EDIT: the bumper was done over a month ago, no need to vote now. thanks though.

I am trying to decide on a bumper that I think I could be getting around Christmas (my money + christmas money). I was pretty set on a TJM T15 (i like the hoops) but at $675 from Steve + an additional $200 for modifying the brackets to accomodate my 3" body lift, that is a little steep.

I want a nice, stout bumper and like the idea of the T15 but for a while I was set on the Allpro tube bumper, so I can't rule out tube bumpers. The reason why Allpro is not listed in the poll is that for a specifically 2000 Taco, I have to modify (cut, weld, etc) the frame for it to even mount to the stock location, and THEN i'd have to do something about my 3" body lift. I could do a badlands if I could get that for a decent price with accomodations for my BL. I could do an ARB but I also have the BL issue and I havent seen as many stories about modifying brackets for that, and I prefer the T15 look more. I also plan on running a winch, though not right away because I can't afford both yet.

Which bumper do yall think would look/function best on my 2000 Taco?

For those of you with bumpers and body lifts, how did you get them modified to get rid of the gap?

Thanks!

 

While the TJM 15 is a little steep, I love that look, and Ithink it would look great on your truck!!

 

i say go custom, (only say ouch once) get something that "you" like / want, or design, not something "off the shelf" custom are just stronger, built to your rig, no need to adjust it, or re-adjust it, I almost boutght a TJM, but went with what i have, and Im sooooooo happy we went with a custom, I know a guy with a ARB, and he has to realign it after he uses the winch, mine has never moved. i know money is an issue, i say save up for a custom, its worth the wait IMO, I have never regreted getting mine. no need to reinforce it, or realign it, it doesnt move, very strong and looks good IMO. bottom line is get what "you" want and be happy.
just my .02

 

how much was your custom and what kind of place did you get it done? my problem is, i can't be without my truck for more than a day, mayb 2-3 tops, and all the good fab shops that are ever mentioned here on YT are NOT close to atlanta

 

I'm sure you can find some around here though...I mean even out in D'ville, we have a couple of Off Road Shops. I've never had any work done thee, so don't consider this a formal endorsement, but from what I hear...they're pretty good.

 

check out bentup.com, they make some sweet taco bumpers

 

I'm gonna go with Ric on this one, too. I'll bet you can get a pretty sweet custom bumper for less than $800. I personally like TJM's, but if I ever have the money (read: ), I'll probably go custom, or with an Allpro.

 

i have looked at the ones you want.....I am planning to bulid a custom it lets you make what you want....and you can customize it to fit your rig

 

You will probally want to do this cap plate mod during the install.. I think its the reason for most ARB's shifting. Once fixed they are rock solid..

Personally I like the ARB looks and design best... and since its a 2 piece setup you should be able to have the brackets modifed, for a 3" BL...

 

PORC out in Athens has made some pretty sick bumpers for tacos and their prices are good too.

 

This is the first I've seen those badland bumpers. They look like they'd stop a mountain.

 

other: Bentup.com

out of your list, my second choice would be Badlands.

 

My TJM T-13 is 10x better than my "custom" BCC rear bumper.

T-13s are best. Looks and extra protection of ARB but TJM!

Lamm

 

The reality is "if" you can find a local shop to build you a bumper. Get a quote. Find out the down time. If it works great.

If you want everything custom built and shipped to you to be installed on your schedule, I think Myself/Sonoran Steel is one of the few options out there.

Ask Waskly Wabbit about Badlands. I'm sure he does outstanding work when you drive a truck physically to the shop, but building remote and shipping across the country is extremely difficult.

 

ARB = rock anchor. I don't like how far they stick out.

 

im considering everything you all are saying and am still working on narrowing down my choices. i hadnt looked into custom fabbed bumpers much so ive been looking for local places that would do it. ive sent a few emails out so ill see what all they say. price and downtime is a big issue for me but we'll see what they say.

as far as tube bumper versus flat metal bumpers, does anyone have any comments, pros/cons or personal experiences to share with that? thanks for the help guys

 

My freinds just put an allpro on a 99 Taco (he had to cut the frame) and it looks and works great. He actually got in a front end wreck about a week after he put it on and it almost totalled the other car but only minorly bent his all-pro.

 

that pretty much dictates you to get a prebuilt one. tjm/arb. yeah, not as good as a custom, but it bolts on in ONE day, and costs a bit cheaper than a full custom. no fabber here will tell you a custom jobbie can be had for less than 6 bills.

i like the formed box ones. they flow better with the 3rd gen runner lines. i've never found mine to be a rock anchor at all and i've scaled some pretty steep stuff. now with a taco, i like the looks of the all pro/badlands tube flavour. of course you'll have to sort out blinker issues, and more innards will of course be exposed. they are lighter yes. as strong or stronger? maybe, of course it depends who built it and how. for really built sas'd taco's on 35+, definitely go tube f/r.

my arb didnt need modification to fill the gap of my 1.5"BL. there was enough room to adjust it flush. i think the taco mounts are different though. not sure about the tjm's but i think schaefer offers modded mounts...

edit: you can address the 3" gap issue by cutting your BL in half

 

tjm with bodylift.. you'll want to order from Steve and have him fab up the brackets for you.

their is another bumper that you need to search for over on TTORA.com that looks freakin awesome.. mostly a tube but its tight!! CGM or something like that.

 

I remember a post awhile ago, about someone coming down on a rock, and trashed a TJM, but, TJM did replace it, with help from another member on here, cant seem to find the post.
I think it was the side wing, cant really remember.