Metal Tech rear bumper issue

[Nismo275]

I just had a bumper put on two weeks ago and the whole metal tech experience has been a nightmare. First the bumper was delivered to the wrong shop, then It was impossible for the swing arm strut to work with the swing arm because it was too short, the license plate lights had no instructions, and we couldn’t find the hardware for the hi lift mounts. So I call them along with some email traffic, I’m told I’ll get instructions for the lights, the strut is correct, and the hi lift hardware is there. Turns out the swing arm was not produced correctly and the strut tab was on the wrong side. So the swing arm had to go back, hi lift hardware is still gone, the shop just went and got some new ones (not their job, but a good LC shop) the tire stinger mount originally didn’t have a tapped hole, so now the new swing arm and stinger don’t line up, and their stainless steel bolts broke. After everything I’ve been to the shop three times, and I’m going to have to go back again since one of the license plate LEDs doesn't work. All in all I’m becoming highly suspicious of the quality control of these bumpers, which sucks because I was planning on getting their front bumper here in the couple of weeks. Does anybody with a Metal tech rear bumper get flex with a creaking noise on the swing out hinge side? Is this normal or do I just have an all around Dud? Even driving from a stop I get the creak on the passenger side in the cab. I figured I would ask here and get a concensus before I talk to the shop and ultimately metal tech again. As a caveat I will say metal tech gets the new parts out quick, but I do live in Portland.

 

[ChiTown]

Sorry to hear about your issues. They have a good rep for really taking care of people so I'm surprised to read this.

A few things that stand out here to me that might help you.

Stainless steel fasteners are usually weaker than your standard Grade 8 bolts that you see in automotive use and require proper torque values and anti-seize on all threads all the time.

Your creak sounds like a flex issue.
Make sure there is clearance between the body and the bumper as they move independently from each other.
Make sure the swing arm pivot is properly greased and that the holding for the latch is tight enough.
Make sure all the mounting hardware is properly torqued.

 

[r2m]

I agree with ChiTown, MetalTech has been very good to me and I've spent over $10k on bumpers, suspension etc. from them.
Now about the rear bumper: I have to do a slight lift when I engage to lock the swing arm, but I have a large spare, HiLift, dual jerry cans and MaxxTrax hanging off the end. I have sheared the locking pin (ball end to keep the swing in place) once, but they were quick to get me out another quickly and no cost. In my opinion, the little gas shock on the swing-out is too small and useless. Having slammed hard on the bumpers a couple of times rock wheeling, I have tweaked them a wee bit, so I have to admit I wish they used a little heavier gauge material on the undersides of the bumpers.
Other than that, I am please with them.

 

[LastPlace]

There was someone on the GXOR fb with similar noise issues as you. Looks like you aren’t alone on this.

Link below of the issues with video

https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTU5MjQ4OTU5MzpWSzoxNDU0OTI4ODc0NjM4MjIx

 

[TX GX460]

There was someone on the GXOR fb with similar noise issues as you. Looks like you aren’t alone on this.

Link below of the issues with video

https://m.facebook.com/story/graphql_permalink/?graphql_id=UzpfSTU5MjQ4OTU5MzpWSzoxNDU0OTI4ODc0NjM4MjIx

Yes, I have heard several complaints of squeaking for the MetalTech rear 460 bumper. In the comments for the post above the person who purchased my MT bumper from me had the same complaints (although others in the comments don't have squeaks). I have been much happier with the Kaymar than I was with the MetalTech personally. It is more expensive but I feel the difference was worth the quality improvement. Sometimes dual swingarms are a hassle, but it is a lot easier to open them in places like parking lots than the long single arm.

 

[r2m]

Forgot to mention, never had any squeaks from either my front or rear bumpers and that's after banging them around a little.

 

[lgorman]

I just had a bumper put on two weeks ago and the whole metal tech experience has been a nightmare. First the bumper was delivered to the wrong shop, then It was impossible for the swing arm strut to work with the swing arm because it was too short, the license plate lights had no instructions, and we couldn’t find the hardware for the hi lift mounts. So I call them along with some email traffic, I’m told I’ll get instructions for the lights, the strut is correct, and the hi lift hardware is there. Turns out the swing arm was not produced correctly and the strut tab was on the wrong side. So the swing arm had to go back, hi lift hardware is still gone, the shop just went and got some new ones (not their job, but a good LC shop) the tire stinger mount originally didn’t have a tapped hole, so now the new swing arm and stinger don’t line up, and their stainless steel bolts broke. After everything I’ve been to the shop three times, and I’m going to have to go back again since one of the license plate LEDs doesn't work. All in all I’m becoming highly suspicious of the quality control of these bumpers, which sucks because I was planning on getting their front bumper here in the couple of weeks. Does anybody with a Metal tech rear bumper get flex with a creaking noise on the swing out hinge side? Is this normal or do I just have an all around Dud? Even driving from a stop I get the creak on the passenger side in the cab. I figured I would ask here and get a concensus before I talk to the shop and ultimately metal tech again. As a caveat I will say metal tech gets the new parts out quick, but I do live in Portland.

4Runner and GX 460 both have 2 brackets on the forward side of the rear frame cross member. The projecting parts are shaped as a U. These are stops for the upper limit of the spare tire storage position. I have noticed that some bumper manufacturers have you remove these before the aftermarket bumper is installed. If these are against the Metal Tech bumper, this may be your issue. Possibly easily removed with a sawzall or an angle grinder with a cutting wheel.