Installing Savage Rear Bumper w/Swingout - **Pictures!**

I received my Savage Rear bumper with swingout a few months ago, I barely had the time to have it sent for powdercoating and getting it installed.

I decided to do a writeup on the installation since the vendor didn't provide any. Hopefully this helps anyone that is interested in buying this setup in regards to installation.

This will be installed on a 2001 4runner.

The morning sunlight was not good with me - So I apologize in advance if any of the pictures are too dark. I try to make this as comprehensive as possible.

Here is the powdercoated bumper and swingout assembly:





First step is to obviously remove the rear bumper and hitch:



Drop the spare and get it out of the way:



Since the hitch is the first thing to go, I made sure the trailer wiring harness bracket was disconnected from the hitch:



The hitch receiver is held in place to the frame with a total of 8 bolts - 4 on each side:



Removing the eight bolts will drop the hitch receiver:



Next remove the mudflaps, there are about 3 screws that hold the mudflaps onto the 4runner. They are located against the wheel well:





Removing the mudflaps will reveal a bolt, take it out:





Once that bolt is off, remove the bumper cover. These are held firmly in place with tabs, crawl underneath the vehicle and push the tabs out with a flathead, pliers, etc.







Once that black bumper cover is gone, it will reveal a black bracket with two bolts, remove the top two bolts on EACH side of the bumper:





The bumper is now being held in place by four bolts underneath the vehicle, two on each side on this bracket:



Oooops.. found two more bolts - The bolts are located where the bumper ends at the mudflap - notice the fuel filler neck cover - One on each side - These are a little hidden.



The bumper should now come off:



Inside of the frame rails, a long rod with a bolt welded on it will be seen, pull them out:



In order to get the bumper in, the rubber grommet that holds the exhaust tail piece must be removed:



When the bumper was removed, this black bracket was revealed - one on each side. Remove this also:



Feed your cat:



Once you're finished feeding the cat, it is time to install your bumper:



This is the hinge bracket where the swingout attaches to. Make sure this gets installed FIRST before installing. When the bumper is purchased, Savage only drills pilot holes for the hinge bracket. Drill them out BEFORE getting the bumper powdercoated or painted.





Hinge hardware:



Assemble and bolt on like this:





Install bumper:



Picture of hinge for the swingout:





Only FOUR bolts were used to set the bumper. In the bumper kit, these two brackets were included:



These go into the frame rail:



The first and last bolt now threads into that bracket:



This plate is used to install the locking lever:





Install the "anchor" for the locking lever:



Install the locking lever:



Now the gas strut is installed:



Strut bracket that is attached to the arm:





Pop open a beer and enjoy your progress:



Behold the tire carrier stand:





Next, the license plate bracket is installed.





Hmm.. time to run some wiring:



I decided to tap into the trailer wiring, good thing they were labeled. I tapped into "Tail" and "Ground", black and white:



Run wiring and attached using quick splices - I made sure it was well wrapped in electrical tape:



Clamped it to the rear tube of the bumper, where it is hidden. No, I don't mind the hose clamps. It cant be seen unless you are looking for it.



Now complete:





Enjoy the rest of that six pack!

 

I call dibs on the factor rear mud flaps and all hardware needed please.

 

Nice work man.

 

I don't know if I want to get rid of them yet. I will keep you updated.

 

Finally got the spare tire mounted.
Yes, I know the stock spare is still down there.

IDGAF.

 

pssst.....did you ever get ahold of that ABS controller?

 

Shit no. It still sitting in the truck in the back 40 on the farm.

 

Installed new swingout last weekend!

 

Nice write up - great looking bumper too.

 

Do they make a 5th Gen version of this? I really like that bumper.

 

Is this bumper available and do you have a link? I have a 2nd gen my bumper is toast and so is the spare rigging so this is the route I'd like to go. Also how do you like it and is the lock on the wheel Carrier secure?

 

It's no longer available. Savage Offroad discontinued it earlier this yet.

I love the bumper, it's sound and secure.