Front Bumper Questions

Hey guys, I am finally beginning my search for information needed on getting an aftermarket front bumper. I know I want a Pelfreybilt front bumper, but I want to make sure I cover all my bases before ordering it.

1.) Aluminum vs steel.... aluminum is lighter, better for rust resistance, but it also scratches/dents easier. I don't off road enough in rocks and boulders to really worry about denting the front, I haven't dented my stock yet on either trucks so thats not a worry. Just trying to decide whether the $300 is worth the lack of weight. Or will i gain that $300 back because of lack of weight in gas? (haha good joke...gas)

2.) With either bumper, do I have to upgrade the stock shocks (have bilsteins 5100 max setting)? will the front sag and cause rubbing again

Any other information I need about the new bumper please let me know, i feel like theres hidden secrets that I am missing out on

 

I have an AP apex aluminum front bumper and I'm assuming the weight is similar 55lbs for my AP and I had no difference in ride height. Really like it and have no regrets on the extra cost. Its a solid bumper

 

With a steel bumper you SHOULD upgrade the front coils, but you don't have to. I have the steel pelfreybilt bumper with full OME 886 lift and coils. There is no sag with this setup

 

Awesome awesome, i'd rather not have to worry about the coils. I want to save for full chaos/king suspension, so not adding more money to it helps. Looks Nice, do you know if the foglights fit?

 

"Fog Lights" if you're talking about stock no, they mount to the plastic.

 

No the stock fog lights do not fit, however, with some ingenuity, I'm sure you could try

 

Yeah I have a local machine I could use, or buy the certified rigid industries pods. They're expensive but if I'm gonna do it, might as well do it right

 

@Hunter.V.White

 

Lighter is always better. For vehicle handling, for fuel economy, and for offroad performance.

Steel will take more abuse. Doesn't sound like you'll be dishing out that abuse, so aluminum is the clear choice for you. It's more expensive to build (TIG vs MIG welded), but the lighter weight is definitely of benefit.

 

Then it's official, I'll save the extra for the aluminum and the rigid pods

 

Check out my post #63494

https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...our-tacoma-today.6499/page-3175#post-10136155

 

You my friend, are a savior! awesome idea

 

haha. I was in the same boat for a while trying to figure something out. It's been about 4 months and nothings moved yet. I had to make some relief cuts in the coupling with an olfa knife to fit the the fog light but it worked (you can see the cuts in the pic). I also took a grinder and took off the plastic tabs on the fog light to make it fit.

 

well with your idea and some ingenuity, ill make it work! thanks!