Rear Bumper input

[4Runner4TW]

As I continue to build my 4Runner to fit my needs for use, I am researching possible rear bumper options. Here's why I would like a new rear bumper:

-move rear tire to make room for possible fresh water tank (small tank for showers, dishes, etc while camping)
-move tire to make it easier to put the spare in my tire rotation (currently looking at getting a new set of wheels and tires (I plan to run two sets, one for camping excursions and another set for everyday use)
-integrated hitch (I constantly drag the rear hitch and would like to have it set higher)
-look (I think we can all agree the look is awesome)

With many set ups costing $1500-2000; this is way outside my budget. However I found this site today. Looks like what I'm looking for would cost about $800. Any input or experience would be great.

https://tacticalarmorgroup.com/TAG-Bumper-Store/MultiCarrier-Toyota-4Runner-1996-2002

 

[Arrowhead]

That's a pretty good looking bumper.

 

[4Runner4TW]

I thought so as well, but I've read a lot of terrible reviews about their service. Just wondering if the quality is good.

 

[99Runnr]

If I've learned anything about aftermarket bumpers on these trucks, you get what you BOTH wait and pay for.

 

[volkinator]

Hopefully they've gotten their act together since these reviews... Took me a minute to find this...

TAC Review

Again, Haven't seen anything newer, but I remembered reading about these when I was doing a bit of searching as well. I think there's a reason to pay a little extra to go with a known vendor. My goal is to eventually invest the time and money into making my own. It's going to take me a while as I've got to learn a lot of welding know-how. But it's a goal at least!

 

[99Runnr]

Hopefully they've gotten their act together since these reviews... Took me a minute to find this...

TAC Review

Again, Haven't seen anything newer, but I remembered reading about these when I was doing a bit of searching as well. I think there's a reason to pay a little extra to go with a known vendor. My goal is to eventually invest the time and money into making my own. It's going to take me a while as I've got to learn a lot of welding know-how. But it's a goal at least!

Wow, that review was harsh, feel bad for that guy.

 

[Chim]

I bought a bumper from them a little over a year ago.. and will never do so again! The owner lied to me over the phone and my bumper took well past the 12 weeks quoted and I was scared I would even get it at all!

 

[99Runnr]

Nobody take this the wrong way, it's just a generalization of event's and experiences I've had over the last 6 months with these rigs.

Since your on a budget, as most people are, your choices for a top tier specialty bumper for these 3rd gens is VERY limited. You need to realize going into any bumper purchase for a 3rd gen, you get what you pay for. Myself included, I learned this the hard way with my first set.

Everyone is waiting 4 weeks, 12 weeks, on somewhere in between on average some have gone well past that. All the builders are understaffed, overworked, injured, can't get materials from their suppliers, there's been probably more justified grief over bumpers then any other part.

With that said, your going to be stuck waiting for anything you get, if it's worth bolting on your truck. Nobody stock's these bumpers, my .02 it's not under any circumstance an item you go cheap on either. Especially when you want all the accessories with it.

 

[JayRolla]

If your worried about wait times dont buy custom made bumpers from fabrication shops. They take time and are built to order.

If you want a bumper fast, got get an ARB thats sitting on a shelf.

 

[Chim]

It's not just a matter of waiting with these guys. The owner is all super nice/ friendly and communicates great when trying to sell you a bumper.. getting it is another story. I have strings of emails trying to get info from this place on my order. There tone definitely changes after order has been placed. When I called to talk to them about getting me a date since they were already past it with no heads up as to when I would see it the guy who answered said owner wasn't there.. after talking to him for 5 plus minutes I found out it was him and called him out on it and he tried shifting the subject. I even wanted out of my order and he said it was a 50% re-stocking fee so he had me by the balls. After much research I wasn't the only one this happened to. In fact tactical armor group is not the first business name he has had! His business was under a different name before with even more bad reviews.

The bumper itself looked fine when it actually did arrive. Although the mounting plates had holes that didn't line up with my frame. They send part of the mounts un-drilled because they say due to frame differences they dont pre-drill.. but the ones they did pre-drill were off. This was on a tire carrier I had ordered for my 87.

I say save a little longer and go with 4xinnovations. They delivered on time and it was perfect. I'm sure other big names here would be good too.. its worth it to pay more for a better experience all around.

 

[kolelt]

I've read nothing but negative reviews.

 

[A.Wilson013]

TAG is like the 3rd or 4th name they've operated under. They're proud owners of an F rating from the better business bureau.