rocket

iTrader: (1)

Well im going to be getting one of these rear bumpers soon but but im having a hard time deciding which one i like more. So before i dish out nearly a grand of cash, i wanted some opinions.

1: Sonoran Steel bumper
unpainted





2: Big Country Customs bumper




Keep in mind that if i get the Big Country bumper, it would be without the tire carrier.

Marc P

I like both. The Sonoran Steel is nice, but I think Steve is no longer doing them mail order, so you would need to go to AZ.
Big Country is in Canada, so shipping may be a lot.

Either way they are both nice, and both $$$

doink

i vote big country.

simply because its like mine.

green91runner

i vote big country, because it just looks a little more refined, smoothed off.. (like the 2nd gen is)

Keggo

I agree.

gwhayduke

Big Country. Then you can mount a spare gas tank where the spare was. First time I've seen this one. Nice looking.

rocket

iTrader: (1)

So heres my dilemma on the 2 bumpers:

I like the Sonoran Steel because its appears to have a couple more inches of ground clearance (the more the better) and i think it would match a TJM front bumper nicely. The only possible downfall is that the side wings are welded to the main beam which would be more likely to bend if hit hard enough (correct me if im wrong Steve). BTW, the 3rd picture of the Sonoran bumper is on a 3rd gen but i posted it because its a cleaner/clearer pic.

I like the the Big Country bumper because the side wings have additional brackets that mount to the frame for extra strength. I also like the smoth design it has but i wish it stayed closer to the body lines- the gap around the corners could be a little tighter. I wouldnt get it with the tire carrier because as ive herd their skeptical to breaking off under heavy force and besides it costs more for that option. The problem is, I dont know yet if a spare tire will still fit in the stock location, I do know a spare will fit with the Sonoran bumper. Lastly, im trying to figure out where the hitch pin goes on the Big Country...

thanks for the feedback

99_Runner

I voted for the Big Country as I have a 2nd gen runner and that is the one that I would get if I had the cash. The hitch pin will go behind the bumper, kinda a security thing and it also lets you put that receiver in as far as possible so it's not sticking out and asking to be banged on stuff.

gwhayduke

Anyone else notice that that Big Country pic has rear leafs?

Fink

I like both of them, however, to my knowledge anything bigger than a stock size tire won't fit underneath in the stock spare location. Maybe I missed something but thats what I thought.

Fink

dlbrunner

I like the sonoran, I pm'd steve and he told me those side wings can be "beveled" during fabrication. Also Steve makes a good point about frame strengths and a bumper mounted tire carrier on the 2nd gen

Robinhood150

If the non-tire carrier version of big country is the exact same thing but without the carrier, then there will be a huge ugly gap between the bumper and the tailgate.

My 33x9.5 bfg at fits just fine in the stock location with a little bending of the brackets and no air in the tire.

Epic Ed

Kinda cool opening a thread and unexpectedly seeing a pic of my 4Runner right at the top.

I had never seen the BCC bumper before, but it looks nice. It's hard to picture the SS bumper painted on my vehicle, but I think it will look very good and professionally done and not that different from the BCC. But what's more important to me than how it looks is functionality. The SS bumper gives me some excellent extra clearance, and other than durability, that's the only thing that really matters to me about the rear bumper. Durability wise, I've seen Steve's welding, felt the heft of the bumper, and examined the design. Nothings going to bend or brake on that bumper. Nothing -- not the side panels, not the mounting points -- nada. Steve has put a lot of miles and dings on his bumpers and he know what works. If you want one that you can guarantee is going to perform well in the bumps and dings of 4-wheeling, then go with the SS bumper.

Unfortunately, I still don't have one on mine. That bumper pictured was the one used to build the jig and I still haven't had the $$ to justify buying it. Hell, I'm happy mine is even running this week...oh, wait a minute...that's right, it's back in the shop to get the "over heating" issue figured out. That bumper just got put off again.

Ed

97Limited

In my opinion I think the Big Country Customs bumper is a better built bumper. And it looks cleaner on the truck! like the corners are beveled up for corner clearance, so its not as 'square' in the corners. but any aftermarket bumper will serve its purpose!! goodluck

DarylD

I'm currently not running the tire carrier , and there is not a "huge ugly gap" right Midiwall ! but thanks for your expert opinion

rocket

iTrader: (1)

Hey DarylD,
Could you post a picture of yours?
Also, how much did you pay for it?

Robinhood150

You're right. For some reason I thought the tailgate didn't extend that far down. It won't look bad.

AkitaDog

iTrader: (1)

If I was going to purchase a rear bumper, I would go with the Big Country.

I went the cheap route and built mine.

mattyp12

If I hat to pick one - I would go with #2... but for some reason - I love the look fo the stock bumper - call me old school - or whatever - but I like the stock bumper!

One More Time

Yes, i am also intrested in other pics.