Plated Bumper or Stock OEM 99+ ???

[fightman80]

Hey guys!

Well here I am, flat out in the middle of a dilemma!

Here's the problem:

I'm looking to replace my dented 98 bumper, with something better. I've talked to a few people here locally, and well all the quotes are not in yet, but I'd like your opinions!

I want to upgrade my current setup with either OEM replacement 99+ bumper OR a Custom Plated bumper. Part of me wants to go for the cool factor, and buy a custom plated bumper for around $700.00. The other side of me, wants to stick with OEM look but upgrade to a newer style. The cheapest quote so far for the OEM bumper was around $427.00 for the chrome piece, lower valance, upper filler piece, bumper protector, and some other piece. I would also need to buy new signal lights, and bumper brackets.

Here's something to think about:

1) I don't Off-road that much, only go out once in a while, and hate busting up my truck. So asside from it looking cool, it probably wouldn't get any real use. That being said, I don't want to be one of those posers, who have their rigs fully decked out with winches, bumpers, and sliders, and don't actually use any of it!

2) So far, OEM is the cheapest option, but I know that the guy I'd be getting to build the plated bumper does top notch stuff, and that bumper would be my last one I ever buy for that truck!

Another thing to consider is cost. With Christmas coming so soon, I only have about $300 to $400 to spend right now. If I go with the plated bumper, I'll have to wait even longer to buy it.

So I guess this is my question:

What would you guys do, if you were in my position???

How much of a poser would I be if I got the plated bumper?

 

[Big John]

Yikes! I'm pretty sure I'm one of those posers:jaw drop: I've got a bunch of tube work done to mine and only wheeled it once this year.

Get whatever you like for your rig (as long as it's not the Smittybuilt looking stuff). I'd go plate if that's what you like.

 

[4-Ripcord]

Custom plate/ tube bumper for sure. But, with all the recent developments in custom bumpers, it is indeed a tough decision on which one.


You have your local shop. But lead time on a custom fabbed bumper is not pretty.


You have Pikeman's new bumper he just helped a local shop start fabbing. HERE


Shrockworks has a group buy going on right now, and they have made some recent changes to cut wait time a bunch. HERE


Addicted Offroad bumper hit the market this year, those looks so great in my opinion. HERE

And you still have the many other bumper manufacturers out there; Badlands, savage offroad, ARB, TJM (if you can find one), etc..


Good luck in picking!

 

[99runnerwa]

if you are in the north west jeff at badlands makes an awesome bumper and is a great guy to work with.

 

[fightman80]

You guys are killing my wallet! HA HA HA! I just checked the poll results, and judging by all your comments, PLATED is the way to go.........Still got some thinking to do, because I was sold on the stock replacement!

 

[Jhacker1]

I would personally go with the plated bumper. Although you don't wheel much now you may decide to one day to start wheeling it. And you don't wanna have to replace the OEM bumper all the time. Best of luck!

 

[Bandit Runner]

Go with a custom plate bumper. I'll even design one for you.

See this thread: Gauging Interest: Selling Front Bumper Plans for 3rd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums

Then you could just have your fabricator cut it out and weld it up. It would save him a lot of time.

If you (or anyone else) is interested, just PM me with your email address, and I will send you some more information.

Thanks,

 

[JohnsD90]

I would say get a 96-98 if a plated bumper is out of is too expensive and not i top priority at the moment. The 99+ is just ugly.

 

[fightman80]

I would say get a 96-98 if a plated bumper is out of is too expensive and not i top priority at the moment. The 99+ is just ugly.

Everyone has their opinion, ha ha ha! I find the 96 - 98 bumpers kinda plain.......that's why I had added the safari bar on mine all those years ago.....

 

[4-Ripcord]

Ok, I change my previous comment. Bandits' is the best, hands down. Other that his, yeah it's a tough decision.

I didn't think he would ever release the plans, but since he has. GO FOR IT! Such a freaking awesome bumper. Following him while he was designing was like following Scotty's rig when he was building it up. Getting all excited when I saw a new comment was posted in the thread.

Go with a custom plate bumper. I'll even design one for you.

See this thread: Gauging Interest: Selling Front Bumper Plans for 3rd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums

Then you could just have your fabricator cut it out and weld it up. It would save him a lot of time.

If you (or anyone else) is interested, just PM me with your email address, and I will send you some more information.

Thanks,

And his plans are in Pro/E. That's what I have been learning to use for a few years here at UNM. So more brownie points to you.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

Everyone has their opinion, ha ha ha! I find the 96 - 98 bumpers kinda plain.......that's why I had added the safari bar on mine all those years ago.....

I agree, John never realizes he's not the only one with an opinion.

I looked at your first post, and just had to mention that a whole 99+ front bumper can be had for much much cheaper via a wrecking yard or even Certifit or something. Too bad you're so far, I know the best place.

So if you'd like the OEM version more, and can find one for a reasonable $150-$200, that should be a no brainer, especially if you prefer it. I think it would look great with the new lights, but I'd suggest a new grille too (they're not expensive, $80)

 

[fightman80]

I agree, John never realizes he's not the only one with an opinion.

I looked at your first post, and just had to mention that a whole 99+ front bumper can be had for much much cheaper via a wrecking yard or even Certifit or something. Too bad you're so far, I know the best place.

So if you'd like the OEM version more, and can find one for a reasonable $150-$200, that should be a no brainer, especially if you prefer it. I think it would look great with the new lights, but I'd suggest a new grille too (they're not expensive, $80)

No worries about John's post, I was just kidding around! ha ha ha! As far as the OEM bumper goes, I'm waiting to hear from a friend of mine from an autobody shop, on a quote for a used piece....she left a voice message on my machine today, but I was at work, so I'll call her tomorow to see what's shakin......

Regarding the grill.....sorry man, but I actually like my grill more than the newer styles. I thought about doing the upgrade last year, but my grill really grew on me, and now with the TRD badge on it, I like it even more! If I do replace it, it will be with a new one, and a new T emblem.........

Thanks for the input man!

 

[fightman80]

Go with a custom plate bumper. I'll even design one for you.

See this thread: Gauging Interest: Selling Front Bumper Plans for 3rd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums

Then you could just have your fabricator cut it out and weld it up. It would save him a lot of time.

If you (or anyone else) is interested, just PM me with your email address, and I will send you some more information.

Thanks,

I really like this option! But if I go with a plated bumper, I'm going to have to wait a few months, as I don't have the money to go that route right now.....

I have been fantasizing about my truck with your Gnarly bumper on it!

Great build man!

 

[puppetz007]

Go with a custom plate bumper. I'll even design one for you.

See this thread: Gauging Interest: Selling Front Bumper Plans for 3rd Gen 4Runner - YotaTech Forums

Then you could just have your fabricator cut it out and weld it up. It would save him a lot of time.

If you (or anyone else) is interested, just PM me with your email address, and I will send you some more information.

Thanks,

What CAD program did you use to draw the plans??

Edit: Answered my own question by reading more closely haha

 

[Elton H]

i know my 400 dollar tube bumper will save me thousands of dollars if i hit something vs the stock bumper

 

[fightman80]

i know my 400 dollar tube bumper will save me thousands of dollars if i hit something vs the stock bumper

I agree! However, I don't plan on wheeling this thing hard anyway for a couple of more years, (Until I buy myself the newer style Taco). I plan on making my truck an Off-road only vehicle when the Taco gets here. I shouldn't be hitting anything on the road anyway......

 

[COShadow]

Depends on what you want to do with your truck. I just replaced the stock bumper with a new one, because I don't want the weight of a custom one and I won't be rock crawling. It would be nice to mount the spare tire on the back with some kind of swing out bar though.

 

[RonMAIDEN]

I'd just stick with the OEM bumper and save the money of you aren't rerally going to see a benefit from an expensive bumper and there are other cool things to buy that aren't vehicle associated but if your budget can handle it then get what you like. I could've bought a *****in bumper but I get more everyday use from my new 55" Sony LED TV and PS3 playing GT5.

 

[AddictedOffroad]

I agree! However, I don't plan on wheeling this thing hard anyway for a couple of more years, (Until I buy myself the newer style Taco). I plan on making my truck an Off-road only vehicle when the Taco gets here. I shouldn't be hitting anything on the road anyway......

What happens if you rear end someone or hit a large animal? You don't need to be wheeling to hit something. :driving:

I went with tube vs. plate mainly because it increases so much more approach angle over a plate bumper. And, its much lighter in weight. Mine weighs 68lbs with the stinger. Most plate bumpers (Like an ARB) weigh around 150lbs.

 

[ChildrenOfBodom]

I could've bought a *****in bumper but I get more everyday use from my new 55" Sony LED TV and PS3 playing GT5.

OMG high five