So how hard is it to install one of the slimline type winch bumpers?

Im really liking the looks of the SSO Slimline Hybrid winch bumper and watched there very sped up install video and realize most of the front end comes off to do the install. There isn’t much I can fix but tearing my new truck apart does scare me lol. I have basic tools but nothing for vehicle body type work if it takes special stuff I don’t have it.

So is this something I need a pro to help with or just how hard is it? I do have an 18 so it has all the new safety stuff on it. Thanks guys!

 

There is a couple videos on youtube
And on the sos offroad website.
Im saving for one now. From what ive seen its not hard just easier with an extra set of hands and take your time.

Warn has a similar one that you dont cut anything I believe

Also the if you uave the tss some say the bar interferes with it

 

Which bumper are you talking about in regards to the tss? I thought the SSO slimline doesn't go up far enough to cause any issues. I don't know much about the Warn.

 

It's not difficult. Hardest part is getting the bumper cover off and cut without damaging anything cosmetic or breaking plastic clips. The rest are just a couple of bolts. I did it in a couple hours by myself.

 

Slimeline with the hoop
Some have said it interferes

 

it doesnt interfere with it

 

The only way I could see that being a possibility is with the TRD Pro grill and even then the hoop isn't in the way of that.

 

My biggest issue with this mod would be the cutting of the bumper. I've turned a wrench a few times in my life but I've never cut anything like that. I'd be worried of either make a wrong cut or doing a real sloppy job that would look like garbage. That being said I love this bumper. Maybe I'll just save up a little extra and have a shop install it.

 

check my build page (in my sig)

I have the TRD Pro Grill on a 2018 with the SSO slimline w/ hoop... it has never given me a problem in 5,000 miles

 

The cutting is the easy part. Lifting the thing loaded with a winch is the hard part. Have some friends on hand, or impatiently do it yourself while cursing, like I did.

 

I had to do this with my old Land Cruiser. It was heavy but the frame horns made it super easy to just set the whole thing down. I don't think it works that way on the Tacoma does it? I don't see how you could lift that thing and get any bolts started.

 

I used some styrofoam wedges and a couple of floor jacks. I really don't recommend it.

 

Luckily I work with enough guys that are strong enough, I can just bring the thing to work when it's ready to install and make a couple of guys hold it up for me. I have some favors to call in ha!

 

I installed my SSO bumper myself. Would have been easier with an extra person, but I decided to be a bamf and muscle it myself.

Also cut the bumper cover without removing it. Actually cut the bumper first, then unbolted and removed the structure/crash bar etc with that nice big clearance hole. Whole install was probably a 3/10 tops; hardest part for me was fishing the bolts underneath to mount the winch before I started since I have large hands.

 

My Warn I installed myself, no cutting. Just take off grill and small bumper piece and use a floor jack to lift it up. Once installed dropped the winch in from the top.

 

Im liking this idea!

 

Is there a place for a license plate with this bumper?

 

Yea I’m in Va, can’t seem to find a pic of a plate on one anywhere but need to figure that out myself.

 

They make this fairlead bracket.

There are a ton of others online that flip up and such.

 

zip ties?