What aluminum rear bumpers with tire carriers are on the market now?
My personal favorite is the Heftyfabworks rear bumper, but I'm having a difficult time justifying $3000 for the bumper.
Anyone else have any other aluminum offers for rear bumpers?
They are currently the only one that makes a aluminum rear tire carrier bumper. I had it on my previous 4runner which was more of a DD and weight was a huge concern, MPGS stayed the same pretty much and if you call Chris Hefty he will explain to you how strong it is compared to steel, a lot of work went into producing a aluminum one that could handle all the stresses steel could.
There's no doubt that Chris's work is fantastic. I'm just having a difficult time swallowing that price tag. Maybe I'll just have to wait until the next sale or 20% off or whatever.
What aluminum rear bumpers with tire carriers are on the market now?
They are currently the only one that makes a aluminum rear tire carrier bumper.
If you can weld aluminum, or know somebody who can:
https://www.coastaloffroad.com/product-page/5th-gen-4runner-full-height-rear-plate-bumper
I don't like the idea of having aluminum in a highly susceptible spot for dragging while offroad. It just cant take the beating that steel can and our runners are really good at using the rear bumper as a skid plate. If you do dent or drag aluminum it stretches and looks like hell.
...but I'm having a difficult time justifying $3000 for the bumper.
the only bumper I've seen for a 5th gen is 4x4 labs. these are all bumper covers.
to clarify... None of these are bumpers. the only bumper I've seen for a 5th gen is 4x4 labs. these are all bumper covers.
The weight is huge.. Aluminum would be so worth it. And it will hold up just fine. I'm hoping someone designs a nice hybrid at some point. Weld in dom tubes with high clearance in the corners. Lightweight aluminum cover with a lightweight swing out that is well supported. Only reason I would ever run a swingout is to carry a tire 35" or bigger. It's better down low for a tire that will fit. Other reason would be to run an anti-rock sway-bar.
What makes 4x4 Labs a bumper any more than the others?