To high clearance, or not to high clearance.. rear bumper question.

I didn’t realize you could fit a high lift jack, is it on the small notches?

Looks great man. I’ve always been a fan of the non swingout bumpers. Which model is your HC?

 

Correct - the small notches are slots designed for safer lifting (the jack itself would be mounted elsewhere).

 

It doesnt look to me like a 'high clearance' rear gives you a whole lot over a normal rear, besides more protection on your quarter panels, at the risk of them rusting out sooner due to the cut. The only gain I can actually see is like an inch or maybe 2 right behind the wheel, which isn't realistically an area you should ever *need clearance* unless you somehow go over an obstacle in a way that defies physics.

 

It makes a world of difference on departure angles. Plus look at that booty!!

HCFTW!! I’m rocking SOS as well great stuff.

 

If you're worried about rust, then get some POR15 and paint on the bare metal before installing and use some edge trim.

I gained probably 4-5"+ on the very back of the bumper because there is no longer a hitch in the way and the bumper is shorter than factory...exactly where you need the most clearance for a better departure angle.

I smacked mine pretty good on a trail already, it would have destroyed the factory bumper.

 

See, I would dispute the departure angle increase. I'd need to see it in action to believe it because the observable is that it's just marketing. My non HC rear is the same height (even Mobtown said in this thread earlier that their normal plate rear and HC rear are only differentiated because of the extra metal on the sides). I just don't have the side protection.

 

I know for my 2nd gen made a difference but it could of just been the hitch.But however I like it guess that all that matters an I like to support small business owners.

 

Yeah man liking it is what matters for sure

 

You may wanna reach out to Hefty Fabworks they have made a rear bumper that gives the protection of a HC without having to chop the bedside. @Bigdaddy4760 Has one an it’s really sweet maybe he can chime in.
I checked their website it’s not listed but maybe if you contact them they can work something out.
https://www.instagram.com/heftyfabworks/p/BfPcaIABBC6/

 

You are correct Matt, need to contact Chris, if there is enough interest he might make some

 

Heftyfab I did not have to cut truck

 

Looking at some of the pix I sorta agree with this and wonder if some offer more departure angle than others.

I used to wheel the hell out of my old pathfinder and the hitch was always slamming rocks. Just getting the hitch higher would help. I like the idea of protecting the rear quarter, which I’m sure can be an issue on a long bed.

 

It wouldn’t really be much different than a short bed. Long beds are the same as a short bed in the rear quarter panel, they’re longer up front by the door.

 

Haha
Already have skids, sliders, lift and tires. Installed the brake lines a few days ago, it was actually a lot easier than I thought. Followed a guy on YouTube with an FJ and I’ll be going with a high clearance. Either at the helms or mobtowns.

 

Yes, but they have a longer wheel base which makes it more likely to hit things in tight corners.

 

Sometimes I think I do too much research. But I’ve definitely been a victim of crying twice because I was either being cheap or bought things blindly. Live n learn I guess lol.

 

Hell yeah, HC for the win. I think you'll be very happy with it.

That said, I've wheeled with guys with regular clearance bumpers before and they've gone through some shit. Just nothing quite as gnarly.

 

You definitely get the peace of mind of not Landing on your quarter panel. Something like this might be a good example, although with the right line I’m sure you could get away with it.

 

1. You paint where you cut. Easy.

2. Ugh, you gain 4-5" of clearance, which is a lot.

3. Does this obstacle look like it's deifying physics? No, it's a rock.

Would have ripped my regular non-high clearance bumper off right here.

Edit: OP, you're in So-Cal. Go to Billy @ Bruteforce, that's a no-brainer lol. Best price and best product.