4x4 labs rear bumper DIY -- What have you done to customize it? (1 Viewer)

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I saw pictures of some early 4 x 4 labs that appeared to have a piece of plate in that area. So look to my scrap pile and found some quarter inch strap. Huge overkill, but I think it accomplishes what I wanted.


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I saw pictures of some early 4 x 4 labs that appeared to have a piece of plate in that area. So look to my scrap pile and found some quarter inch strap. Huge overkill, but I think it accomplishes what I wanted.


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I like that a lot. Not too keen on the gap on mine either. Strange because Dave's came with a lip that is bent up there to cover the gap. Luke may have added that to the design since we ordered our kits.
 
I stole this pick from google but I believe it's a 1st gen 4Runner license plate mount. I've always meant to source one for my rear bumper. But will probably never get around to it. View attachment 1170609

It's a license bracket from a 1991 rear tire swing 4Runner.
 
^+1
First year of the 2nd Gen 4Runners.
 
The wings could use a little bracing... I can't remember who documented it but someone (with a red 80, I think?) took some good pictures of how they did it.

We angled my spare tire to follow the lines of the rear hatch.
 
The wings definitely need to be reinforced. I've already smacked mine into my fender and I braced them w/ 3/16" strap that's 2" wide. I welded it from front to back @ the bend of the wing. Can't imagine how bad it'd of been w/out the bracing I did! I think I'm going to measure my clearance between the wing & the fender & weld more bracing in there, probably 4" wide strap and/or some sort of gussets.
 
Pictures of the wing bracing would be helpful.
 
So what is the issue with them flexing? Is it the weight of the truck landing on a ledge pushing it up into the fender, or things pushing sideways against the wings making them flex into the body?
 
I used 5" wide 3/16" plate to make that gusset in the wing and it definitely made it a ton stronger. It's already been beat up on rocks and hasn't hit the quarter panel yet despite the round tube on top being like 1/2" from the body. If you plan on wheeling your truck I would definitely do this on the labs bumper.
 
Got license plate mount on. Only a few will realize it came from a pre-1970 Land Cruiser. The light came from CDan -- yes you can still order this pre-1970 Part-- and amazingly the color almost matches the 40th color
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Usually Amazon has those for $9. Wait a couple days if you want to save $4.
 

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