Front bumpers
06-04-2008, 05:27 AM
#1
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Front bumpers
Does anyone have any reviews on what aftermarket front bumpers they prefer? I've been looking at ARB, TJM and Shrockworks, any input is appreciated.
06-04-2008, 05:30 AM
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I bought a used TJM T-15 from a member, super easy to install and very stout. I guess it's all about looks and functionability really and price. I don't have a winch on mine, I don't plan to wheel it hard either since it's my DD.
06-04-2008, 07:22 AM
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I have a t17, and yes it is very easy to install. The only downside I've had with mine, is it shifts if I have to use it to jack my rig up with a hi lift or slam it on rocks etc. I just loosen the bolts, put it back where it should be, and all is good. Eventually I might add some welds to make it stay in place.
06-04-2008, 08:02 AM
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I recommend Armorology...
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06-04-2008, 09:59 AM
#8
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I have a t17, and yes it is very easy to install. The only downside I've had with mine, is it shifts if I have to use it to jack my rig up with a hi lift or slam it on rocks etc. I just loosen the bolts, put it back where it should be, and all is good. Eventually I might add some welds to make it stay in place.
First upgrade the bolts to grade 8 so you can torque the heck out of them (a breaker bar and 1/2" drive sockets and extentions are a must). You can't hardly get them too tight.
2nd, use star washers on each end of the bolts where they contact the bumper and the mount. They will dig into the steel and makes it really tough to slide.
I like the kind with the grippers on the outside:
http://www.imperialinc.com/grp147.shtml
3rd use grade 8 nylock nuts to keep it tight.
Last edited by mt_goat; 06-04-2008 at 10:06 AM.
06-04-2008, 12:43 PM
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I've got some tips to help with that.
First upgrade the bolts to grade 8 so you can torque the heck out of them (a breaker bar and 1/2" drive sockets and extentions are a must). You can't hardly get them too tight.
2nd, use star washers on each end of the bolts where they contact the bumper and the mount. They will dig into the steel and makes it really tough to slide.
I like the kind with the grippers on the outside:
http://www.imperialinc.com/grp147.shtml
3rd use grade 8 nylock nuts to keep it tight.
First upgrade the bolts to grade 8 so you can torque the heck out of them (a breaker bar and 1/2" drive sockets and extentions are a must). You can't hardly get them too tight.
2nd, use star washers on each end of the bolts where they contact the bumper and the mount. They will dig into the steel and makes it really tough to slide.
I like the kind with the grippers on the outside:
http://www.imperialinc.com/grp147.shtml
3rd use grade 8 nylock nuts to keep it tight.
06-04-2008, 02:09 PM
#10
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Last edited by mt_goat; 06-04-2008 at 02:11 PM.
06-25-2008, 11:35 AM
#14
I went with the ARB because (and I like it and their reputation) they specified their bumper is compatible with airbags. All-Pro said theirs should be too. When I put the ARB on my truck there was a sensor install under each headlight. The airbag sensors measure severe decelaration, not impact from what I have read. As long as you don't mess with their factory mounted location I would think you would be fine.
http://www.lemurzone.com/airbag/crash.htm
"These sensors measure the severity of the impact. They are set up so that sudden "negative acceleration" will cause the contacts to close, sending a signal to the control module which checks for a signal from the rear sensor which must arrive first to activate the Airbag(s). *It is important to note that at least 2 of these sensors must signal a crash before airbag deployment."
Disclaimer: verify that
http://www.lemurzone.com/airbag/crash.htm
"These sensors measure the severity of the impact. They are set up so that sudden "negative acceleration" will cause the contacts to close, sending a signal to the control module which checks for a signal from the rear sensor which must arrive first to activate the Airbag(s). *It is important to note that at least 2 of these sensors must signal a crash before airbag deployment."
Disclaimer: verify that
06-25-2008, 11:41 AM
#15
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Having a stiffer bumper may speed up the deceleration and set off the air bag too easy. The factory bumper bends and absorbs more of the impact and doesn't activate the deceleration sensor as easy.
06-25-2008, 01:25 PM
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someone else made a custom one that was just super bad a$$, it had big lights incorporated into it! think the guy said he was going to start making them...i forget the thread, do a search though.
06-25-2008, 01:41 PM
#18
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06-25-2008, 01:50 PM
#19
Than the factory Rubbermaid material:
there was only a 3x3" x42" long piece of aluminum behind it:
Sure this stuff is from my '05 and so is going to be different from a earlier Tacoma but I know when I was nailed in my '97 Tacoma an aftermarket bumper would have saved some other damage over the factory stuff.
I have hit my ARB on logs, rocks, stumps and the occasional grocery cart. Most of that would have ended up with me paying a $500 deductible to fix the stock stuff.
