95.5-2004 Tacomas & 96-2002 4Runners 4th gen pickups and 3rd gen 4Runners

Front bumpers

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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 05:27 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 4, 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.

Originally Posted by PatHLC128
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.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 06:55 AM
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Personally when i get a new one it will be the Shrockworks. You just can't beat the looks or feature of that one. Though it DOES cost more $$$.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 07:10 AM
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ARB Tacoma model rules.

Get that gaurd outta there!
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Old Jun 4, 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.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 08:02 AM
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I recommend Armorology...

If you want the very best, look no further than Armorology...







www.Armorology.com

Regards,

BWJ
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 09:41 AM
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Custom
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 09:59 AM
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Originally Posted by Benny_Wiskas
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.
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.

Last edited by mt_goat; Jun 4, 2008 at 10:06 AM.
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 12:43 PM
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Originally Posted by mt_goat
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.
I think they're already grade 8, but I'm not sure. I'll try those suggestions next time I have to move it back. Thanks
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Old Jun 4, 2008 | 02:09 PM
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Originally Posted by Benny_Wiskas
I think they're already grade 8, but I'm not sure. I'll try those suggestions next time I have to move it back. Thanks
Mine were not, but maybe they changed. If so, just add the star washers. If you need help to ID a grade 8 marking on a bolt head let me know.

Last edited by mt_goat; Jun 4, 2008 at 02:11 PM.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 10:53 AM
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do airbags work with any of the aftermarket bumpers?
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 11:05 AM
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Originally Posted by PatHLC128
do airbags work with any of the aftermarket bumpers?
the airbag sensors are not in the bumper, so yes.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 11:18 AM
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There is a sticker on the inside of my bumper saying it's not SRS compatible or not recommended for use with an air bag equipped vehicle. Something like that.

Originally Posted by BigBallsMcFalls
the airbag sensors are not in the bumper, so yes.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 11:35 AM
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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
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 11:41 AM
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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.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 12:20 PM
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From: Roanoke VA... Johnson City TN for school
custom front bumper...painted to match

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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 01:25 PM
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someone else made a custom one that was just super bad a$$, it had big lights incorporated into it! think the guy said he was going to start making them...i forget the thread, do a search though.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 01:41 PM
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Originally Posted by michalik_piotr
someone else made a custom one that was just super bad a$$, 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.
That guy above you is the guy you are thinking of....
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 01:50 PM
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Originally Posted by mt_goat
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.
maybe, but I would rather get in an accident with this:


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.
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Old Jun 25, 2008 | 03:41 PM
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Does anybody have the weight measurment on these bumpers and of the factory set up? Curious how much more than stock these aftermarkets are.
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