3rd Gen SSO Slimline Hybrid Bumper/Winch install guide - How To Article with Tips.

Sweet! I Love my Danner Rainforest’s, been my go to work boots for years.

 

Does anyone know how long the current back order is as of 2020?

 

Glad to have found this as I just ordered mine.

 

Crossposting here.

(And thanks to OP for this super helpful install tutorial!)


TL/DR - CHECK YOUR HARDWARE:

 

Getting ready to install my bumper in the next few days. One question about the bumper cut. Various instructions state to use 1" blue tape. @Hodakaguy shows the tape rolled over the top edge about 1/8"-3/16" (Quicksand) but others show the tape not rolled over the edge (Red, White). What's the right location for the top edge cut? Cut off a full 1", or less like Hodakaguy? (Not asking about the cuts down the ends / sides.) Thanks.

 

Did you get the bull bar? I opted to not have it on my bumper, so I cut it right at the leading edge., (red line in picture).

 

I do have the bull bar on mine. So, I need to cut enough to have clearance for that. But, I'd like to not cut more than needed.

 

Looks up the sso YouTube install video from
Southern style off-road. The guy that shows you gives exact measurements. Makes it way too easy.

 

Keep in mind though when you try to follow the video, when cutting the sides of the bumper don’t add 1/8”, add 1/2” or possibly 3/4” closest to wheels. Reason being is it’s extremely easy to trim more but you’re screwed basically if you cut more than the trim can cover. I added 3/8” and had to add some shims because it was cut too high and the factory setup bolted together was leaving a nice gap that the trim didn’t cover. Shins were simple fix just added time to the install.

 

Pics of my install

 

Ah, the video for the Slimline Stage 2 has it. I hadn't watched that one because I am only installing the Slimline, not the Stage 2. But, you are correct. They say 3/4" cut from the black lower grill piece, along the top. Thanks.

 

Another great write up!

 

Mine is Body Armor, found it on Amazon. Arrived yesterday and I installed it today. I used the Body Armor instructions for cutting as I figured the bumper was probably a little different. My cuts were a little further in which was fine. Looks great!

 

Just installed my SSO bumper last week. I was nervous to do the cutting. I did not measure at all. Just eye balled it compared to the photos in this thread and the instructions by SSO. Came out fantastic. It took 20 minutes to lay down the tape, 2 minutes to cut with a 4 1/2" angle grinder.

 

So what’s everyone doing with the aluminum brackets and plastic pieces? I hate to throw them away. There’s an LKQ right down the street but they said they only get parts from buyers. eBay?

 

Good question. I would post it up on ebay, craigslist, offer up and here on TW. Someone will need it. Mine are for sale too .

 

Thanks for the instructions in this thread. Very helpful! Not a difficult job at all, just a heavy bumper (w/winch). That's the toughest part, although I also wrestled with the little side brackets that support OEM bumper. Hard to access the bolts. Very happy with the result!

 

I dig this bumper + winch! Are there any that don't require cutting, and work with RCI skids?

 

No sure about others. This SSO bumper works with my RCI skid no issues.

 

Not sure about RCI compatibility but this post have some no cutting slimlines.
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/slimline-low-profile-bumper-other-than-sso.605130/