Educate me on Viper cut

Thanks

 

Here's some education for ya': https://trail4runner.com/2022/10/18/viper-cut-how-to-step-by-step-guide-5th-gen-4runner/



The above link will answer and discuss the following:

• 4Runner Viper Cut
• Why Do A Viper Cut?
• Is A Viper Cut Right For You?
• Pros & Cons To The Viper Cut
• Step-by-Step Front Bumper Cut Guide
• Step 1. Measure For Cuts
• Step 2. Cut Your Bumper
• Step 3. Sand Rough Edges (Optional)
• Step 4. Clean up Fender Liner (Optional)
• Step 5. Add Trim To Edges
• Step 6. Install Washer Bottle Reservoir Cover

Here are the Pro's/Cons:

Pros:

• Added clearance for improved approach angle.
• Added clearance for larger tires.
• Customization
  • There are so many types of viper cuts out there, with different measurements, and different slopes.
• For Instagram users, it’s going to improve your total number of likes and comments by at least 15%.
• When it comes to adding a LoPro that has Stage 2 options, you are already more than halfway done with your chop.
  • My cut is not as high up because the Southern Style Offroad and C4 Fabrication Stage 2 cuts are so different. SSO’s cut is lower and C4’s cut is higher. I went with the former because I still have both options when it comes to adding a bumper and Stage 2s. You can read more about that here.

Cons:

• Your washer fluid reservoir will become exposed.
  • Not doing so will allow debris to break through your plastic reservoir.
• There is no going back unless you order a new bumper.
  • You can see an example here, although it isn’t exactly what we’re talking about here.
• If you are planning to have an SSO LoPro but you cut too high, you may be S.O.L. C4 will be your only option when it comes to Stage 2s as their cut is higher.

 

Looks like @Borracho Loco has this covered, so I'll just add a picture from a spot where everyone takes pictures on the T.W.A.T.

 

That's a lot of great info but I'm sad he'll never see it. His internet is obviously broken or he would have found it

 

Meh, apologies to OP. I've been guilty of asking to be spoon fed info too but that article is literally the #1 result of a Google search. I'm just in a "be a dick to be funny" mood tonight

 

@Yotaholic hey buddy, I didn't YouTube my viper cut but I used YouTube to help grow the balls to take on the Dremel cut in my garage. I've been in construction my whole life and enjoy these things but I was still nervous.
Search YouTube and 4R.com like I know you will, and see my posts below for ideas if you like

Cheers from Canada

https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...h-gen-4runner-today.2261/page-698#post-375516

https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...h-gen-4runner-today.2261/page-699#post-375785

https://www.4runners.com/threads/wh...h-gen-4runner-today.2261/page-740#post-401252

https://www.4runners.com/threads/5th-gen-4runners-in-scenic-locations.7967/page-100#post-437351

 

If my off road habits caused me to continuously scrape the front bumper in the areas that are removed from the viper cut then I would consider it, otherwise I think it fits into the vanity project category.

 

Why does everyone have their lights on in daytime?

 

Bear with me guys, new to 4Runner world, and I don't like Google

 

It's standard procedure on a trail run. It gets dusty in some areas and anything you can do to be more visible is a good thing.

Also, some would say that you should always drive with your lights on, regardless of time of day or weather conditions. Mine are pretty much always on.

 

I do it just to piss you off.

How ya' like them apples!

 

I can't speak for the OP, but I manage to scrape mine even after the cuts.



Forgive the crappy nighttime picture, but I couldn't find a good picture of my bumper, and it gets dark at like 4pm this time of year.

 

If I didn’t have auto lights, I’d leave them on all the time too. Doesn’t hurt and I’ve had auto lights on every vehicle since 2000 so would be liable to forget them.

 

I had to google vanity project haha
Not offended, everyone knows the quote opinions are like assholes
I've scraped the crap outta the bumper well above the clearance cut. I cut to mimic a steel bumper look, haven't invested that far yet

 

After I fire up the engine, next thing I turn on the lights plus fog lights no matter what time of the day lol

 

ARB steel bumper is the way to go. But I am not ready for that yet

 

I used to run the fogs all the time, but I stopped when I realized that they actually make it harder to see at night in regular conditions.

 

I'm probably going with Coastal off-road if I get a full bumper. There are a bunch of good looking ones.

 

This guy carries the spare like I do lol

 

Wow, yeah

 

A "Con" I would add is that there is less of your bumper attached to the vehicle. Sometimes when I drive up to Denver on i25 if I get up over 80 MPH and there is a cross wind my bumper will cavitate a little. Scared the crap out of me the first time I heard it! LOL I did take some slices of pipe insulation, basically pool noodle, and jammed it in a few strategic spots and that seems to have solved the problem though they do disappear on occasion so sometimes after a wash I have to cut a new piece of foam off for stuffing.

 

Here is mine. I incorporated a curve similar to T4R Garage. I think it turned out pretty well. If I had to do it again, I think I would have curved it too make it flat at the top if that makes sense

 

Do these cuts improve your approach angle or are you still limited by the center of the bumper?

 

Not if you approach an obstacle straight on in the center of the bumper. But, if you approach at an angle, yes. Or, if there is a random boulder you can get one tire on it more easily.

 

I pray that you're joking, even in broad daylight on the road you're way more visible with lights on. This is driving 101...

 

Repent sinner