Anyone get a metal front bumper and not get a winch?

They look pretty nice on a 4R. Toying with he idea of getting a light aluminum one that just replaces the lower valance area like a Victory Blitz or one from Greenlane. Is it pretty much a dumb idea? Was looking at videos on installation and the one by CBI makes the most sense. They don't take the bumper off to make the plastic bumper cut. Don't know why the others bother to remove the bumper? I think I've been waiting too long for the 4R to show up - almost 5 months. LOL

 

Part of the reason for a slimline is to get a winch, so I’d just get a full bumper if I wasn’t going to get a winch.

 

Sure.

 

Looks great! What brand is that and did it lower the front end much?

 

This one is a Trail Standard Offroad. I prefer SSO, which I had on a 2019 Tacoma and a 2014 T4R. However, at the time they didn't have one that would clear the TSS radar. They do now, I think. There is no drop in the front end. Net weight gain is only 40-50 lbs.

 

Im planning on doing one without a winch as well... Been looking at the SSO but also the HeftyFab Banshee. Nice thing about that one, you can replace the shell ( its an aluminum shell that is bolted onto a steel skeleton) and you can get it in several configurations, with/ without a baja hoop...

2014+ 4Runner Low-Profile Banshee Bumper - Light Bar Cutout ONLY – HeftyFabworks

 

If y’all want to spend a grand to have something you think looks cool, you do you

they’re worthless in accidents

 

I think my Steel bumper will prove better protection than factory (obviously depending on speed). If it is 5-10mph maybe a bit more it will do better than factory. Surely would rather avoid such an accident.

 

Just not true but "you do you." Are they a magic force field? No, but they've helped me in a couple of low speed (and one not so low speed) accidents over the years. They are great for parking lots to keep Gladys out of the plastic parts. They also offer better recovery points, a place to use a high lift, if necessary, and the option of adding a winch later if so desired. Now snorkels--there's something useful!

 

honey buns, let’s see the pics of these accidents. I call your bluff.


I have. Wanna see the pics of my 10-15mph boop that ruined the steel bumper?

 

No, don't care. I thought I was going to be me and you were going to do you.

 

honey buns, you bought your 4runner in 2021. Tell me more about these accidents they helped you in.

16k damage. Would have been the same without it.

 

If you read my posts you'd know I've had a 2014 4Runner, a 2019 Tacoma (with the same bumper). I also had a 1984 4Runner with a similar bumper. I guess in my case I didn't have all those lights and other geegaws that proved their worth. Kind of hypocritical to talk about others wanting things just for looks. See you DS.

 

Did you guys date at some point? I'm digging the pet names!

 

Awww, shnickerdoodles, you’re cute with your bumper and license plate that covers the winch you don’t have.

 

+1 on this. Can’t wait for the next reply. Feel like I am watching 2 kids in grade school have an argument.

 

hahaha, not an argument. Just saying it’s pretty pointless to get a slimline bumper without a winch. They offer no added protection. Might as well spend a little more and get a full bumper that actually protects your shit. -signed someone with experience.

 

this looks great!

 

I understand but it also depends on the kind of accident. Front end collision with a civic would be different than an f-350 and way different than a semi truck. Just depends on what happens. I wouldn’t get a winch if I didn’t use it just to have it there. I think a small hybrid bumper is better if you bump the parking pole at the mall when wheeling. I take mine on some real trails and I wanted better approach and departure angles.

Front (not the best picture sorry):


Rear:


All this still won’t help if I get t-boned. But surely didn’t get it for accident protection. But for off-roading

 

@GrantA

Which front bumper is that? It looks nice

 

I have the Lil b’s custom fab hybrid
Another similar option
C4 hybrid

I like lil b’s over C4 because they take into consideration the TSS pre collision on the 2020 whereas I didn’t see that option with C4 at the time. Plus there were other reasons (lead time was less, better mounting options for the winch, better price)

 

Love your truck.
Signed, Retired need a part time job……..

 

Is there a slimline bumper with 2in hitch receiver instead of winch plate?

 

Technically speaking the slimline could potentially do more damage than the factory bumper since there is no more crumple zone. But hey if you want to spend a ton on a non functional mod I’m not the one making your payments so have at it. But I’d go full bumper before slim if that was the case. I don’t have a pet nickname for anyone so bub it is.

 

My opinion would be not to get one until you want a winch. If you need solid recovery points because you will wheel the truck, then add something like the ones from Apex overland. If you want “the look”, get a full bumper and you’ll also get the durability and extra approach angle benefits! The added weight may not warrant a full front suspension change until you put a winch on it.

 

Ok, so Gladys, Snickerdoodles, Honey-Buns, Snorkles.....

I thought I was mentally insane for calling my rig "Princess".

Now i'm thinking of going with Minerva Johnson.

If you walk up all stank on my rig, she......will......CUT..... you.......

 

You forgot Snorkels.

 

I agree a slimline without a winch is a little tacky. You're adding weight and killing gas mileage on an already slow and heavy rig for better looks. But hey, we live in Merica' so I wont judge (too harshly lol )

The only reason I would get a slimline without a winch is to get higher recovery points for when your front-end is underwater (In the OOAT in Arkansas, the recovery points were a lifesaver for a friend with a similar setup to yours. You dont want to be in the water for too long...)

But yeah,

 

Aww crap, ill edit again