New Rear Bumper to Help Wheeling

Hey, fellas.

My g/f's uncle owns a wrecker service and he just towed in a '98 Tacoma that was FUBAR. He ended up buying it and called me to see if I could use anything off of it, as I have an '01 and many of the parts are compatible. Well, the guy made his own rear bumper that looks a lot like the stock rear bumper, but it's about 80 lbs. heavier. Anyone who's seen my tread on front/rear bumper options for 1st gens knows I'm in the market for a new rear bumper, so I'm thinking this bad boy will do the job: It's durable, the welding is great, and it bolts right on. Her uncle only wants $50 for it, so needless to say, the deal is already done.

I'm wondering 2 things:
1. I drive about 200 miles a week for school (every Tues and Thurs, 50 miles one way). How bad (if at all) is an extra 80 lbs. in the rear gonna effect my gas mileage?

2. How much do you think the added weight in the rear will help my traction off-roading? I do have a Pre-Runner, but it's not afraid of much lol. I just wanted to know if the extra 80ish lbs. on the back would be a significant difference in my wheeling...

 

1. Dont think youll notice any difference at all

2. It may help for snow or ice but I doubt itll do much for traction its only 80lbs lol

 

Hardly any difference.

 

That's what I figured. Thanks. I'll put some before/after pics up soon.

 

Here it is:

 

Looks like a pretty beefy bumper! Looks good too!

 

Yeah, I know it's not as cool looking as the Relentless and All Pro stuff, but, for $50, I couldn't say no!

 

Sweet deal. I'd use it.

 

Thanks. I plan on getting it sanded and either powder coated or rattle canned and on there this week

 

I've been contemplating whats better, to line-X parts or to powder coat?

 

Didn't even think to do that. I love the look and I can probably get that Herculiner and do it myself. Only problem with spray on bed liners is that I hear mud stains it pretty bad and it fades over time. Powder coating will cost too damn much. I don't know what I'm gonna do yet.

 

After years with the Herculiner, couldn't you just clean and re-apply?

 

True that. I'm looking at herculiner threads on here now and getting more and more convinced that that's what I need to do lol. Love the look, too.

 

I'm gonna make a poll haha

 

Before painting, I'd weld on one or two recovery points.
Maybe one receiver, or 2 beefy d-rings.

With a 2wd, you'll thank me later

 

Not a bad idea at all. Thanks.