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Reinforcing factory rear bumper?

Discussion in '2nd Gen. Tacomas (2005-2015)' started by shutterbug, Apr 22, 2013.

  1. Apr 22, 2013 at 4:55 AM
    #1
    shutterbug

    shutterbug [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Has anyone reinforced the rear bumper using a lot of gusseting and heavy plate to retain the round smooth look?

    If not, I'm thinking I might just do it and welding it all up and paint the bumper black to hide the weld marks. Might could even do some shackle mounts?

    I'm definitely interested in hearing some thoughts and criticism
     
  2. Apr 22, 2013 at 5:27 AM
    #2
    moondeath

    moondeath Well-Known Member

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    Just remember that the factory bumper and where it mounts is engineered to crumple. Absorbs impact energy. If it is stiffened and you have a rear impact it will have a much higher chance of frame damage.
     
  3. Apr 22, 2013 at 7:09 PM
    #3
    shutterbug

    shutterbug [OP] Well-Known Member

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    That's a good point! Thank you, I just don't want my rear bumper to be like this
    e2upegem_c2221680a4b4fd25ba86ce025266a504935de62a.jpg

    and I like the look of factory
     
  4. Apr 22, 2013 at 7:10 PM
    #4
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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  5. Apr 22, 2013 at 7:12 PM
    #5
    shutterbug

    shutterbug [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Might be a possibility too... have to see how summer treats me
     
  6. Apr 22, 2013 at 7:24 PM
    #6
    rockgecko03

    rockgecko03 Well-Known Member

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    For the time and effort it would take to reinforce the factory bumper, I would suggest just getting a steel aftermarket bumper and sell the stock one.

    The factory bumper is fairly thin, too.
     
  7. Apr 22, 2013 at 7:42 PM
    #7
    shutterbug

    shutterbug [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I'd much rather build my own and save money at this point
     
  8. Apr 22, 2013 at 7:46 PM
    #8
    rockgecko03

    rockgecko03 Well-Known Member

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    That's exactly what I did...

    [​IMG]
     
  9. Apr 22, 2013 at 7:52 PM
    #9
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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    This. I kneed the corner of the factory bumper a few times. I could see the bumper visibly flex then spring back to shape. I think the bumper was designed to support the weight of a person stepping on it. That's about it. The actual crash bar is the tow hitch.
     
  10. Apr 22, 2013 at 8:01 PM
    #10
    shutterbug

    shutterbug [OP] Well-Known Member

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    I like that hc bumper... I haven't welded in a while so I started with sliders this summer
    7ave4ygu_16f3459aeeb97911bb4f510c83bbec11c2acdded.jpg
     
  11. Apr 22, 2013 at 8:09 PM
    #11
    rockgecko03

    rockgecko03 Well-Known Member

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    Thanks. It was a lot of fun and a learning experience. Very rewarding. The bed rack on my truck was my first project and what I learned on. After building front and rear bumpers, I now have a much better understanding for why these things cost so much. It's a lot of work!
     
  12. Apr 22, 2013 at 8:33 PM
    #12
    shutterbug

    shutterbug [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Yep! I was thinking tubing was gonna be easier but those saddle cuts are a PITA to get just right! But I'm making it work.... I hope I get time later on to make my undercover winch mount since I already have the winch
     
  13. Apr 22, 2013 at 8:43 PM
    #13
    BradyT88

    BradyT88 Well-Known Member

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    I think the only way you could truly protect the OEM rear bumper would be to basically build an entire new steel bumper on the inside of it and that wraps down around the bottom some. That metal is so soft that even if it were heavily gusseted it will still fold it up and/or tear the metal between the gussets...

    Notice how the metal peeled out there are the bottom where it directly contacted the rock? You would have to have a gusset every inch or two to prevent that from happening I think... Or like I mentioned above, basically have steel wrap up underneath and so far up so that it takes the rock abuse and at that point I think you are losing the OEM look...
    [​IMG]

    [​IMG]
     
  14. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:46 PM
    #14
    KenLyns

    KenLyns 8.75" Third Member

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  15. Apr 22, 2013 at 9:59 PM
    #15
    shutterbug

    shutterbug [OP] Well-Known Member

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    Reason I got rid of the bull bar... kills my approach.... right now when I'm in deep snow or sand upright hill, my exhaust and towing package drag
     
  16. Apr 22, 2013 at 10:18 PM
    #16
    BradyT88

    BradyT88 Well-Known Member

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    Well looks like the tow package still hangs lower than that bar and as long as it is strong enough to handle the abuse (maybe use similar tubing like you used on your sliders) then that wouldn't be too bad. The problem with the bull bar is that is can't really handle the abuse. One hit and it crunches. Plus it really hurts the approach angle.
     
  17. Apr 23, 2013 at 4:22 AM
    #17
    jandrews

    jandrews Hootin' and Hollerin'

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    These things make me laugh every time I see them. Especially when people call them "bumper guards". Maybe against shopping carts.
     
  18. Apr 23, 2013 at 6:36 AM
    #18
    penguins_cc

    penguins_cc Well-Known Member

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    ^^^this
    All good advice
     

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