We chose Southern Style Offroad's Slimline front bumper for a variety of reasons, the most prevalent was the weight. For our purpose, a daily driven "overland style" build, we didn't feel the need for a full width steel bumper. We did need a bumper that offered some protection for the radiator, feature a solid winch mount, and have sound recovery points. The weight we saved, along with keeping the aerodynamics of the front, keeps us closer to original gas mileage too. Another benefit was the money we saved on the Slimline went towards a light bar and winch!
We first saw Southern Style's products in person at the 2017 FJ Summit in Colorado. After talking with their crew and looking over their build quality very closely, we knew what front bumper we wanted. The welds they put out are a work of art in themselves!

The ordering process was extremely easy and downright pleasant. We picked our options; hoop for protection, 30" Rigid light bar, and a 10,000# Smittybilt winch.
Usually when ordering a steel bumper you can expect to wait awhile for production. This is where Southern Style impressed us the most. At the time of ordering we were given an estimated six weeks. It was delivered exactly in the time frame they promised! What's more, they sent us an email the day it went into production, when it went to powder-coating, and the moment it shipped out to us. I wish more manufacturers were this in tune to their customers. The anticipation was like waiting to open presents on Christmas morning.

The install went off without a hitch, thanks in part to getting all the necessary hardware and having the mounting positions line up perfectly. We see, and understand peoples reluctance to install one themselves, mostly due to cutting the opening in the stock bumper. Let me tell ya, it's as simple as can be and pretty much "dummy" proof, as we have proven. If you have a Trail/Offroad or Pro you simply use the "bumper cap" as a template. If an SR5 the bumper comes with a paper template which you can use to mark where the cut needs to be made. We were also amazed at how easy the front clip came off the 4R. just a handful of bolts and fasteners, a few tugs to release the clips and off it popped, easy-peasy.

Our bumper has been installed for six months, three of which spent on salted winter roads, the powder coating and fasteners are holding up fantastically! Aesthetically we couldn't be happier. The hoop is just the right height, so as to not obscure the stock styling. The flush fit of the light bar is an outstanding detail. Access to the winch controls is easy for such a bumper, through the openings cut in below. The bumper doesn't take away from the "tough looking" factory styling, like full width steel bumpers often do. This bumper actually adds to it.

Yes, we would highly recommend this bumper!
Here's a link to a full install video we produced. After watching it you might just find that you can easily install one yourself.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aZMNp-lGyaM

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Costume party that night or what?

Or what.

Loved the scrubs for the surgery on the cap. Lol

Nice video. I will reference this when I install mine. Did you notice any issues with removing those plastic air flow redirectors next to the radiator? I read where one person had decline in AC function and the driver side fender came loose from air being forced into the space between the wheel well and bumper fascia without that piece of plastic in place; highway speeds. I haven’t heard it from anywhere else so I was wondering what your experience has been.


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We haven't experienced any of that with ours. We did keep our deflectors with the intent to trim them accordingly and reinstall them next time we have the bumper off though.

I like your video's, I ordered one last night.

Loved the video, and the bumper is awesome,it’s on the list for sure along with their roof rack

Had mine installed by the dealer as part of a package deal that included a lift, winch and some other trinkets.

Bill

I didn't think a dealer would install something like this? I see your in NM. I'm in ABQ, which dealer and what'd you pay if you don't mind me asking. Thanks!

Thanks for watching our videos!

Durango Motor Company in Durango, Co. These guys specialize in off road stuff and have new units on the showroom floor that are custom modified before you even buy, and they have a dedicated accessory department with people that know what they are doing. I can't tell you what I paid for just the bumper because it was a package deal. Bumper, Smittybilt #10,000 winch with remote and syn. line, running boards, 3" Toytec Ultimate lift and some other stuff for a total of around 4,000. They ordered the SSO bumper at one price, and because it went on sale before the bumper came in, they gave me the sale price. They price matched the winch with online prices.

As far as dealers in Alb. or Farmington, I wouldn't trust them to do an install like this. I don't think they have the experience, and when I was buying, niether was willing to work a deal. My impression was that they didn't have a sales staff that was very informed when it came to off road.

I was not impressed with my shopping experience at Webb Toytota in Farmington and certainly not Larry Miller in Alb. In Durango they got me what I wanted and the price was about 2,500 less than Alb. or Farmington would sell for even though I bought 2 cars at the same time. A Highlander Limited for my wife. Took less than 2 hours to have the deal done with no haggling.

I don't work for these guys and am not trying to do a promotion here, just relating my experience. But if you want some off road stuff done you might talk to them. It's not that far from Alb.

Bill

@WanderlostOverland after watching your video, is it possible to remove whats left of the stock bumper with the slimline attached?

Yup, comes right off with Southern Style's bumper mounted.

Cool, so theoreticaly, i can align the slimline on my initial install and just remover the bumper when I eventually install a winch.