CBI Bumper
Last Friday marked the 7 week mark from the day I placed my order for my CBI bumper. It was also the day I installed my bumper. Seven weeks start to finish is longer than their standard 4 week lead time, but it's most certainly better than others I've heard that have had to wait 6 months or longer for their bumpers. It's also pretty good considering my bumper was customized and they experienced a 1-2 week delay because of SEMA. All things considered, I was happy with the time frame.
I decided to go with CBI over the competition for one very simple reason. Nathan Wright and CBI's customer service. They're absolutely unparalleled. I'd considered Demello Offroad, but did not receive an response when I reached out to them. I also reached out to a local shop (Fab Fours) and got the same reply that I got from D.O. (none). They made my choice even easier as Nathan was there to answer all my questions and was with me every step of the way.
I've always thought the D.O. was rather anemic looking and the fact the it's 1/8" plate vs 3/16" of the competition was also a detractor. On the opposite end, I know that Shrockworks is a very popular choice among folks here and I personally have always felt that they are bulky and plain looking. Couple that with the price, the ridiculous lead time, and the fact that everyone has them and it quickly took them off of the table for me. The new design CBI filled what was lacking between the other offerings perfectly for me.
To go with the bumper I also ordered a Smittybilt XRC-8 Comp-Series Winch (with synthetic line and Hawse fairlead) and a set of Rigid Dually's to fill up my light buckets (ala needsmoresalt). Got the winch from CBI with the original order and got my lights from fellow member Ducmonsta of 5th gen fame and his shop High-Tech Auto & Truck Center. Thanks for taking care of me Bobby! If you guys don't already, please try to support our contributing members and great sponsors. Bobby is amazing to deal with like Nathan and he evens gives prizes away to our very own forum T4ROTM contestants out of the goodness of his own heart. Let him know what you need, he'll take care of you.
Box of goodies:
Upon further inspection... oh now this just won't do:
Sent it off to have it anodized hard black. That's actually been one of the main reasons for holding up posting this mod.
Let's get started. As you see, it was a frigid morning. Headlight still frozen:
This was the little 22R powered beasty that I hauled the bumper down with. 1985 yota, 280+K miles and still runs like a top:
Getting somewhere. My Airman little brother just returned from a year in Korea... So I put his ass to work:
A few shots post install. I had CBI customize the high-lift jack points from their standard triangles to a 4 sided shape. Also had them change the triangle and slots for the radiator inlet to circles and had them tilt my grill guard slightly forward. What can I say? Just not a fan of the triangles:
Wired my DRL/turn signal to the bumper LED turns and my factory fog stalk switch to the Rigids. Pics of them on before the "Poser Police" ask for them since they like to come out in droves. Heaven forbid somebody mount a light and not wire them
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My initial thoughts on the bumper:
Design: beautiful. At first I didn't really like the fact that it was really open between the top deck of the bumper and the vehicle grill and headlights. I think the intention is to clear the big 06' grill. Now I've realized that I can access my winch clutch switch and controller plug without even popping my hood. Very nice! I'll try to grab a pic of this.
Quality: I don't have to speak to CBI's quality. They have an outstanding reputation. My only gripe is that the powder coat appeared to be very thin and as I was working with it, seemed to nick and scratch very easily. I had mine wrinkle finish, which looks great with everything else on the truck. I just wish it were a little more durable.
Install: Install was very straight forward. I'd definitely recommend at least 2 men for this. Everything fit together perfectly.
Price: Right in line with the rest of the market, but a better value in my opinion.
Lead time: I've already mentioned, but I think it's a fair lead time for what we're getting, even with my delay.
Yesterday morning I picked up my fairlead. So last night, I spooled my winch line, did the J.A. fog light mod and did some touch up. I'm still working to rectify the hyperflashing from the LED turn signals.
I'm going to head out of the office to try to grab some better pictures as the install pictures (cell phone) aren't all that great. Just thought I'd put something up for y'all. Stay tuned for that.
Thanks for looking!
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