Do I really need a steel bumper???

Yes indeed on that ^^^. I'm already thinking Winch, yet I don't even have a lift nor have I been on any trails. Don't know how much I can really do with stock taco but it's best I attempt even the smallest of trails. Gonna check out the trails forum after this. In the event I do get a steel bumper, do I really have to get 886 springs. I hate to get so much armor just to satisfy my springs just so that they settle in. Will it come back to haunt me just cuz I didn't get the Heavy duty springs and I settled for anything less than 886 springs?

 

Tube or hybrid bumper would save weight also with out the aluminum premium. Just sayin may be viable option.

 

Made my decision. Just have to weld it together now.

 

You could do a hidden winch mount and keep most of the stock bumper.

 

To be fair, that is a 5 lugger so the ops truck would be 2" higher than that pic

 

5 lugs, with front plates, skids and rear bumper guard? Those mall can be a challenge

 

If you look closely enough, I believe I see a cab mount chop running those tires.

 

If you go with an aluminum bumper and winch with synthetic line, you should be ok with something less than 886s. Unless you start getting skids, etc.

If you go steel, 886s or something similar would be ideal.

 

It hasn't been brought up, but what size tires are you thinking of running? Are you even 4x4?

 

A good reason for having steel bumpers is in Parking Lots. Get alot of folks that will reverse or bump into vehicles and just leave the scene. Has happend to me a few times with my other vehicles. Just yesterday when I came into work there was a vehicle in the parking lot that had it's front bumper lying on the ground in front of the vehicle and no one was around.

 

As of now, I'm gonna use what it came with which are 265/70/16. Can't afford new ones.

From my understanding, a winch and steel bumper is necessary if you are running 886 coils. I read a lot of guys complain about sagging when adding body armor, so I figured to avoid that why not get the 886 coils and avoid that problem.

Regarding me not going off roading, I have yet to do so but I didn't get the truck just to look purrty at the mall. I do have hopes that one day I will be able to do some of the stuff I see others do on here, even if it's a couple times a year.

I just don't get how some of the trucks on here are being used as DD which big wheels and extra body armor? Would like to hear if any drawbacks have been encountered

 

OP, it doesn't sound like you should get a bumper, or rather it sounds like you'd be wasting money. My truck is fully armored and a DD, but that's also because I take it offroad and get use out of everything enough to warrant it all. (Mainly, I'd like to drive it to S America in the coming five years, hopefully). I get about 15mpg, but I also travel often and ride my motorcycle enough that I can offset the truck's poor gas mileage.

If you want what people here have, then you'll need basic shocks & coils, new tires, leaf springs, and THEN a bumper, sliders, and a winch. Just my $.02, but save your money for the moment.

 

steel and aluminum bumpers





SOS offroad concepts (Sliders, Bumpers, Bedracks ETC)

 

you don't need a front bumper to do trails. they may add a level of confidence and the added approach angle is nice, but I doubt you will be dragging the stock one anytime soon.

the rear bumper imo should be addressed before the front. I think I drag it every time I go out!

 

Ok, I have to ask. What's the story with this truck? It even has sliders. Haha

 

The thing the ARB has going for it, besides being a well built bumper, is the little sticker on the inside that says it's airbag rated and suited for street use.

Before deciding on which bumper to choose I spoke with my insurance company to settle some rumors. The first was if I could get a discount for adding a safety device to truck, I was told no.

The next rumor was liability in case of an accident. My insurance told me that if I ever hit a car, in this case with aftermarket bumper, and it was something that was labeled as "Off road use only", the other party could make the argument that the use of that product caused greater harm. Because it's off road use only it wouldn't be difficult to prove.

The ARB takes that portion out of the argument and does not increase liability, which is why I got it for my truck, otherwise I would have loved an aluminum Relentless.

Whichever bumper you decide, I suggest calling your insurance and asking how they they feel about defending you in case of an accident. For those that argue, "Don't get into an accident", good luck. Driving a car is a matter of when, not if. A safe driver can reduce the chances of an accident, but can't avoid one completely.

 

Doesn't sound like you need one at all.

 

The difference between needs and wants

 

This is exactly the point. If I was ever involved in an accident where it is my fault, due to so many uncertainties, an aftermarket part labeled for off road use could only make things worse.

I am not saying I drive like Mad Max or condone that type of activity, but it is all risk mitigation. My insurance advised me against it, and I'm not willing take the risk to not listen. I can't speak about what your insurance's opinion, but I am simply sharing what mine has told me.

I suggest calling your insurance based on my experience. This way there are no surprises down the road.

 

Agreed! I just don't want the potential trouble when there is a option on the market.

By the way, I had been searching for those roof racks in your sig all morning, and boom there it was the whole time!