###Southern Style OffRoad Tacoma Slimline Hybrid Group Buy / Summer 2017 ###

I would put it on, honestly. You can get it back off in about 5 minutes ... probably quicker than that.

 

I waited like a month when I got mine due to winch issues. It was worth the wait. Been lovin mine for the past 6+ months!

 

That's a typo. I have pretty much no gaps. You do have remove the bumper because you have to remove some things from behind the bumper.
You could take it off, remove the excess parts and remount it before you cut. It was easier to cut on the truck because it's just much more stable.
I ended up cutting much more than I originally expected. We tried mounting the new bumper and it wouldn't slide all the way in so we cut some more and tried again. It was obvious though, so you'll know for sure if you need to make more cuts.

 

Not with those L brackets lol

 

Wellll ... it would take much longer to get it back on. Taking them off is a breeze.

For the record, I did not take my bumper cover off at all ... not even to remove parts. You just have to put something between the shroud and bumper cover to keep from cutting into the shroud.

Now the aluminum bumper part, of course that comes off. Just in case we're confusing terminology.

 

Really sad that SSO hasn't updated their instructions nor made a video yet.

 

Did you remove your grille?

 

Yep. I also got a bit too excited and put the new bumper on too soon. Torqued it down, then I realized that I forgot to put the grille back on. That's how I know how quickly it comes off. I tried just loosening it first, probably could have gotten it, but didn't want to rub any paint.

 

Wow. That makes WAY more sense than what I did. I put the grille on after the bumper and tore up up the plastidip on my bezel :/ It fit, sort of, but I had to really force it.

 

It's a nice surprise to check my junk email folder only to find that my bumper has shipped and should be here on 8/22! Woohoo

 

8/22 was yesterday..

 

Haha. I guess I shouldn't be on the forums before drinking my coffee.

Ship date was 8/22 and ETA is 8/28

 

I didnt remove or do anything prior to cutting my bumper. Taped off the line, grabbed the dremel and got to cutting. I then removed everything that needed to come off and mounted the bumper. It was easy to pull off the crash bar and palstic pc that attaches to it. I didnt cut anything inside the bumper since I only let the dremel go just deep enough to cut the bumper.

 

Tried to use various size clamps mentioned in previous group buy thread to mount my license plate. None of them worked well.

Finally found these on Amazon and they work fantastic.

Senlips Clamp Mounting for Led Light Bar, Tube Clamp Roof Roll Cage Holder, LED Off-Road Light Bar Horizontal Bar Clamp Mounting Kit 1"/ 1.5"/ 1.75"/ 2", bar clamp for led, HID (Includes 2 clamps)

Senlips Off Road Light Bar Adjustable Mount Brackets, 1”/1.5”/1.75”/2” Tube Clamp Roof Roll Cage Holder Horizontal Bar Mount Kit for Truck Jeeps ATV (Set of 2 Clamps)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XS9PD5Q/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_yb4NzbZ57WMGP

 

I don't think there was a price difference. I knew I wouldn't run a winch and I wanted a very clean look. I just called after I put in my order and they were super easy to work with. I got my red shackles ordered this weekend so I'm pumped about that.

 

Ask and ye shall receive. Thanks to @WILDPEAK for the helpful tip on a nice clean install, I've updated the instructions with the new cut line.

You can view it here: http://www.southernstyleoffroad.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Tacoma front slimline Hybrid bumper INSTALLATION V2.pdf

 

THANK YOU

 

Just received my shipment notice, bumper is on the way! Thx @SouthernStyleOffRoad .

 

After that long wait, I finally installed it today! Took me about 3.5 hours and honestly the winch took the longest to install. For those still yet to install, here is an install sequence that are important to remember:

1) install light bar if ordered
2) install fairlead
3) install winch. Note that the 4 mounting screws are required and the 2 front are a b*tch to install due to the clearance issues. Small hands will be helpful for this stage. Also secure your winch line and feed through the fairlead at this time.
4) loosely mount bumper
5) put grill back on. It's important that you install this before tightening bumper or it won't fit if you have the bull bar (loop)
6) tighten all bolts and finish installation

For those with the X20, mount the control box on the side, not the center. No cutting or relocation is necessary.

I still need to wire my 20" light bar, it I love it so far!