Tacoma bumper mount

Even if it is free, I still wouldn't build a bumper out of 1/4" anything, especially when it's already got. That's redonk heavy.

Go to a scrap yard and get some 3/16" remnants for like $80.

 

That is the difference maybe the OP like me could care less about weight.

If I had enough 1/2 " plate I might very will use it to build a bumper .

If I was worried about weight I would get the 1000' of 1/0 welding cable out from behind the seat

 

I'm certainly not counting pounds when I build stuff. I tend to "over build" a lot of things too. My friend just last night was teasing me about the 3/16 plate I used to modify my RV bumper, just to be able to carry a small cargo rack on a bolt-on hitch mount.

I just care that you end up creating an arms race with having to upgrade a bunch of other stuff to be able to handle the weight.

1/4" is totally overkill, 1/2" is laughably overkill. You end up creating a bunch of unnecessary wear and tear on your suspension, steering, transmission, engine, frame, etc... Most companies don't even make bumpers from 1/4" for full size trucks, let alone out little Tacomas.