2016+ Tacoma T3 Front Bumper Install/Review

Attached is a full installation write up for a 2016+ Tooyota Tacoma CBI T3 Front Bumper. I know there has been a lot of questions as to where certain parts go and the options for different bumpers. I hope this answers everyone's questions and if you have any questions that weren't answered please let me know.

Review:

Nathan and his team at CBI Offroad Fab have nothing but the best when it comes to fabrication and designs for their new T3 line up. When it came to deciding on which bumper I wanted to go with for my build it was a hard decision between @CBI Offroad Fab and @Pelfreybilt due to both companies having great designs, a large backing from the Tacoma World members and very fair pricing for the quality of work. All in all I decided on the CBI T3 Front bumper. The fit and finish was second to none and the over style flowed better IMO for the overall front to back.

Ordering:

The overall time frame from the day I ordered to the day it arrived at my doorstep was just shy of 3 months. Now before people go crazy and start bashing on the build time let me explain a few things that may differ from other orders. My bumper build was a little bit more in depth as I was making changes along the way to ensure the bumper was going to fit my needs. The front bumper mid way through being built had to be widened by 1" on each side to ensure full coverage of my Bushwacker fender flares once cut. I didn't think about this until about 2-3 weeks in and they were luckily able to make this adjustment no questions asked. At this same time I was having my dual swing arm rear T3 bumper also being made. While there was only one other bumper in existence like the one I was requesting (Xoverland's Tacoma) I was expecting some possible issues and I specifically stated for CBI to take their time. In the end people need to realize that quality craftsmanship takes time and if you want a quality bumper expect quality hours going into the welds, cutting, bending and spot checks.

Packaging:

The bumper(s) are well packaged with multiple layers of padding on al corners, cardboard reinforcements all around and plastic bands holding everything in place on a custom build pallet. unfortunately I was not home at the time of delivery and wasn't able to inspect the pallet prior to signing for it. If you can be there when the pallet is delivered I would highly recommend it so you can make sure the shipping company didn't cause any damage. From what I could tell CBI only uses trustworthy freight companies to deliver their items and it definitely showed when I got home to a well packaged pallet.

Pros:

As stated above the fitment was spot on and little to no tweaking was needed to just basically bolt the bumper up after making the cuts. The welds were the most impressive welds I've seen on a bumper... ever. I had a Raptor prior to the Tacoma and even those bumpers which cost twice the price weren't close to as well built as these bumpers. the textured finish was great as well and matched my side steps perfectly.

Cons:

while I wouldn't say its a deal breaker by any means but the only thing I could find that bothered me a little bit was the way the center 20" light bar brackets were designed. rather than a "J" design where the light bar could slide down into and prevent the light bar brackets from backing out, the slots are straight back which in time with enough vibrations from off roading could cause the light bar to slide backwards out of the slots. other than that I couldn't find any other way to make this bumper better.

I hope this helps answer some questions and if you had any doubts on purchasing a front bumper from CBI this should help with whether or not you want to tackle the install yourself. if you have any questions please let me know and I will be doing a write up for the rear dual swing arm T3 bumper as well.

 

I just got a warn zeon 10s. Will I have to buy a relocation kit or will it fit? @CBI Offroad Fab

 

Yes. The control box will need to be removed and relocated to work with this bumper

 

Even if I'm not running a light bar? Or does it interfere with something else?

 

The fitment of the winch doesn't interfere with the light bar. The Zeon winch control box hits the grill cross support on the 2016 truck. That is why you have to relocate the controller.

 

Got it, thanks for the quick response!

 

Now if only they would throw these on sale! I want one asap!

 

I just spoke to Nathan at CBI about this bumper. It's at the top of my list. Would like to see some pics of the T3 with center grill guard installed.

 

I'm currently deployed but when I get back I plan on giving the truck a proper photo shoot

 

How much does the bumper weigh in aluminum? It shows 118# on the website for steel, but doesn't change when you change material.

 

I want to say with the mid hoop it's 51-52 lbs... I had my lightbar, fog lights and the winch plate without a winch and was able to handle it and install by myself. It's very light IMO but strong as hell! Trust me you won't be disappointed in it!

 

The only thing that's going to disappoint me is the cost to ship a bumper to Hawaii

 

Yeah that would be pricey... maybe see if other guys in your area are interested in buying one and work with Nathan to get a group rate on multiple bumpers shipped verses just one?

 

That's the plan.

 

Thanks so much @Danactive for making these instructions. Helped my install immensely! I had only one questions and it was about the fender liners. I just trimmed them even with the bumper line. Is it going to cause any issues since I cut them a bit sort with water intake? Or did you do the same with yours?

 

I just trimmed them up and out of the way... I did this mainly for cosmetics but if you're worried about the area being exposed I would look into the splash guards being sold by a member in the FS section for 3gens... he makes some nice durable fender liners and I'm planning on getting in touch with him to possibly leave some excess on the fronts for me to custom trim to specs to line up with the T3... I'll keep you posted on the outcome as I feel it'll work out quite nicely for coverage

 

Awesome let me know how it works out for you I'll probably end up doing the same thanks bud!

 

Do you have to trim the fender liners for this bumper to fit or will it fit without any trimming?

 

They will have to be trimmed but I would do this last. I'm planning on making some custom ones myself to fit better but haven't had the time

 

Thanks for the advice everyone! I am gonna look around and hopeful pick one soon!