question about aftermarket bumpers

kolelt

New member
Thinking about saving money to get a bumper done by person I know. Question is, do aftermarket bumpers put strain on your suspension. Like axels, joints ect. Since it's all metal and add weights
 
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I wouldn't say it puts strain on the axles or anything like that. It does cause the front suspension to sag some due to the extra weight. Depending on what bumper you go with you may not even notice it unless you add a winch.
 
Any more weight than stock adds strain to all the components. Though it's not like you are adding 2000lbs, the biggest issue you might notice is how the truck handles/sits and it's doubtful you'll see any difference unless you add a couple hundred pounds.
 
The bumper would weight about 200lbs. And it would be front bumper. So is it necesary to get coils for extra weight ? Do the aftermarket coils help smooth out the ride ? Are the coils the ones that need to be replaced for extra weight. I have 3 inch spacers. So I would like to maintain the lift with the bumper. What do u guys recommend. Are rear coils necesary
 
Rear coils won't help with the frontal weight. If you have stock coils it'll sag the front down so you'll probably want to upgrade. Why will it be so heavy? Most front bumpers are rare to exceed 100lbs.
 
Rear coils won't help with the frontal weight. If you have stock coils it'll sag the front down so you'll probably want to upgrade. Why will it be so heavy? Most front bumpers are rare to exceed 100lbs.

I have all stock front coils and shocks and same for rear with 3inch day star spacers. So most bumpers weight around 100lbs ? Because this guy was estimating that the bumper would weight 200lbs. Which does sound heavy. Either way, I WILL prob need to replace coils and shocks ? Or just coils ? This is the bumper that I want him to build me. He said 1/8" thickness would be good.
 
its a clean look. I cant wait until my build gets to the point were I have all the little stuff taken care of and get to the fun stuff like bumper's and winches
 
I have all stock front coils and shocks and same for rear with 3inch day star spacers. So most bumpers weight around 100lbs ? Because this guy was estimating that the bumper would weight 200lbs. Which does sound heavy. Either way, I WILL prob need to replace coils and shocks ? Or just coils ? This is the bumper that I want him to build me. He said 1/8" thickness would be good.

If you are using 1/8" steel I would be surprised if you go over 75lbs. I built mine and it's from 1/8" steel and I would guess it to be under 60lbs, probably ~50lbs. In which case you will probably be fine. If it does sag a bit, you could go to some slightly stiffer coils to bring the front end up higher and your shocks will probably be fine.

You could always think about swapping out your entire spacer lift for new coilovers/coils/shocks to get the 3" and it'll be a more functional lift, but if what you have now works and you like it no need to change.

Here's mine:

DSC_3911_zpsf114eb2c.jpg~original
 
Well I just happen to have that same Shrockworks on the front of my rig. It weighs about 110-120# without a winch in it. The stocker weighs about 40-50# so figure on about double. As others have said the weight does not put additional stress on the actual driveline, but it will put some new weight on the front suspension.

I just got mine mounted up this weekend, for reference 1998 LTD 195k with all stock coils and shocks as far as I know, it has squatted the front end about 1/4" - 1/2" and I rub slightly when turning left with slight up-travel. I am positive it would sound terrible if I actual had the front flexed in a turn. I have a set of 99 Highlander coils that I am about to bolt on with a set of 5100s to give me a slight lift and eliminate the rubbing.

Now in your case, if the bumper does end up at 200# or more, then you WILL need something to help out the front out.

Good luck and post up some pictures when it is finished.
 
Well I just happen to have that same Shrockworks on the front of my rig. It weighs about 110-120# without a winch in it. The stocker weighs about 40-50# so figure on about double. As others have said the weight does not put additional stress on the actual driveline, but it will put some new weight on the front suspension.

I just got mine mounted up this weekend, for reference 1998 LTD 195k with all stock coils and shocks as far as I know, it has squatted the front end about 1/4" - 1/2" and I rub slightly when turning left with slight up-travel. I am positive it would sound terrible if I actual had the front flexed in a turn. I have a set of 99 Highlander coils that I am about to bolt on with a set of 5100s to give me a slight lift and eliminate the rubbing.

Now in your case, if the bumper does end up at 200# or more, then you WILL need something to help out the front out.

Good luck and post up some pictures when it is finished.

You havethe same bumper as in that picture on the green runner ? The reason I'm asking many questions is because this guy is a good metal/welder and would probably build the exact bumper for 200-300$ and so I'm very concerned about the weight on the front end. At what weight do you guys think I should consider new front coils ? Also what's the difference between coils, coilovers ? Are coils rear springs? And coilovers are front springs ? Any recommendations on what coils to possibly look at ? I saw ome 883 coils for front. But they say only to be used with ome shocks. Trying to get the most info so I could save up little by little then post pictures :)
 
Well when I say coils I am actually talking about coils. The front suspension does use coilovers as you stated. I plan to use a set of Bilstein 5100 adjustable bodies and my Highlander coils with my top plates to build a hybrid coilover for the front. Then install the highlander coils with new shocks in the rear.

As far as how much is too much, that will depend on the actual weight that you add. Coil springs generally have a linear rate, meaning that the more weight you add they will simply compress more. So at some point the weight will compress the springs on the coilovers to the point that your ride will begin to suffer.

Their are a number of coils out there that help with extra weight on the front, but before you jump in there on that, I would make sure I knew how much weight I was adding. If you choose heavier coils for the front CO's and then the weight is less, the front will become VERY stiff and unpleasant to drive. Best advice I could give is let him build it for you and see how the front reacts, maybe even weigh it and then once you have that, you can plan your front suspension accordingly. Especially if he is using 1/8" plate and it turns out much lighter. The Shrockworks pictured is 1/4" and 3/16" plate which is why it is substantially heavier.

Also, if your buddy can build you that bumper for $200-$300 then I would be all over that, but I would make sure he has checked his math because I would think it would have that much material in it. Of course 1/8" is lighter and should be a good bit less expensive.

And for reference, here is my bumper installed:
 

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