Limited winch set up

tldr: Can I modify a sr5 or trd pro bumper for a winch and then mount both on a 4runner limited?

About to make the jump into a 4runner and want the limited for the fancy features, but hate some of the cosmetics. Specifically the bumpers. Question is, I saw a few forums about people swapping for TRD pro bumper but not sure if I could also add a winch. Is the frame for all 5th gen bumpers the same?
With that in mind would it be more worth to get a cheaper SR5 bumper (since winches require the bumper to get cut)?

 

I have a 2021 Limited and had my local shop install a Hidden Winch Mount by BudBuilt:
https://budbuilt.com/-Hidden-Winch-Mount-2013-2022-Limited-4Runner-_p_819.html

I had them mount a 12,000 Badland Apex winch. I'd had the front plastic trimmed earlier for clearance because of trail rash.
I've seen others do the same mods /install.

For comparison, I've seen some people do the SR5 front end swap, and I believe it is pretty involved and pretty expensive, especially if you are just going to cut it to add a Low Profile bumper.
If you are doing that then it becomes more cost effective to add a full metal bumper and winch.

For me, weight - especially in front of the axels was a big consideration, my Winch Mount bolts to the frame and the front crash bar, it is made of 1/4" steel, with the 1/2" steel recovery points, that accept 3/4" D-ring shackles, and it weighs 24 lbs. The 12,000 winch with synthetic rope weighs 70 lbs, so I've only added 95 lbs to the front of the vehicle. metal bumper and winch would be an additional 200 lbs and require many new suspension components.

To prevent additional rake and to preserve X-reas I had the shop put in the Cornfed 2"/1" X-REAS lift.

Check out my Build Thread for the mods i've had done to my '21 T4R Limited.
There are some other threads on the forum with others adding the same options.
I'll update with pics in this thread too.

 

See images:

 

The shop charged 3 hours to do the initial cuts to the plastic rocker panels and the front bumper and to install the rock sliders.
They charged 3 hours to do the hidden winch mount install and the winch install and wiring.
I think they charged 1 - 2 hours for the lift install.

I'm thinking a shop would estimate you between 4 - 6 hours for the work of installing a winch and hidden winch mount and a lift and doing the trimming.
For me the results were well worth it.

BONUS - Over the weekend we had heavy rains and I got super stuck at the bottom of a hill by a fishing spot.
There are some spots where AT tires, 4WD and A-TRAC simply CAN'T get you out.
I was able to hook to that F-150 as an anchor and winch up a 20 degree slope without issue.

 

Nice setup.

 

Very nice setup, looks clean. I was sort of surprised you didnt go with the TRD red shackles....

 

Thanks! I already had the SmittyBuilt ones so I kept them. I thought about red but I was afraid it would be too much red-on-red.

 

Looks nice.

 

I finally got around to cutting my Limited up myself and it looks amazing! Only question for you, did you pick up some wind noise from the front bumper area? I can hear it clearly in there even though I've secured the fender liners tightly with zip ties and I can't find anything else loose. Must just be wind circulating in the bumper area? Curious to hear your experience.

Also curious if you ended up with custom splash guards to fill the new gaps underneath or anything?

 

Plus 1 for the bud built hidden winch bumper...clean easy install and keeps the subtle look...paired mine with the Ironman 9500 w/ rope...

 

NICE! That winch and fairlead looks even more stealth on the NightShade.

Quick thing to watch out for, After a year of having the winch mouted, just this week my AC stopped working. Dealership found that the winch had worn a hole through the AC Line that runs right by winch on the passenger side. If you can, make sure you've got good clearance there, even if it's not touching static, it can rub under-load.
Also cover the nearest points of the AC line with some rubber/insulation to protect even more.

 

I did pick up some wind noise from the bumper area. I am 100% certain it is the air circulating through gaps at speed. It exists but it's not a whistle or something overwhelming to me, just a little more "wooshy" at speeds over 55.

I didn't add a custom splashguard. In about 2 weeks, I'm having a custom 1 3/4" tube bash guard and fill plate added that will remove the aluminum bash guard and tie into the winch plate along with the new skid plates I had added. For the most part this will function as a splash guard. I don't know how it will impact wind noise. It will only be about 3 inches higher so I'm hoping it will be the same.

 

well I have you to thank for finding a combo that would work...thanks...again ;-)

 

That is one good looking Limited! I recently got a 2024 Barcelona Red Limited and that shot makes me all tingly.

 

You can move the controls forward and to the passenger side without replacing any wires and it won’t rub the AC lines. I printed a bracket to do that. If you take some measurements, I can print you one and send it

Edit: added pictures

 

I like that setup with the relocated solenoid. And I really like that bumper winch mount. Too late for me to do something similar but it looks really good.

My issue was actually with the line to the condenser on the passenger side.

 

Thanks! Looks like it’s fixed now?

 

Nope. The circled red part in the pictures is where it is damaged. We are waiting for the part to come in so it can be replaced and recharged.

 

Sorry. Should have been more specific. Has the winch control been moved or some other solution been found to not have it happen again?

 

Yes, alternate solution. It was the outer corner of the winch that hit the line. When installing the new AC line we pre bent the line to give it 1/2" clearance all around and that will prevent impact and damage.

 

Love the job you did blacking out your chrome. Mind if I ask whether it is paint, wrap or black out overlay kit?

I just picked up a '24 Limited in classic silver and am definitely feeling "over chromed". Black matte TRD Pro rims going on next week, so this would also be a nice touch.

Thanks!
TimG

 

That’s the “nightshade” pkg...came from factory like that ;-)