Help with bumpers...

OK, so I read a bunch about steel vs aluminum bumpers and have searched numerous vendors (I decided to go w/ the lighter). Does anyone have an opinion on welded on or bolt on sliders. I doubt I'll ever go rock crawling, but like the look of them. I think I am going to go w/ Pelfreybilt, as I can get everything there, shipping is steep, especially if I have to order from more than one company. I like the bumpers that protect the headlights, as there is some thick brush along many of the trails here in AZ. Does anyone have advice for me before I order. Want front & rear bumpers, sliders, and getting my arm twisted to get a wench (even though I doubt I'd ever use it). I had an old truck with tube bumpers, back in the day, I like how it changes the look. I don't need serious armor...just can't leave it stock. I need help!

 

Id say go with aluminum bumper for sure. as far as sliders if you dont think theyll ever be used then bolt on since if you decided to crawl more you can alwat have them cut and welded on. id suggest @Pelfreybilt if you want to go with all one place and go with a kick out for sure.

 

Not sure where in AZ you are located but if you want to skip the shipping charges, Avid Offroad in Queen Creek or RPMFAB in Chandler could get you taken care of.

 

@RPMFAB is having a group buy right now. At least 10% off but possibly 15% depending on how many orders come in. Both RPMFAB and AVID currently only offer steel, no aluminum.

 

Thanks for the help!!

 

Pelfreybilt aluminum front, Pelfreybilt steel skids, Avid offroad weld-on converted sliders with kickout, Pelfreybilt high clearance steel rear bumper to get the spare out of the bed



Let me know if you have any questions

 

**Winch

 

Billy at brureforce hook me up with a "light" steel version. Meaning that the forward plate steel is a little lighter but the structural steel is the same...total weight is under 100lbs. Best of both worlds.

 

My sliders are welded on. I don't have a welder. The local muffler guy in town welded them on for me for less than a hundred bucks. The welds look great and I think the installation is a lot cleaner than the bolt on ones. I would be concerned about the sandwiched areas of the slider to the frame with respect to rust.
I know a lot of people have them though. If you do go the bolt on route, I would recommend hosing the gaps with Fluid Film, once installed.

 

This.

 

Nice ride! I don't think I need to go so extreme on the rear bumper, although it looks good on your truck, I was thinking just the regular, not high clearance. Why Avid on sliders?

 

WOW!! Thanks for the share and inspiration. Laughed at the Amazon lights for less than $50, Baja Designs on Pelfreybilt's site were over $500!

 

If you aren't sure what you will eventually need, I second the bolt on option. (it's what i did). If they serve you well, then weld them on.

Everyone here on point with rust. You are in AZ...wouldn't worry too much unless you are getting the frame wet playing in the mud. Fluid film. Cannot go wrong. Buy way more than you need because once you start its hard to stop (its fun).

Note on painting armor (alum or steel). the undersides are easy to rattle can back into shape, but all of the nooks, crannies and top sides of the armor collect dirt and water and like to rust/corrode like crazy. POR15 3 Step System. Period. They make specific topcoats for whatever you want/need. Prep is key. The painting is the easy/quickest step. This paint is good enough to take into battle, it'll do just fine for your truck.

https://www.por15.com/

 

Demello offroad makes an aluminum bumper also. I would also recommend Bolton sliders. I love my Relentless fab sliders but also hear great things about Mobtown too. Relentless did make aluminum bumpers and if they still made them I’d already have 1 on my truck. I think Mobtown is/ was also making aluminum sliders?

 

With such a large purchase I'd wait until a sale is going on, can be found here

https://www.tacomaworld.com/forums/deals-coupons.28/

 

yes, holiday sales, groupbuys and coupon/codes are nice, you should also watch for items to come up for sale from members. I've scored a high clearance bumper and LOTS of misc parts that are unique to Tacomas/platform. Check out the easy cheap mods. and of course all the TW.com vendors. There's a huge community here to help.

 

Ha ha, I really have no idea what I've gotten myself into!

 

Thanks, after looking at other's mods, I maybe need to rethink what I'm doing...maybe start with a better stereo!

 

TacomaWorld will be the best thing to happen to you and your truck...your wallet will beg to differ.
Might want to entrust your CC's pin code to someone else, lest ye be tempted on the latest/greatest/groupbuy.

 

Thanks, searched eBay and Craig's for bumpers with no luck, did find the camper shell, cheap, which was great, even the right color, not perfect, but good enough. Will watch here for (hopefully) some good deals. Hard to be patient...