3rd Gen SSO Slimline Hybrid Bumper/Winch install guide - How To Article with Tips.

Thanks for the awesome write up, very helpful during install. Was able to leave the control pack installed on a Warn VR10-s by bending the fin on the bottom of the bracket that was cut 90* to the passenger side with a crescent wrench.

 

Awesome write up! Thanks gents

 

Thanks for this thread @Hodakaguy. And thanks to that guy @Blacklodge that made his how-to a PDF. I used mainly your thread and a small percent of SSO's install guide.
Overall easy install. I like how well built this bumper is.
A couple comments I have on this bumper though . One of the bolt holes on the bumper did not line up right with one of the holes which utilize the crash bar so I had to drill out the hole in the frame a tad to move that hole in order for the bumper to fit.

Also, I did run into trouble with the Cali raised light bar brackets that I previously had on with the 32" slim light bar. Not only did the brackets not fit with this bumper. But, the light bar itself also did not fit as it used to due to its rear hitting the winch clutch lever. So I just took out my light bar and have a gap. Now the only benefit is now it's easy access to the top of the winch through the hole I made for the previous light bar. I'm really not bothered by the gap though as I feel the bull bar helps draw attention away from it.
One big positive for me though by going with the winch access holes is that wow it made life easier for mounting and adjusting things on the winch. Plus if I ever dropped tools or bolts I just reached right in those holes. I am aware that they will eventually collect dirt and bugs. Still thinking of ways to block the holes when not in use.

Again I appreciate the thread.

 

Great job and thanks for the how to...that said, way too many modifications to accomodate the winch carrier than I’d want to do to my truck.

 

To me the approach angle looks the same except I didn't take measurements. But, by removing the factory off road or an aftermarket tow point that takes one less contact point away.
I mocked up the bumper without the winch first and lifted the bumper alone but with the winch attached just for safety had my girlfriend help. But, if I were alone I would have lifted it onto my heavy duty racing jack and lifted it but that would have also risked scratching the Slimline.

In my case I was able to mount my solenoid on top of my xrc 9500 winch on the passenger side and can connect my remote through the access hole without opening the hood at all. I can also reach my winch clutch handle through the other access hole. Glad I got those cutouts in my case.
@Bertw192 Love the comment "That statistic is just based upon my observations and has no scientific backing." That's something I would totally say. Thanks for the chuckle. By they way, love your "TRD Bro" badge. I want one still. Waiting for the next Meso run.

@willstuff Are you referring to the plastic lining that applies along with the stock bumper onto that "L" supplied SSO bracket? Maybe post a pic for reference...

 

I really like this bumper normally not a big fan of these, but it’s sonlow profile

 

i just got my bumper and winch installed earlier this month, i was SUPER worried about the extra weight too when it comes to look up front if it sags too much and the handling.

but to my surprise i didn’t noticed a drop in the front at all man! (i didn’t measure it, but just to the naked eye there’s no noticeable sag). as for the handling, i was even more surprised how much i LIKE the additional weight (which is minimal and not a huge change in the daily driving) but i’ve noticed when it comes to turns the truck is more stable and has less body roll because of the extra weight up front!

so all in all i’d say go for the bumper with the winch man! (granted i have a PRO so it isn’t the exact same suspension as the other tacos)

 

Ah that’s so reassuring to hear. I’m hoping to have similar results on my Off-Road as you are seeing. On another note, about how long did you wait? I ordered on the 21st and I haven’t got a confirmation email, just says processing and back ordered. I know the web site says 6-8 weeks so I will set back, wait, order a winch and hope to find a Pro grill by delivery time and do it all at once.

 

it was 6 or 7 weeks i had to wait, definitely worth the wait though!

 

Hello mate, I mean these bits here:

 

No it won't cause any problems to roll without them but honestly you can definitely get those to lineup by moving around the splash guards and eventually they will. I actually never removed those ones to install this bumper like it said in the original instructions. But, I had to remove these before when I had swapped out my headlights. I was no issues then. Like I said they should go in no problem I think you might just have to mess with it some more.

 

Mate, thanks! Sometimes it's nice just to get some reassurance! I'll be (hopefully) swapping out my headlights in the future, maybe I'll try to rejiggle them back in place then.

 

I just placed an order for this bumper and presume I'll be referring back to this thread for install. Thanks OP for the useful write up.

 

Used this as my guidelines for install over the weekend. Went really smoothly. Cuts could of been better, but still came out really well. Overall, great write up and really appreciate your attention to detail!

 

Looks like a great install, mate. I have to say, my cuts could have been a bit better too, but NOBODY notices. Only you. Everyone else just sees a fucking ace looking bumper.

 

I would like to purchase the 1/4 brackets I just purchased the sso low profile bumper and I have a zeon winch

 

careful having access holes, might want to hide a cut-off switch. not that it'll ever happen under and normal circumstance.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yJTKTHQQ8_I

 

Thanks for the great write up .. Followed it to the tee and worked out great!

 

That grill is badass. Looks like you even have the cutouts for the TSS.

 

Yes sir I had 300 industries custom make this grill for me..took us a while to make it look right for the TSS cutout .. Turned out pretty good though I thought... Just cost too much lol