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Like Hawairish mentioned earlier, Ive started working with him on the design of these brackets. He sent me the data to punch out a set, using his current iteration, so I can start mock up on my rig and work with him on the R&D end. I have a chunk of time coming up and plan to push on this project so I can finally get rid of the XJ bumper and help however I can to get these on the market!

The brackets will fit a QX4; same chassis. There were variances in the bumpers and bumper covers, but mounting was largely unchanged. Do you mean the bumper cover, for a hidden winch setup? If so, I've lightly explored the idea. If utilizing the same universal winch channel, it could probably be made to work by mounting the channel and winch upside down, but the OE bumper (hidden by the cover) would need to be cut or notched. The bracket sizes would also be in close contact with the bumper cover, but there's probably an easy workaround.

Bingo! I'd just love to see sfcreations expand, I'm a huge fan of my spacers!! Maybe Steve could do 4th gen 4Runner stuff next...

Good to know! I think I read somewhere that the front breather was already located pretty high up in the engine bay. Is that why you only did the rear?

@fleurys Looks like we may have a winner??

Never saw option 2.. Sure, I'd definitely install them. Had new shocks and struts installed in march so I wouldn't even need to fight with rusted bolts

Maybe it needs to be mentioned in the WD21 and R50 subforums. I bet a lot of people never check the R51 section, even if they have one, because it's their DD and their wheelin rig is an older gen. Maybe if they see this they'd be willing to mod their daily, but only if they see it.

Well that really stinks... maybe it's just being overlooked, so perhaps if we keep this thread active someone will notice it!

Hey Scott... you are close enough for option 2 \/ \/ \/ And those of us who have been around for a while know that your more than capable of the installation... as long as it does not require the use of fire

I see lots of pics of modded R51's, but it seems like many of them are overseas. You would think more people would be interested though, you've got a great opportunity you're offering.....

The only diff breather I got around to extending on my rig was the rear diff, but it was pretty easy and I think the others are the same. I just popped it off the axle, cut a small section off, reattached it, drove to the auto parts store, got 15' of generic hose that had the same inner diameter, and then routed it up the fuel filler neck; I figured if I get that deep I'll have water in my gas anyways, so water in the diff will be a minor problem at that point. Just make sure to leave enough slack in the new diff breather for the axle to droop all the way. I've heard the fitment with that snorkel is actually pretty poor, and that you're better off saving your money and putting a D21 snorkel on, since you'll have to do some custom work anyways.

unfortunately, no one has.... i'm starting to ask myself if there is any R51 owner that uses them to go off-road or has it just died with the r50 (pathfinder models I'm talking here)... I guess the next step is to go facebook, but I wanted to get someone here who is more implicated in the scene...

Please tell me that SOMEONE has jumped on this AMAZING opportunity?!?!? And to add to what 01Pathmaker said above, fleurys would not be a member of NPORA's Vendors Group if he was not an exceptional member of this community. And he's bilingual to boot!

You might be right! Come on by and we'll get that taken care of!

Sorry, what I meant to say was that I was considering supporting separate brackets, one for higher channel and receiver (for which I would also provide a kit), another for a lower channel without. Other ideas have also crossed my mind. Main takeaway at this point is that there will be options, including custom ones. Since TownDawg plans to use part of his XJ bumper for his build, I've got an offer out to him to customize the brackets to his liking. Fact is, he's already a fabrication pro at that stuff (whether he admits it or not). Since we have the same CNC routing equipment, we'll be able to collaborate on the design pretty easily I think. As long as he can wait a couple more months for a finished piece! But generally speaking, I'm hoping this project opens doors for other projects...you know, like a bolt-on SAS kit or something...

Here's a daylight shot: One day, I'll actually start that rear bumper, giving me a better excuse to pull everything down and get it coated! We finally got some rain the other day...prior to that, it was fairly rust free. On the plus side, I finally started v2 redesigns this week on the bracket. I'm at a minor blockage rethinking where to put the shackle mounts due to other modifications, though. I'm currently planning to move them closer to the OE tow loops, about where the lowest bolt is in the pic. That would provide the necessary space for mounting a crossbar/receiver under the winch channel. I'm also playing with the idea of lowering the channel altogether, for those not wanting to find an alternate control box mounting position like I did...but it would lose the option for a receiver. I know this build has slow going, but we will get there... Not yet. The original plan was to have a batch done by my local steel shop, but we're fast approaching the time when I'll be able to cut these in my garage for less. Equipment arrives late July, hoping to be on my feet early August. That gives me time to make my design changes, set up shop, get material costs, get a new head-count on interest, and start cutting stuff. Exciting days to come!