Are there any air bag compatible aftermarket front bumpers available for the '96 and newer 4Runners? I looked at TJM's website and theirs says it isn't, and ARB didn't have a bumper listed at all. Anyone know for sure? She isn't going to put something on there that won't work with the airbags (she just tested the airbags this week too).

Thanks!

The bumper itself is not connected to the airbag system. The airbag system has crash sensors that determine impact based on inertia and deploy the bags when impact is high enough. A bumper comes into play when its crush rate is under or over the crush rate of the stock bumper. The airbags system in each vehicle is designed around how it "crushes" on impact. A bumper that is too strong and does not "crush" may cause the airbags to deploy at lower speeds because the energy is transferred to the frame instead of being absorbed by the bumper. As a softer bumper would have the opposite affect...I think I got that right from my airbag training class.

That said, I know ARB has a facility where they test the crush rates. Most of their new bumpers meet the crush rate of the factory bumpers but I can't say for sure on the 3rd gens. I can't seem to find it on their site either. I would give them a call. Regardless of what bumper you choose the airbags will always deploy. Might just be milliseconds slower or faster than desired.

TJM Bull Bars are air bag compatible for most vehicles. This is from their website:

"TJM has conducted extensive static and dynamic impact tests on air bag equipped vehicles. To validate the design and testing methods used, TJM has completed many vehicle crash tests with frontal protection systems installed. The on-car crash tests have confirmed TJM's design and testing methods provide a safe and effective air bag compatible frontal protection system."

"TJM is recognised as a leading manufacturer of Air Bag Compatible VFPS within Australian and International markets."

http://www.tjmproducts.com.au/design_srs.html

TJM's site is a bit confusing, because on the one hand it lists their extensive air bag testing as on the link you mentioned, but their Toyota page at:

http://www.tjmusa.com/products.htm#toyota

has "No" for airbags for all the 4Runners. So, I'm trying to contact TJM directly via their website, but I can't get their online form to work. I haven't had good luck with customer service from TJM. I've been trying for a year and a half to get some replacement parts for a TJM I already have for an '85 Toy and their people keep dropping the ball.

The TJM T-15 bumper I bought for my 2000 4Runner does have a sticker on the top panel visible that indicates the bumper is compatible with airbag systems on which the specified vehicle is installed. If I remember reading correctly, the bumper must be able to compress (or collapse, crush, etc) during a frontal impact similar to the factory bumper in order for the RH and LH front airbag sensors (located on the top end of the front frame, under hood)to detect the correct amount of deceleration in order to properly trigger the airbag deployment.

Too little give in the bumper may make the airbag sensors trigger the airbags when they should not. That is probably why the TJM website mentions the extensive testing they have done to determine the crush rate of the TJM bumpers during a frontal impact.

In any case, I have been more than satisfied with mine. No complaints. Good luck with whatever choice you make. Both TJM and ARB are good choices.

Ricochet

On the other side of the coin, the TJM T-17 that I have on my '98 had a specific sticker indicating that it was NOT for installation on air bag equipped vehicles.

I really don't concern myself with it too much though, I notice that most other drivers shy away from a truck with sliders, rock bumpers and knobby tires...

Mike

Do you have the part number for your TJM t15?

From TJM:
Toyota 4 Runner 99-02
Bull Bar T15 Steel Part# S1586W
Airbag Compatable = No (Probably because not tested yet)
Winch Capacity = 9000 lbs.
Winch Frame Part# M1587J

The TJM T15 looks totally cool. ARB also makes nice bumpers. Check out the Bumper Roundup at http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/bumpers/

AZDude

Now a transplanted Canadian living in Australia, I can definetly say go with ARB. Sure wish they had ARB Superstores at home. Everything here is listed for the Hilux, which runs the same setup as the 4runner. Probably have to go somewhere that can order ARB. Funny thing is that every truck down here can be ordered directly from the dealer with a steel or aluminum bull bar, but everyone that 4WD runs ARB.

So If I'm looking for an arb or TJM I should be looking up Hilux even for a 3rd gen 4runner?