TRYING TO DECIDE ON A WINCH BUMPER. NEED INPUT( pic request)

ddnww

ddnww

New member
So Im not trying to break the bank, I have built my 4runner on a budget so far and I want to keep that up. I like the look of the plate bumpers better, but I'm also considering the tube style for the fact that it seems they would be cheaper, and lighter which would equate in better gas mileage. I have some local fab guys who have given me some quotes. I can get a plate bumper with winch mount, d rings, recessed fogs, for about $600. Obviously the tube style will be a lot cheaper.

So what are the advantages/ disadvantages of both?

I know I like the plate style, can you guys with tube style post pics?
 
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Tube bumper - lightweight & cheaper, easier to fit & access a winch.
It doesn't have nicer lines to it & exposes a lot of the inner front end (look wise). Poor aerodynamics due to exposed wheel wells and such. It can look aggressive & proper if done right (especially for newer models).

Plate bumper on the other hand looks a lot nicer (to me anyways), Fits more proper to the model/year. Stronger (maybe)/bigger so it covers more protection for the vehicle. Maybe a little better wind resistance as the front end is not overly exposed.

But the cost and weight will be its biggest downside. My ARB is about as heavy as it gets for plate bumpers but I love the look and armor it provides.

 
The only tube style i'v seen is Metal Tech 4x4 or custom made ones. I do like the way they look on Prerunners and on FJ Cruisers, so, i will likely go with that. Without a winch, they have a bash guard which would make it look more defined and solid, adding protection to vulnerable front area, yet keeping light weight.
 
I have the Shrockworks 3 hoop. Definitely heavy, but I would relate is heavier is more protection. I didn't even think of Tube bumper as that is for more pre-running which is not what I do. Definitely a longer wait time than Demello, but Demello makes a great product and ran by a great guy
 

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I love my Addicted off road front bumper! Kind of a cross between the two. Very strong and weighs only about 80-90lbs with great approach angles! That being said idk how much of a time frame you have in mind! I know I have heard recently that Scottys wait times have been a bit longer than expected. I also don't know the exact price point cause I originally got mine in the group buy but think it's definitely closer to $1k
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I have very mixed feelings about the tube bumpers! I've only seen a couple of cool custom pre runner style ones on the 4th gens that actually look good. Most of all the other ones just don't seem to fit our rigs to well aesthetically. I've seen some really cool ones on a couple FJ's but of course they have a lot more options with just about everything than we do when it comes to the aftermarket world.


All in all its about what's going to make you happy at the end of the day. Fit, function practicality for what you use your rig and something that every time you go outside and look at your truck you say to yourself 'damn that's a bad *****' lol at least that's what I do haha. Trust me I know all about building on a budget I think most of us on here do! A bumper is a big purchase though so I feel like if your going to spend $600 vs $800 in the end it's not a huge deal if it's going to make you happier in the long run and getting the one you really want. Just my 2cents but then again I'm always telling myself ridiculous reasons to justify why I need to spend just a little more for this mod or that one lol
 
cpark_12 said:
I've looked very hard into these. To me, they look the best on our runners, and for the price, they're hard to beat if you can weld, or have someone that can weld it for you.
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same here. They look very similar to the Demello bumper. I'm thinking about ordering the relentless DIY one without all the extra cut outs. Just the winch and 2 side fogs. Just like this one but with the single hoop. For about $600 shipped that's hard to beat.

http://www.toyota-4runner.org/4th-gen-t4rs/151956-relentless-fabrication-bumpers.html
 
So if you have any welding ability and are willing to follow instructions... the NW Trail Innovations bumper kit is the bang for the buck. I picked mine up for about 400, single hoop and no cut outs, plus a bit of a forum discount. Corey is a great guy to deal with and has made a ton of these kits for not only our gen but for 3rds and tacomas as well.
The bumper is pretty straight forward. Pull off the old and start welding it together.
12088294_10102098237422453_634646872405986611_n.jpg

12143324_10102098237357583_7248253183941396386_n.jpg


It allows you to adjust to your body and frame, which might be a bit off due to a previous fender bender...

Also I wanted to be able to put my own paint on it and be able to touch it up as needed.
12189941_10102124490526023_7211921844632476478_n.jpg

Ignore the messy garage.

The final product makes it all worth the time of building it. plus it is yours...

12698463_10102239406583323_1994843683502313155_o.jpg


nwtrailinnovations.com


as a side note ARB doesnt put recovery points on their bumpers because of the way their bumper attach to the frame... it may cause the frame to stretch... I had a buddy call up ARB and ask... random factoid of the day complete...
 
TRPL7s said:
If you can weld or has someone that knows how to check out this site. They sell a DIY kit for pretty cheap. Prices range on what material and options you pick.

Relentless Fabrication store ? Relentless Off-Road Fabrication
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SAR_Runner said:
So if you have any welding ability and are willing to follow instructions... the NW Trail Innovations bumper kit is the bang for the buck. I picked mine up for about 400, single hoop and no cut outs, plus a bit of a forum discount. Corey is a great guy to deal with and has made a ton of these kits for not only our gen but for 3rds and tacomas as well.
The bumper is pretty straight forward. Pull off the old and start welding it together.
12088294_10102098237422453_634646872405986611_n.jpg

12143324_10102098237357583_7248253183941396386_n.jpg


It allows you to adjust to your body and frame, which might be a bit off due to a previous fender bender...

Also I wanted to be able to put my own paint on it and be able to touch it up as needed.
12189941_10102124490526023_7211921844632476478_n.jpg

Ignore the messy garage.

The final product makes it all worth the time of building it. plus it is yours...

12698463_10102239406583323_1994843683502313155_o.jpg


nwtrailinnovations.com


as a side note ARB doesnt put recovery points on their bumpers because of the way their bumper attach to the frame... it may cause the frame to stretch... I had a buddy call up ARB and ask... random factoid of the day complete...
Click to expand...

thanks everyone for your replies, I am really gonna look into these. I didn't know they made diy kits.
 
bla1323 said:
I'm right up in Phoenix and I'm curious what shops would do a bumper for $600?
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For $600 it would be hard to find a complete bumper. Now for that price you would get a DIY kit and then have to find someone to weld it for you and paint/powder coat it.
 
TRPL7s said:
whats the wait time on the Demello right now? Ive been thinking about buying one
Click to expand...

I ordered mine a couple of weeks ago and it's already shipped. I think they have some in stock right now.

In my opinion, it's the cleanest 4th gen bumper out right now.
 
liveoWaLxk.jpg


Ordered mine without the small turn signal holes.

You can also get it in single and three tube variations as well as an all aluminum version.
 
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ddnww said:
im definitely going to go with this one. thank you for posting it again. now I get what I want for a good price.
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Corey was great to work with, make sure to ask for the forum discount.

Also you will be better off since you have the 06-09 grill. the 03 grill stops further up on the bumper and has a trim piece that leaves a gap. I wasnt worried as I knew I had a light bar to cover it, but yours will look like it was designed to be.

Feel free to message me if you run into any issues.
 
bla1323 said:
I'm right up in Phoenix and I'm curious what shops would do a bumper for $600?
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couple shops quoted me similar prices, but that's without hidden winch, regular winch mount, and no recessed lights, just regular. hidden winch and recessed lights is 800 .

SAR_Runner said:
Corey was great to work with, make sure to ask for the forum discount.

Also you will be better off since you have the 06-09 grill. the 03 grill stops further up on the bumper and has a trim piece that leaves a gap. I wasnt worried as I knew I had a light bar to cover it, but yours will look like it was designed to be.

Feel free to message me if you run into any issues.
Click to expand...

any more pics of yours, and is there I coupon code or do I need to talk to him first to get the discount.
 
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