All Pro bumper and skid plate install Q's...

OK, so I just got back from vacation and had the All Pro plate bumper and IFS skid plate waiting for me to arrive. I opened the boxes for the bumper and everything appeared to be OK. I read the very incomplete installation instructions and have some hesitance with the install due to it being so non-descriptive. (i.e. step 1, remove stock grill and bumper, step 2, install new bumper reusing OEM hardware, step 3, you're done )

I use my truck as a daily driver to get to/from work. I coach girls soccer on Saturday's and don't have another vehicle to drive while the install is underway, so getting this done in one setting is important.

A couple of questions I have which *might* help w/ the install.
1. Are there any GOOD DIY's on this with detailed, step-by-step instructions? (and yes, I did search first)
2. What should I install first? Skid or bumper?
3. Is there anything specific I should look out for?
4. How long will this install take a first timer? (I've also got new fogs to hook up)
5. Is it REALLY necessary to have 2 people to lift the bumper or is there a trick that I need to know to do it myself?

If anyone wants to drop by for an install sometime this coming week, I'm in Roanoke, VA and would be willing to take a day of vacation if needed, say on Friday!

 

1. I did not find any.. I also had to figure out a bunch of stuff when installing mine.
2. I have installed bumper first. Make sure you sit the bumper LOW so you have a good gap under the headlights, also fill the space between the bumper and crossmember with washers so it doesn't move up when tightening
3. see above. don'T forget to put the little brackets in the back. I would suggest to do a cutout for the fender, but you'll see if they pop your fender flare out or not. If they do you'll want to do it
4. it's very quick. Takes some time to adjust it, but a few hours will cover it.
5. Good luck if you're by yourself!!!

 

Does the All Pro bumper affect the air bags or safety of the vehicles at all? I don't want to order one and find out that my air bag doesn't deploy.

 

I don't think it works w/ the airbag but I know the ARB one does

 

Thanks Scott! I guess I'm crossing this one off my list . . .

 

1. Sorry about the limited instructions (although not quite as limited as you make them out to be ), we just updated them, so I can email them to you. Also, feel free to call us if you have questions during the install.
2. Order doesn't really matter - just know the front lip on the skid goes under the bumper's edge, but the bumper has notches to access the skid bolts easily.
3. One tip: don't cut your inner fender plastic back until the bumper is installed, then cut it a tad long so you can tuck it into the backside of the bumper, otherwise it comes out and rubs on the tire (ask me how I know )
4. You're looking at least 1/2 day depending on if you're installing a winch or not.
5. If you don't have a 2nd person to help, you may want to at least use a jack to help support the weight while you bolt it up. It's not that it is really heavy, just awkward.

 

Our 05+ Tacoma bumper doesn't interfere with the air bag sensors whatsoever since they are in the frame rails and actuate based on rate of deceleration, deploying when the vehicle decelerates faster than it can stop itself.

 

Just like that huh, you're just going to take Scott's word for it? What if I said the exact opposite; That the All Pro bumper has no effect on airbag deployment?

 

it has no effect as everything airbag related is inside the truck and not bumper.

Maybe ARB made a DOT test and got theirs certified (???) so they can advertise it and get people to think the other ones are not compatible?

 

Before you put it on get some black rattle can and make it look purdy behind that grill and new bumper!!

 

Thank you!

Well I guess I shouldn't take one person's word for it.

I'm still going to go further into my own research before I do or don't buy something.

 

Thanks for the reply. I've PM'd you my email address for the instructions. So far everything looks great, if only I could get 5-6 hours for the install...

 

I could help you out if you want. How far are you from the Tidewater area?

 

I went to google maps and put in Tidewater, VA and then Salem, VA (24153) and it said we're 4 hours and 26 mintues apart. Thanks for the offer! Too bad you aren't closer.

I may try braving the install myself on Saturday afternoon around 4pm or so. That way I can work into the evening and if I want, I can reward myself with a successful install AND the UFC fight. My wife could help with installing the new bumper, but it would be cool if another forum member who lived closer wanted to stop by. I may also consider taking this Friday off of work and starting in the morning. It would all depend the schedule of others who may want to stop by. Either way, I'm going to try to have the bumper installed by the end of the weekend.