Metcalf
Expedition Leader
Metcalf, I think you're circling and circling around the true root of the problem here and it isn't the thimble
The bumper has a fundamental design flaw in the placement for the winch exit. The bumper is the problem. Let's say that we switch to a regular thimble, sans hook, and store it behind the bumper. Now you get the pleasure of trying to fish it out through the fairlead anytime you need to use it and hope that it doesn't get loose inside and bird nest while driving down the road. The short webbing idea isn't a bad one (and it's one that I use on my truck), but the problem with the webbing is the same as the issue you brought up with running the winchline out...if the webbing gets cut, now you're fishing out a thimble from behind the bumper and possibly dealing with a bird nest of winchline.
The other issue that arises is that your fairlead is now essentially a skid plate since it's the leading edge of the bumper. It's so far forward that you're concerned about cutting winchline, you're also going to be beating the heck out of an aluminum hawse. I'm sure you're aware of how synthetic line handles sharp edges. We've also already established that there's not enough support for the bottom of the hawse, so there is still a very real possibility of hitting the bottom edge and breaking it off, even without any winchline or thimbles involved.
My opinion (and we all know about opinions) is that the 4Runner has two choices. The cheapest choice is to spot everywhere that the bumper may be coming into contact with an obstacle to make sure to protect the fairlead. Yeah, it kinda sucks, but it's the best way to drive to the shortcomings of the vehicle setup. The best choice is to replace the bumper with something that moves the fairlead and winchline exit to a more protected location. Make the bumper take the hit, not the recovery gear.
I agree and disagree.
Just changing out the thimble gains over 3" of approach. That is going to solve problems.
The idea I posted above about using an offset hawse to lift it up another 1-2" solves even more issues.
I don't get any 'birdnest' of line when using synthetic when it is stored without tension?
The chances of damaging $1-2 in tubular webbing to the point it can't be used as a handle is pretty low risk. It doesn't see any load.
Getting out to spot a vehicle up everything sucks....and if you are solo isn't really going to work.
I do agree the bumper is a bad design, but I don't see a ton of options on the market for that generation of Toyota that don't expose the hawse in a similar way?