C4 Fabrication Overland Series
5th Gen 4Runner Bumpers – Complete Guide: Low Profile to Full-Length Aluminum and Steel Front Bumpers for the Toyota 4Runner
- Early Model: 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013
- Face-lift: 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
- TSS Update: 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
- MTM Update: 2022, 2023
Below you will find general specs and information on the top front bumpers every owner should consider when buying armor.
If you are an avid offroader, overlander, weekend warrior, or someone who is looking to beef up your 4Runner, reference the pros and cons of each build below.
Aftermarket front bumpers offer many benefits including; increased protection, enhanced approach angle, sometimes allow for bigger tires, added auxiliary lights, added winch, and more.
This is a list of the top “most common” options. This is not a list from best to worst. It also is not listed in any specific order, although most of the lower-profile bumpers are towards the top.
Top 18 5th Gen 4Runner Front Bumpers
1. C4 Fabrication Lo Pro (Low Profile)
C4 Fabrication offers the Lo Pro for most 2014+ models including; SR5, Trail, TRD Off-Road, and TRD Pro. There are currently no limited options. The bumper itself is not the traditional full-length but instead a steel replacement for the center plastic valance underneath the grille – also referred to as a Lo Pro or Low Profile. This will require cutting to the factory body but it will look close to a factory appearance after installation.
Since the C4 Lo Pro only goes in the center portion of the factory bumper it provides minimal protection in key areas. But it also weighs much less than an average full-length build. The C4 Lo Pro also allows you to add a winch, which is incredibly useful off-road whether alone or with a crew. The Lo Pro will fit 8k-12k non-integrated winches, although lots of integrated models will fit too.
This bumper is made out of CNC-cut 3/16″ steel, features 3/4″ weld-through shackles, and weighs around 75 lbs. This bumper will not come powder coated. C4 Fabrication currently does not offer powder coating on any of its bumper products. The Lo Pro is compatible with the TRD Pro skid plate along with other common aftermarket skid plates.
For options, you can choose between no bull bar, a mid-height bull bar, or a full-height bull bar with gussets. You can also add a license plate mount, and/or a center-led bar cut-out. Low Profile bumpers are a solid choice if you’re looking to add a winch, have a little more protection, and not a lot of weight, and C4 Fabrication is known for being one of the highest quality bumpers/brands on the market.
Find it online:
- LoPro: Check Price
- LoPro with High Clearance Additions: Check Price
Pros
- Weighs 75lbs
- Keeps the stock look but increases protection
- Full Height Bull Bar Compatible w/ TSS on 2020+ models
- Full Height Bull Bar Compatible w/ MTM on 2022+ models
- Fits most 30″ single row light bars
- CNC cut and press brake bent from 3/16″ P&O steel.
- Fits most winches 8k-12k in size.
- Works with TRD Pro Skid Plate
Cons
- Not available for limited models
- SHIPS BARE STEEL, C4 does not offer powder coating services
2. Cali Raised LED Stealth (Low Profile)
Brand new for Summer 2022, check out the latest from Cali Raised LED! This low-profile front bumper is a welcome addition to the family of solid Cali Raised products.
With super clean lines to accent your build, room for a dual row LED bar, black powder coating included, and ready for most 8-12k winches – what’s not to like? 100% made in the USA and coming with a 2-year warranty, you can be confident in quality when buying this bumper.
Another great benefit when you shop Cali Raised LED, you can find all your accessories, all in one place! Not only winches – that even includes d-ring shackles and OEM-style switches to control your auxiliary lighting. No need to order parts from multiple retailers. Cali Raised LED is a true one stop shop when it comes to outfitting your 4Runner’s front end.
Looking for a new low-profile bumper? This might just be the one!
Find it Online:
- Cali Raised LED Stealth Bumper: Check Price
Pros
- Short lead times
- Powder coating included
- One-stop bumper shop (accessories)
- Dual-row LED bar compatible
- Fits most 8-12k winches
- TSS compatible
Cons
- Does not offer full coverage
- Must cut factory bumper
3. All-Pro Off-Road (Low Profile)
Another clean design for the low profile category, All-Pro Off-Road fits right in.
This option not only provides a standard replacement for the center front bumper cover, but also has the option to add high clearance side supports. You can see them in the photo above. If you like the slim, OEM+ appearance, this is a good option to consider. They currently do not offer a center hoop option.
All-Pro items have a one year warranty, and are typically in stock with minimal lead times.
Find it online:
- All-Pro Off-Road Low-Profile Bumper: Check Price
- All-Pro High Clearance Bumper Side Supports: Check Price
Pros
- Great lead times
- Raw or powder coated optoins
- One-stop-shop
- Single row LED bar compatible
- Fits most 8-12k winches
- TSS compatible
- High clearance wings can be added
Cons
- Does not offer full coverage
- Must cut factory bumper
4. TSO Fabrication INCOG (Low Profile)
TSO introduced the CNC Laser Cut 3/16″ Steel INCOG bumper to their new line of fabricated products back in 2022.
The goal here was to get the most ground clearance while having the most universal winch fit in addition to a few other cool selling points. For winch access, TSO has designed massive access ports for getting to the winch spool/lock handle. This makes it very nice when you need quick access and lots of open room for getting to your winch power or handle. In terms of the actual features, TSO offers a mesh grille insert for the guys that want to hold off on a light bar – however, you can take it off at any time and add a light bar. I think the mesh grille insert gives this bumper a mean look.
The TSO bumper is built/welded with top-tier craftsmanship, by Travis (the owner) in Auburn, California.
Find it Online:
- INCOG Low Profile Bumper: Check Price
- High Clearance Add-Ons: Check Price
Pros
- Stainless mesh insert option
- 3/4″ Shackle Mounting Recovery Points
- Side plate frame reinforcements
- Compatible with TRD PRO Skid plate
- Compatible with 2014-2023/ TSS (except Limited)
- Mid-height bull bar can be optioned
- Optional high clearance add-on available
Cons
- Does not offer full coverage
- Must cut factory bumper
5. CBI Off-Road Covert (Low Profile)
CBI has been in the industry longer than anyone. This new low-profile Covert bumper is a testament to the team’s commitment and involvement in this industry over the last couple of decades. The Covert bumper has quite a few unique design characteristics (click here for a close-up shot) which make it stand out from the rest. And even with all the detail, it fits the 5th Gen 4Runner body lines very well.
Like most of the low-profile bumpers listed above, the Covert features a 30″ light bar cutout, and welded recovery points, allows for universal winch fitment, and is compatible with most aftermarket winch options and/or the TRD skid plate.
The downside (if you want to call it that) is that you don’t have any configurable options. What you see is what you get. You cannot customize the bull bar height, adjust for lightbar cutouts, or specify your powder coating.
Find it Online:
- CBI Covert Low Profile Front Bumper: Check Price
- Heretic 30″ Recommended: Check Price
Pros
- Welded d-rings
- Integrated 30-inch single-row light bar mount
- Product powder coated in satin black
- Short Baja Grill Guard
- Compatibility with factory TSS
Cons
- Only one hoop option
- No lightbar cutout options
6. SSO Slimline Hybrid (Low Profile)
The Southern Style Offroad (SSO) 4Runner slimline hybrid is a good choice for those looking for protection off-road without a steep price. The SSO slimline is similar to the C4 Fab Lo Pro. It mounts underneath the grille and provides protection to key areas without adding that extra weight like a full-length build. It also allows you to keep that factory 4Runner look.
The slimline is CNC cut and constructed of 1/8″, 3/16″, and 3/8″ steel. It features 3/4″ welds through shackle mounts along with a 10,000lb winch mount capacity. The bumper itself only weighs 55/60Lbs.
Stage 2 High Clearance Add-on
SSO created this original add-on (pictured above) which allows you to keep the factory look of your 4Runner while gaining about 12″ of additional approach angle clearance over the OEM plastics at the tires. With stage 2, you make cuts in your bumper at an angle and then cup those cut lines with steel. The stage 2 high clearance also comes powder coated the same black as the Hybrid.
If you are looking to keep the factory appearance while gaining more clearance in the front for larger tires, this is a pretty cool design.
Find it online:
- Slimline Hybrid: Check Price
Pros
- Bull Bar: Can be customized to be shorter or taller if contacted
- Winch line opening “front access hole” or front 2″ receiver tube
- Powder coating +$124
- Lighting +$169 – 849
- Stage 2 high-clearance
- Winch mounts
- Can add lights
- Comes with optional powder coating
- Super Lightweight 55/60Lb
- Cheap for the base model
Cons
- Only covers the lower midsection (minimal protection vs. full-length)
7. Backwoods Adventure Mods Hi-Lite (Hybrid)
Weight is the enemy! Well lucky for you, Backwoods Adventure Mods released a hybrid bumper in order to reduce weight.
The design is an outer aluminum shell, with an interior steel winch cradle. The shell on most plate bumpers is steel which makes up the bulk of the weight. By changing the bolt-on shell to aluminum all while keeping the winch cradle steel – the structural strength remains and the weight is reduced.
Backwoods offers multiple lighting mount options for center bar/pod mounts in addition to traditional fog light cut-outs.
They offer two options; no bull bar and a full-width full-heigh bull bar as well.
Find it Online:
- Backwoods Hi-Lite (No Bull Bar): Check Price
- Backwoods Hi-Lite (Full Height Bull Bar): Check Price
Pros
- 28lb aluminum rust-free outer shell
- 55lb steel winch cradle
- Full bumper weight – 83lbs without the bull bar
- Fits up to 12,000lb winches
- Large cutouts for winch access
- 2 D-ring shackle mounts
- 2 Fog light cutouts
- Flat top platform to add lightbars or other lights
- Durable black powder coat finish included
- Winch can be mounted to vehicle separate from bumper
- Simple one-man installation
- High clearance design for excellent approach angles
- Optional steel frame support brackets (Must have for winching)
- Compatibility with factory TSS
Cons
- No mid-height bull bar option
- Aluminum shell will fold under big impacts
8. CBI Off-Road Full-Width Options
Moving on to CBI’s full-width line of bumpers which includes the Classic (No Hoop), Baja Series (Mid-Hoop), and Adventure Series (Full Width Hoop). They are made out of 3/16″ steel with 1 ¾” X .120 HREW tubing and weigh 140 – 190 lbs depending on your spec. They all have the same core design, the only difference is the hoop. Pictured above is an older version of the Adventure Series (2014-2020) which features the full-width hoop.
The difference between the new bumpers for 2021+ is that they’re designed to accommodate TSS. The 2014-2019 bumpers feature a straight line along the top of the bumper, and the 2021+ bumpers’ center portion dips down so that the TSS sensor has room to clear. While this does change the design’s look and feel, it’s very minimal and most won’t even notice at first glance if you compared the two back to back.
Find it online 2014-2020:
- Classic (No Hoop): Check Price
- Baja Series (Mid-Hoop): Check Price
- Adventure Series (Full Width Hoop): Check Price
Find it online 2021-2023+:
- Classic (No Hoop): Check Price
- Baja Series (Mid-Hoop): Check Price
- Adventure Series (Full Width Hoop): Check Price
Pros
- 5th Generation 4Runner Adventure Series Front Bumper
- Choice of Steel Bare Metal or Powder Coated
- Grill And Headlight Protection
- Integrated Light Bar Mount (Fits Up To 30 In, Double Row)
- Integrated Winch Mount (Fits Up To A 12,000 lbs Winch)
Cons
- Not compatible with OEM front-facing cameras available on the TRD Pro on the 21-23
- Not compatible with 2014-1019 Limited trims
9. C4 Fabrication Hybrid
This Hybrid Series front bumper along with the Overland series front bumper are the newest versions from C4.
The 2014+ 4Runner Hybrid bumper is a unique combination of a plate steel center with round tube on the sides and can be customized in three different versions. This design allows you to achieve a “lighter” look while gaining the ability to mount a winch, LED light bar and multiple combinations of fog lighting in the tube area.
Both the tubular Hybrid Series and Overland Series bumpers share the same center structure that bolts to the front of the 4Runner’s frame using 1/4” mounting plates. Fabricated using 3/16” laser cut P&O steel, the center section is built for strength and utility as it features two 3/4” thick recovery tabs, an optional cut out for a 30” light bar, and a parking space for an 8,000 to a 12,000-pound winch.
There is clear access for winch controls through the two cutouts on either side of the recessed fairlead opening.
Can be ordered with or without 30″ LED light bar cutout. Cutout and mounting tabs designed to work with Baja Designs S8 30″ light and Rigid SR series 30″. All other brands of lights are not guaranteed to fit properly.
Installing this bumper also we provide with the bumper. Installation of the cooler kit is straightforward and does not require draining the power steering system. Replacing the power steering lines provides more room for the winch and also removes the low-hanging “U-shaped” portion of the lines near where the bumper bolts to the frame so that the lines are not exposed to obstacles and debris.
Find it online:
- Hybrid Series: Check Price
Pros
- Fits most winches 8k-12k
- 3/4″ thick D-Ring tabs standard – fully welded front and back
- .120 wall 1 3/4″ diameter HREW tubing.
- Multiple light mount options
- Multiple hoop options
- Light for steel: 120lbs without bull bar, 125lbs with mid-height bull bar, 135lbs with full height bull bar.
Cons
- Ships bare steel (C4 does not offer powder coating)
- Requires cutting the original plastic bumper cover
- Requires removing the original steel power steering cooler lines and replacing them with the power steering cooler kit
10. C4 Fabrication Overland
The 2014+ 4Runner Overland Series Front Bumper
C4’s entry into the plate bumper category builds on the beefy center section with the addition of 3/16” laser cut P&O steel wings that form a flat cutoff through the existing front clip.
This means that you will need to cut your existing front plastic bumper, but it does help to seamlessly blend the new plate bumper with the existing OEM styling.
The sides of the plated bumper allow for an increased approach angle at the tire, and better clearance for larger tires. They also protect the front corners of the vehicle from impacts with rocks, trees, or road-crossing animals. They flare slightly outside the fender line to keep it safe from damage on the road or the trail.
For additional coverage and protection, the Overland Series bumper offers a skid plate for the venerable washer reservoir to shield it from debris and obstacles. A small, but important detail that many bumper manufacturers choose to ignore.
The bumper can also be configured with .120 wall, 1-3/4″ diameter HREW upper tubing in three different “bull bar” designs to protect the upper grille and headlights from impacts and provide a mount for a number of accessories.
Find it online:
- Overland Series: Check Price
Pros
- Fits most winches 8k-12k
- 3/4″ thick D-Ring tabs standard – fully welded front and back
- .120 wall 1 3/4″ diameter HREW tubing.
- Multiple light mount options
- Powdercoat options
Cons
- Ships bare steel (C4 does not offer powder coating)
- Requires cutting the original plastic bumper cover
- Requires removing the original steel power steering cooler lines and replacing them with the power steering cooler kit
- Currently 11 weeks of production time
11. All-Pro Off-Road Full-Width
Offering a unique design, the full width All-Pro ApexRunner front bumper is a complete replacement. What this means is that you do not save the bumper cover edges (cutting the factory bumper cover) as seen with most full width bumpers on this list. Instead, the metal bumper skin covers the entire front end, maintaining OEM lines as closely as possible, while increasing overall clearance.
Find it online:
- All-Pro Off-Road APEXRUNNER Front Bumper: Check Price
Pros
- Complete bumper/cover replacement (no cutting needed)
- Integrated winch and light mounts
- Low lead times
- Fits most 8-12k winches
- Fits 30″ light bars
- 10 gauge steel shell, 1/4″ mounting structure
Cons
- Not TSS Compatible
- Not MTM Compatible
12. Hefty Fabworks Full-Width Options
Hefty Fabworks offers a few models. A few true full-length designs and a lower profile design. Since we’ve covered so many of the top low-profile bumpers – let’s look at the Hefty full width.
For the first full-length design, it is available for all years 2010-2023+ and for all models and is compatible with TSS. It is made out of 5052 H34 1/4″ aluminum and weighs an amazing 59 lbs without being powder coated or any add-ons. For the bull bar hoop, you can opt for the low profile bar (pictured here) or the full pre-runner hoop which extends full height and only partial width – with gussets. You can opt to have this bumper shipped raw or with a semi-gloss black powder coating for an extra $300.
This bumper supports a wide variety of accessories; a winch, a center-mounted lightbar, center-mounted pod lights, and aftermarket fog lights. The bull bar on this bumper is incredibly low profile because a 30″ light bar actually mounts directly under it.
Hefty also makes a hybrid bumper, it’s called the “front tube winch bumper”. This design comes with raw steel ready to be powder coated. Winch capable of up to 10k lb with a non-integrated solenoid. It’s also equipped with mounting tabs for a 30″ light bar and most fog light pods like Squadrons or SS3s.
Find it online:
- Hefty Fabworks Aluminum Front: Check Price
- Hefty Fabworks Banshee Low Profile: Check Price
- Hefty Fabworks Hybrid Front Bumper: Check Price
Pros
- 5052 H34 1/4″ Aluminum and 3/8, 3/4″ 6061-T6 Aluminum
- Frame mounts are 1/4″ Steel
- Raw Product Weight: 59lbs
- Recessed lighting holes for aftermarket lights.
- No hoop, low hoop, or PreRunner hoop available.
- Low hoop design allows for 30″ Single Row LED Light.
- Available in raw, unfinished aluminum or Powder Coated
Cons
- Not TSS Compatible
- Not MTM Compatible
13. Demello Off-Road Full Width
Demello offers a few designs for the 5th Gen 4Runner; an aluminum 3 hoop, a steel 3 hoop, a flattop steel, and lastly a flattop steel with a single hoop. Since there are 4 total designs that Demello makes were going to keep it short and simple. All 4 for an additional +$35 will add turn signals for 2010-13 models. Demello offers steel gap filler plates. You can cut your factory bumper to have the upper half fill the gaps.
Aluminum 3-hoop
The aluminum 3-hoop is a good choice for those who want to build an off-road prepared 4Runner while not weighing too much and not killing your MPGs. This aluminum 3-hoop weighs a whopping 50/60lbs (estimated) and still can hold a winch and additional lighting. It has a few lighting and winch options on the site and can come with a textured powder coat or in bare metal.
Steel 3-hoop
The steel 3-hoop is identical in build, size, and options as the aluminum. The only difference between them is the weight of the steel 3-hoop due to materials. The actual weight is not listed but the bumper is made of 1/4″ steel for the winch plate, it has 3/16″ reinforcements and 1/8″ skin. With those sizes, this design is still fairly lightweight and much stronger.
Flattop steel and flattop steel 3-hoop
The flattop steel and the same version with a single hoop both use the same measurements of metal as the steel 3 hoop. The options for winches and lights are the same as well the only difference is that the top of the bumper is 100% flat all the way around.
Find it online:
- Demello Off-Road Hoop & Non-Hoop Options: Check Price
Pros
- Super lightweight and/or medium weight
- Winch compatible
- Side marker light options
- Available in powder coating
- Can be used with all 5th Gen 4Runner Models
Cons
- Fixed-size fog light cutouts
- No inline light bar options
- Not TSS Compatible
- Not MTM Compatible
14. 4×4 Labs Full-Width
4×4 Labs offers a very custom and aggressive-looking full-length steel replacement. It is available for all 5th Gen 4Runner model years; 2010-2013 and the 2014 current.
This bumper is CNC cut out of 3/16″ and 1/4″ plate steel. The optional hoop is made from ring-rolled tubing.
4×4 labs can be used with stock fog lights or rigid SRQ led lights. Other than this choice and the optional hoop, this bumper does not come with options for winches or additional lighting. You just need to piece together your set-up on this option.
One downside to this bumper is if you add a winch you will most likely need to relocate the power steering line with a relocation kit, which 4×4 labs does provide as an upgrade.
Find it online:
- 4×4 Labs Front Bumper: Check Price
Pros
- Winch compatible
- Can add lights
- Comes powder coated
- Can be used with all 5th Gen 4Runners
Cons
- Not much information on the weight
- Relocate power steering line if you use a winch
- Not TSS Compatible
- Not MTM Compatible
15. Lil B’s Fabrication
Lil B’s Fabrication is a company that offers a very unique line of hybrid-style front bumpers for many Toyota models. They currently offer three options for the 5th Gen 4Runner; early model 2010-2013, 2014-2019, and 2020+ to accommodate TSS. They also have a bumper that will fit limited trim models, although you need to reach out to them directly.
Since this is a hybrid-style bumper, you have a ton of options for light pods on both wings and a center-mounted light bar as well. Like most bumpers listed here, Lil B’s has integrated shackle mounts, compatible with most 10k winches, and most aftermarket skid plates, including the TRD.
The bare bumper weight is 105 lbs which is 15 lbs less than the popular C4 Fabrication hybrid.
Powder coating is available for an additional $400 if you’re near Pine, Colorado.
Find it online:
- Lil B’s Hybrid: Check Price
Pros
- Only 105 lbs
- Winch compatible
- Lots of lighting options
- Optional powder coated (local pickup only)
- Can be used with all 5th Gen 4Runners
Cons
- Ships bare steel (Lil B’s does not ship powder-coated products)
- Requires cutting the original plastic bumper cover
16. ARB Full-Length Bull Bar
The ARB front bumper design is not the most pretty, sleek, or slim by any means.
It is rather clunky and designed to work when you are in extreme conditions. With this being said, ARB has taken serious thought in planning for the future of the 2014+ models. ARB is by far one of the most conventional, thoughtful, and useful front bumpers on the market for many makes and models.
The new and improved Summit bumper has a pressed winch cover panel, larger and upgraded ARB branded fog lights, and a two-piece split pan grill. The ARB also features a recessed winch control box along with a textured black powder coat, as opposed to the old satin finish. It looks much cleaner and is designed to withstand the elements of nature when it comes time to rust, this bumper will not sweat it.
The bull bar full-length is not a traditional bull bar but a full bumper replacement that is truly functional. Form follows function with the ARB bull bar full-length. You’ll get a built-in winch mounting slot compatible with electric winches up to 10,000 lbs and comes powder-coated black.
You can keep factory fog lights on 2010/13 and 2014+ models or upgrade to aftermarket LEDs. The ARB also allows you to keep factory tow mounts, and its airbag approved. As the name states, it features a bull bar along with headlight guards which is great for offroading. This is a pretty heavy bumper weighing in at 191 lbs.
The bumper also includes the ARB LED indicator lights and clearance lights for both 2010/13 and 2014+ models.
Find it online:
- ARB Summit Bumper: Check Price
Pros
- Durable steel construction
- Incorporates ARB’s multi-fold wing design for optimum strength and approach angle
- 30mm radius on wings and center section
- Engineered, airbag-compatible mounting system secures the chassis via high-tensile bolts
- Three-piece grill design for split pan
- Twin jack points
- Includes ARB LED Indicator and Clearance light
- Two aerial light/accessory brackets on center tube
- Will accommodate winch up to 10,000 lbs
- Provision for ARB Intensity and Solis LED
- Provision for OE fog lights
- Finished in Integrit™ textured black powder coat
Cons
- Heavy – 192 lbs
- Not compatible with Limited & Nightshade Special Edition models
- No available options to customize or choose parts
17. Proline R1 Front Bumper
Proline offers three designs.
They offer two traditional full-length options along with one low-profile option. All three bumpers are made out of 3/16″ steel plating that is CNC cut and hand welded.
All 3 can be powder coated if you call in you can have them done in any custom coating. The R1 weighs 140 lbs, The elite weighs 220 lbs, and the slimline has an unknown weight but due to its specifications, we are assuming it is around 60+ lbs.
The R1 and the Elite include optional powder coating and lighting.
The R1 features an optional bull bar, unlike the elite. Both bumpers are done in plating and are fairly heavy so they both will provide peak protection when offroading.
The Proline low profile is known as the Pro-X only has choices for lighting and powder coating as well. Design-wise, it covers a smaller area but its built out of the same 3/16′ durable steel.
Find it online:
- Proline R1 Front Bumper: Check Price
Pros
- Winch compatible
- Powder coating
- Strong Steel design
- Lighting
Cons
- Extremely heavy for a full-length
18. Addicted Off-Road
The Addicted Off-Road Plate option is 115 lbs and is made out of steel and features D-ring shackle mounts on the winch plate. For the winch plate, it will fit most of your typical winches that have the normal 10×4.5″ mounting pattern.
For an additional +$30 you can add turn signals and an additional +$90 will add LED Fog/Drive lights. Addicted off-road is known for some pretty sweet body armor in previous 4Runner generations.
Find it online:
- Addicted Off-Road: Check Price
Pros
- Winch options
- Full protection
- Enhanced winch access
- Powder coated
- Leight Weight
Cons
- Not a lot of information given by the manufacturer
19. Expedition One
Expedition One’s front bumper is compromised of 3/16″ and 1/4″ inner structure and a 3/16″ outer structure, weighing in at 150lbs. Their build also features a 1″ thick 3/4 recovery shackle mount and an integrated forward-facing winch mount.
For options, you can get it powder-coated in black or shipped in bare steel. You can also get it with a singular middle hoop or a full bull bar that wraps around, aka headlight guards. Both the singular hoop and bull guard come with two light tabs on the top face of the bumper for 6″ to 8″ lights.
The Expedition One is one of the better choices on the list due to its build quality but does come in at a steep price.
Find it online:
- Expedition One: Check Price
Pros
- Can add a winch to your 4Runner
- Powder coating available
- Medium Weight
- Optional Bull Guard/Center Hoop
- Led Light mounts
- Maximum protection design
Cons
- Not too many cons on this bumper
20. Custom
Custom bumpers can be a good option as well. Many shops can build you an option for cheaper and of the same quality as any mainstream fabrication company. The best part is that your bumper will be fully built to your exact needs and specifications.
Custom fabricators are not always more affordable, though. Sometimes, a custom fabrication shop can be twice the price depending on their skill level and expertise.
The best part about custom fabrication is that they are one-off builds. No one else will have your design. Sometimes, the process will be faster as well. Instead of waiting 6-12 weeks for a bumper, you can have one built just for your truck and installed in a few days.
Recommend shops:
- Northern California: Stellar Built
- Southern California: IPM Fabrication
- Central Arizona: RPM Fabrication
Discontinued Products/Companies:
- Pelfryebuilt Full Width (company out of business)
- Shrockworks Full Width (company out of business)
- Bud Built Full Width (discontinued product)
- Relentless Fabrication Low Profile (discontinued product)
Which of these bumpers would be best suites to run someone off the road?
I am thinking about putting one of those stealth/low profile bumpers but I would like to know what is it called or what process is it that (for example the first truck) has the bumper cut off in an angle on the sides? How do you do that? And it looks like there is also a trim piece to make it look finished. Is there an article on this blog that documents it?
Great write up and informative with many options I did not know exist.
I love ARB, but they need to design according to the car´s lines, not squared off.
I have inherited an ARB unit complete with winch and lighting kits that fit 14-current T4R
Can it be modified to fit early 5th gen (2012) T4R?
asking for a noob……me
Looking front bumper 4 runner that will fit limited edition 2018
Hey guys, looking for a nice beefy front bumper, (mainly for looks) I have a 2019 4R limited. Any suggestions?
looking for a front bumper for my 2015 4runner limited.. cant seem to find one anywhere. suggestions?
Where/who makes a bra for a 2021 TRD 4 Runner? Thnx 4 now.
this is a long shot but ive been searching for bumpers and i really like the C4 FABRICATION OVERLAND bumper but unfortunatly i need one for a 98 Subaru outback legacy. do you guys know if you could make one for the subi or have any rcommendations?
2010 4runner limited. which bumper will fit
I have a 2020 trd pro 4runner and am looking for a front bumper with bull bar, I’m having trouble finding one that doesn’t interfere with the radar. any suggestions ?
Lil b’s fab has one!
C4 makes a ton of products that work with the TSS. https://c4fabrication.com/collections/4runner-2014
a lot of ideas here – why was Warn semi hidden kit with bull bar not included?
Anyone in Sacramento area who gets a full bumper and wants to sell their TRD or sr5 front bumper hit me up. I have a Limited and hate its looks. Looking to do the LE to Pro front end swap. Thx. wrayplummer@gmail dot com.
I’ve got a limited and have the same problem.. can you really switch out the bumpers for another model of the same year? ive got a 2015..
This could be a stupid question but I have looked everywhere and cant find an answer so here it goes- why can’t a bumper marketed for 2014+ fit on a 2010-13 model? What is the difference and is there a way to overcome it? Thanks!
I had the same question, but given Brenan’s response, I believe that one can use a 2014+ lowpro bumper on a 2010 with a steady hand and proper dremel use. It may not be the most aesthetic choice, but the connection between the chassis and bumper is more important. C4Fab doesn’t make bumpers for early 5th gens; the only other option would be Victory4x4 and other Chinese manufacturers
The front bumper on both 4Runner models are completely different. Everything from the brackets to the harnesses and the clips to the actual plastic bumper pieces of the body are, for the most part, all different. The early model generation 4Runners (10 – 13) and the late model generation 4Runners (14 – 20) have a different front-end all the way down to the headlights. Yes, both frames are the exact same so you could technically take your entire front bumper off of an early model 4Runner and mount any bumper on to it however the plastic bumper and headlights surrounding the new aftermarket bumper won’t fit. Check out this article by Kevin who did a front end conversion from an early to late model 5th Gen 4Runner bumper. This will help you understand the difference in parts and pieces needed for both bumpers. If you do this front-end conversion then you can install any bumper designed for the late-model front-end.
Will the Carid Armordillo bull bar interfere with sensors on 2020 4Runner TRD off road Venture? thx
this should be updated for the 2020 models as well
I’d like to see a review of the Greenlane Offroad Aluminum bumper
I’m trying to determine which bumper is the lightest and easiest to install. I like the look but 97% of my driving is on the road. Love the articles but would GREATLY appreciate you consolidating these into comparison tables (weight, cost, protection, rating, install difficulty, etc) with links to the actual products.
You say that the Slimline “aluminum weighs in at 33.5lbs (Only 19lbs heavier than stock once installed).” But on the Slimline website I’m digging around for one that weighs less than 60 lbs. Which model were you referring to?
Keep it up!
did you find a bumper
I just checked the Hefty site to determine where you are looking at. This section has been updated with their new 2014+ 4Runner Low-Profile Banshee Bumper. Product Weight: 35lbs over stock (Total weight about 55 lbs)
Proline has dropped off the face of the planet and people have pending orders apparently that have not been filled. Please use caution ordering from them
Take a look at Victory 4×4 too! Kick ass customer service, lower lead times, military discount, and they offer powder coating for a reasonable charge! I’ll be using them time and time again.
Relentless Fabrication doesn’t show the STINGRAY in their website and they don’t respond to messages. Bummer on both.
Any write ups on cutting the front bumper for clearance without adding any bumper protection? I do entry level off-roading and don’t want to commit yet to one but what the extra clearance.
I just saw that WARN makes one now for 2014+ that probably deserves a mention. It appears to be a rip-off of some of the low profile designs, but at about $700-$800, it’s a compelling option.
Also, free shipping if you buy from AMZN:
https://www.amazon.com/WARN-100022-Mounting-Kit/dp/B078XXPGXQ
you say that the expedition one bumper is compromised and I believe you meant to say/spell comprised. These 2 words have 2 different definitions.
I’m working on a build on a 2019 Off Road Premium. I really like the look of the Southern Style Offroad. I’m just trying to figure out how important having the access holes are versus not. Any help is greatly appreciated.
Just to add for consideration as a hidden winch mount bumper in aluminum. The Greenlane off road company in Vancouver BC makes a great bumper that weighs in at 46lbs. And they ship anywhere in the US.
https://greenlaneoffroad.com/5th-gen-toyota-4runner
Hi!! Is there a bumper for a Limited model similar to the C4 Fab 2014+ 4Runner Lo Pro
Thanks
Not yet. Not sure when or if C4 has something like this coming out in the future.
None of the cool lower profile ones are available for 2012 4runners. I guess if you have a 2010-13 runner you’re options are severely limited!
Any one know if any of these shops ship international (i.e. FPO/AP) stationed in Guam.
Very good write-up of the Front Bumpers. I have the SSO Slim Line on order and from your article, I am very happy I did so.
Pelfreybilt has filed for Bankruptcy, so I would delete them from the list. Too bad, they made great stuff.
Do you have a Rear Bumper/Tire Carrier Bumper Review in the works?
4×4 labs does have this addition which is a beauty. The only one I’ve seen that has the bars conform to the exact structure of the headlights.
any recommendation of shops for custom fabrications in the socal area? I figured since you threw that info in there you’d be able to point me the right direction.
Thanks
Thanks for the detailed write up! I went with the SSO slimline hybrid but I had no idea they came out with a stage two add on. I’m definitely going to be adding that now.
Thanks!!
Also, for the Southern Style stage 1, is cutting the bumper required (if you know)? I’m looking to try and keep the factory look as much as possible with minimal cutting. Thanks for the awesome write up!
Yes, you will need to cut out the plastic center section of the bumper to install the SSO Slimline. It’s a fairly simple task with a Dremel and patience. If you have a Trail/TRD Offroad or TRD Pro model, the cut follows the plastic valence that is attached to the bumper. If you have a SR5 model, they provide a template for the cut.
I do not believe there is any cutting involved in the SSO slimline hybrid stage 1. It just replaces the plastic bumper.
Awesome! Thanks Kate!
Fantastic article! Bookmarked for future reference. Great job and super informative. Now….which one to get???
I have the SSO slimline. 2018 TRD OffRoad.
Good workmanship, good price and excellent communication between buyer & seller.
However, add a winch to the bumper, even with synthetic line, be prepared to upgrade your front suspension. The stock coilovers sag horribly. My setup added about 120lbs so I’m having to replace my stock setup with Bilsteins and Dobsons heavier lift springs to compensate.
That is what I’m looking at too. Did you get yours with or without the access holes? Trying to figure out which way to go. You made me nervous about the suspension. Mine will have the KDSS (I’m doing a build)
Shocks were sagging horribly with only 120lbs more? anybody else having the same issues ? I have a 2015 trd with the TRD shocks. just wondering if I need to plan the budget for new shocks too.
Aren’t your shocks Bilsteins? Email Mike at Dobinsons USA. He suggested heavier springs for mine. I think I used C59-300 springs at his suggestion. Replaced my Toyota shocks with Bilsteins.
Mine are the Bilsteins used by Toyota for the TRD. You don’t have them on the TRD OffRoad ? Thought they were coming with all TRDs. Cause really like the slimline of SSO with the 2 modules but don’t have in budget to redo my shocks yet
No. They were Toyota, don’t remember what Japanese manufacturer. I just did the front end on mine. The springs were about $200 and the socks not much more. My dealer disassembled my struts, reassembled with the new springs and shocks, then did a front end alignment for less than $300. I had to do the replacement front shocks because the old shocks had insufficient travel.
Great info! Thanks for the tip! Adding shocks and springs to my list.
Might be a little better to separate the low-pro bumpers from the full replacements, but still a great write-up!
Thanks for consolidating all this information in one place!
Done, moved all the lower profiles up top. Thanks.
Now do a rear bumper review
Great write up. Which one are you going to get and when does the 5th gen rear bumper article come out? 😉
Thanks, Tom! I’ve had a C4 lo pro powder coated and ready to go since their group-buy last year. I have been really leaning on the Hefty Fab, though. Both full-length options they make are badass. I am also increasingly leaning on a tube bumper. Either the HF tube bumper or something built locally by Stellar Built in Sacramento, who knows though. Lol, rear bumper is actually close. Wrote them in parallel.
WOO!! Finally a full write-up on all the 5th gen 4R modes/styles.
Makes it so much easier to decide on what to upgrade to.
Appreciate this very much!
Thanks Brenan keep up the good work!
They missed the Relentless off road version, which IMO is better looking and more functional than all of these. The custom fabrication around the lights is top notch.