2020 TRD Off Road and an ARB Summit Bumper, suspension mods needed?

[tlhfirelion]

Hello, I have a 2020 TRD Off Road, all stock. I’d like to add an ARB summit bumper, mainly for deer. I don’t have any plans to get a lift for the 4 runner, stock height is fine. I had planned to do a Bilstein 5100 Kit to level the vehicle but with the added weight of this bumper, I don’t know what, if any, adjustments need to be made for the suspension. Will the 5100’s still work or do I need something different/extra? Thanks for any help you can provide.

* If there is another bumper that will work for this scenario, I’m open to suggestions as the ARB is $$$.

 

[iwashmycar]

You are very likely going to want heavier springs to control the weight.

5100s will just raise the spring, but it would be extra squished and may be bouncy or a little sketch feeling.

All that said, you can put the bumper on and see how it feels, but just know if it doesnt feel great, 5100s wont change that. New springs would.

The whole bumper for deer debate can be a long one. The bull bar (aptly named) is probably best to just keep something out of your windshield. So any bumper with a solidly attached bull bar might also mitigate that risk some. A big deer at 55mph is going to still total the bumper, and potentially have plenty of other damage - so dont buy it to save the truck. Youd be better off hitting it stock, let the crumple zones crumple, and letting insurance fix it back to good in regard to only the physical truck. (unless of course you are way out in the backwoods, and it could potentially keep the truck driveable / radiator / ect)

But to deflect a few normal / baby deer here and there, yeah bumper up.

 

[tlhfirelion]

You are very likely going to want heavier springs to control the weight.

5100s will just raise the spring, but it would be extra squished and may be bouncy or a little sketch feeling.

All that said, you can put the bumper on and see how it feels, but just know if it doesnt feel great, 5100s wont change that. New springs would.

The whole bumper for deer debate can be a long one. The bull bar (aptly named) is probably best to just keep something out of your windshield. So any bumper with a solidly attached bull bar might also mitigate that risk some. A big deer at 55mph is going to still total the bumper, and potentially have plenty of other damage - so dont buy it to save the truck. Youd be better off hitting it stock, let the crumple zones crumple, and letting insurance fix it back to good in regard to only the physical truck. (unless of course you are way out in the backwoods, and it could potentially keep the truck driveable / radiator / ect)

But to deflect a few normal / baby deer here and there, yeah bumper up.

Thanks for the reply. What I’m hoping to prevent, and it may be impossible, is a new bumper has the downstream effect of significant expense on other stuff like suspension. This isn’t my area of expertise I’ll readily admit. I’m basing the bumper preference off a friends accident with that bumper. He hit a deer with this bumper head on and it busted a headlight and a fog light. That kinda sold me on it.

Would the Bilstein 6112 with new springs/ coils front and back allow me to level the vehicle and sufficiently support this bumper? Or are the 5100’s with new springs work as well? Thanks again for the help.

 

[pismojim]

We simply added a spacer (10mm? IIRC) on the stock (SR5 not TRD) suspension when adding the ARB bullbar. Works and drives great.

It's not uncommon to see 2 or 3 fresh deer fresh deer kills on 30 mile drive. Narrow two lane, no shoulder, dark, snow, ice, etc. We also counted 5 or 6, "one eyed" oncoming cars/trucks on recent early morning trip to ski. BTW, posted speed is 70mph (65 night). Certain stretches are referred to as "the meat hwy". Not for the faint of heart! We really avoid driving at night if possible.

It's not "if" but "when" around here.

Goods point above too. I figure we'll break even on the first strike and have to hit a second to come out ahead. Meantime, we feel much safer/confident in a taller truck with a ARB bullbar.

Remember full hard break (ABS), don't swerve, studded Hakkapellittas, watch for the second one (or the mountain lion). Be glad its not a elk, bear or moose. Happy driving!
Jim

 

[tlhfirelion]

We simply added a spacer (10mm? IIRC) on the stock (SR5 not TRD) suspension when adding the ARB bullbar. Works and drives great.

It's not uncommon to see 2 or 3 fresh deer fresh deer kills on 30 mile drive. Narrow two lane, no shoulder, dark, snow, ice, etc. We also counted 5 or 6, "one eyed" oncoming cars/trucks on recent early morning trip to ski. BTW, posted speed is 70mph (65 night). Certain stretches are referred to as "the meat hwy". Not for the faint of heart! We really avoid driving at night if possible.

It's not "if" but "when" around here.

Goods point above too. I figure we'll break even on the first strike and have to hit a second to come out ahead. Meantime, we feel much safer/confident in a taller truck with a ARB bullbar.

Remember full hard break (ABS), don't swerve, studded Hakkapellittas, watch for the second one (or the mountain lion). Be glad its not a elk, bear or moose. Happy driving!
Jim

I love Montana but yeah, your highway meat is a whole level larger. lol. Thanks for the reply.

 

[iwashmycar]

Thanks for the reply. What I’m hoping to prevent, and it may be impossible, is a new bumper has the downstream effect of significant expense on other stuff like suspension. This isn’t my area of expertise I’ll readily admit. I’m basing the bumper preference off a friends accident with that bumper. He hit a deer with this bumper head on and it busted a headlight and a fog light. That kinda sold me on it.

Would the Bilstein 6112 with new springs/ coils front and back allow me to level the vehicle and sufficiently support this bumper? Or are the 5100’s with new springs work as well? Thanks again for the help.

Either of those would work fine. I think the 6112 typically come with springs. I suppose then you could always adjust the height later on for example if you add a winch.

 

[tlhfirelion]

Either of those would work fine. I think the 6112 typically come with springs. I suppose then you could always adjust the height later on for example if you add a winch.

That may be what needs to happen to do this right. Thanks for the reply.

 

[An3]

I'm in a similar situation. Just hit a deer and looking to install a full steel bumper and new front springs if needed