Buy metal bumper now TCC vs leave plastic

[ryanloveland]

For those that have wheeled their LX 570/200 series a bit would you recommend getting a TCC with side hoops rear metal bar as one of the first upgrades? (I already have rock sliders and skid plates)

I know the stock departure angle is not great and I could do a plastic bumper chop but I have the money to buy a metal bumper now before prices increase next year by 300-400 for the TCC bumper I want. Just looking for those who have gotten any type of metal bar any regrets? Or the guys that wheeled stock and smashed their quarter panel would you recommend getting one now to eliminate the risk of the plastic hitting the rear quarter panel? And of course rear collision protection/parking lot protection.

Thanks for the advice. I have only been out twice so far in my LX on mild trails so still getting used to it.

 

[Heckraiser]

I just wheel hard with my plastic bumpers and sport the missing paint, gouges and dents because who cares. If I sell the rig, I'll get new bumper covers. A lot cheaper and more practical than heavy armor. Although I will be the first to admit that a nice bumper does look pretty sweet. I don't DD my truck, so the parking lot protection isn't so high a priority to me, and I've never had much trouble with deer.

 

[TeCKis300]

I'm with @Heckraiser . It depends how hard you wheel.

Before bumper armor, I would get into the largest tire you can as building in clearance is better than carrying heavy armor for contact sports. Also consider a body lift which can pull the front and rear tupperware bumpers up 1 in.

The rear bumper corners are going to be a liability before the front bumper if you wheel hard enough.

 

[gray rider]

I just wheel hard with my plastic bumpers and sport the missing paint, gouges and dents because who cares. If I sell the rig, I'll get new bumper covers. A lot cheaper and more practical than heavy armor. Although I will be the first to admit that a nice bumper does look pretty sweet. I don't DD my truck, so the parking lot protection isn't so high a priority to me, and I've never had much trouble with deer.

I have "near missed" more deer than I have hit. I think it is 5 to 1. (George Carlin used to say a near miss should be termed a "near hit" in the airline world)....

 

[grinchy]

A lot of TLC bumpers need a couple modifications to fit an LX.
The AHC pump may need to be relocated or a custom bracket made to work around it. The lights and general plastic are different in contour and shape, so they may leave some gaps on a bumper contoured to a TLC.
Not all TLC bumpers have these issues, but best to check.

 

[gasman4u]

Any fitment concerns for those with LRA tanks?

 

[ryanloveland]

I just wheel hard with my plastic bumpers and sport the missing paint, gouges and dents because who cares. If I sell the rig, I'll get new bumper covers. A lot cheaper and more practical than heavy armor. Although I will be the first to admit that a nice bumper does look pretty sweet. I don't DD my truck, so the parking lot protection isn't so high a priority to me, and I've never had much trouble with deer.

Okay thanks for your input! Maybe I need to find the limits of the bumper first and just use touch up paint for now.

 

[ryanloveland]

I'm with @Heckraiser . It depends how hard you wheel.

Before bumper armor, I would get into the largest tire you can as building in clearance is better than carrying heavy armor for contact sports. Also consider a body lift which can pull the front and rear tupperware bumpers up 1 in.

The rear bumper corners are going to be a liability before the front bumper if you wheel hard enough.

Okay thanks. I already have 33.4 inch tires and may just do the sensor lift for now.