Aftermarket bumper on a stock truck?

I am new to the world of Taco’s and cannot figure out a few things about front after-market bumpers. Most of the photo’s that I see with trucks running aftermarket bumpers also have lifted and upgraded suspensions. Is a lift and upgraded shocks and springs needed in order to allow for an aftermarket bumper from any of the various brands? Or can they mounted on a stock truck? I assume the extra weight could have an impact on the stock components.

 

THe bumpers can be mounted on a stock suspended truck. As you stated, the extra weight would cause the front suspension to droop slightly, most add heavier springs to compensate.

 

With an ARB bumper you will need something up front to support the extra weight. Not sure on other bumpers though. I will say that ARB is the only bumper that looks good on a stock truck. The others are just to bro.

 

I bought my truck with an ARB bumper and Stock Suspension. It will handle it just fine. The ride is not what I wanted it to be and the front suspension was bottoming out on harsh dips/bumps.
If you don't mind that you can stay stock, but honestly if you can stiffen up/lift you will be doing yourself a favor. Check my build thread for pics of the stock suspension.

 

Relentless Fab makes an aluminum plate bumper that only weights like 60 lbs. Aluminess also makes aluminum plate bumpers but I don't know what they weigh. They'd be easier on your front suspension than plate steel.

jdmcq is correct though, you can put a plate bumper on a stock sprung Tacoma but it'll sag depending on which bumper you choose. Personally, I wouldn't put an ARB on a stock Tacoma, those suckers are pretty damn heavy!

 

Thank you for the advice!

 

Plate is not the only option. Tube bumpers or one of the hybrids work well too and weigh a little bit less.

 

Good point, but who runs a tube bumper in the northeast...

 

True, only weirdos and posers.

 

I am all about posing.....

 

One more question for you all. What is the effect of adding bilstien shocks (since it seems to be one of the first mods that is made to suspension) to the ride on city/highway roads?

 

Jdmcq....are you in Kennet Square, PA?

 

He said that because I am in the NorthEast (Kennett Square) and have a tube bumper.

 

Yes I am! Where in or about Philly are you?

 

I live in South Phila but spend a lot time at my friends detail shop in West Chester. Actually i am going to Southern Chester County Sportsman and Farmer club on tueday and spend some time on the range.

 

Chester County Sprtsmans club is right around the corner.

 

Bilstein is a brand but I'm assuming you are asking about the 5100's in particular. The 5100's are valved different (better in my opinion) than the stock shocks and provide for a more controlled ride. They seem to soak up hits much much better than stock. The reason they are so popular, aside from being a decent shock for the money, is they have an adjustable coil seat meaning you adjust the ride height by preloading the coil. This means you can preload your stock coils to gain lift and the 5100's actually do a good job dampening the stiffer coil.

Sorry, couldn't resist

 

It's all good! Tube bumpers are fruity anyway!