96' 4Runner + Deer =

[CruisinMT]

Hit a deer this weekend with my wife's 4Runner. Mashed the passenger side bumper pretty much into the tire, broke the turn signal. popped out the front of the fender. I wish I had been driving my 40 since it prolly would have done less damage. Ins. deductible is $2500 so not going to pay that. I will fix it myself. I should be able to fix the fender once the bumper is off.

Anyways I need to know how many bolts hold on the front bumper of a 96', and how and what do I need to take off to get it down to something that my buddy can build me a new bumper for?

Photos of any of your experiences with the front bumper would be appreciated. Thanks.

 

[Duane]

not much holds the front bumper on

-1st pic on the body mount bracket, near the front of each fram rail you will have 2 bolts to remove on each side. They go from the outside towards the center of the vehicle horizontally
- and in front of each front wheel well this is a small fastener from the bottom up that attaches to each front corner of the bumper..right at each bumper end into the wheel well. Think it keeps it from flapping around for the size of the fastener.
- 2nd pic shows connector, depress the tab first.. each turn signal assembly will have one connector to unplug that you can get at from behind the light

that's it! It's more for show than anything really!

 

[CruisinMT]

I got it taken off, you weren't kidding about it being for show. Getting a custom one priced out tomorrow. Doesn't make sense to replace with factory that dosnt protect jack s***.

 

[Kroll]

Do you have a picture of the carnage?
I'm in the midst of persuading my GF to install an ARB on her 4Runner.
Pictures will help to convince her.

 

[CruisinMT]

Do you have a picture of the carnage?
I'm in the midst of persuading my GF to install an ARB on her 4Runner.
Pictures will help to convince her.

The carnage actually wasnt too bad. I was able to push the fender back into place and move the braces etc. back into their original spots once I got the bumper off and took out some bolts. Got her all lined back up. luckily I onle broke one turn signal marker. There is a way to migrate them up to the side marker lights right?

I'll post some photos, in a bit.

 

[Kroll]

Thanks for the pictures.
As for side markers, I found this write up.

 

[CruisinMT]

This is what I'll be attempting. Good thing I have a dremel.

Turn signal mod - TTORA Forum

 

[Happy Trails]

Sorry to hear about the damage. Three letters, ARB!

 

[Duane]

I'm thinking that was a pretty small dear..white tail?
Glad to see it didn't damage the hood, coolers, etc etc.........
If you do find an ARB it comes with their own turn signals in the bumper. All you should need is to fix up that fender and you should be good to go.

 

[CruisinMT]

yeah it was a whitetail. just clipped her in the rear quarter. My friend who owns his own fabrication business is going to build me a bumper for $900. looks similar to the shrockworks style minus the hoops that my wife doesn't want. I'll migrate the signals up into the parking light area and put orange bulbs in them.