New Rear Bumper (Great Option For Lower Budget)

Someone backed into my "new to me" truck. I had only made 3 payments! Ugh! Hit and run, as well. My insurance is paying for it, so I decided to upgrade my rear bumper since it needed replaced.

The factory bumper was gonna cost $600 by the time they ordered an OEM Tacoma bumper and color matched the paint. I opted to "upgrade" to a heavier duty one. Most of the ones I had found were $800-$1000. I ended up getting a Hooke brand bumper off of Amazon. I've seen them on other websites as well. I paid $450 shipped to my house.

It bolted right up with no issues and fits almost better than stock. It looks better too, IMO. I still need to hook up the LED lights, but I love it. I don't think you can beat it for the price.

 

That looks REAL nice!! Might have to get one for my silver Tacoma too...

 

Thanks! I'm really digging it. They had also cracked my taillight. That was another $125. I ordered an aftermarket replacement for $50. The body shop has the check from my insurance company. Since I already purchased the parts and did the labor, they're gonna use the money to PDR a few little dents and dings on the truck and polish the whole thing out. Should look like new when they're finished. I'm excited.

I know $450 isn't "cheap", but it beats the $600 stock replacement when painted. That thing is flimsy when you unbolt it. Not much there but a thin shell and a brace behind it. I feel more comfortable with this one if someone hits me.

 

Looks good. Is the new bumper heavier than stock?

 

Yes. I think the shipping weight was 75lbs. The stock one was like 35lbs.

 

If they backed into your bumper & cracked a tail light, it sounds like they hit you on one side. Do a quick measurement of the gaps on each side of your bumper to see if you have a compressed "bumper arm." I was backed into, and didn't notice that, but the body shop did. They replaced it when they repaired the repair.

 

Nope. It was at a slow speed. Nothing else was damaged. The new bumper fit perfect. Nothing was knocked out of line.

 

Love mine, got a real good deal for $320 shipped.

 

$450 and more functionality definitely beats $600+ For less.

How was mounting/install? Does it retain the stock brackets for mounting?

 

Damn, real nice. Wish I had seen this prior to spraying bedliner on my OEM rear bumper. I like how it turned out (and only cost $10 for rattle can bedliner) but I probably should have just sprung for the upgrade.

 

Yes. It uses the stock mounting holes. You have to have the factory receiver hitch. The bottom bolts attach there in existing holes.

 

Have read many good reviews about this bumper. Seems like the perfect middle ground considering I don’t need anything as strong and sturdy as some of the popular Fab shops make, especially for the price, but I would like a little more than OEM offers. I have had my eye on this bumper for an extremely long time just haven’t pulled the trigger yet.. Soon, though. Soon. Looks great man

 

Looks pretty nice for the price!

 

Might I ask where and how you got this deal? That’s a dang steal man.

 

Tell me about the two shackle points. They look like they are just welded to the surface. Are they, or do they go through the steel, welded on both sides?

Also, how thick would you say the bumper is?

 

very interesting option - I too have been looking for something a bit nicer than the factory rear. The install guide makes no mention of the lighting connections, and you mentioned you'd not yet hooked up the LEDs. Are the license plate lights reused from factory or already installed? If the latter, is it safe to assume they connect directly to the factory wiring?

 

You reuse the factory license plate lights. Simply screw them into the new bumper. I've seen some people tie the LEDs into the reverse lights. I don't want mine that way. I'm going to install a dash switch. There's even a switch on Amazon for the Tacoma and this bumper. It says "Rear LEDs". I'll get that wired in soon.

 

good info, thanks for quick reply.

 

thanks. Honestly I expected welded tot he surface, this is much much better