**NEW 3rd Gen 4R "OEM+" Front Bumper Prototype**

UPDATE

Just wanted to throw a qucik render update in there. Probably looks very similar to previous ones but the LB3R pictured is pretty much in manufacturable form. The UB3R pictured is still in prototype phase but we've finally got the dimensions and profile so it can be unfolded and not just a bunch of flat plates welded together. We are trying to have as many round radius' as possible to create a softer more OEM look. I really don't want a bunch of 90 degree weld areas where the user has to weld seams together and then grind flat leaving a bunch of humps in the steel (this in itself is a skill - many pro fabricators wouldn't have this issue but I've seen many DIY or WIY bumpers with this trait. )


LB3R 2.4 by Tamarack, on Flickr

Notes:
- You can see that the UB3R profile is more similar to the factory 96-98 bumper in it's profile - it's actually a little "slimmer" when overlayed to the factory bumper
- We are thinking of making the UB3R out of 3x pre-fabricated aluminum sections that would be easier to ship and then bolted together by the user, where the LB3R would be steel for strength purposes and WIY (although it is a VERY quick WIY time)
- UB3R foglight pockets are designed to house 2x Baja S2 or similar lights.
- Id like to have a fog light bezel that clips in place to fill the air gaps when the above mentioned lights are installed, thinking of forged carbon for a $$$ option and injected molded or something for the normal $ version
- working on winch clearances now for the current UB3R and prepping for a cardboard mockup next week.
 
- We are thinking of making the UB3R out of 3x pre-fabricated aluminum sections that would be easier to ship and then bolted together by the user, where the LB3R would be steel for strength purposes and WIY (although it is a VERY quick WIY time)

Looking good! In regards to the above quoted section, I would prefer a steel piece over aluminum if given the choice. I like the idea of a multi sectional design that would require bolting/welding together rather than a bunch of individual pieces. Just my $0.02 to do with as you please.
 
Looking good! In regards to the above quoted section, I would prefer a steel piece over aluminum if given the choice. I like the idea of a multi sectional design that would require bolting/welding together rather than a bunch of individual pieces. Just my $0.02 to do with as you please.

Thanks for the feedback - I sincerely appreciate it!

I would ask you why? Just as a preference for strength?

I'll put some thoughts here before I hear your response - I may/may not be on the right track of what you leading to. So potentially take my rational as a grain of salt. Our whole ethos in this new venture is to be "less, but better". In that we are really looking at the common users and going what do they ACTUALLY need? The reality of the thousands of built Toyota's is that probably 10-15% of users actually use them to their built-up potential. Most people like the aesthetic of a modded vehicle, enjoy the build process, and enjoy "adventuring" in their trucks. (myself included) Sometimes even tackling a moderate to difficult trail along the way. Our product tailors to this user where weight savings and simplicity are actually more beneficial to the common user than the ultimate offroad strength that they think they need. Aluminum will still be strong and increase the offroad capability of these trucks significantly over factory and allow better overall driving characteristics vs steel, albeit not as quite as strong. Not trying to get in a debate of steel vs. aluminum with anyone (I understand the pro's and con's quite thoroughly) but maybe some justification why our products are leaning this way in terms of our engineering intent.

Now I will say that the nice thing here is that a steel WIY option could be very simply adopted as an option for that percentage of people who need ultimate strength or cost vs the ultimate daily efficiency.

Interested to hear your further thoughts!
 
Now I will say that the nice thing here is that a steel WIY option could be very simply adopted as an option for that percentage of people who need ultimate strength or cost vs the ultimate daily efficiency.

Interested to hear your further thoughts!

You hit the nail on the head with all you said! If I could interject, my thoughts are to do with the cost. I’d love to have the full UB3R, but I know that aluminum is going to be a premium. A lot of bumpers have options of steel or aluminum. The newest rendering looks amazing!
 
Thanks for the feedback - I sincerely appreciate it!

I would ask you why? Just as a preference for strength?

I'll put some thoughts here before I hear your response - I may/may not be on the right track of what you leading to. So potentially take my rational as a grain of salt. Our whole ethos in this new venture is to be "less, but better". In that we are really looking at the common users and going what do they ACTUALLY need? The reality of the thousands of built Toyota's is that probably 10-15% of users actually use them to their built-up potential. Most people like the aesthetic of a modded vehicle, enjoy the build process, and enjoy "adventuring" in their trucks. (myself included) Sometimes even tackling a moderate to difficult trail along the way. Our product tailors to this user where weight savings and simplicity are actually more beneficial to the common user than the ultimate offroad strength that they think they need. Aluminum will still be strong and increase the offroad capability of these trucks significantly over factory and allow better overall driving characteristics vs steel, albeit not as quite as strong. Not trying to get in a debate of steel vs. aluminum with anyone (I understand the pro's and con's quite thoroughly) but maybe some justification why our products are leaning this way in terms of our engineering intent.

Now I will say that the nice thing here is that a steel WIY option could be very simply adopted as an option for that percentage of people who need ultimate strength or cost vs the ultimate daily efficiency.

Interested to hear your further thoughts!

All valid points that need to be weighed and considered by the end user. Weight is a big consideration/factor to take into account, but for me it comes down to being able to repair it myself and modify as needed. I have the equipment and knowledge to work with steel, but I don't have the ability to work with aluminum. If the bumper were to be damaged/bent either from trail use or collision (a likely probability with in my area lol) I want to be able to repair it myself. A WIY steel kit for people like me with a preference for steel over aluminum would be a good option in my opinion.
 
All valid points that need to be weighed and considered by the end user. Weight is a big consideration/factor to take into account, but for me it comes down to being able to repair it myself and modify as needed. I have the equipment and knowledge to work with steel, but I don't have the ability to work with aluminum. If the bumper were to be damaged/bent either from trail use or collision (a likely probability with in my area lol) I want to be able to repair it myself. A WIY steel kit for people like me with a preference for steel over aluminum would be a good option in my opinion.

Perfect, appreciate the feedback!
 
The UB3R pictured is still in prototype phase but we've finally got the dimensions and profile so it can be unfolded and not just a bunch of flat plates welded together. We are trying to have as many round radius' as possible to create a softer more OEM look. I really don't want a bunch of 90 degree weld areas where the user has to weld seams together and then grind flat leaving a bunch of humps in the steel (this in itself is a skill - many pro fabricators wouldn't have this issue but I've seen many DIY or WIY bumpers with this trait. )

LB3R 2.4 by Tamarack, on Flickr

Your prototype looks great. I really like your objectives for your bumper build especially in creating more rounded radiuses for a curved oem look. Not really a fan of the series of flat & sharp angled weld edges that most aftermarket front/rear bumpers have.

Between aluminum & steel, I like the weight savings & rust resistance of aluminum but like the repairability of steel. My apologies if you already mentioned this but what thickness of aluminum &/or steel would it be made of?

Your bumper bolts up to the factory mounting points correct? If that's the case, would it be safe to assume that using the 2" lift brackets that I currently have on my factory bumper to accommodate my 2" body lift would also work on your bumper?
 
Really, really looking forward to this, Addison! Can't wait to see the upper/lower bumpers installed on a 3rd gen.

I may have to lose my winch for a front mount intercooler, pusher fans, and 25 row engine oil cooler, but it'll look menacing in the spot the winch is supposed to be in :cool:

I really dig the idea of aluminum. Extra ground cleareance and approach, without the weight. And lightyears stronger than the stock bumper, not to mention corrosion resistant
 
Your prototype looks great. I really like your objectives for your bumper build especially in creating more rounded radiuses for a curved oem look. Not really a fan of the series of flat & sharp angled weld edges that most aftermarket front/rear bumpers have.

Between aluminum & steel, I like the weight savings & rust resistance of aluminum but like the repairability of steel. My apologies if you already mentioned this but what thickness of aluminum &/or steel would it be made of?

Your bumper bolts up to the factory mounting points correct? If that's the case, would it be safe to assume that using the 2" lift brackets that I currently have on my factory bumper to accommodate my 2" body lift would also work on your bumper?

Thanks for the comments and feedback! LB3R is 3/16” steel. A steel UB3R would likely be the same. For Aluminum I am not 100% sure yet. We are in the process of strengthening and reinforcing the mounts for the UB3R and those components will all be steel. I’m thinking that I’d like to make the underside very robust using these steel components and that the aluminum would likely be a shell overtop. 3/16” aluminum would be great for weight and to help keep cost down (vs. 1/4”), with the steel behind it doing most of the ‘heavy lifting’ if it takes an impact. Subject to change but that’s where my thoughts are ATM.

This bumper currently accommodates a ‘no bodylift’ and a 1” bodylift in the design. Basically the UB3R mounts have an extra set of holes that allow it to lift 1” higher relative to the LB3R which is static. It would depend on how and where your 2” lift brackets are mounted and what they look like. Knowing the design, I think you could very easily adapt the current UB3R mounts to work with a 2” bodylift but it is not something we will be offering out of the gate unless we get a ton of requests for it.
 
Really, really looking forward to this, Addison! Can't wait to see the upper/lower bumpers installed on a 3rd gen.

I may have to lose my winch for a front mount intercooler, pusher fans, and 25 row engine oil cooler, but it'll look menacing in the spot the winch is supposed to be in :cool:

I really dig the idea of aluminum. Extra ground cleareance and approach, without the weight. And lightyears stronger than the stock bumper, not to mention corrosion resistant

Hunter! Hope you are doing well! Glad you stopped by ;)

I’m getting excited just thinking about a chrome wrapped UB3R and a big intercooler lurking behind! Glad I have another vote for aluminum too.
 
Bump

Super interested if you have a relative price yet? I think I remeber you saying somewhere around 4-5 for the lb3r? I could be wrong though.
 

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