Best Winch Bumper

[REZARF]

Well I am on the hunt for a good winch bumper. I am wide open for suggestions, I would prefer to support some of the cruiser specific fabricators if anyone knows of a good design.

My criteria:

1. Can hold an 8274 on stock FJ40 Frame w/o any modifications (bolt on)
2. Can bolt at least 2 auxilary lights.
3. Has tow mounts for D-ring shackles.
4. Is powder coated, and bolts up.
5. Is at least medium duty... 3/16" thick

I like:
1. Front "hoops" to protect the winch.
2. Angled cuts on the ends for approach angle increase.
3. Acurate cost.
4. High quality.

My top runners are the HFS by CCOT, and the 4+ Heavy Duty Winch bumper by Man-a-fre. All opinions welcome, any smaller shops making good stuff out there?

I am not running a Saginaw PS Box.

Rezarf <><

 

[DomSmith]

Just put a HFS bumper on a few weeks ago and I like it. I haven't installed the winch yet but the bumper is stout (no pun intended). It has a few holes for mounting lights and went on very easy. I ordered the Heavy duty bolt kit too. As for the down side I would say shipping was high ($50) and the finish is NOT stout. It looks good but the finish is thin and I already have a few spots where the finish has come off (small nicks, not peeling). It is definitely not powder coated in the sense that my rollbar and tow bar are. Not familiar with any others.

 

[Ian Rogers]

i have the man-a-fre one and like it i had to do some drilling to get my older warn winch to fit. I went with man a fre because it was on my way home so i didnt have to pay shiping.

 

[DocB]

Look at Bullet Proof Manufacturing; they make a very very stout looking 40 bumper that is powdercoated and has all the features you mention. $$$$.

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

The 4-Plus bull bar from Man-a-Fre is pretty sweet.
http://www.man-a-fre.com/parts_accessories/4+plusFrontBullBar40and55series.htm

 

[AlaskanWheeler]

Here's the link.
Man-a-fre

 

[ScottFJ40]

The HFS is extremely stout.

 

[Landpimp]

I have the MAF 4+ on my 45LPB, I like it just fine, finish is tuff, fits fine, fits a 8274 perfect. Think with shiping it was $200 a few years ago.

yes one pics shows an old 8274 and one a 8274-50.....I swaped winchs from the 45 to the 40

 

[usmcruiser]

Mark Hawley of Metaltech is currently developing front and rear bumpers. Either bolt on or weld on. There are rumers that the front will have options such as bolt or weld on stinger, nose guard, removeable wench plate, and some big ass D rings. He makes some quality shiat.

www.metaltechcage.com

 

[BigR]

I just installed a Plus bull bar from Man-a-Fre. Love it but no place for auxilary lights. I plan to fab spme brackets to a set of pia's

 

[helocat]

Mark Hawley of Metaltech is currently developing front and rear bumpers. Either bolt on or weld on. There are rumers that the front will have options such as bolt or weld on stinger, nose guard, removeable wench plate, and some big ass D rings. He makes some quality shiat.

www.metaltechcage.com

All bolt on. In the front the bumper is the starting point and builds out from there, you just pick the gear you want. All powder coated.

The rear systems are about finished. I have tested the individual main components separately over the last 2 years. This is the first time I have put them all together. (the plan all along, but been busy on the bender) In the next two weeks the rear syst will be done. I will show photos and price at that time. The front is about another 2 weeks out. Winches supported will be the planetary’s and 8274.

All Metal-tech parts are made in a shop that only makes parts for LandCruisers!

Here is a photo showing the stinger/Nose Guard bolt on set up with an 8274. (The bumper is not MT but home made by the truck owner. Travis did a great job but the MT bumper is different.) The stinger is oustanding protection for the high profile of the 8274.

Mark

 

[Landpimp]

great news Mark

All bolt on. In the front the bumper is the starting point and builds out from there, you just pick the gear you want. All powder coated.

The rear systems are about finished. I have tested the individual main components separately over the last 2 years. This is the first time I have put them all together. (the plan all along, but been busy on the bender) In the next two weeks the rear syst will be done. I will show photos and price at that time. The front is about another 2 weeks out. Winches supported will be the planetary’s and 8274.

All Metal-tech parts are made in a shop that only makes parts for LandCruisers!

Here is a photo showing the stinger/Nose Guard bolt on set up with an 8274. (The bumper is not MT but home made by the truck owner. Travis did a great job but the MT bumper is different.) The stinger is oustanding protection for the high profile of the 8274.

Mark

 

[DieselFJ]

There is a place in Moab UT. called 4X4 outpost. They make the best looking front bumper I have seen yet. They make it for a J**p, but it will work with a Cruiser. Very stout, angular, front stinger if interested, he will even plasma cut whatever word you would like in the front. He doesn't have a picture on the website, but I am sure he could get you one if interested.

http://www.moab4x4outpost.com/index.php

 

[Doug]

Not Powder Coated, But here is mine winch hopefully coming soon

(i dont want any sh*& for the bezel it has since been flipped)

doug

 

[fj40charles]

Might want to get some custom made so it is different than others.

 

[haystax]

Lookin' good Mark, anxious to see your rear bumper design. What kind of stuff does it include, I might need some more custom tube bending done in your spare time. Finally got around to finishing my cage kit, about 8 months after delivery - everything turned out great, need some more tube though now due to my inability to notch stuff. I'll email your work.

That rig is like a rolling Metal Tech ad, why don't you quit screwing around and just start building complete chassis you slacker How do the revolver shackles work on that thing, kinda sketchy at speed or not noticeable??

 

[sherwood]

Square Bezel

Hey Mark,

Sure would like to see how that works out on a "modern" - "improved" square bezel cruiser. Since the lights are a few inches further apart, would it block them any ? Or, have you given thought to a slightly modified hoop for that ?

Thanks,
John

 

[TexomaFJ40]

Homemade

Get an 8" C channel of 1/4" steel, burn you a hole for the winch fairlead, take a grinder and round the edges, measure some mounting holes for the top and bottom, add a couple of washers for spacers, bolt it on with Class 5 hardware.

About 48" with look like a high dollar front bumper. You can weld on all of the rest of the accessories as required (ie. brush guard, light mounts, license holder, tow swivles)

Cheap, but effective.

 

[helocat]

Hey Mark,

Sure would like to see how that works out on a "modern" - "improved" square bezel cruiser. Since the lights are a few inches further apart, would it block them any ? Or, have you given thought to a slightly modified hoop for that ?

Thanks,
John

YES! First one I ever made was for my 79’. All the ones I ship out will fit both round or square bezels. Square bezels rule! (Ok but I also now have a 78’ so I am evenly split)

Mark