Fabricating A Winch Bumper For The 3RD Gen Toyota 4Runner!!

Building a winch bumper for the 2002 Toyota 4Runner!
Check out these bumper plans on my website!!!
avrcustoms.com/products/1996-...
Follow me on Instagram! / austinniemela
Items used in the video:
Smittybilt XRC Winch: amzn.to/2OMa0R6
Hawse Fairlead: amzn.to/3f2O2ns
Hobart Mig Welder: amzn.to/3rkCKPl
Eastwood Mini Metal Saw: amzn.to/3azgrz4
4 ½” Grinder: amzn.to/38jWpGf
4 ½” Cut Off Wheels: amzn.to/382A7tO
Flap Disc: amzn.to/34vy8Mh
Mini Flap Disc: amzn.to/2JapHyE
Magnetic Angle Finder: amzn.to/3h4tqtP
Protractor: amzn.to/2L1P3za
Drill or drill press: amzn.to/3mSeNv6
Drill bits: amzn.to/3mV6dM5
Permanent marker: amzn.to/3n1jNgW
Knife: amzn.to/2WQNeI0
Straight edge: amzn.to/3mYvS6P
4runner build list:
Front Bumper: avrcustoms.com/collections/bu...
Smittybilt XRC Winch: amzn.to/3BjOCp5
Wheels: ebay.us/bdMZb2
Tires: ebay.us/WDYaPe
Lug Nuts: ebay.us/B11aZw
Front Bilstein 5100: amzn.to/3gEbBDJ
Rear Bilstein 5100: amzn.to/3BmbpRd
Front OME springs: amzn.to/3oE980q
Rear OME springs: amzn.to/3afAIbE
SPC Upper Control Arms: amzn.to/2WKFivo
Diff Drop Kit: amzn.to/2WScrpe
Energy Steering Rack Bushings: amzn.to/3lejvWm
D2S projectors: amzn.to/3afbVom
Panamera switchback shrouds: ebay.us/Aafpuy
Headlight harness: amzn.to/3iEUjXz
Headlight sealant: amzn.to/3ac4PAG
Black side marker lights: ebay.us/ahrUoJ
Tail Lights: ebay.us/14If6u
Grill: ebay.us/RFOLa7
Grill mesh: amzn.to/3mw5rHm
Headunit: amzn.to/3mwVZmW
Deck Plate: amzn.to/3lgSRw1
Right Ball Joint: amzn.to/3AiQzB1
Left Ball Joint: amzn.to/3BjiulE
CV Boots: www.offroadsolutions.com/prod...
Camera equipment used in the video!
Sony A7II Camera: amzn.to/2yprn1p
GoPro Hero 8 Black: amzn.to/31avsTg
Tripod: amzn.to/35P7oY5
Send me stuff!
PO Box 133
Chattaroy WA 99003

[@stevewhyte8476]

Austin says I'm no rocket scientist, but he knows a hell of a lot about household cleansers! my go to channel for oven cleaners and related.

[@tonysantana1493]

You did a nice job as normal! Building these kind of bumpers are fun. Can't wait to see yours rapture lined.

[@thescottishhammer7570]

Looking forward to seeing this 3rd gen 4Runner get its lift and tires. Love these things!!

[@gregnorvell9730]

I like how your tools, shop and execution of the build is like what most people have and can afford. Very good job on the bumper. You got a sub!

[@wheelieking71]

I gotta say, you build a damn fine bumper Sir! I have been really impressed with all your fab work actually. Keep it up!

[@willb3018]

Austin really does have a knack for these bumpers. Another great one

[@austinniemela]

Thanks man!

[@garethl.2123]

I feel sorry for whatever hits this bumper in the future. What a unit

[@flyboy2610]

Nice build! I like that you used tools that us common folk would have, not expensive steel working machinery that only a professional custom fabricator could afford!

[@thefun-v2466]

These bumpers just keep getting better, you have such an amazing talent for this. I'm surprised you haven't made your own break press yet for bending the metal . I can't wait to see what the truck looks like when its lifted and has bigger tires.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!!

[@charlieboozer9868]

I love how you show the work at a pace thst can allow people to umderstand how it should be done. In my book you at a master fabricator. Keep up the good work brother.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!! 👍

[@juanalfaro8058]

oh my friend you make look everyting so easy... .. you are so good mechanic...

[@glenniz1]

A good strong cup of coffee, a plate of biscuits and gravy, and my television tuned to your channel. Talk about starting your day off on the right foot, your fab skills are simply amazing Austin!!! Keep up the Great Work Bro!!!

[@austinniemela]

Sounds like a good time lol thanks!

[@everythingsucks6086]

Beautiful truck buddy!! I have the same winch on my 93' 4runner and my 96' Tahoe, they are awesome! Sweet bumper as well!!

[@austinniemela]

Thanks 👍

[@jimhillbilly0866]

Love the way you Build the bumpers I my have to try some thing like that for my 84 Subaru

[@1lionconqueror]

Man, that is sick. Awesome handy work, clever chap!

[@melidigitaki1475]

Always love your videos, amazing craftsmanship bro!!!!

[@SangTran-zn7lq]

Clean and simple. Love it.

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!

[@michaelperryman7078]

That bumper looks fantastic. I have been looking for a bumper for my 3rd gen.thanks for the videos

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!

[@Shrek-is-Love]

Really looking forward to this 4runner build. Long-arm lift kit maybe? Keep up the good work!

[@awhipps]

I was excited to see this was a longer video, but it went by super quick. Great as always! Nice start to my Sunday before going out to the garage watching new videos from my favorite two channels, this one and Dirt Lifestyle.

[@austinniemela]

Good deal!! Thanks!

[@tommysantos1658]

Boy do i enjoy these fabrication videos man. Awesome content

[@austinniemela]

Glad you like them! Thank you!

[@bwhite824]

That turned out awesome! You make it look easy.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks 👍

[@jonathan5354]

love it. good to see it all in one video. your video editing is really good.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!! 👍

[@merseymoto9501]

I need this bumper in my life 😎

[@monicashley1]

Loved the bumper build. Austin, I recently saw a video of a Tundra big brake upgrade for the runner from Timmy the toolman. It’d be good since your adding some weight to the truck.

[@MussaKZN]

Nice bar Austin, practice makes perfect! I love your CAD! Cardboard Austin Design!

[@voolandashland2914]

what a masterpiece of work man

[@Moreno0101]

That bumper looks dope! Great job!

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!

[@garagegnomes]

Good stuff man! I really like those integrated recovery mount/gussets.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! That’s my favorite part of the bumper!

[@richardmiller5238]

Another good video! Thanks for putting these type videos out!

[@austinniemela]

Glad you like them!

[@thebrojectlist6881]

Really like the quality of the work, very nice job!! The people on youtube are so spoiled these days to have such nice video's to watch. I know It is A LOT of work to fabricate something, film it at the same time and then editing all the clips afterwards. Splendid job, i liked and subscribed!!

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!! Yes its alot of work, and i made the templates for it as well!!

[@rhyswilliams695]

Sweet job Austin.

[@lichelleleeson7005]

Nice job bud. Your workmanship is top class

[@austinniemela]

Thanks man!

[@california199_7]

Amazing what a awesome job you did, thanks for sharing. Only if I was smart enough to build that to my 3rd gen too

[@JEREMY120983]

Beautiful! That's solid💪

[@hovig]

Awesome build

[@tradeMark182]

Man we missed you Austin ❤

[@austinniemela]

Yeah this bumper took a while to build!

[@michaelsfabwork2985]

Great video. You do great work very clean and great craftsmanship. I want to build me a bumper for my H3. I just finished my rock sliders/ steps and they came out good. I look forward to seeing more. Take care and stay safe.

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!! Sounds like a fun project!

[@allenhorne7032]

Love the design of the bumper! Great job! A good tip when it comes to welding and you want to let it cool down as you go, use an air compressor and blow it off as you go, makes it go alot quicker. I've seen a show called Bad Chad who builds custom cars and that what they do to be able to keep working and it still be able to cool down to avoid it warping. I can't wait to see the finished product! Looking great!

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!! I have used air in the past, I just found something else to do while it cooled off!

[@allenhorne7032]

Austin, are you gonna paint it or raptor line it?

[@austinniemela]

@@allenhorne7032 raptor line! I love the stuff for bumpers!

[@allenhorne7032]

@@austinniemela awesome, l like the look of that stuff as well for bumpers!

[@ToddSwagerty]

Looks really good

[@c.cortes1888]

Incredible!

[@hog_hunter8287]

amazing work nice and neat i like it

[@MarreroBuilt]

Amazing work!.

[@dee4hunteradventure899]

Yo! That looks sick man! I wish i can slap that on my 3rd gen. Bolt on is the way i like it. 🤘

[@arvindriddick]

Finallyyyy. I hav been waiting so long for this vid. I love it man. I love it allot

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!

[@14KiloWhisky]

Always good work 🙂👍

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!

[@ryguy08781]

Awesome work as always , keep it up! 👍

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!

[@dc5723]

Looks awesome especially your stack of dimes welding.

[@austinniemela]

Thanks 👍

[@johncourtneyscott2757]

It looks great

[@dezfan]

Turned out great. 👍🏼

[@austinniemela]

Thank you!

[@bobbygrey5859]

Very good video and thank you 👍🏽

[@ItsJoshN]

Hey Austin, remember me? I commented that I was new to the channel almost a month ago and I'm happy to say that I just bought my first Toyota! A 1992 4x4 Pickup with the 3.slow and an automatic! It won't be my forever truck but I am so excited. Thanks for all the content and keep it up :)

[@austinniemela]

Awesome! Congrats on the new truck!

[@FlynDirty1]

Master Fabricator

[@CB-hr6zs]

Good stuff bro the bumper is really nice came out great

[@austinniemela]

Thanks 👍

[@diyjeff1838]

Nice work!!

[@roseanna9100]

Hello from the uk, you do great work

[@austinniemela]

Hey, thanks!

[@darrylbarger3795]

Austin, your fabrication, production and editing skills are impressive. I completely enjoy all your videos. I too am a Toyota fan. I've owned a 93 SR5 which I fixed up and drove for a few years then turned it over to my Son and it survived him 2 and half years before he totaled it. I so wish I still had it now. I currently own an 04 4Runner V8 Sport since new. I bought a Shrockworks winch bumper and rear CBI bumper. I wish I had your fab and welding skills. Could have save oodles of $. I'm currently looking for another SR5 or Tacoma but they are so expensive, miled out and rusty here in WV.

[@austinniemela]

Thank you man! Yeah these older Toyota’s are getting hard to find!

[@jvogler_art4708]

@@austinniemela Not here in Cali they're all over still!

[@phillippearce9680]

Awesome job!👍

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! 👍

[@laskislerba]

Came first as niemela sounded like Finnish lastname, signed and stayed for content. Keep up the good work :)

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!!! 👍👍 i am a bit Finn

[@1993Revhead]

Definitely reckon some hoops on it would look tough too.

[@stanwardoshiro]

When I installed my winch, I hid the relay box behind the bumper and relocated the connector to the front plastic grille. Did this on my 06 Xterra and 05 Frontier.

[@MWPision]

Muito bom! Excelente trabalho

[@brianhind7477]

Great job 👍

[@bruceburton5944]

Just picked up a 92 4Runner. Wish I had one of your bumpers. With a little view of winch cable only flaw I saw. Possibly a skid plate you can bolt on and remove. North Carolina here

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! I do make plans for the 89-95!

[@artorantasalo5677]

Very good video ! 👍

[@josephdejesus8125]

It looks good 👍

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!

[@unclejesse88]

When lifting those heavy bumpers on and off, get some bolts the same size as the ones bolting the bumper on, but longer. Cut the heads off and grind a slot in the end. Then you can use them as studs to help hang the bumper easier. Also, I'm sure no one would complain if there was a "how I built a table for my drill press" video...

[@austinniemela]

Good idea!

[@tonygSDWR]

Seems like you cranked this bumper out quickly? That's a lot of work including designing, building, filming and making plans to only take a week or so. Great work!

[@austinniemela]

It’s about a week and a half now with doing the plans for it! Thanks!

[@levimonsen1006]

Man, fab skills are unreal. Might have to use your plans to build mine. 4xinnovations is the only other company that bolts onto the existing holes rather than cut the mount and weld in a new one like everyone else.

[@austinniemela]

Thank you! Yea i like the idea of not cutting the frame so a stock bumper in the future is still an option!

[@petereverest2736]

I do like whatchng things being done the old way as in making them

[@ardenwfoster5380]

Austin, Always a pleasure watching your videos! I have a one owner 94 4RUNNER SR5 3.0l 4x2. I really like the headlights you have if you would could you please give me a link for the headlights! Thank You in advance! keep up the great videos. Arden

[@jstef928]

I'm waiting on a 2011 Chevy Tahoe bumper build from you and plan for this/my truck.

[@stevebrackenridge9778]

Nice work

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!

[@AR-ji4ih]

Austin love this video, hope you can make the cut out diagram for this bumper. 👍🏽🤙🏽👏🏽👏🏽

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! Yes the cutouts are in the templates

[@romaromarquez3586]

exelente trabajo amigo .. te falto mostrar el resultado final con pintura saludos desde cucuta colombia

[@justinlawrence4562]

Awesome Bro the bumper looks sick! Whish you could build a bumper for my truck!

[@Umarov_us_]

👍 nice job

[@jsvallee567]

nice build once again ! you give me the inspiration and the motivation to build a rear one for my 01 tacoma !! .. so im wondering if the one you build for the green truck could fit bolt on might gonna buy the template kit and give it a try soon worst case i just build my own mounting point

[@austinniemela]

Thanks!! Honestly the rear bumper itself should be very close if not right on the money with the exception of the mounts, however they do mount very similar. The only think I’m not sure about is the frame width on the Tacoma but that wouldn’t change much!

[@jac3975]

Just a thought with the winch controller. Why not remove the controller plug from the controller box and leave it where it is, extend the wiring and mount it independently so all you have to do is plug the controller into the bar. At the same time you can run in cab control switches that will both disable the power to the winch through the earth (when not in use) and control in/out while sitting in the car. All you need is a 5 or 7 wire trailer cable, it’ll be much cleaner and easier in the long run. Love the channel by the way. Found you while searching ways to paint a rear tray back in the days of the red Toyota tray build and subbed for brilliant content since. Much respect from down under 🇦🇺 👊

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! Thats a good idea!

[@NoLimitsFunGarage]

I'd love to see you working on a 90 series Prado

[@javier4764]

👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏 que buen trabajo.

[@Cat53278]

This is getting stupid watching these videos about the bumpers is making me want to make one for my 01 Toyota Echo hahaha Good Job man keep up the good work

[@alziegelejr6262]

Love the video what a great job you did on that bumper looks awesome

[@rehanniazi3596]

Top job.....

[@farkookneebah]

Damn a great job as usual (Lets Raptor it)

[@Taparrakas]

Very very good i like

[@randyrocket461]

You should use something to protect the trees bark ! but your bumper looks great !

[@jimmadonna1436]

That's a great price for a Wench. They're less expensive than they were in the 80's. I can't tell you how much I love watching you Fabricating things. Your good at it! I think this is your best work so far. I'm looking forward to more Fab videos. You make miss my Toyota days. Hey I have a question I lost 2 O rings on my master link and I'm having a hard time finding one that fits. Do you have any idea where I can find rubber rings?

[@austinniemela]

Thanks man!! I’m sure you can get the orings online! Not really sure as I’ve never needed to but just the rings

[@jimmadonna1436]

@@austinniemela thanks for taking the time to answer my question. I'll look on eBay or Amazon.

[@douglasthompson2740]

It would be nice if you removed that one 1/8" gusset right under the fairlead and replaced it with a piece of 1/2" exactly shaped the same but with a hole in it for a shackle pin. That would give a straight line pull when using a snatch block and also if being towed it would give a straight ahead force instead of the angled pull when pulling off center (tougher to steer and on the frame). Just for kicks and giggles it would be interesting to know if there is any factory difference in front end components between a four cylinder and a six cylinder 4Runner. Give you an idea if the added weight might increase wear on them with one more incremental increase? Something I always wondered about when I did my 85 Toyota back in the nineties. I added an additional battery box in the one wing and a tool box in the other with a battery switch and covered lids to keep the weather out. I used an 8000# Ramsey winch which was about a 100# alone. Kept the truck for three or four years after that and didn't notice any problems but always wondered about that and what moderating effect all that steel had on the 'crumple zone' designed in to absorb energy in a crash? Never got any good information on either. I painted it with a coal tar epoxy and had a push bar above the winch. Never saw any rust which was good. Enjoy your fabricating.

[@notatrdyota5244]

Awesome bumper. Will you be making a rear for it???

[@olbabybeard]

Dope. Whats that rolling stool you're using and would you recommend?

[@thomascoolidge2161]

Man you could make money if you sold kits for folks to build this bumper themselves or if you sold the design to someone like true north fabs or cbi.. this is an amazing bumper for third gens!!

[@austinniemela]

I do sell the plans with templates to scale! www.avrcustoms.com!

[@j.j.clingman4083]

You should have split the main section in half & welded together in the center!! You are going to make some gussets & those could be out of one piece over lapping the splice in the middle!! That would definitely be the strongest way to do that!!

[@nickchen-yin7821]

Fabrication is tight and clean AF. Curious: what brand hand saw are you using to cut the plates?

[@austinniemela]

Thanks! Its a eastwood saw, link in description!

[@douglasthompson2740]

Is air flow for cooling the radiator an issue with your 4Runner? Might be an issue in hotter climates? Blocks a lot of frontal air flow. Does look nice though.

[@uriasmendez9972]

Do you also make them for sell if not what’s the steel sizes you use to them? And you did a suck great job everything looks so smooth 💪🏻💪🏻

[@bradleygrapes3199]

Drill 4 holes and weld 4 nuts on bumper for licence plate. Make for nice finish

[@marceloguerra1193]

Muy bien firme de país chile

[@Mertesacker1]

Looks sweet. What about the holes for the blinkers? Or will you install any fog lights in it?

[@austinniemela]

I have blinkers in the headlights

[@Mertesacker1]

@@austinniemela no fog lights planned in installing?

[@austinniemela]

@@Mertesacker1 yes I did fog lights as shown in the video 👍

[@user-or4xp4jl3r]

You definitely have skills. I have a 2002 Toyota 4 runner and I’ve been wanting to change the front and back bumper nothing hard very simple and sleek by chance do you make custom bumpers for purchase?