Heavy plate bumpers

Just seeing if anyone has info on installing a heavy plate bumper (i.e. Relentless Stealth 110 lbs) on a 2002 Tacoma with just stock suspension. I'm wondering since it being so heavy will it effect the performance of my rig? Thanks for any input.

 

If you go aftermarket bumper that weighs more than your stock one (almost all do) You will want coil springs that can handle it. Older pickups with plate bumper and squashed suspension = handles like crap and bottoms out. Some might be rated for stock coils and struts but somebody else might need to chime in on that.

There are literally hundreds of write-ups in here on how to install and tips and tricks. PB blaster is your friend and if you have a torch handy light that F'er up!

 

Thanks for the input

 

Yeah, you'll be good for a few days. But your stock springs will soon be worthlessly spongy and squirrelly handling, brake dive and bottoming out will be your daily experience.

 

my experience is just the opposite... the 96 4X4 that I put the Flatland 4X4 bumper and winch on has taken the harshness out of the front end, granted it is a mini truck but my 03 DC is smooth compared to this.

 

The stock springs are rated at under 500lbs, a heavy bumper + winch will definitely sag the front end over time. You want coils that are rated at 590lb minimum, or higher if you're adding a lot of weight (bumper, winch, skids, heavy girlfriend, etc.)

 

If you're worried about the weight, aluminum plate bumpers do exist

Or you can fab your own, like I did

 

I really don`t see much difference maybe always having a load in the bed is why

I went to my Modified bumper (145 pounds) from having just the plastic shell that was a interesting discovery