My thoughts:
I don't think they screwed you, and this whole thread seems a bit childish and could potentially be quite hurtful to CBI's business. If you have issues with their products, take it up with them.
Alex, I find it kind of funny that you're so quick to defend CBI, especially considering how they failed to provide you (and everyone else) with critical information regarding spare tire fitment on the hybrid rear bumper you just installed. (
your comments here)
That is important information. Information that could potentially sway a customer's purchase decision. Information that costs people money and time when it is not provided. IMO, their failure to disclose that important detail is not acceptable.
Noah and I exchanged some PM's, and my review of CBI probably contributed to him posting this thread. His concerns are valid, and in no way do I see this thread as childish. I had problems with CBI, and I contacted them. Guess how far that got me? If the shortcomings of CBI's products end up hurting their business, then so be it. That's how business works.
The rear body mount thing really bothers me. They should really take that issue into consideration when designing and testing that product when it is clearly a known issue. They should include upgraded body mounts or design the bumper to not contact the body under frame flex. Otherwise, the overall product is flawed in my opinion.
Exactly my thoughts on the matter.
The problem is that it was NOT a known issue to
CBI. I don't think they ever took the time to really trail test their 3rd gen bumpers before they started selling them. They didn't know the 3rd gen platform.
It's not like it's that hard to figure out. Steve @ SS figured it out. He built a bumper, put it on, wheeled it... and it contacted the body. So he started building them with a bigger gap. Then he took it one step further and figured out the body mount solution.
Personally, I think the issues OP has had with his front bumper are good enough reason for him to bring up the concern with his community. If guys can't feel comfortable voicing concerns on a forum about a vendor, what good is the forum?
If there's an on going issue with a vendor, that multiple customers have experienced, I'd like to know about it.
For me, there's nothing more frustrating than bolt holes that don't line up. Sure, I can drill new ones. But should I have to when I'm spending this kind of money?
I'd say you answered your own question with your experience on the front bumper.
EXACTLY!!!!! Why should the customer bear the responsibility of making sure that CBI's product fits the vehicle for which it was built? For $1400, a bumper should fit the first time every time. Imagine if TRD was selling headers, an exhaust, a 7th injector system, etc for $1000 that had to be modified in nearly every application by the end user... how long would that last? If guys were having to modify their Toytec lifts right out of the box, do you think Toytec would get away with it?
I wish there was more information available on these bumpers when I was considering my purchase. I would have greatly preferred going into the situation fully informed.
Bringing these problems to light on a public forum is a matter of accountability. It's the same reason that sites like amazon allow product reviews, that ebay uses feedback. CBI shows reviews on their website, but guess what? They're all 5 stars, A+++, two thumbs up! Why? Because CBI chooses what reviews get posted on their site. Those reviews are not user-submitted without moderation by CBI site admins.
CBI has done a great job working out all the kinks in the rear bumper over the years..... Some guys on here were guinea pigs for that and CBI attempted to make it right for them..... Regarding the rear body mounts. That's not fair to put CBI to blame on that and to be honest, I still don't think it should be a requirement. Everyone here buys parts for their rigs that play on the performance of other parts.
I'll give them credit... they worked out the fitment issues after I raised hell about it. The guinea pigs... yeah, I was one of those. The issues I had with my bumper resulted in you and everyone else who bought one after me getting a bumper that actually fit and lined up the first time.
As far as making it right in my case? They didn't do much. They sent me another bumper that was not built to my specs, and then gave me a hard time when I called them on it. In retrospect, I should have cancelled my order right then and there, sent both bumpers back, and built my own.
:ranger:
Long story short, I've had my share of problems with CBI. If I could do it again, I wouldn't touch them with a 10 foot pole. If I can ever find a buyer for mine at a price where I won't lose a ton of $$$, I will probably sell it and build my own. However, at this point I've got so much time into making it work/meet my needs that I might as well keep it.
At the same time, CBI probably wishes that they'd never taken my order.
After all these problems, can you blame me for my position on them as a company?
Detailed account of my bad experience with CBI
CBI bumper dents up my rig
Broken weld on my CBI tire carrier
The dent/damage on the driver's side has progressed and has actually started to buckle the sheet metal in FRONT of the tail light.
Can't Break It, huh? Sorry... just did.
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Cue Nathan to come in here and start blowing some sunshine. :bored:
eep:
