Bolt on (No Mod) Off Road Front Bumper?

[mesooohoppy]

I also looked at individual fat lip
components which indicated 20lbs for the inner and 36lbs for the out assembly for a total of 56lbs.

If it wasn't middle of winter and I wasn't so lazy I have considered removing mine and weighing just for personal knowledge, Weight is weight but I dont think a 50lb weight penalty would be all that unreasonable.

keep in mind you arent accounting for the weight of a winch. i did a quick google search and the first result i found that actually had good info said 70-100lbs with steel cable, subtract 30lbs for a synthetic line. other responses seemed in line with this.

some quick and dirty math:
80-100lbs for bumper
70-100 lbs for steel wire winch:

150-200lbs bumper with steel wire. subtracting 30 from both ends yields 120-170lbs with a synthetic line.

subtract that from your 56lb # you got and we are left with:
94-144lb weight increase with steel line
64-114 lb weight increase with synthetic line.

again, just some quick and dirty math. but you can see how quickly the weight adds up; even with removing the 56 lb stock bumper. we havent taken other things that hang off the bumper (such as shackles, lights, or any hoops) into weight consideration so your end number may acutally be slightly higher.

 

[Iffykid]

keep in mind you arent accounting for the weight of a winch. i did a quick google search and the first result i found that actually had good info said 70-100lbs with steel cable, subtract 30lbs for a synthetic line. other responses seemed in line with this.

some quick and dirty math:
80-100lbs for bumper
70-100 lbs for steel wire winch:

150-200lbs bumper with steel wire. subtracting 30 from both ends yields 120-170lbs with a synthetic line.

subtract that from your 56lb # you got and we are left with:
94-144lb weight increase with steel line
64-114 lb weight increase with synthetic line.

again, just some quick and dirty math. but you can see how quickly the weight adds up; even with removing the 56 lb stock bumper. we havent taken other things that hang off the bumper (such as shackles, lights, or any hoops) into weight consideration so your end number may acutally be slightly higher.

Obvious if you hang more shit on it its going to weigh more.

If you could add all the same crap to a stock bumper it would weigh more as well.

Heehawed back and fourth for several days and finally hit the order button a few minutes ago, Should find out if it was worth the $ in 2-4 weeks.

 

[phattyduck]

I have the same question.

I am sure there is a slight weight difference between the 96-98 and the newer fat lip bumper which has more plastics included, I have read reference to 40lbs but not indicated which model year and I also looked at individual fat lip
components which indicated 20lbs for the inner and 36lbs for the out assembly for a total of 56lbs.

The early bumpers have no inner bumper reinforcement. What you see on the outside is what you get. The 99+ went to the fat lip to add 5mph bumpers (basically) to the structure, which required pushing the outer bumper forward.

So, for early 4Runners, there is a larger weight penalty for a plate bumper.

-Charlie

 

[mesooohoppy]

Obvious if you hang more shit on it its going to weigh more.

If you could add all the same crap to a stock bumper it would weigh more as well.

well duh, thats how weight/mass works. i was merely showing that you dont just 'loose' the 56 lbs when removing the stock bumper and adding a winch and a plate bumper via some quick and dirty math. the weight adds up really quickly.

even with a synthetic line, the winch takes up all of the 56lbs you just lost and then some. and we havent even factored in the additional 80-100 pounds a steel plate bumper adds yet. the last potential issue you are introducing with all of the added weight is sag if you dont have the correct spring rate (more $$). thats why ive been in the market for a lighter weight minimalistic bumper that can take a winch. im probably limited to tube bumpers at this point, but i havent found one that looks good yet (IMO).

 

[absalom]

As previously stated in post #12 R E T I R E D:yield:

Mstudt's point still stands. Burning that much windshield time pretending to be a UPS driver is a poor use of time.

I sure I'm doing more exciting things when I'm retired than couriering bumpers to and fro.

 

[Bumbo]

I do very little to my truck for aesthetic gains, I would think twice before going down this road because it may trigger additional expenses you might not have considered.

As an example adding bumper weight may require an adjustment in front spring rate to correctly support the weight. This means lift with the right springs to accommodate the additional load.

You mentioned you do want to start off-roading, and learning about it… If that is truly the case, you might be better suited to get sliders or skids as your first armor mod.

 

[mesooohoppy]

Mstudt's point still stands. Burning that much windshield time pretending to be a UPS driver is a poor use of time.

I sure I'm doing more exciting things when I'm retired than couriering bumpers to and fro.

the above should read 'would be a poor use of my time'. how in the hell are you going to tell a stranger what is and isnt a poor use of their time?

people have different priorities in life. maybe this gentleman will be doing something else along the way? maybe he just doesnt want to pay shipping out of principal?

 

[Iffykid]

:moon:

Mstudt's point still stands. Burning that much windshield time pretending to be a UPS driver is a poor use of time.

I sure I'm doing more exciting things when I'm retired than couriering bumpers to and fro.

Thought about incorporating a trip down south to do some dirt biking and pickup bumper while en route.

Last year I flew down to Arkansas to pickup a new Honda Goldwing as it was almost $1500 cheaper than any local dealer was willing to do, Spent a 4 days in NW Arkansas (Ozarks) riding my new bike and then headed home with money still in my pocket and got a weeks riding out of the deal to boot.

BEST wishes on your retirement:moon:

 

[aontkos]

how in the hell are you going to tell a stranger what is and isnt a poor use of their time?

It's really no different than suggesting that buying a plate bumper for an "offroad look" doesn't make much sense. It seems like a dumb waste of money to me and that's why the OP created this thread- to get our opinions on the matter.

If you are soliciting responses on an online forum then you are really just asking for the opinion of registered users from around the globe. This is not always a constructive endeavor, especially if you have preconceived notions about what your ideal answer is. Sometimes the most sound logic isn't your own.

 

[Ken2029]

Another consideration is that this large amount of mass is being added to the farthest point from the center of the vehicle. The end result may be a reduction in steering response.

Note that I said "may" be a reduction in steering response. I have no experience with it. I would be very curious to hear from people who have experienced the before and after.

That being said, they look good and there is nothing wrong with that as an end in itself.

 

[3bears]

As previously stated in post #12 R E T I R E D:yield:

me too....retired...more time than money
in post #12 you mention COB...ive only seen that term used for Court Ordered Biker (bicycle..DUI). Sure that's not what you meant since your driving and modding a 4runner... so what do you mean by COB

 

[Iffykid]

me too....retired...more time than money
in post #12 you mention COB...ive only seen that term used for Court Ordered Biker (bicycle..DUI). Sure that's not what you meant since your driving and modding a 4runner... so what do you mean by COB

Cheap Old Bastard.

Also claim to be suffering from CRS.

 

[Iffykid]

Another consideration is that this large amount of mass is being added to the farthest point from the center of the vehicle. The end result may be a reduction in steering response.

Note that I said "may" be a reduction in steering response. I have no experience with it. I would be very curious to hear from people who have experienced the before and after.

That being said, they look good and there is nothing wrong with that as an end in itself.

I have found it usually effects the opposite end of where the weight is placed and usually takes a fair amount of weight depending on the length of wheel base of vehicle

At these extremes you notice quite easily.

Snow plow hanging off the front end takes weight off the rear axle, Alot more weight and the weight is even further forward than just a 100-150lb bumper/winch.

200-300lb motorcycle on a rear hitch rack taking weight off the front end.

Always make me wonder when I see guys recommend putting weight in the back of their pickups trucks for winter traction and then state they put it towards the tail gate which does add more weight to the rear axle but lightens the front steering axle.:snacker:

It might make sense to think about a teeter totter and instead of a single fulcrum the two axles acting as two fulcrums.

 

[Iffykid]

I do very little to my truck for aesthetic gains, I would think twice before going down this road because it may trigger additional expenses you might not have considered.

As an example adding bumper weight may require an adjustment in front spring rate to correctly support the weight. This means lift with the right springs to accommodate the additional load.

You mentioned you do want to start off-roading, and learning about it… If that is truly the case, you might be better suited to get sliders or skids as your first armor mod.

Yes the extra weight might trigger other expenses.

Or loose some weight by leaving the old lady home, ditching the beer cooler, take the doors off etc etc.:bounce:

 

[[email protected]]

I've installed an ARB winch bumper on my 2000. Part # 3423020. Very nice bumper & grille guard. This bumper is listed for a 1995-2004 Tacoma. The only modification required was to cut off the excess plate on the end of the frame horns. You aren't cutting ANY of the frame itself, just the part of the end plate that overhangs the frame. (sorry, I didn't take any pictures)
The frame mounts then will fit perfectly on your frame. The only minor complaint that I had during the install, was the accessibility of a few of the fasteners used to bolt up the bumper.
I was able to get the bumper online for $870. I know, probably a little more than you wanna spend, but it's one of the best looking bumpers available (my opinion) and, it's very well made. I used my front license plate to cover the winch hole, until a winch is installed.
Good luck to you, hope this helped.

 

[[email protected]]

I forgot to mention, The ARB bumper, without winch, has not caused a weight problem. This is with factory springs & struts up front, and a RC 4" kit installed, which uses a spacer in the front to achieve the height that matches the new rear springs.
The rear of the 3rd gens is prone to sag, and I believe RC has made the rear springs to accommodate that. So it sits a little higher in the rear. Although, the front height DID NOT change when the bumper was installed.
I can't make any promises of what might happen when the winch is installed though.
I'll keep you posted.

 

[mesooohoppy]

I forgot to mention, The ARB bumper, without winch, has not caused a weight problem. This is with factory springs & struts up front, and a RC 4" kit installed, which uses a spacer in the front to achieve the height that matches the new rear springs.
The rear of the 3rd gens is prone to sag, and I believe RC has made the rear springs to accommodate that. So it sits a little higher in the rear. Although, the front height DID NOT change when the bumper was installed.
I can't make any promises of what might happen when the winch is installed though.
I'll keep you posted.

if youre talking about rough country, they only make a 3" kit (according to their site).

id measure the center of your center cap on one of your wheels to the fender lip and see if you get sagging over time on the front due to the weight of the bumper. i believe this is why a fair amount of people who have front bumpers get stiffer spring rates.

 

[Endlessblockades]

Maybe I can loose 10lbs per side removing running boards.:eyebrows:

I just took the running boards off my new 2000 Limited. It doesn't amount to much weight loss, but she looks 10 years younger!

:girl:

 

[APhelps]

the above should read 'would be a poor use of my time'. how in the hell are you going to tell a stranger what is and isnt a poor use of their time?

people have different priorities in life. maybe this gentleman will be doing something else along the way? maybe he just doesnt want to pay shipping out of principal?

Besides that once you retire you can't just be burning your money 365 days a year. Most retired people go back to work since they have so much down time.

 

[Iffykid]

I just took the running boards off my new 2000 Limited. It doesn't amount to much weight loss, but she looks 10 years younger!

:girl:

Did you happen to weigh them?