Installed on 9/29/02

An aftermarket bumper is usually a sought after upgrade for off-road enthusiasts as they give added protection against rocks and the like that a stock bumper could not withstand without being damaged. In addition to being much more rugged than a stock bumper, many offer the possibility for adding a winch and auxiliary lights. The other main, and maybe the biggest, advantage to adding one of these is an improved approach angle. The stock bumpers on 4Runners hang down pretty low and are much easier to hit on the more rocky trails.

The T15 model weighs about 75 pounds compared to the OEM bumper's 45, or whatever they are. The added weight was noticeable for the first few days and I would liken it to having a trailer hooked up, though to a much lesser degree, whereby you feel the added weight pulling you down going over bumps. This bumper is a direct bolt-on for 1999-2002 4Runners. No cutting of the bumper frame mount plate is necessary.

Were I to do this over again, I would've definitely had a custom bumper made for more rigidity, and slightly better approach angle at a very similar cost. However, for what I use my 4Runner for anymore, it is overkill for me at this point, so the T15 is fine and I really have no complaints.

A big thanks to Ziad Matloub for a big help with the install.