1. Welcome to 4Runners.com!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all 4Runner discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other 4Runner owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Yes..looking for a bull bar..

Discussion in '5th Gen 4Runners (2010-2024)' started by XPDUDE, Jul 12, 2021.

  1. Jul 12, 2021 at 6:08 PM
    #1
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    I have a 2020 XP with a nice set up to my taste , but looking to add a bull bar something that's not that común.
    Any advices will be really helpful

    20201121_141712.jpg
     
    4RUNNYFUN and Thatbassguy like this.
  2. Jul 12, 2021 at 8:23 PM
    #2
    Simtech

    Simtech New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #9160
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Ozark, Al
    Vehicle:
    2019 Metalic Gray 4Runner XP Gunner
    I don't have any advice on the bull bar except when I looked at them most seemed flimsy. You should pull the roof rack bars and plasti-dip them black to complete the look. It is super easy to do and really completes the blacked out look. Very nice looking rig.
     
  3. Jul 12, 2021 at 9:08 PM
    #3
    Thatbassguy

    Thatbassguy New member? Really??

    Joined:
    Mar 27, 2019
    Member:
    #9314
    Messages:
    12,643
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    James
    S/E Wisconsin
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRDORP, KDSS, MGM
    RSG sliders, Yakima offgrid basket, Pro-Comp wheels, SOS Streamline bumper and skids, Warn VR EVO10S winch + Ultimate Sidewinder, Bilstein 6112 + 5100 + rear lift coils, Rigid Dually SS ditch lights w/Caliraised brackets and OEM style dash switch
    Welcome to the forum! And, great looking 4Runner!

    Many of the folks here would say that bull bars tend to be a bit flimsy as @Simtech mentioned. Some look nice, but have potential to cause more damage if you hit a deer or something because they're not strong enough to take that kind of impact.

    Something to consider as an alternative is a low profile steel bumper. These attach to the frame and are much stronger than most bull bars.The downside to them is that you need to cut the front bumper cover to fit them.
     
  4. Jul 13, 2021 at 7:21 AM
    #4
    SlvrSlug

    SlvrSlug Slightly bent.

    Joined:
    Jun 3, 2018
    Member:
    #6172
    Messages:
    7,593
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    John
    Ramona Ca.
    Vehicle:
    2017 4-Runner SR-5 P. Kings, Built Right uca’s, Durabumps, RSG sliders
    Welcome to the forum.
     
    XPDUDE[OP] likes this.
  5. Jul 13, 2021 at 7:48 AM
    #5
    aroyalsfan

    aroyalsfan The Owner

    Joined:
    Feb 12, 2019
    Member:
    #8789
    Messages:
    887
    Gender:
    Male
    Kansas City
    Vehicle:
    2018 4Runner SR5 Premium - Midnight Black Metallic(218) - 4WD
    Westin Pro Traxx 5 Hood and side window deflectors Black exhaust tip Tinted front windows Billet grill overlay Badge Overlays painted Cavalry Blue Powder coated stock Trail Wheels gloss black 12 Volt Solutions plug and play remote start To do list: led swap Speaker upgrades Sound deadening doors Maybe list: rear backup sensors
    I wanted a bull bar too until I googled imaged bull bar damage. That would be my recommendation to you.

    Welcome to the forum.
     
    Slopemaster, hallkb and XPDUDE[OP] like this.
  6. Jul 13, 2021 at 11:28 AM
    #6
    Joekader

    Joekader New Member

    Joined:
    May 25, 2019
    Member:
    #10017
    Messages:
    361
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Joe
    Nice truck but a bull bar is a waste of time and money offers very little protection get a lo pro bumper instead offers good coverage and strength
    2599621A-A02C-48A0-A789-C17E9871947D.jpg
     
    DRobs and XPDUDE[OP] like this.
  7. Jul 13, 2021 at 2:23 PM
    #7
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2021
    Member:
    #21264
    Messages:
    1,094
    First Name:
    Greg
    Vehicle:
    2019, Dark Blue SR5
    Roof rack, side bars
    My wife has a habit of "bumping" into signs, etc. I once hit a wild pig in my older Toy P/U without damage to my bull bar. Here's mine (added Lamin-X tinted lenses, today):02-1_97642980be03eaaed75cc5fef55fbfdd0c742059.jpg
     
    bj2678 and XPDUDE[OP] like this.
  8. Jul 13, 2021 at 4:24 PM
    #8
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    I really appreciate your input and thanks.
    Also how do I get or where the bar balck?
     
  9. Jul 13, 2021 at 4:42 PM
    #9
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    4,677
    Gender:
    Male
    Stoney Ranger and XPDUDE[OP] like this.
  10. Jul 13, 2021 at 5:35 PM
    #10
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    Hey man really appreciate the input..and the link great ideas there..I already sent a request to contact me.
     
  11. Jul 13, 2021 at 5:54 PM
    #11
    kmeeg

    kmeeg LionRunner

    Joined:
    Apr 18, 2018
    Member:
    #5853
    Messages:
    4,677
    Gender:
    Male
    I hope you are not contacting trail4runner.com

    You can contact well known companies on the list. Ex - Hefty fabworks, C4 Fab, CBI, etc.. You may go to each of their web site and see what options they have. You would have to do some study on this topic. For example weight (steel vs aluminum), winch support, lightbar options, bull bar options (if you get a tall bull bar your safety sense will go nuts.),etc.. Take your time and see.. All I wanted was just like @Thatbassguy said not to waste your money on BS bull bar looking things.
     
    Thatbassguy likes this.
  12. Jul 13, 2021 at 6:12 PM
    #12
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    OK I did.
    But I'll check the list and see their options.
    Thanks again.
     
  13. Jul 13, 2021 at 8:24 PM
    #13
    Simtech

    Simtech New Member

    Joined:
    Mar 13, 2019
    Member:
    #9160
    Messages:
    20
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Rob
    Ozark, Al
    Vehicle:
    2019 Metalic Gray 4Runner XP Gunner

    Mine were silver just like yours when I got the 4runner. I removed them from the top of the vehicle cleaned them with alcohol really good and painted them with Plasti-dip from wal-mart.
     
  14. Jul 13, 2021 at 9:06 PM
    #14
    GrantA

    GrantA Enjoying God’s creation

    Joined:
    May 25, 2020
    Member:
    #14533
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    Fully locked 2020 SR5 Premium
    - GOBI roof rack and ladder - Westcott Design Rock sliders - M.O.R.E. Underbody Skid plates - Dual ARB air compressor & ARB single compressor - LED interior lighting - Ironman 2.0 meter awning and enclosure - Ironman winch with factor55 hook - Ironman foam cell pro suspension - Ironman recovery snatch rope - Ironman recovery traction boards - lilbscustomfab Hybrid Front Bumper - lilbscustomfab BMC - RRW RR7-H Hybrid Beadlock wheels - Nitto Trail Grapplers 285/75/17 M/T - 4.88 gears - ARB front air locker - ARB rear air locker - Hi-lift jack & mount - Sony aftermarket speakers - LASFIT External LED Light Conversion - Center console organizer - Glovebox organizer - ICS phone Mount holder - C4 rear bumper with dual swing arms - C4 gas skid plate - C4 rear diff skid plates
    Not sure if this is what you’re looking at going after… here is the bull bar on mine

    87DCC241-EE67-4E67-94E7-2B121E4F89C5.jpg
     
    4RUNNYFUN, ESCT4R, Spydr5 and 4 others like this.
  15. Jul 14, 2021 at 4:44 AM
    #15
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    Thank you Sr.
    Definitely is something that has to be done.
     
  16. Jul 14, 2021 at 4:47 AM
    #16
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    Really nice ride
    May I ask the name of the manufacturer or where I can possibly get it.
     
  17. Jul 14, 2021 at 4:51 AM
    #17
    DRobs

    DRobs New Member

    Joined:
    Jan 5, 2019
    Member:
    #8335
    Messages:
    1,297
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Dan
    Missouri Ozarks
    Vehicle:
    2019 TRD OR - MGM
    Pinstripes, lots of em. Plus a couple dents.
    Another vote for a Hybrid bumper. With your 2020 you'll need one with a high hoop (bull bar) or no hoop.

    $874 CBI
    https://cbioffroadfab.com/product/5th-gen-4runner-covert-baja-series-front-bumper/

    $1160 SSO
    https://www.southernstyleoffroad.co...hybrid-front-bumper-20-heise-led/#collapseOne

    $1175 CAD = $940.88 USD Greenlane
    https://greenlaneoffroad.com/14-4runner/4runner-stump-front-bumper

    If you can do without the Bull Bar these are significantly less expensive.

    $578.16 Warn
    https://www.ebay.com/itm/133798243660

    $539 Body Armor
    https://onestopoverland.com/product...39-bumper?variant=35509758001313&currency=USD
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #17
    opentang and wolfman like this.
  18. Jul 14, 2021 at 5:24 AM
    #18
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
     
    This site contains affiliate links for which the site may be compensated.
    #18
  19. Jul 14, 2021 at 5:25 AM
    #19
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    I really appreciate your info..is many nice options thank you
     
    DRobs likes this.
  20. Jul 14, 2021 at 7:19 AM
    #20
    SirDancelot

    SirDancelot New Member

    Joined:
    Jun 24, 2021
    Member:
    #22071
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    I've used a cheap option on my 4th gen as a protection against deer. The cost of the bull bar was about $130, and it came with a chrome plated lower insert which is not shown in the image, which matched the chrome grille and completed the look. It weighted at about 15 pounds, and took about 20 minutes to install.

    And oddly enough, it saved the front end from a deer impact at about 45MPH. All I had to replace just the lower bumper cover and the lower grille. So it did pay for itself.

    So I feel depending on the type and what you want them for, these may have their use. Having said all this, I've not bothered installing one on my 2018, and if I did, I'd go with the hybrid setup.

    .
     
    BearBio likes this.
  21. Jul 14, 2021 at 10:10 AM
    #21
    GrantA

    GrantA Enjoying God’s creation

    Joined:
    May 25, 2020
    Member:
    #14533
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    Fully locked 2020 SR5 Premium
    - GOBI roof rack and ladder - Westcott Design Rock sliders - M.O.R.E. Underbody Skid plates - Dual ARB air compressor & ARB single compressor - LED interior lighting - Ironman 2.0 meter awning and enclosure - Ironman winch with factor55 hook - Ironman foam cell pro suspension - Ironman recovery snatch rope - Ironman recovery traction boards - lilbscustomfab Hybrid Front Bumper - lilbscustomfab BMC - RRW RR7-H Hybrid Beadlock wheels - Nitto Trail Grapplers 285/75/17 M/T - 4.88 gears - ARB front air locker - ARB rear air locker - Hi-lift jack & mount - Sony aftermarket speakers - LASFIT External LED Light Conversion - Center console organizer - Glovebox organizer - ICS phone Mount holder - C4 rear bumper with dual swing arms - C4 gas skid plate - C4 rear diff skid plates
    I bought the lil b’s custom fab bumper. I think they did an okay job. I found it not to be perfectly straight and it bothers me a little. If I was to do it over again I would make the same choice though and just be a little more careful with my cuts. I trusted the bumper to be perfectly straight. I believe it is off by 1/4 to 1/2” on the passenger side which led to the plastics not looking perfect. More cosmetic because the bolts line up just fine. I had another guy install it after I installed it and he said the bumper was a little tweaked. It is hand made so my fault for not measuring before cutting my bumper. Otherwise you would never know. Here is a picture of the gap on the passenger side…
    6635ACD2-80B4-47E9-85DF-45842454C04F.jpg

    whereas the driver side it looks a lot better:
    A8D54A5A-74D4-411E-8283-1FB620C7CC18.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jul 14, 2021
  22. Jul 14, 2021 at 2:56 PM
    #22
    XPDUDE

    XPDUDE [OP] New Member

    Joined:
    Jul 12, 2021
    Member:
    #22308
    Messages:
    10
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Byron
    Vehicle:
    2020 4runner XP
    3" suspension. Custom 4play wheels. 20 Nitto tires
    Nice looking ride..
    May i ask how much was the total cost and where did you get it?
     
  23. Jul 14, 2021 at 2:59 PM
    #23
    GrantA

    GrantA Enjoying God’s creation

    Joined:
    May 25, 2020
    Member:
    #14533
    Messages:
    1,320
    Gender:
    Male
    North Carolina
    Vehicle:
    Fully locked 2020 SR5 Premium
    - GOBI roof rack and ladder - Westcott Design Rock sliders - M.O.R.E. Underbody Skid plates - Dual ARB air compressor & ARB single compressor - LED interior lighting - Ironman 2.0 meter awning and enclosure - Ironman winch with factor55 hook - Ironman foam cell pro suspension - Ironman recovery snatch rope - Ironman recovery traction boards - lilbscustomfab Hybrid Front Bumper - lilbscustomfab BMC - RRW RR7-H Hybrid Beadlock wheels - Nitto Trail Grapplers 285/75/17 M/T - 4.88 gears - ARB front air locker - ARB rear air locker - Hi-lift jack & mount - Sony aftermarket speakers - LASFIT External LED Light Conversion - Center console organizer - Glovebox organizer - ICS phone Mount holder - C4 rear bumper with dual swing arms - C4 gas skid plate - C4 rear diff skid plates
    I have it linked in my prior post. I bought it through lil b’s custom fab. It was $1500 for everything including powder coat (which I did locally).
     
    Last edited: Jul 15, 2021
  24. Aug 4, 2021 at 7:13 AM
    #24
    jcbrown04

    jcbrown04 New Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2021
    Member:
    #22659
    Messages:
    1
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    2021 4Runner Venture
    Hey guys. Brand new first time 4Runner owner. In fact...mine doesn't get here til Sept. 15. I got the 2021 4Runner Venture. Anyhow...I wanted to put a bull bar on it and was looking at the RC4 and then saw someone say to not get it. And the list of recommendations all seem to propose modification or complete removal of things. Is there a strictly add-on recommendation anyone could make? For example what I liked about the RC4 was that it was something I could do with my limited knowledge but general handiness. I didn't have to modify anything or take anything off...I just had to add to what was already there. Would love to hear what you think? Full disclosure...I thought the RC4 would provide SOME protection but the main reason I was pursuing it was the aesthetics. But if I was going to get a Bull Bar I'd certainly prefer to get one that both looked good AND provided a degree of incidental protection.
     
  25. Aug 4, 2021 at 7:38 AM
    #25
    Gatnos

    Gatnos Not Very Knowledgable

    Joined:
    Oct 14, 2020
    Member:
    #17332
    Messages:
    145
    First Name:
    Justin
    Asheville, NC
    Vehicle:
    '20 TRD Off Road Premium - Magnetic Gray
    @jcbrown04 @XPDUDE I don't have any specific recommendations, but I just wanted to emphasize that you will want to make sure whatever you choose is designed in a way so that it does not block your TSS sensor housing beneath the middle and bottom lips of the OEM bumper. Pre-2020 4Runners do not have this TSS setup, so they can block that area of the front end, but if you block it on a 2020 or newer, it will cause the system to malfunction and you won't be able to use it.

    @DRobs mentioned briefly in his post on this thread to make sure you pick an option that doesn't interfere, with no loop or a high loop. If you don't care about the 4Runner safety features, then you can get whatever you want. Just thought I'd share because it seems like an easy thing to overlook when you're a new owner.
     
    DRobs likes this.
  26. Aug 4, 2021 at 7:47 AM
    #26
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2021
    Member:
    #21264
    Messages:
    1,094
    First Name:
    Greg
    Vehicle:
    2019, Dark Blue SR5
    Roof rack, side bars
    Look at Go Rhino!, Black Horse, Arksen. We have the Black Horse on both the RAV4 (wife has a habit of bumping things) and my 4Runner:

    02-1_97642980be03eaaed75cc5fef55fbfdd0c742059.jpg
     
  27. Aug 4, 2021 at 8:27 AM
    #27
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2021
    Member:
    #20965
    Messages:
    1,526
    Gender:
    Male
    East Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    5th Gen OG TE
    Mounts will break like a candy cane and the bull bar will smash into your truck.
     
    Bubbles likes this.
  28. Aug 6, 2021 at 9:40 AM
    #28
    BearBio

    BearBio New Member

    Joined:
    May 3, 2021
    Member:
    #21264
    Messages:
    1,094
    First Name:
    Greg
    Vehicle:
    2019, Dark Blue SR5
    Roof rack, side bars
    The idea is to AVOID hitting things. Go around, not just smash your way through! ;);););)
     
    Joekader likes this.
  29. Aug 6, 2021 at 9:50 AM
    #29
    LandCruiser

    LandCruiser I have Toyotas

    Joined:
    Apr 15, 2021
    Member:
    #20965
    Messages:
    1,526
    Gender:
    Male
    East Bay Area
    Vehicle:
    5th Gen OG TE
    I really don’t understand the purpose of putting a metal tube on your truck that has absolutely no protective abilities.
     
  30. Aug 6, 2021 at 10:21 AM
    #30
    Big B

    Big B Out Exploring

    Joined:
    Feb 27, 2020
    Member:
    #13316
    Messages:
    220
    Gender:
    Male
    Reno/Tahoe
    Vehicle:
    2020 TRDOR
    KINGS! w/ adjust Method Race Wheels, Good Year Ultra-terrains 285/70/r17, GOBI Rack, Baja-Designs/Cali-Raised LED Lights, SSO stealth front bumper, RSG Sliders, FACTOR 55 ultrahook Smitty Bilt x20 winch (syn.), TYT TH9800, X Bull Recovery Boards
    agree...why add the extra weight if its not functional
     
    hallkb likes this.

Products Discussed in

To Top