Aftermarket Front bumpers.

The general rule is go twice the weight of the vehicle plus some. 8000 would be fine but I went with a 10,000 because by the time I have armor and gear I will be 5000+ pretty quick. Also be sure to get synthetic rope because it will save weight and let you run a alum fairlead. The roller fairlead is not cool. LOL
 
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After that last winch performance test in one of the 4x4 mags, I'm leaning toward an Engo winch. But I need to come up with a bumper first. I like several things about many of the bumpers listed and was pretty much set on the CBI, but I really don't like their new lower mounting set-up. I'm sure that it's super strong, but I like a "smoother" look. Now, I think that I'm just going to try and build my own this summer.
 
Yeah, I need to do some research on winches, and see what other companies are out there.

:frisky:
After that last winch performance test in one of the 4x4 mags, I'm leaning toward an Engo winch. But I need to come up with a bumper first. I like several things about many of the bumpers listed and was pretty much set on the CBI, but I really don't like their new lower mounting set-up. I'm sure that it's super strong, but I like a "smoother" look. Now, I think that I'm just going to try and build my own this summer.

I'm in the same boat with you though doozi. I would go for the CBI, its got the styling up top, as well as thicker metal, and its the cheapest one! Their lower mounting setup turned me off so much though, that I crossed it off, it should be something they reconsider.
 
The general rule is go twice the weight of the vehicle plus some. 8000 would be fine but I went with a 10,000 because by the time I have armor and gear I will be 5000+ pretty quick. Also be sure to get synthetic rope because it will save weight and let you run a alum fairlead. The roller fairlead is not cool. LOL

Yeah I'll be sure to go synthetic, and I had no idea about the roller fairlead, so thanks for the heads up (if you were being serious that is). My only problem with a 10,000 vs 8000, is the significant price jump between the two.
 
Yeah I'll be sure to go synthetic, and I had no idea about the roller fairlead, so thanks for the heads up (if you were being serious that is). My only problem with a 10,000 vs 8000, is the significant price jump between the two.

I was being serious the roller fairlead is hideous and I will be putting synthetic rope on my wife's soon. The biggest real issue though is the weight difference. There can be a big cost difference and the synthetic rope makes it more already. But the smittybuilt and the engo are not that far apart cost wise I would just be patient and save up for a little longer.
 
I'm in the same boat with you though doozi. I would go for the CBI, its got the styling up top, as well as thicker metal, and its the cheapest one! Their lower mounting setup turned me off so much though, that I crossed it off, it should be something they reconsider.

Daron-t4r,
I just wanted to add my 2cents, and I'm really not trying to push CBI on you here. I am assuming, since I haven't seen many others pictured, that you are basing a lot of your decision against CBI off of my bumper. With that said, I think that if you are going to run the bumper black you would not notice the lower hardware nearly as much as you do on mine because it is white and is, therefore, such a contrast to the black all around it. Also, I will say that I don't think pictures really do the bumper justice. Honestly, I don't notice the lower hardware showing at all really, in person. It is so low and you're eye naturally is drawn to the upper areas of the bumper. But, obviously this is your truck and your bumper, a very expensive one at that, so YOU must be happy with it, not me. Just wanted to mention those things as food for thought. Good luck with your decision! I'm sure whatever you get will be great and look awesome!
 
Daron-t4r,
I just wanted to add my 2cents, and I'm really not trying to push CBI on you here. I am assuming, since I haven't seen many others pictured, that you are basing a lot of your decision against CBI off of my bumper. With that said, I think that if you are going to run the bumper black you would not notice the lower hardware nearly as much as you do on mine because it is white and is, therefore, such a contrast to the black all around it. Also, I will say that I don't think pictures really do the bumper justice. Honestly, I don't notice the lower hardware showing at all really, in person. It is so low and you're eye naturally is drawn to the upper areas of the bumper. But, obviously this is your truck and your bumper, a very expensive one at that, so YOU must be happy with it, not me. Just wanted to mention those things as food for thought. Good luck with your decision! I'm sure whatever you get will be great and look awesome!

Thanks for the responce man. I can see how, especially since I want the bumper in black, that it wouldn't be very noticeable. Its something I need to consider, and I'm going to go on a CBI hunt and see if I can find someone around me who has one so that I can see it in person.

On another note: How big can I go winch wise with the Demello? I thought I heard somewhere that it could only handle upto 9500 winches.
 
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I was being serious the roller fairlead is hideous and I will be putting synthetic rope on my wife's soon. The biggest real issue though is the weight difference. There can be a big cost difference and the synthetic rope makes it more already. But the smittybuilt and the engo are not that far apart cost wise I would just be patient and save up for a little longer.

Wouldn't a roller fairlead be better though?
 
Thanks for the responce man. I can see how, especially since I want the bumper in black, that it wouldn't be very noticeable. Its something I need to consider, and I'm going to go on a CBI hunt and see if I can find someone around me who has one so that I can see it in person.

Also keep in mind that CBI is always willing to make custom pieces for their customers so you're not limited to what you've seen already.
 
Also keep in mind that CBI is always willing to make custom pieces for their customers so you're not limited to what you've seen already.

Thanks darkie, I actually meant to mention that and I forgot. They might be able to vary the design or rig up some kind of cover/shield setup for the bottom area. I'm sure Nathan could help with this.
 
Wouldn't a roller fairlead be better though?

I was under the impression you cannot run a roller fairlead with synthetic rope. Those are for standard metal cable. Theres a chance it can get snagged and tear. Im pretty sure you have to run the smooth fairlead.
 
I've been searching through threads, as well as emailing company reps about front bumpers, but really havn't found the information I'm looking for. I'm looking for a comparison of the aftermarket front bumpers available to us. I had my heart set on a SW bumper, but after seeing some other options I'm back questioning myself, so I'm looking for your opinions.

Bumpers I'm comparing : Shrockworks, CBI, demello, Perkins Performance. (ARB and addicted offroac also make a fornt bumper, but I don't particularly like the look so I'm not including it in the list)

So far I know that CBI and Shrockworks use the thickest metal, while demello and parkins use thinner metal. How much of a difference does this make in terms of durability?

I also think the CBI looks sort of funny where it mounts to the body, unlike the other bumpers which seem to look better down there. However its 600 dollars cheaper than the SW, which is a big deal.

Opinions? Thanks

Jordan

In the original thread, Darren T4R questioned the durability of the bumpers listed. I have an ARB bumper on a 2008 4Runner, and can say with honesty the bumper is extremely durable. Having to push through several cars, including a vehicular roadblock, during my time in the Arab Spring, the only damage I ever received was scratches to the paint. Not knowing the thickness of the steel on these bumpers, I am unable to compare them, but will say I see no need to get anything thicker.
 
I was under the impression you cannot run a roller fairlead with synthetic rope. Those are for standard metal cable. Theres a chance it can get snagged and tear. Im pretty sure you have to run the smooth fairlead.

I believe that is correct.
 
I was under the impression you cannot run a roller fairlead with synthetic rope. Those are for standard metal cable. Theres a chance it can get snagged and tear. Im pretty sure you have to run the smooth fairlead.

Synthetic winch line can stretch and become thinner, getting caught between the edges of the rollers, or scratched corners can cut the line.
 
So far I know that CBI and Shrockworks use the thickest metal, while demello and parkins use thinner metal. How much of a difference does this make in terms of durability?

Opinions? Thanks

Jordan

The SW bumper is rock solid. There have been several threads where they were involved in front end collisions and faired very well (can't say the same for the other involved vehicles though). Keep in mind that the hoops add a great deal to the overall strength of the bumper. That might be a factor when your deciding on a single hoop, all three hoops or no hoops.

IMO, the SW bumper is the best looking of the ones mentioned here. The only negative is a possible long wait time. Mine took 6 weeks but Ive heard others have waited 6-9 months.

Here are a couple of threads on how they did in a collision.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/88067-why-shrockworks-definitely-worth-price.html

Shrockworks Bumper Accident Tested at ~30mph! (lots of pics) - Toyota 120 Platforms Forum
 
True dat on CBI. I had an order in for front and rear bumpers with them and after seeing the revised 4th Gen 4R bumper requested that a skid be added to cover the gap between lower bumper and the rail underneath radiator. It was agreed to in 30 seconds and Steve mentioned that he had already considered adding such a feature. It's my second purchase from CBI and like others I really appreciate their great customer support. I'm not getting paid for this or trying to push someone else's product, just expressing my experience this week. Will post pics when bumper arrives (hopefully in 1-2 weeks).
 
Daron-t4r,
for the bumper, Id recommend Armorology Armorology Customer Support Web

Armorology-11-%20CV4R%20(42).JPG

Armorology-11-%20CVF%20(295).jpg


you will pay a little more, but its SOOOO WORTH every penny, his bumpers are ROCK solid, he can build anything you want, its truely a work of art if you seen them in person.

As far as a winch, go WARN or go home, lol
 

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