T3 Cbi front bumper vs c4 center bumper replacement

Gaaah. I have literally the exact same dilemma. The SSO isn’t exactly a “cheap alternative” either. I like the idea of less work, don’t have to cut, don’t have to change suspension, lighter, don’t take a real mpg hit, and handles roughly the same. But how much difference would the CBI really make on these things? Is there really that much of a difference in handling and mpg?
I’m also of the mindset that I would hate myself if I spent all that money then scraped the side of the bumper and need a new one.

Car is mostly my DD too. Decisions decisions.

 

Quicksandtacoma3, m603holden, what did you guys end up doing?

 

Haha I ended up going with the sso slimline bumper. I realized I don’t do rock climbing and really just needed a winch bumper so for the mudding/snow and dirt I Offroad , figured sso will get the job done above and beyond my needs.

 

Sweet! And any regrets so far??

 

Well I just received my bumper yesterday so I can’t tell you yet lol. No regrets so far

 

Full bumper. You aren’t saving money or THAT much weight with a hidden winch. The CbI weighs about 140, hidden weighs about 80. You also get more protection with a full bumper. Winch adds another 100 lbs. Considering shipping, Cost and weight and overall modification to the truck is the same, id rather (I do) have the T3 full bumper.

 

How was your mpg affected after putting on the bumper?

 

Maybe .5mpg. Nothing significant

 

And if you get the t3 in aluminum it’s much less weight

 

I was looking at this as well, are you still running stock coil overs and did you get the optional rear shocks when purchasing? I feel mine being an SR I should upgrade front and rear and then in that case I'm not sure if this lift would even be for me.

Thanks!

 

It’s all personal preference and it comes down to the money. I got a a better deal on the sso so I went with it. Personally didn’t want to chop up most of the bumper either so with the sso I only will have to to cut the lower valence area out.

 

Yes I’m still running my original front and rear shocks and coilovers. Didn’t get the extra shocks. I think you should at least get the bilsteins at minimum which is what the trd off-road comes with. As it happens, I have an extra set of front and back shocks and coils. They are off a trd off road like mine.

 

I have the lo-pro with a smitty synthetic winch. c4 sliders. The weight is noticeable. I almost went with the CBI, but it was a bit aggressive for what I was looking for.

 

When you say the weight is noticeable, what do you mean by that?

 

It feels heavy with braking. It's subtle, but it's there. Acceleration has always been a bit doggish. Before I put a lift on it, the weight dropped the front about 1/4 inch.

 

go off roading... when you fuck up your stock bumper, invest in the new bumper. chances are you'll never fuck up your stock bumper and you'll save $1,000. but hey, if you want that badass look (we all do) then order what makes you happy and off road into the sunset

 

What are you doing? Gravel roads, technical trails, high speed desert stuff? For me, the slim bumpers that retained the stock bumper never made sense since your approach angle is the same, and if you hit the corner of your bumper, you'll still need a whole new OEM bumper.

I ended up getting the T3 bumper in aluminum and saved 50 pounds over steel. My sliders are steel though of course.

 

You that’s what I said, when I mess up my stock bumper and need a new one, I’ll buy the T3 cbi bumper. Until then I needed a way to mount my winch so I went with the sso bumper. Was cheaper and less cutting for now. I needed the winch for when snow wheeling happens, need the winch there just in case.

 

That was my understanding too, just didn’t feel like dropping $1300 with shipping to the door yet lol. Went with the sso until I mess up my sides, then I’ll be required to fix it so I’ll just sell the sso and get a full bumper. It was half the price and will get my winch in which is why I needed a bumper.

 

Yeah I guess you can do that, but then you'd be sitting with a messed up bumper while you wait for the 12 week lead time on the T3 bumper. I was fortunate enough that a local shop (Mule) had it in stock so I didn't have to wait.

Actually since it looks like you're in Portland, if you drive up you can buy it without tax AND no shipping and not wait. Although it is powdercoated already so you'll have to pay more for that. I paid only 50 dollars more than what it would have cost me to get it shipped from CBI but with no wait. Better deal for you since you won't have to pay that 10% sales tax in Issaquah.

**edit** Looks like this was an old thread brought up. Nevermind!