If you had the choice to buy a rear bumper again, would you?

[kennyao30]

Please tell us more so I can be talked out of this.

Unless you do high speed washboard type roads for long periods of time, remote resi's don't buy you much. the remote resi provides a place for a larger amount of shock oil- thus less fade on wash board roads and cooler shock temps

 

[pcut]

Unless you do high speed washboard type roads for long periods of time, remote resi's don't buy you much. the remote resi provides a place for a larger amount of shock oil- thus less fade on wash board roads and cooler shock temps

This and two other factors were what swayed me- first of all, the resi shocks need to be rebuilt much more frequently than a non-resi, and secondly, I decided that the adjustability, while it sounds sexy, was not something I really wanted to get involved in. I had adjustable shocks on an M3 and an M5 and never really spent the time it takes to really get things dialed in.

 

[Hayes]

Resurrecting this thread from a few months ago:
I ran Slee's early version rear bumper on my 80 for almost a decade. It is strong, simple, and the best looking rear bumper in my opinion (better than his current version, I think). Yes, the tire carrier is one more thing to open to get into the back, but it's the price you pay for keeping a big spare tire up out of harms way.
Yes, I would do it again. Even if you're not crawling on extreme trails, the tails on our Cruiser wagons area easy to drag and bash. Getting the spare up and making the tail indestructible is the way to go.
I'm now looking at options for my LX470. Personally, I still think Slee makes the most refined and finished looking rear bumper and carrier, and their strength cannot be questioned. However, I do not want dual swingouts, and I do not want an empty unused spindle cluttering up what is an otherwise exceptionally clean and uncluttered bumper. I also really don't like the spare tire sitting off to the side, blocking the taillight and showing off the empty factory license plate bracket. I like it centered. These are personal, mostly asthetic opinions, but they might drive me to looking at a customized BIOR bumper instead.

 

[smileyboy]

Unless you do high speed washboard type roads for long periods of time, remote resi's don't buy you much. the remote resi provides a place for a larger amount of shock oil- thus less fade on wash board roads and cooler shock temps

True

Does anyone have any videos of the Slee, BIOR and ARB Bumpers opening and closing?

 

[paflytyer]

Page 45 of Nov/Dec 2013 Toyota Trails has an article about the Slee rear bumper. This issue also has a great article written by Josh (02beast) about HIH too!

Toyota Trails

If you're not already a TLCA member, you're missing out on Toyota Trails Magazine. Toyota Land Cruiser Association

 

[smileyboy]

I just read the article.... Maybe I will understand the $2k markup once I see them both in action.

 

[yeti in ga]

Ahh... Again the story here is " Do you wheel it ?" If so wait until you feel you need it....

at this point you may need more.....

wait for it......

 

[yeti in ga]

and Thanks to Nick I have lots of pics.....

 

[yeti in ga]

And for me.....

glad I have a rear bumper.

 

[SHREDwagon]

rear bumper ramblings:
4x4 Labs on the 81 - Luke will fab anything you design. Like a dual can carrier that fits a Worthington between a 35" spare. I emailed him the CAD drawing and it was perfection.
Pros: His kit is like Lego and easily adapted to suit needs. Different carriers can be swapped out at anytime by removing 2 bolts. Dual swing outs have a single latch with gas struts. Perfect for an overlander who's going in the back 15 times a day. Easily customizable, lightest weight, great departure, descent visibility with carriers and replacement parts available.
Cons: Carriers are removable but not swing-out arms

Slee on the 100 currently with no swing outs so I can't comment there. But I can't order one to retrofit. How does one get replacement parts if damaged?
Pros: Being able to fit larger aux tank due to the untouched crossmember. Removable swing-outs. Con's: Heavy, cookie cutter (not customizable), replacement parts?

Guess it all depends on your needs and how much you travel in your Cruiser. I will probably swap out the rear as I can weld a Labs kit for 1/2 the going price of a Slee swing out - which is essentially a whole new bumper.

Edit: Thread pic - 4x4 Labs custom on a RHD (spare should always go drivers side)