suggestions ( and pix!) for deer/cattle/brush giards

I have a 2013 Tacoma + the need for a cattle/deer/sheep guard is urgent. Any experiences, photos, likes, dislikes...? I'm thinking an integrated metal bumper, not just metal tubing bolted on...any info, experiences appreciated. Install yourself- any tips? thx.

 

The general consensus is that add-on metal bars tend to multiply the damage if you're ever involved in a front-end collision or run something down that was a bit too thick. You'd probably be best advised to buy a bumper that is made in Australia, where they know all about running stuff down.

 

If you're looking for something like a push-bar, I'm not super sure, as I plan on going to an ARB bumper.
If you're looking to prevent scratches and stuff, there's https://www.goat-truckarmor.com/
Also, ARB does have side steps that have bars that go up to the front bumper.

 

That Goat Armor would be just about perfect for my needs (preventing pinstripping for a handful of trips we take per year). Too bad they don't make them for the 2nd gen

 

I have a ranch hand grille gaurd that I’ve been pleased with but the only time it’s hit a deer it didn’t really help much since the deer hit the bumper

 

This.......ARB........heavy......expensive.......$1100 + install.....+ foggers

Then you need to change front coils & realign

worth every penny.......Kangaroo proof..........

 

Snow plow. Or something of that Calibre.

 

Well I just ordered the ARB ! Change the front coils...? any info? Seems like a net 100lbs added to the front. nice truck + pic btw.

 

You will love it

I have 5100's with 886 coils up front. Needed the 886 coils because of full steel skids and sliders.

 

uh what are 886 coils? I could guess, but glad to learn more. How about beefier Bilsteins at the same time as installing the ARB?

 

This is what I have for front end suspension upgrade.

Old Man Emu 2886 Coils
Bilstein 5100 Front Adjustable Shocks (Set at the stock 0 setting)

Old Man Emu makes several coils for different weight requirements.

 

Old Man Emu 886 coil springs, about 660 lb. rating. In combination with their Nitrocharger series shocks, it gives between 2.5-3 inches of lift and is designed to support the weight of the ARB deluxe front bumper and a Warn winch.

My truck:

 

Beretta4x4 has the right idea....I used OME 886 coils.....but already had 5100 Bilsteins (on 3rd ring)

added the 886.....lowered the 5100 to -0- ring......still gained 2" lift.....this may not be the best set up

Rides great......yes re align afterwards......rear is stock with 5100's.....my advice.......during install...

wanna winch ? do it now ! its all right there....ARB is winch ready.......added weight ? 135# ARB

Winch 87# steel rope....67# syn rope (ish) IFS skid 48# or so (mine)

Be prepared.....not a cheap project....buy once/cry once......do it right the first time

I used a 9500# Smittybilt steel rope....$270......PM Marie at Headstrong Offroad for coil/shock options

My shop charged me $240 to swap front coils (IIRC)

 

I have an ARB front bumper ready to install. think it weights 135 lbs.? I am considering buying OME 883 (front leveling) coils & Bilstein 5100 shocks front & rear.
I don't go offroad that often, but do drive on rough roads and load the truck w heavy logs, etc from time to time. 2013 Tacoma ext cab, 73k miles, 6 speed, all stock. I plan on keeping this truck for a long time.
OMEs & 5100's- good/correct upgrade? any better ideas? thx! I'd have the shop intall the coils + shockes when they put on the ARB...

 

Depends what you like and what you need it for. A lighter cheaper option (and yes lots do not like these but too bad guys) is the rhino center police type push setup at $250 and with loops out to lights about $350. No need to get new coils as I run 5100s set at 2" (second from top notch) and have one plus full steel skids and works well plus no new upper a-arms needed to align. I wanted to protect the center area and has places to mount lights but I'm cheap and more functional. Use a big come along and no winch as usually if stuck its a rear pull or a side pull on cross slopes. Some slick rock front pulls but only when wet out and slick as snot. Have chains for mud and snow. I also do lots of highway driving so the higher you make it and less front air dam type bumper you put on the wind will effect your mileage quickly. That factory plastic flexes pretty well on rocks anyway ha ha and I don't care about scraps. The center rhino mounts on the bottom with heavy frame arms. My best add was putting heavy dog screen on the front to keep bugs and flying rocks out of the radiator and coolers and after 10 years still looks new in there. Also have metal screen mounted up under the lower bumper opening to stop rocks flying up underneath into coolers. Long trip to AK thru Utah, NV, CA, and Yukon on the way from FL and lots of flying gravel and had to empty gravel out of my skids a few times.

Then there is the 2nd Gen center winch mount bumper where you cut the center bumper out and bolt it on so less weight but yes less coverage so look them all up.

 

Had new kit installed yesterday: ARB bumper, OME 886 coils, ARB Dakar rear leafs, Bilsteins 5100 front & rear. I asked the guys at garage to set the front Bilsteins at lowest setting, with the rear of the truck higher or level with the front.
Net lift after the install is easily 2". Perfect & it drives great. Damped, not harsh. Thanks all here for your input and suggestions. Also - new rims. Galena Pass, Rt 75 bet Smiley Creek & Stanley Idaho.

 

^Looks great! I hope to be getting one of those bumpers from a friend, just need find time to make the drive 600mi to pick it up. And, I suppose I'll be needing to adjust my suspension for the added weight as well.

What size tires are those? They look really good and not super wide like you normally see.

 

I went with a ARB bumper as well but I'm going with kings and 700 Pound coils instead of 886s

 

Hey, they are Yokohama Geolander A/T 265 70 R 17 - OEM size.
My local dealer in Challis ID said the are his favorite & they are really, really good.
Not too loud on highway, stiff 10 ply, good off road, great wear. Very good in snow. WAY better (stiffer + better road feel) than the tires on this truck originally.

 

The weight of the ARB really gives a good solid feel to the front. Nothing odd, just steady. I can't give an opinion vs 700 lb coils, but I found the 886 /ARB combo to be pretty awesome. course this is on a 100 mi. HWY drive.
fwiw.