Buy Toyota 4Runner Bumpers

Background Info

The Toyota 4Runner bumper-also called the bumper cover, fascia, bar, or guard-is the plastic or metal shield that protects the SUV's nose and tail, holds crash-absorbing beams, and houses lights and sensors. It changed with each 4Runner generation, moved to lighter plastics in the 1990s, and now offers hybrid-ready steel or aluminum upgrades for serious off-road use. Factory covers are ABS plastic over a hidden high-strength-steel reinforcement bar; aftermarket options add winch mounts, recovery points, and higher clearance. (Toyota, Toyota USA Newsroom, NHTSA)

Part Basics

Toyota designs the stock bumper to crumple in a low-speed crash, shielding the frame and airbags. Under the plastic shell sits a steel impact beam bolted to the frame. A foam energy absorber fills the gap between shell and beam. (Amazon, Amazon)
Bumpers also carry fog-lamps, parking sensors, Toyota Safety Sense (TSS) radar, and front license brackets. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com], Toyota)

Fitment Years

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Materials

• ABS plastic cover-flexes and is cheap to paint. (Amazon)
• High-strength-steel beam-absorbs most crash force. (Amazon)
• Aluminum or hybrid steel-aluminum skins-cut 30-40 lb and resist rust. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)
• Powder-coated steel off-road bumpers-add winch plates and D-ring tabs but weigh up to 140 lb. (Artec Industries)

Key Jobs

1. Protect sheet metal and cooling parts. (NHTSA)
2. Keep approach angle high for trails (34° on TRD models). (Car and Driver)
3. Hold TSS radar and ultrasonic sensors so driver aids stay active. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])

Common Issues

• Corner gap between cover and fender clips on 2020+ models-usually fixed by reseating plastic tabs. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])
• Sun-fade or discoloration on unpainted gray covers; UV-safe trim restorer helps. (4Runner6G)
• Rock chips & paint flake; owners often use touch-up pens or spray plastic-safe paint. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Replacement Tips

A weekend DIYer with basic tools can swap a 5th-gen front cover in 2 hours: remove 10 clips, 6 bolts, unplug fog lights, pull straight out, reverse to install. A helper makes lining up tabs easier. (Reddit)
Always disconnect the radar plug before dropping the cover to avoid fault codes. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])

Upgrade Options

Aftermarket steel or aluminum bumpers add recovery shackles, winch mounts, skid-plate ties, and swing-out tire carriers. Many are CAD-cut to hug the body for a factory look and bolt to frame horns with 8-grade hardware. (cbioffroadfab.com, Artec Industries)
Choose a design that keeps the radar window clear or uses a relocation bracket so TSS stays online. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])

Safety & Sensors

SUVs like the 4Runner are exempt from the 20-inch bumper-height rule (FMVSS 581) that applies to passenger cars, but Toyota still tunes bumper crush zones for pedestrian safety. (NHTSA)
Steel bumpers can transfer more force to the frame in low-speed hits, so inspect for hidden damage after any impact. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Paint & Finish

Factory covers are sold primered; painters scuff with 600-grit, spray base-coat, then clear. Spray cans work for trim pieces but chip faster than a booth bake. (YouTube, Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])
Average shop quote to refinish one corner is about $600-$700, while DIY touch-up costs under $50. (Reddit)

Cost Factors

• OEM plastic cover: ~$400 unpainted, plus paint.
• OEM steel beam: ~$150-$250.
• Aftermarket steel off-road bumper: $1,000-$2,000 depending on options.
• Aluminum hybrid bumper: adds ~$300 over steel but saves weight. (Artec Industries, Reddit)

Maintenance

Wash off mud and road salt so sensors stay clear. Wax painted covers twice a year. Check mounting bolts every oil change; tighten to 54 ft-lb on most frame brackets. Replace torn foam absorbers after any hit. (Amazon)

Legal Rules

While SUVs are outside FMVSS 581, many states limit bumper height and require functional lights. Measure after any lift kit-some states cap front height at 30 inches. Always keep VIN-visible and do not block the radar field. (NHTSA, NHTSA)

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does a 4Runner bumper actually do?
A: It absorbs low-speed impact, protects the grille and headlights, and holds sensors and lights. (NHTSA)

Q: Which years share the same front bumper?
A: All 2014-2024 5th-gen models share the cover; 2010-2013 use an earlier style. (Toyota USA Newsroom)

Q: Is the factory bumper metal or plastic?
A: The outside is ABS plastic; the hidden beam is high-strength steel. (Amazon, Amazon)

Q: Steel vs. aluminum-what's better?
A: Steel is cheaper and stronger; aluminum resists rust and is 30-40 lb lighter. (Toyota 4Runner Forum)

Q: Will Toyota Safety Sense still work with an aftermarket bumper?
A: Yes, if the bumper leaves a clear path for the radar or uses a relocation bracket. (Toyota 4Runner Forum [4Runners.com])

Q: Can I install a new cover myself?
A: Yes; most owners complete the swap in under two hours with hand tools. (Reddit)

Q: Do I need an alignment after changing a bumper?
A: No. The bumper bolts to the frame ends and does not alter suspension geometry.

Q: How much does a stock bumper weigh?
A: About 35 lb for the plastic cover and 22 lb for the reinforcement bar.

Q: How often should I inspect the bumper?
A: Check clips and bolts every 5,000 miles or after any off-road impact.

Q: Is repainting worth the cost?
A: A full shop refinish runs around $650; touch-up paint is cheaper but less perfect. (Reddit)

Q: Does a metal bumper change approach angle?
A: Yes-slim high-clearance designs can improve approach to roughly 34 degrees. (Car and Driver)