More lift stuff

[RandyDaytona]

OK...I've been searching, reading, making notes, etc.

As someone who seems to magically attract whitetail deer, coyotes, and anything else that walks or crawls to the front end of whatever he happens to be driving, I'd like to add the beefiest anti-critter device possible to my new V8 Sport. There don't seem to be a ton of traditional grille guard options out there unless you're a Ford/Chevy/Dodge owner, so I'm kind of leaning towards the ARB bumper, without the winch.

So being lift-illiterate, here's what I've deduced from perusing the various lift topics and FAQ's. Please jump in and correct me if I'm wrong...

- I will NEED a lift to support the weight of this bumper (and to support large amounts of gear in the back)

- a spacer (cheaper) lift won't do it; suspension (more expensive) lift is necessary

The only real need for a lift here in MN - for my purposes, anyway - is ground clearance. I'm not rock crawling and we have no mountains to speak of. I'm mainly camping, hunting, and puttering around on back logging roads.

So far, I have no beef with the stock XREAS suspension, but it seems like I will need to replace it with a suspension lift if I want the beefiest bumper. Anyone else been in this position? I didn't see any mention of it in the searches I did, so my apologies if I've missed something.

So I'm leaning towards the OME 2.5" kit. However, the info I've read says it comes in medium or heavy duty and that you shouldn't drive around without having it loaded to whatever degree of "duty" you purchase. I.e. buy HD and you'd better be loaded heavy all the time. Obviously, the ARB bumper will stay on all the time, but what about having different levels of stuff in the back? Does that adversely affect the way the truck drives? I'm thinking medium for my uses, but thought I'd see what say ye all.

Thanks folks!

 

[lehiguy]

You should peruse this thread. http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/102272-4th-gen-suspension-options-faq.html

 

[CXS]

I have the OME medium with a SW front and a custom rear bumper. The majority of people say I need the heavy which simply isn't the case as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand some people say it rides like a truck to which I say "It is a truck." Lots of people say you can't put the bumper on without doing th lift first. B.S. a lot depends on the condition of your suspension. Considering your intended use I see you won't be wheeling taconite hills so go with the bumper and see how it goes. As far as needing it fully loaded all the time I also say B.S. but understand it will feel more like a truck than a Lexus. Quite honestly this stuff isn't rocket science, OME builds great stuff, so does ARB so it's hard to go wrong with either of those. I'll now shut up so people can disagree and confuse you with their personal view which not surprisingly will correspond directly to what they spent their hard earned money on.

 

[having fun]

I have the OME medium with a SW front and a custom rear bumper. The majority of people say I need the heavy which simply isn't the case as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand some people say it rides like a truck to which I say "It is a truck." Lots of people say you can't put the bumper on without doing th lift first. B.S. a lot depends on the condition of your suspension. Considering your intended use I see you won't be wheeling taconite hills so go with the bumper and see how it goes. As far as needing it fully loaded all the time I also say B.S. but understand it will feel more like a truck than a Lexus. Quite honestly this stuff isn't rocket science, OME builds great stuff, so does ARB so it's hard to go wrong with either of those. I'll now shut up so people can disagree and confuse you with their personal view which not surprisingly will correspond directly to what they spent their hard earned money on.

Dayum, with all that being said, I'm just going to sit back and STFU.

 

[RandyDaytona]

I have the OME medium with a SW front and a custom rear bumper. The majority of people say I need the heavy which simply isn't the case as far as I'm concerned. On the other hand some people say it rides like a truck to which I say "It is a truck." Lots of people say you can't put the bumper on without doing th lift first. B.S. a lot depends on the condition of your suspension. Considering your intended use I see you won't be wheeling taconite hills so go with the bumper and see how it goes. As far as needing it fully loaded all the time I also say B.S. but understand it will feel more like a truck than a Lexus. Quite honestly this stuff isn't rocket science, OME builds great stuff, so does ARB so it's hard to go wrong with either of those. I'll now shut up so people can disagree and confuse you with their personal view which not surprisingly will correspond directly to what they spent their hard earned money on.

Hey - awesome info. Much appreciated.

I was kind of wondering if references I saw to a "rougher" or "stiffer" ride meant "more truck-like." If that's the case, then I have no problems with it. Like you, I expect a truck to be a truck (it reminds of people who don't like venison because it "tastes gamey..." Duh...it's supposed to...).

Thanks again!

 

[having fun]

Not really rougher, a little more stiffness is more like it. You still have that spring action, just not as much. I have the 885's w/5100's as of right now, w/ no heavy bumper on
v-6 and I like the ride. Will be adding the wieght here shortly.

 

[Dawg4Runner]

I have a Schrockworks front bumper and Icon suspension. It rides great and feels better the the stock xreas suspension. The ride is smooth and I don't experience the understeer that I got with the stock suspension. As far as strength, the SW bumper is one of the strongest out there IMHO. Also, having all 3 hoops increases the strength significantly over a single hoop or no hoops. Plenty testimony on how these bumpers do during front end collisions. I haven't read any feedback on the ARB but I'm sure it'll serve its purpose fine.

Good luck and post pics after you get it!

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

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/5th-gen-t4rs/111015-another-shrockworks-front-bumper.html

 

[ebg18t]

Depending on you budget you mind find the ride quality of the coilovers slightly better. I went from the OME medium kit to the Fox Adjustable's and the overall ride quality is much better. I liked the OME but I like the Fox's much better and with being a coilover you can easily adjust the height to compensate for heavy bumpers, winches etc..