This is why stock bumpers will NOT save your vehicle in a collision

[AddictedOffroad]

This is a 2000 4runner. Its in my shop after it slid on ice at 10mph into a snow bank.

The stock TIN front bumper folded up like an aluminum can. It pushed the grill up and bent the brackets on the inner core support, bent the fender, pushed up the headlight bezel, and even tweaked the hood over. It even bent the frame behind the body mount. The passenger side frame rail was pushed over to the DS about 3/4".

Insurance estimated the damage at $4000 to fix it properly. This is something that a decent aftermarket bumper would have saved with nothing more than scratched paint on the bumper.

It just goes to show you how worthless the factory bumpers on these models really are.

 

[Satter]

Wow. The bracket and frame holding the radiator in place is clean as hell.

Anywho, I believe it's common knowledge that stock bumpers on most vehicles haven't added any real protection for over 20 years. I remember seeing a story about 5mph collisions 20/20 did in 94. They showed how just rolling into a wall or pole cracked the bumper and body pretty bad.

 

[TheDurk]

Wow. The bracket and frame holding the radiator in place is clean as hell.

Anywho, I believe it's common knowledge that stock bumpers on most vehicles haven't added any real protection for over 20 years. I remember seeing a story about 5mph collisions 20/20 did in 94. They showed how just rolling into a wall or pole cracked the bumper and body pretty bad.

I believe the legal standard for auto bumpers has not changed since it was last REDUCED in 1982. And SUV's and pick-ups were never covered at all. They could use tin foil and balloons if they wanted to.

 

[Immortal]

Wow. The bracket and frame holding the radiator in place is clean as hell.

Anywho, I believe it's common knowledge that stock bumpers on most vehicles haven't added any real protection for over 20 years. I remember seeing a story about 5mph collisions 20/20 did in 94. They showed how just rolling into a wall or pole cracked the bumper and body pretty bad.

I think that all Japanese brand cars' bumpers are like jelly comparing to any American brand cars.

I got into 2 accidents with F150s myself, they totaled my bumper and their F150s were without a single scratch. Though, Japanese brand cars are way more reliable and more intuitive.

 

[blcktpgsr]

You're missing the whole point here fellas..this thread is simply a fine example how tube bumpers are comparatively way better in protecting your dear investments than your stock ones.............go figure!>?

 

[Elton H]

this is why im glad i got a good deal on my tube bumper

 

[JWaldz]

I feel for your pain.. my dad idled down the driveway, probably only do 5pmh, and forgot my truck was there. He hit the driver corner of the bumper causing a big dent, and some fender damage. It also pushed the bumper back far enough to where It was just shy from touching the tire. I had to cut a piece off to be able to drive it. I pulled the fender back out and I said, of it's time for a real bumper.

By the way... how the hell is everything so shiny in those pics?!

 

[Maritimer]

I think these vehicles have more problems with their frames than their bumpers if 10mph into a snow bank bends the frame.

 

[cordrayj1]

um. yeah. im sure ive got a bent frame now.... that 4runner is clean as hell. how many miles does it have?

 

[Big John]

I think these vehicles have more problems with their frames than their bumpers if 10mph into a snow bank bends the frame.

While the frames on these rigs do twist a lot, I think the problem is more in the crumple zone than the whole frame. I won't get into the tube vs. plate debate since I like both, I think that any well built aftermarket bumper would have saved this rig. We'll be able to make it look right in the end, but it isn't going to be easy.

 

[Nelsonmd]

Yeah, bumpers today are not meant to withstand hits without damage (outside of being bumped in a parking lot, or that kind of thing). They are designed to crumple, along with the front of the frame (ok, not so much on trucks like ours, but cars definitely). The intent is energy absorption. Watch crash test videos over the last 20-30 years, and you will see distinct improvement in crash survivability and energy absorption of the front end/bumpers.

EDIT: FWIW, I hit a snowbank on the highway this last winter going alot faster than 10mph, and I didn't have very much damage done. The bumper frame mount hit the guardrail under the snowbank and popped my front wheels up on top of the guardrail. Some of the plastic on the bumper broke, and the bumper frame mount is dented, but it didn't see any bending or anything.

 

[techno]

This kind of thing can have a thousands of variables, there's no way you can make blanket statements about the vehicles strength from such limited info.

I completely totaled a Subaru Outback with my stock bumper, and I had no frame damage at all.

 

[Big John]

Yeah, bumpers today are not meant to withstand hits without damage (outside of being bumped in a parking lot, or that kind of thing). They are designed to crumple, along with the front of the frame (ok, not so much on trucks like ours, but cars definitely). The intent is energy absorption. Watch crash test videos over the last 20-30 years, and you will see distinct improvement in crash survivability and energy absorption of the front end/bumpers.

I'm in deep dooh dooh then. I've reinforced my front as much as possible and the rear frame is plated to the point of being ridiculous. If I t-bone someone, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go all the way through their car.:lookout:

 

[Maritimer]

At least it wasn't 100mph. You guys see the Mythbusters footage of that?

YouTube - ‪MythBusters - 100 MPH Crash | Mythssion Control‬‏

 

[CXS]

My fantasy is having someone hit me in the rear and push me into the car in front of my at low enough speed that both front and rear bumpers are damaged w/o any frame damage. Then I could afford aftermarket front ans back!

 

[techno]

My fantasy is having someone hit me in the rear and push me into the car in front of my at low enough speed that both front and rear bumpers are damaged w/o any frame damage. Then I could afford aftermarket front ans back!

Haha... why don't you fantasize about getting a good paying job instead, then you could afford hundreds of things!

 

[Nelsonmd]

I'm in deep dooh dooh then. I've reinforced my front as much as possible and the rear frame is plated to the point of being ridiculous. If I t-bone someone, I'm pretty sure I'm going to go all the way through their car.:lookout:

Well, not necessarily. You will see higher deceleration in a wreck, but to be honest, I think it will be worse for the other guy. The other guy benefits from your energy absorption too. That and air bags. They help too.

Haha... why don't you fantasize about getting a good paying job instead, then you could afford hundreds of things!

Oh, burn!!

 

[CXS]

Haha... why don't you fantasize about getting a good paying job instead, then you could afford hundreds of things!

Ever think before you post?

Ever consider everyone isn't young and able bodied as you obviously are?

 

[techno]

Relax old man! See the smiley face? It's a friendly joke.

 

[Big John]

Well, not necessarily. You will see higher deceleration in a wreck, but to be honest, I think it will be worse for the other guy. The other guy benefits from your energy absorption too. That and air bags. They help too.

The other guy better rely on air bags... He ain't gettin no absorption from me:trophy: