time I'll make a mould for them.

Sorry no photoshop pictures, but next weekend it should be done, then it goes over to Jason's shop for the tubing that will be added to build the tire carrier. I figured out a way of doing it, that will be quite strong.

 

Cool looking bumper. Any updates or recent pics?

 

sorry for not posting updates, but I've been busy, it's almost done! Had to wait til the shackle hangers and hitch came in.

Since there are plans for a tire carrier the rest of the sheetmetal work is on hold. Added a 1/2" lip at a 45 degree angle for the 1" rubber weatherstripping, then finished up the frame supports.

 

Looking wild. Can't wait to see it finished with tire carrier and trimming.

On the pictures it still looks like the bumper is sitting low and far back, especially since Lance went on the frame to tuck it in. Is there a reason for it or is it just the picture making it look that way? I would assume the bumper would have been tucked up more or is it not finally mounted? Maybe just the angle of the pictures

It does look a lot better than the butt dragging rear of the stock bumper and spare though.

 

In the photo's it's kind of hard to tell how much clearances were gained, here's one showing the mount.

There are a lot of factors involved in how high up or tucked it we could make it. since a tire carrier is gonna be installed. We only gained 2" on the departure angle from the stock frame height, where most of the gains come from is in the clearance on the sides. the wings are tucked in as tight as we could make them. There were plans to cut the lower body panels off, but it wasn't needed. Lance picked up some surfboard foam that we will use, when making the fiberglass filler pieces above the bumper.

 

That's looking

 

First off, I gotta say thanks to Bruce! Without his help, I don't think I would have been able to get this project off the ground.

Current stats:
Weight: 100-105# approx
Completion: 75%
Pending: Quarter Panel Foam / Fiberglass work, Top sheetmetal, Tire Carrier, CB & Ham Radio Antenna Mount, Sand Blast / Powder Coat.

The bumper sits 2" higher and is tucked in 2" compared to stock. This definitely increases the departure angle (straight back) and even on the sides as the wings are angled for better departure angle. The photo looks deceiving because of the last quarter panel that's exposed. It makes it look like it hangs lower than a stock bumper but it sit's higher than the stock.

I would have taken more off but then that means the rear tailgate will stick out more than the bumper itself. Currently this bumper sits approximate 1" outside of the tailgate so it'll look more natural. I don't think we could have trimmed anymore as it would have started to look like it was really eatin alive

We should have everything except the tire carrier done by the fall. Tire carrier should be done hopefully by winter.

 

Subscribing. Can't wait to see the tire carrier!

 

2" up and 2" in is a huge improvement on departure angle. Especially taking into account that you lost the spare tire underneath and the tow hitch with electrical connector for trailer underneath. That adds like 3" easily. So in total you probably gained closer to 5" up and 2" in from stock, bumper, spare, tow setup.

Yeah cutting the bumper too much in will mess too much with the flow of the bosy lines. The current bumper looks like it flows nicely with the lines of the 4Runner. Can't wait to see the bumper finished and the tire carier on as well.

 

Looking good Lance & Bruce! I think the rr hatch open is throwing off the visual- with the hatch shut, I think it will look different.

Interesting solution and beautiful work guys, the nice rounded corners and finishing the edges... you guys aren't duffers that's for sure

 

I can't tell from the pics, but where's the exhaust pipe? I'm guessing that was trimmed long ago, but curious what you've done. Are there plans to route it out the side panel of the bumper like 3rd gen'ers have done?

 

I have the cool Moab mod on the exhaust right now which consists of a missing exhaust due to one of the trails eating my exhaust. The current exhaust sits right behind the rear axle pointing to the ground. It's sitting in a nice place all tucked up that we haven't worked out any details on where to repipe the exhaust. When the gas tank gets built, we'll move the exhaust accordingly but until then no biggie.

There's a few options so we'll see what direction we take it in. Right now we're looking at a hidden exhaust outlet between the wing and frame since there's ample space. We'll see.

I'll try to take some quick photos this weekend since it's painted. That'll prob help give you an idea of what the bumper looks like w/o the raw steel look

 

 

 

Lance is working on getting the tube portion done at Jason Demello's shop, then he'll bring back over to my place for the final touches.....

 

Two month check-up. Any progress??

 

yeah, bump for same!

 

A whole lot has been happening lately with Lance's rig trying to get it ready for the Offroad Expo. The bumper hasn't changed much from the pictures posted, but many surprises to come. Hopefully Jason will have his new front bumper ready in time, as for the tubing in the rear, tht won't be until after the expo. This weekend I'll be on the Rubicon for Marlins round-up, so hopefully I'll get a chance in a few weeks to add some finishing touches before it goes out to get powdercoated.