Howdy Folks,

I will be ordering a front bumper by weeks end and have narrowed it to a Hefty Fabworks or CBI Offroad, both would be Aluminum. I initially made up my mind on CBI's model but the Hefty model's better approach angle has kept me indecisive. I like how the CBI offers full grill protection and aesthetically they both are not sore to the eye. I was wondering what your thought process would be between the two? Lead times for both amount to an October ship date, cost is pretty much the same, hefty is 60 lbs, i havent been able to track down cbi's raw weight but assume it is 10-15 lbs heavier at most. Please and thanks.

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That is a tough choice. I like some aspects of each better. Fortunately I don't think you can go wrong with either.

Weight looks like 60 pounds for the CBI!

2014+ CBI Aluminum Bumper

I had those two in mind when it came to ordering a full bumper. While aluminum is lighter I can’t see how an extra 50 pounds will make difference on a truck with terrible aerodynamics. The Hefty bumper does seem to have the better approach angle. If you’re looking for the best approach angle I’m guessing you’re not gonna be hitting fire roads. I went with a CBI steel bumper since I plan on beating the crap out of it. If you do enough research you’ll find that steel bumpers have taken on full blown cows and the damage to the Tacoma/4Runner/FJ was minimal.

I personally went with the CBI front bumper in Steel and like Eddie said, I wanted the security of steel. Aluminum is nice in the fact that it is lightweight, but You will always be wondering if it is going to hold up in a crash or a hard winch pull. Just my $.02. Everyone has different opinions. That's what makes this forum great!

I'd say Hefty but I am biased. It's a great well engineered product., For me it's better looking than the CBI, although the CBI isn't nearly as bad as some others

It may be the fact that you need a lot beefier springs up front to support the weight. Also, not everyone with a 5th gen is bouncing their rig off of rocks. Perhaps they just want a better approach angle and the ability to mount a winch, without having to bolt 200+ lbs on the nose of their truck

Also, sometimes the weight savings is 80-100 lbs, depending on the bumper design.

EDIT: With SSO coming out with their high clearance option for the hybrid bumper, I'm considering that, as I like the lines of the stock front end, and for about $1300, I can get it powdercoated and optioned, with lighting, how I want. Also, it's steel.

True, however when you install any aftermarket front bumper you end up removing about 25 lbs of weight off the front in brackets and reinforcement bar. So the weight gain won’t be as noticeable. Winches aren’t necessarily lightweight, and I’m gonna assume again he’s going places where he’s gonna be putting that winch to constant use. Buddy of mine wheels like a maniac and has never needed to use his winch (never goes out alone) I would’ve bought the Hefty bumper but I don’t think it would’ve held up to the abuse. I was sad to see they didnt offer a steel version. Would’ve bought it over the CBI.

I really like the tri-hoop design on the CBI, but I really don't like the fact that the front "gills" on the 4Runner are bubba gump lipped. The hefty design has the gills at the same or close to the same plane, and it looks cleaner. However, that's only noticeable from the side.

Thank you all for the feedback. I initially ruled out steel because of the weight. I plan on upgrading my front coils when the bumper is installed so maybe steel isnt out of the question. I dont plan on slappin it on rocks or having a recovery every weekend but i do frequent Moab and all over Colorado. I do however want peace of mind in a pinch. I cant make up my gawt dang mind

***I ended up electing for the steel cbi with full grill protection. I want peace of mind for front contact/recovery, and saved $500 in the process. My truck is already a slug past 5th gen normalcy and since I am going to upgrade the front coils anyways it seemed like the right way to go. Thanks everyone.

***Second update: just received word raw weight of cbi full grill guard in steel is 118 lbs or 58 more pounds than aluminum. Lead time is currently 8-10 weeks compared to 14-16 plus for aluminium

This is a 2013 limited with a hefty aluminum bumper and the owner hit a deer once and it didn’t cause any damage.
Chris Hefty is the founder of hefty bumper and he puts a lot of efforts in engineering and producing his bumpers. Honestly,I don’t think you would go wrong with CBI either.


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My philosophy, speaking generally:

If you aren't shaving weight a little bit everywhere, it doesn't make sense to only shave weight on one item.

I would rather not shave weight on the parts that protect my truck if I haven't done it elsewhere already.

You can seriously save weight by not doing certain mods.

My thoughts exactly. I was looking to aluminum bumper as well for the weight savings, but with SSO coming out with side protection and minimal weight penalty compared to aluminum has given me something else to ponder.

The issue isn't the steel vs alum weight, it's the collective choices that go into a build. +140lb for steel bumper, then 200lb for a rear, then skids, then a rack, then sliders.. 60lb for a warn 10K winch. it adds up over a build. Aluminum where you can use it makes a big difference in the end and over thousands of miles in terms of handling, acceleration, braking and mpg.

Still waiting for an aluminum half bumper like the slimline/ low pro style ones