Is a front and/or rear bumper worth it's weight?

[theoutbackdream]

I've been contemplating pulling the trigger on a front and rear bumper for it's aesthetics, and more importantly, the functionality for my 4th gen 4runner. But I can't really seem to see the real worth in going that route, so I figure someone who owns a front and/or rear bumper could shed some light...

Pros:
-Durability, Will take a beating
-Incentive... I've already damaged my bumpers wheeling, and I still have the same rear bumper from when I got rear ended
-Ability to add a winch for self recovery
-Able to carry a larger tire on a swing out, than the factory spare location
-Carry a Jerry can for more range(but the added range from the jerry can might just be negated by the additional weight

Cons:
-Weight: Loss in range/MPG's due to added weight, More stress/wear and tear to components which may mean more preventative maintenance or even worse, failure on the trails
-Cost: At worst it's ~$1.5k for a front, and $2k for a rear bumper.
-Use? I don't see my self using them all that much, other than when wheeling and camping trips. And that only accounts for a very small portion of the driving I do, as it's my daily driver, and getting to these wheeling/camp spots takes a good amount of time.

So what are your thoughts? Am I thinking this through right? Or am I missing something?

Thanks

 

[MazeVX]

Depending on your driving style and experience, I run the stock bumpers on my jk and the front one is really evil (euro bumper) I don't like the look, but I will keep it until I feel the need for a winch or I loose it on a trail.

 

[theoutbackdream]

- More protection for you/your passengers/your rig if you were to rear end another vehicle or get rear ended

Is this really true?

I'd imagine, the factory bumper will have more protection for you/passengers as it'll absorb the impact since it'll collapse. Where as a steel bumper will not collapse at all and absorb the impact of the crash, making you/passengers get directly affected by the physics of the crash.

 

[Graeman]

The aftermarket bumper will attach the same way that your factory bumper attached. Which means that it will provide the same amount of protection as the stock bumper and more. The new vehicle frames are made to crumple at the ends, so any bumper attached to it will do the same job. The exception is the fact that the aftermarket bumper is much thicker than stock so it will absorb more impact before it does dent or crumple. The new bumpers are just thin stamped steel and for daily use they are pleasing on the eye. But when someone backs into you at the grocery store the stock bumper will dent/bend to take the hit where your aftermarket bumper will definitely leave an impression on the other persons vehicle and most likely a scratch on your bumper. Hit a deer/javelina/rabbit/dog/coyote with the stock bumper and you will have extensive damage to the bumper/fender/grille vs the aftermarket bumper will provide a roadkill meal for the vultures and you will still be driving home safe.

 

[Graeman]

Is this really true?

I'd imagine, the factory bumper will have more protection for you/passengers as it'll absorb the impact since it'll collapse. Where as a steel bumper will not collapse at all and absorb the impact of the crash, making you/passengers get directly affected by the physics of the crash.

Factory bumpers are stamped steel with styrofoam behind it to absorb the impact. I noticed that you have a 4runner - look at other 4 runners stock rear bumpers (especially a 3rd gen) and you will notice that they all have dents in the thin metal end caps.

 

[jeep670]

I got a front steel bumper for two reasons:
- mount winch
- animal control (wilderness and urban [emoji12])

 

[theoutbackdream]

The aftermarket bumper will attach the same way that your factory bumper attached. Which means that it will provide the same amount of protection as the stock bumper and more. The new vehicle frames are made to crumple at the ends, so any bumper attached to it will do the same job. The exception is the fact that the aftermarket bumper is much thicker than stock so it will absorb more impact before it does dent or crumple. The new bumpers are just thin stamped steel and for daily use they are pleasing on the eye. But when someone backs into you at the grocery store the stock bumper will dent/bend to take the hit where your aftermarket bumper will definitely leave an impression on the other persons vehicle and most likely a scratch on your bumper. Hit a deer/javelina/rabbit/dog/coyote with the stock bumper and you will have extensive damage to the bumper/fender/grille vs the aftermarket bumper will provide a roadkill meal for the vultures and you will still be driving home safe.

That makes sense... But since an aftermarket bumper won't crumple as easy/at all, doesn't all that energy transfer to the occupants of the vehicle?

 

[theoutbackdream]

Factory bumpers are stamped steel with styrofoam behind it to absorb the impact. I noticed that you have a 4runner - look at other 4 runners stock rear bumpers (especially a 3rd gen) and you will notice that they all have dents in the thin metal end caps.

Yea, I thought the rear "bumper" on my 4th gen was a bit funny.. It doesn't even cover the full width of the truck.. Thought that was interesting.

 

[Wanderlost]

Pro; Solid recovery points. The stock "toe hooks" are incredibly weak and are rated only to be used when being pulled up onto a flat bed from a road surface.
As far as safety in a crash; in a low speed incident a full steel bumper will probably be an advantage. In a high speed crash where the vehicle is designed to crumple to protect its occupants it may indeed cause a problem.
For our '17 4Runner we went with a Slimline front bumper from Southern Style Offroad. It offers the best of both worlds; a way to mount a winch and have strong recovery points. But will still keep the "crumple" in the event of a nasty accident.

 

[theoutbackdream]

Pro; Solid recovery points. The stock "toe hooks" are incredibly weak and are rated only to be used when being pulled up onto a flat bed from a road surface.
As far as safety in a crash; in a low speed incident a full steel bumper will probably be an advantage. In a high speed crash where the vehicle is designed to crumple to protect its occupants it may indeed cause a problem.
For our '17 4Runner we went with a Slimline front bumper from Southern Style Offroad. It offers the best of both worlds; a way to mount a winch and have strong recovery points. But will still keep the "crumple" in the event of a nasty accident.

Stock toe hooks... Well shoot.. I've been using those to recover people... Maybe it is a good idea to get a front bumper..

That makes sense. If only the 4th gens had a nice looking stealth bumper, like the 5th gens have. Not really a fan of the C4 stealth bumper... Merp..

 

[Boort]

Stock toe hooks... Well shoot.. I've been using those to recover people... Maybe it is a good idea to get a front bumper..
That makes sense. If only the 4th gens had a nice looking stealth bumper, like the 5th gens have. Not really a fan of the C4 stealth bumper... Merp..

@theoutbackdream

I'm with ya there. I was just asking if anyone knew of an offering to add recovery points to the front of a 4th Gen other than new bumper. (Something like the 2005+ Toyota Tacoma Recovery Point (ARB#2823010)). So far the hive and I have not come up with anything.

So far here are the bumper options that I've found:
$375.00 2003-2009 4th Gen 4Runner Hidden Winch Mount w/ Light mounts (Lead Time: 9-10 weeks, +25Lbs)
http://budbuilt.com/2003-2009-4th-Gen-4Runner-Hidden-Winch-Mount_p_546.html

$599.00 C4 Fab 4th Gen (03-05) 4runner Lo-Pro Winch Bumper (06-09 coming Soon, Lead time ~8 weeks +75-100 Lbs)
https://www.c4fabrication.com/product/4th-gen-03-05-4runner-lo-pro-winch-bumper/

Rest are larger full bumper replacements:
$1,322.00 2003-2009 4Runner Front Bumper (Long Lead Times, +146 lbs)
http://www.shrockworks.com/Front-Winch-Mount-Bumper-for-4th-Generation-4Runner-2003-2009-pr-16148.html

$1,395.00 ARB Deluxe Bar Toyota 4Runner 2006-09 (3421510, well engineered, fairly quick delivery, Weight???)
http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Deluxe-Bar-Toyota-4Runner-2006-09-3421510-P3293.aspx

$1,495.00 http://www.heftyfabworks.com/store/#!/03-09-4Runner-Front-Bumper-Steel/p/62703067/category=17950083
$1,645.00 http://www.heftyfabworks.com/store/#!/03-09-4Runner-Front-Bumper-Aluminum/p/62703068/category=17950083
$1,033.00 http://www.addictedoffroad.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=699&zenid=2ts2kl01if3i113g1a6sa3jfm4
$687.00 http://www.addictedoffroad.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=424&zenid=2ts2kl01if3i113g1a6sa3jfm4
$950 – $1365 http://www.pelfreybilt.com/product/06-09-4runner-steel-front-plate-bumper/
$1300 – $1731 http://www.pelfreybilt.com/product/06-09-4runner-aluminum-front-plate-bumper/
$950 - $1125 http://demello-offroad.com/2003-2009-4runner-bumpers
$900 - $1050+ http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/products/4th-gen-toyota-4runner-products/
$1129 - $1199 https://www.relentlessfabrication.com/collections/toyota/03-09-4runner
Kit Price Varies http://nwtrailinnovations.com/bumpers/toyota-bumpers/toyota-4runner-bumpers/Toyota-4runner-2003-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009-winch-bumper-kit/Toyota-4runner-2003-2009-winch-bumper-kit

How about you?

Boort

 

[theoutbackdream]

@theoutbackdream

I'm with ya there. I was just asking if anyone knew of an offering to add recovery points to the front of a 4th Gen other than new bumper. (Something like the 2005+ Toyota Tacoma Recovery Point (ARB#2823010)). So far the hive and I have not come up with anything.

So far here are the bumper options that I've found:
$375.00 2003-2009 4th Gen 4Runner Hidden Winch Mount w/ Light mounts (Lead Time: 9-10 weeks, +25Lbs)
http://budbuilt.com/2003-2009-4th-Gen-4Runner-Hidden-Winch-Mount_p_546.html

$599.00 C4 Fab 4th Gen (03-05) 4runner Lo-Pro Winch Bumper (06-09 coming Soon, Lead time ~8 weeks +75-100 Lbs)
https://www.c4fabrication.com/product/4th-gen-03-05-4runner-lo-pro-winch-bumper/

Rest are larger full bumper replacements:
$1,322.00 2003-2009 4Runner Front Bumper (Long Lead Times, +146 lbs)
http://www.shrockworks.com/Front-Winch-Mount-Bumper-for-4th-Generation-4Runner-2003-2009-pr-16148.html

$1,395.00 ARB Deluxe Bar Toyota 4Runner 2006-09 (3421510, well engineered, fairly quick delivery, Weight???)
http://store.arbusa.com/ARB-Deluxe-Bar-Toyota-4Runner-2006-09-3421510-P3293.aspx

$1,495.00 http://www.heftyfabworks.com/store/#!/03-09-4Runner-Front-Bumper-Steel/p/62703067/category=17950083
$1,645.00 http://www.heftyfabworks.com/store/#!/03-09-4Runner-Front-Bumper-Aluminum/p/62703068/category=17950083
$1,033.00 http://www.addictedoffroad.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=699&zenid=2ts2kl01if3i113g1a6sa3jfm4
$687.00 http://www.addictedoffroad.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=1&products_id=424&zenid=2ts2kl01if3i113g1a6sa3jfm4
$950 – $1365 http://www.pelfreybilt.com/product/06-09-4runner-steel-front-plate-bumper/
$1300 – $1731 http://www.pelfreybilt.com/product/06-09-4runner-aluminum-front-plate-bumper/
$950 - $1125 http://demello-offroad.com/2003-2009-4runner-bumpers
$900 - $1050+ http://www.cbioffroadfab.com/products/4th-gen-toyota-4runner-products/
$1129 - $1199 https://www.relentlessfabrication.com/collections/toyota/03-09-4runner
Kit Price Varies http://nwtrailinnovations.com/bumpers/toyota-bumpers/toyota-4runner-bumpers/Toyota-4runner-2003-2004-2005-2006-2007-2008-2009-winch-bumper-kit/Toyota-4runner-2003-2009-winch-bumper-kit

How about you?

Boort

You also have these options
USD $900+ SOS concepts
USD $890+ Northwest Trail Innovations
C$551.00+ Coastal Offroad

That's about all I've seen for the 4th gen 4runners for front bumpers... Or custom.

That said, I'm not really a fan of the style of the C4, as I've mentioned. The purpose, of being a light weight alternative to a full bumper is awesome, but the styling just doesn't look great on the 4th gens. They work really well on the 5th gens though. And at the cost of getting the C4, I'm a little over 50% of the cost of getting a full front bumper. Only downsides of the full front bumper being, as I've mentioned, weight, cost, and very low chance of actually using it since my 4runner is my DD, so it racks up more road miles than trail miles.

 

[Boort]

@theoutbackdream

You also have these options
USD $900+ SOS concepts
USD $890+ Northwest Trail Innovations
C$551.00+ Coastal Offroad
That's about all I've seen for the 4th gen 4runners for front bumpers... Or custom.
That said, I'm not really a fan of the style of the C4, as I've mentioned. The purpose, of being a light weight alternative to a full bumper is awesome, but the styling just doesn't look great on the 4th gens. They work really well on the 5th gens though. And at the cost of getting the C4, I'm a little over 50% of the cost of getting a full front bumper. Only downsides of the full front bumper being, as I've mentioned, weight, cost, and very low chance of actually using it since my 4runner is my DD, so it racks up more road miles than trail miles.

Thanks I'll check those out. I'm in the same boat. I'd like a winch and recovery points but don't want to lug around a full bumper. That is why unless I see something I like better I'll probably go with the hidden mount. (Or if I manage to let a trail remove the bumper for me.... maybe a low profile aluminum one from Hefty or Pelfrey.)

Boort

 

[TeamHarrington]

Similar, I run a hefty fabworks tube style front on my xterra, it has paid for itself many times over. But I do a fair amount of rock crawling and red/black trails. If I was just running fire roads and service roads I don't think I would do more than a front hitch mount or a slimline...

Sent from my SM-G930V using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Boort]

Similar, I run a hefty fabworks tube style front on my xterra, it has paid for itself many times over. But I do a fair amount of rock crawling and red/black trails. If I was just running fire roads and service roads I don't think I would do more than a front hitch mount or a slimline...

@TeamHarrington

Paid for itself? how so?

How was Hefty to deal with? I've seen a few trucks they've worked on and been impressed. I've not yet been able to get down to the Springs to talk to them.

Boort

 

[TeamHarrington]

@TeamHarrington

Paid for itself? how so?

How was Hefty to deal with? I've seen a few trucks they've worked on and been impressed. I've not yet been able to get down to the Springs to talk to them.

Boort

I have dropped onto it, slammed into unseen ledges, scraped through tight places, and the worst I've gotten is a little dent (18in drop). Normal bumper would have been ruined/replaced 5 times by now lol.

As for Hefty, I would never choose anyone else. Awesome products, great service. Long lead times, but that's part of the small team/big biz world so I don't mind.

Sent from my SM-G930V using OB Talk mobile app

 

[Boort]

@TeamHarrington

I have dropped onto it, slammed into unseen ledges, scraped through tight places, and the worst I've gotten is a little dent (18in drop). Normal bumper would have been ruined/replaced 5 times by now lol.

As for Hefty, I would never choose anyone else. Awesome products, great service. Long lead times, but that's part of the small team/big biz world so I don't mind.

Good to know. Thanks!

 

[Lindenwood]

You might be overthinking the weight. After removing the rear hitch and bumper, my custom bumper + swing-out only added like 35lbs. Mine is pretty minimalist, but I still wouldnt expect more than 75-100 lbs added to the rear for even a heavy-duty bumper. And, similarly, adding a 150lb bumper to the front might only add around 110-120 lbs of total weight after removing stock stuff. A winch is another 90 or so with a steel cable, or about 65 with synthetic.

All else being equal, adding 200lbs to a 4500lb vehicle will reduce mileage by a bit over 4%, (about 1 mpg) and maybe a little more on the highway with a real aggressive design that exposes the front tires. Thus, assuming you got 20mpg before (optimistic? ;) ), a 5 gallon Jerry Can still adds about 95 miles to your total range :) .


As to the safety....

My wife hit a tree in her first 5th gen 4runner and completely totaled it. The frame was only very slightly tweaked, if at all, but a lot of the body forward if the doors was pretty wrecked. I am almost positive that a solid front bumper would have minimized damage to the vehicle, by inherently negating most of the factory-designed crumple zones. Would she likely still have been fine? Almost certainly, yes. But, I think it is a little naive--and possibly irresponsible--to assert that solid steel bumpers, which will severely hamper the body's ability to crumple on impact, could possibly result in less energy transferred to the occupants on impact.

That said, I have steel bumpers on my 3rd gen 4Runner and happily drive around with my wife, dogs, and even my newborn in the car. But, I am still certainly aware that, at least to some degree, my modifications have technically made the vehicle less safe (especially in front impacts).

 

[Grantnr]

If you are truly a fam of our front bumpers then get a hidden front winch. mount http://budbuilt.com/2003-2009-4th-Gen-4Runner-Hidden-Winch-Mount_p_546.html
Honestly thought you still won't gain a good recovery point although a good welder/fabricator could do you one up pretty cheaply. As for the rear you could get a receiver mounted shackle. Smittybilt has them and you can find them at 4wheelparts. Now, for light recovery you would be set. There is the factor of clearance though that you need to consider. These bumpers are held on by a few screws and a bunch of plastic body clips. You are an obstacle away from ripping them off anytime you go off road. The approach/departure angle alone and not taking body damage is well worth it. Another thought is that an oversized tire, in my case a 275/70/17, won't fit underneath. The rear bumpers have a tire carrier to remedy that. Well, I mean, it's either that or throw it on the roof (good bye mpg) or in the rear storage (good bye storage space)I now am having to drive to Colorado like this. An believe me.... I'm not looking forward to it.

 

[theoutbackdream]

I have dropped onto it, slammed into unseen ledges, scraped through tight places, and the worst I've gotten is a little dent (18in drop). Normal bumper would have been ruined/replaced 5 times by now lol.

As for Hefty, I would never choose anyone else. Awesome products, great service. Long lead times, but that's part of the small team/big biz world so I don't mind.

Sent from my SM-G930V using OB Talk mobile app

The thing is, I do wheel quite often, and have ripped my bumper/popped if off, but It still looks fine. Not ghetto by any means. But even though I go often.. Almost weekly, to every other week, the miles I rack during each trail run is a lot...

But this is giving me incentives to do it, cause every time I go wheeling I try so hard not to damage my bumper even more. haha