Dilemma: front or rear bumper first?????

[Porqupine82]

Really??? I have seen MANY auto accidents in my time as a cop, and the front ends of vehicles are demolished often even in slow speed accidents....so are you saying the reason the entire front end is demolished is to absorb the impact to make occupants safer?

Just from an eyeball standpoint it looks like stock front bumpers are worthless in an accident and the vehicle is toast if its anything other than a fender bender. Then my one incident demolishing a car with my steel winch bumper and I had paint transfer on it and no damage what so ever, and was not hurt.

You probably are correct. My logic was faulty in that less vehicle damage means safer occupants.

I am currently a police officer and I concur with his statement. Vehicles are designed to pretty much demolish themselves in an attempt to protect the occupants. Chevy released a video of a new impala crash test, and compared it to a crash test of a 60s impala. The 60s barely looked dented, but the interior looked as if someone turned on a blender. The car sacrifices itself for the occupants. Modern vehicle safety is light years ahead, and both body repair guys, and doctors love it.

 

[mrevilandy]

U guys think I should replace my rear springs? Currently on ome 895 with 5100

 

[3wbdriver]

U guys think I should replace my rear springs? Currently on one 895 with 5100

I would say it depends on your expected load. I'm running Toytec Superflex +10% rear springs and with my full weekend load (~300 lbs) and the bare CBI rear bumper I am about 1" lower in the back than unloaded.

 

[mrevilandy]

I would say it depends on your expected load. I'm running Toytec Superflex +10% rear springs and with my full weekend load (~300 lbs) and the bare CBI rear bumper I am about 1" lower in the back than unloaded.

I don't normally have a load. Hmmm would adding an air lift be a good fix or is that more of a band aid if I do load her up

 

[Jhalko]

A related question: Am I correct in assuming that adding one/both of these awesome, heavy bumpers would require upgrading the suspension, and if so, how much lift would be needed?

You definitely need stiffer springs

U guys think I should replace my rear springs? Currently on ome 895 with 5100

The SAW springs I have came down about a 1/2 inch with my CBI bumper without swing out. I just ordered stiffer superflex HD's to put in. I don't know the spring rate on those OME's but the SAW are like 12% stiffer than stock.

 

[3wbdriver]

I don't normally have a load. Hmmm would adding an air lift be a good fix or is that more of a band aid if I do load her up

I haven't really followed this thread in detail, but in my opinion, if you're getting the rear bumper, drive it around as is for a month or so and just see how much it affects the ride with your current springs. If it wallows like a pig then get some stiffer springs. If it is just a little softer or feels more settled into the road, but doesn't feel bad then you should be fine.

After I installed the front bumper and winch I drove around for about 6 weeks with the factory springs still in there. It rode fine while a little softer, but I had lost 3/4" of front stance from the weight and I wanted it back. So I ordered the OME's to restore the ride height.

Air bags are certainly a good option if you rarely load it up but want to stiffen it when you do.

 

[wfo9]

It's a toss up...

I would say the front bumper is a little more practical. None of the aftermarket rear bumpers add any major clearance besides the 4x4 labs, which requires you to cut out the factory rear cross member/bumper. The the spare can hit... but it's really not a problem at all from my experience.