front bumper/bull bar

[jgray]

The Slee Blueberry design is very very very nice. I love that bumper as is. I would think a Slee bull-bar type product would need to be a different design entirely. I also opted for a bumper with bar work as the deer population in my town is out of control but I didn't want an ARB like so many people have. I remember seeing blueberry prototype design for the first time thinking how great and unique that bumper looked (of course being on a SAS'd 100 on 37-39's helped a little too)...

I also like that Opposite Lock tube bumper. I came very close to having something very similar built. I wanted some of the tube work plated to make it look more like a solid bumper in the front which proved challenging. I really like the minimalist design of the Opposite Lock. With a couple plated covers (possibly even made removable) I think that bumper could look even better.

 

[TeCKis300]

There’s plenty of solid bumper options for the Hundy as it is and I don’t believe it’s necessary to create yet another marginal variant.

IMO, what’s missing from the aftermarket front bumper options for the hundy is an aluminum bumper. The weight of the steel bumpers is a big factor keeping me from getting any bumper at all. Hanging an extra 150 lbs off the front and back of the truck is just about the worst thing you can do to impact dynamic performance – handling, braking, gas mileage, and even off-roading. It’s something I’d pay a premium for. For a premium vehicle like the Hundy, I’m frankly surprised there’s not yet a good AL option. I’d bet there’s others that would pony up for this too.

The extra money I’d spend on an AL bumper, can be re-cooped elsewhere in better gas mileage and less general wear and tear. I wouldn’t have to overbuild the truck to carry all the extra static weight (suspension). And less weight means less likelihood of grenading driveline parts under severe off-roading use. It's also a safety enhancement. More protection than stock, yet more likely to stop the truck, or avoid an obstacle by retaining some agility.

The Slee Blueberry would be an excellent candidate for an AL variant. It’s probably lighter than most due to its minimalist nature which will give it a head start. No need to re-invent the styles that are out there. Just retool to build it out of AL.

Just my .02 

 

[sleeoffroad]

The Slee Blueberry would be an excellent candidate for an AL variant. It’s probably lighter than most due to its minimalist nature which will give it a head start. No need to re-invent the styles that are out there. Just retool to build it out of AL.

Just my .02 

Actually it is probably heavier than the rest. The issue is the winch mounting. If we go aluminum, we would have to go non-winch, or you would have to make an steel cradle for the winch.

The other issue is what are you going to do with it. If you want aluminum and actually be able to bang the wing against a rock, then that is going to force us to go hi-strength on the aluminum which has it's own issue with forming and cost.

Can it be done, yes, would it sell (ie be able to make it for a decent $) , I am not sure.

 

[hoser]

TJM and Asfir both make aluminum bumpers for the 100.

 

[spressomon]

Guys: Other than maybe the ARB Combo bumper how big of a bambi are those hoops really going to stop?

The hoop on my old TJM was a joke...


Christo: Can you make your bumper in China

 

[jgray]

Guys: Other than maybe the ARB Combo bumper how big of a bambi are those hoops really going to stop?

The hoop on my old TJM was a joke...


Christo: Can you make your bumper in China

I do see your point on the bigger hooped model bumpers. Those big center hoops are like the material used on a Westin push bar. The ARB Sahara center bar is just for looks. I don't think it will stand up to any impact without easily denting. The ARB combo unit has the smaller diameter stronger bars and the reinforcement bar at the bottom so probably a much stronger setup to run down the wildlife.

I've seen some nice aluminum bumpers for Tacomas, pre-runner style bumpers would look good if done right and also looked into tube bumper designs. When considering these options I was also trying to keep the weight down to a minimum. It's be cool for someone to do a "cut the fat" build on a 100 and actually try to reduce the curb weight as much as possible. I realized I carry too much crap around for this to be practical for me though...

 

[TeCKis300]

TJM and Asfir both make aluminum bumpers for the 100.

I didn’t realize that. Thanks for the link. Though those are how should I put it…ugly! 

Actually it is probably heavier than the rest. The issue is the winch mounting. If we go aluminum, we would have to go non-winch, or you would have to make an steel cradle for the winch.

The other issue is what are you going to do with it. If you want aluminum and actually be able to bang the wing against a rock, then that is going to force us to go hi-strength on the aluminum which has it's own issue with forming and cost.

Can it be done, yes, would it sell (ie be able to make it for a decent $) , I am not sure.

Surprising the blueberry is heavier… than comparable winch models? And please don’t forego the winch mount. AL does not inherently imply winch incompatibility. Just have to design for that whether it’d be a steel cradle or heavier gauge/braced AL.

I’d imagine the hardcore will always opt for steel. But there’s got to be a market for those that want more protection yet don’t want to be laiden with tank like agility. The cascade effect of less weight has so many implications that I’d imagine it’d be an easy sell. Money spent on an AL version will allow me to keep my stock suspension (AHC or not) with minimal augmentation (few cranks F and bags/spacers R). And savings on shipping. And the ongoing benefits performance/mileage/safety…

Guess I just really want a stylish blueblerry in AL =P

 

[sleeoffroad]

This is the business end of the bumper.

That is what is needed to support a 12k lb winch in the bumper. All that would have to be duplicated in steel to make a cradle. Once you do that, all you really have that is AL vs steel is the wings.

The blueberry design would be cool in AL if we forgo the winch.

I doubt the weight savings is going to be that much. Blueberry bumper is 172lbs, heavier than Sahara and 03 and later combo. Not heavier than the 02 and earlier combo.

Again, the question is what is the bumper doing. Is it cosmetic or functional?

 

[pfran42]

Christo...That is one purdeeee bumper!

 

[TeCKis300]

Mighty impressive business end. I am both awed and frightened by the strength and weight of the thing.

Is it cosmetic or functional?

I would hate a cosmetic version. A bumper like this has to be functional to be justifiable. Yet, not so functional as to be bomb proof for the most hardcore users who like to hump rocks. It’s placement would be more like a medium duty version for those of us that like to explore the back country and allow some contact without failing like the stock tupperware would. Perhaps host a light-med duty winch for emergency use. And weigh in at under 100lbs.

What is the OE winch available in other markets rated at? And perhaps duplicate the OE cradle – as that one is likely to be a good compromise between strength and weight.

Am I alone is wanting such a product?

 

[pfran42]

I was at ACC today and they had a LX there with a freshly installed Ironman bullbar. I am guessing this belongs to one of the Mods on Mud.

Not sure if any of us have ever seen a stateside picture of one mounted.

 

[TheFuzz]

That's Heather's LX.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/526602-bought-lx470.html

 

[Sverige]

I think I prefer the look of the ARB combo bumper over the Ironman... In my opinion the Ironman bars look too tall on the 100 series.

 

[KlausVanWinkle]

It’s placement would be more like a medium duty version for those of us that like to explore the back country and allow some contact without failing like the stock tupperware would. Perhaps host a light-med duty winch for emergency use. And weigh in at under 100lbs.

What is the OE winch available in other markets rated at? And perhaps duplicate the OE cradle – as that one is likely to be a good compromise between strength and weight.

Am I alone is wanting such a product?

I agree. Also a rear bumper around 90lbs before adding jerry can and tire swing outs would be easily justifiable since removing the rear seats almost saves that much weight.

I wish there was a lighter weight version of the ARB combo bar without the bull bars, minimizing added front end length.

 

[2000UZJ]

I think I prefer the look of the ARB combo bumper over the Ironman... In my opinion the Ironman bars look too tall on the 100 series.

The lack of horizontal bar upfront gives it that illusion. Look at the height of the bar in relation to the top of the headlight, it's where the ARB sits.


EDIT: No, it's a lot taller. Your correct lol.

 

[Wilsil]

I have beentold by ARB that the weight difference between allo and steel isn't that much.
To get the strenght in alloy they need a thicker sheet and therefore more weight. It is a little lighter but not by much.
And as Slle said, is it for functional or astetic.
Mine will be functional for all the roos in the outback.

 

[CappyKD]

I think I prefer the look of the ARB combo bumper over the Ironman... In my opinion the Ironman bars look too tall on the 100 series.

Are you worried about looks, or function? The Iron Man is way beefier and has a dedicated seperate Winch Cradle among other upgrades.

 

[CandyPants]

I was at ACC today and they had a LX there with a freshly installed Ironman bullbar. I am guessing this belongs to one of the Mods on Mud.

Not sure if any of us have ever seen a stateside picture of one mounted.

That's Heather's LX.

https://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/526602-bought-lx470.html

Yep, that's mine. I haven't actually SEEN it yet, but I recognize the pictures. And I'm glad to have some more! I can't wait to get it in my hot little hands!

 

[Sverige]

Are you worried about looks, or function? The Iron Man is way beefier and has a dedicated seperate Winch Cradle among other upgrades.

What did I say?
I said I prefer the look of the ARB. Did I say anything about function???

 

[hoser]

Are you worried about looks, or function? The Iron Man is way beefier and has a dedicated seperate Winch Cradle among other upgrades.

A separate winch cradle in itself is not necessarily a better design. The early ARB combo had the separate winch cradle and then went to an integrated version. Not sure if it was stronger or a cost cutting decision... I really don't know.

Also, from the pictures, which I can't quite see too well, so maybe you can clear it up for us. It looks like the winch cannot be mounted feet forward which will be a problem for larger Warn winches.