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

Quick question on SSO - and all bolt on bumpers - especially any full plate or high clearance. With the bumper bolted to the frame now, and the surrounding facia of the front end on the body, has anyone seen much rubbing or even cracked the facia/remaining bumper when fully articulated to one side? I've seen videos where the gaps on the edges of the body widen as one side's shocks compress and the other side extends. The body of the truck and the fame/bumper now @ different angles due to the suspension. Sitting on level ground no gaps are good but should some gap be built in during the install so there's not much rubbing etc?

ah...and I found my answer a few pages back - exactly what I meant (post #218). So while no gap looks best when on level ground - how much space should be built in if you actually rock crawl some so as not to tear up the front end of the truck or mar the finish on the bumper?

 

anyone have a link to the rigid 20” lightbar they used for those that have the rigid cutout

 

I went with the midnight series.
https://www.rigidindustries.com/sr-srs-pro-20-mdnt-920214blk.html

 

Definitely needs to be trimmed more than you'd think. Hell, driving over some large bumps in my driveway and i had contact. So i trimmed more.

 

Damn those are expensive. Maybe I shouldn’t go rigid

 

dont look at the BD light then... my SSO hydrid was ordered by a former member with that cut out.... ouch

 

Yes Rigid's higher end lights are expensive. Many people are happy with Caliraised at 1/3 the cost. Not sure how the fit will be?
https://caliraisedled.com/products/...lFCP-Xg-Eh7ED2cj4Runobc6st0WNHHsaAijWEALw_wcB

 

Good to know.
Is there a rigid 20” that would fit that doesn’t break the bank? LOL

 

You'd need 0.5" or more when sitting on level ground, to ensure no contact when fully articulating. See the quote below for a link showing how much the plastics move, relative to the bumper. It also shows how much paint the bumper lost as a result.

Edit: I see that I linked the post you were referring to... oops

 

Not that I've seen. Contact SSO about what other lights might fit.

 

Yep I sent them an email today to call me before I place my order. Thanks!

 

Ok one more question regarding the light.

Who went with the Heise light from SSO and how do you like it?

Anyone find another light that would fit in the Heise location in case a change is needed?

 

I bought the Heise light and it's just okay. I think I need to aim it up a little higher though. Also, I have the Cali raised hidden bumper light and that thing is so bright there's no comparison. So when I turn on the Heise light it just doesn't seem like much. Kinda wish I went Rigid, but then I see how expensive they are and think I made the right decision, lol. I am not sure if anything else would fit in there since its made specifically for that light bar, the mounts inside the bumper fit this light perfectly. But I have not looked into putting another light in there.

 

For the $100 I spent on it, I’m happy. It is certainly not a wide spread on the throw, more of a long distance.

 

Anyone found a set of Frame Support Brackets that fit with the SSO Slimline Hybrid Bumper?

These are the ones I know of but, not sure if any will fit. Anyone else make a set?

https://c4fabrication.com/products/tacoma-front-bumper-frame-support-brackets-3rd-gen-2016
https://www.bayareametalfab.com/FBR...inforcement-brackets-2005-to-2022-_p_142.html
https://backwoodsadventuremods.com/products/2016-tacoma-front-bumper-frame-support-brackets

 

From what I have found, the BAMF and C4 both require modification. Not sure on the third one listed.

 

What is the threshold of winching or other activity that requires frame support brackets?

 

Wonder that myself. If they were needed, i think that SSO would make them. Havent heard if anyone ripping their bumpers off. But this may be anothe rcase of "tacoma owners are like people that do crossfit."
Make something for either group, no matter what it is, and the masses will buy it, even if it doesnt do anything.

 

The reason frame brackets aren't compatible, is because the SSO base plate is too thick (3/8"). The thickness means that the frame horn studs aren't long enough to go through the bumper and the frame brackets. The "mod" is to replace the frame horn studs with longer studs.

The benefit of a thicker base plate is that it better distributes the forces across both frame horns instead of just one. That 3/8" is not likely to bend, like a thinner plate would. This somewhat negates the need for the reinforcement brackets.

 

Well decided to go with the Rigid cutout and the Rigid Midnight series.

You have any pics on what it looks like with the midnight on the truck during the day. Also any pics of the light output.....

Thanks in advance