Rear Bumper Choice.

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rraedeke

rraedeke

10 Year
Joined
Jul 2, 2013
Threads
19
Messages
85
Location
Denver, CO
I am looking at replacing the stock rear bumper on my 98. Really like the integrated look of the ARB, but like the idea of the ladder on the SLEE. I hope I am not tossing a log on a fire storm here, but could use some opinions on which to purchase. What are some of the redeeming qualities of each of these two units?

I also have looked at the BIOR and it appears very similar to the SLEE. Is there some thoughts between these two bumpers as well?

I plan to install whichever unit I select myself with some help from guys at work.
I do need to keep the ability to tow. We have a 20' sailboat, so a strong hitch is a must.

Thanks for the thoughts on this.
Richard
 
Slee is not "tow" rated nor does it have chain loops.

My gut is that Slee doesn't want the extra liability of saying it will tow x-pounds.

This fact wont stop me from towing with the slee bumper but it could you or others. I'm sure owners will chime it with their faves.
 
and what kind of wheeling do you do or plan to do in your 100? I think the Slee would be way better at taking a bashing from rocks and being drug across obstacles than the ARB or Kaymar...
 
Stinky - This won't be a rock crawler, my interest is more on the expedition/camping side of things. The towing issue RobRed brought up is a concern. I won't do a lot of it, but will be pulling this boat a couple times a year. So the Slee makes me a little nervous. I'll have to talk to Ben and see what he thinks. I am leaning toward the ARB, but really would like to have that ladder to get to the roof rack.
 
You have a few options. You could get the BIOR and Slee and keep the factory hitch. Or you could get the ARB and get the OEM ladder that bolts to the liftgate. Or frontrunner's steps that strap to the spare tire.

Personally, I don't really like the ARB. It seems very bulky and makes the departure angle even worse.

You should talk to Mike at Bump it Off Road. He can make the bolt on bumper without a trailer hitch so you could keep your OEM hitch. Also, I don't think their rear bumpers get a fair shake around here because Slee is a big Land Cruiser and forum supporter and designed his bumper first. The Bump It's have come a long way and have some features that I like better than the Slee. That's why I bought one.
 
I have an ARB rear on my 80... and it's pretty much the largest bumper of all time. If departure angles aren't a big deal or you don't mind dragging your bum a little bit, it's super solid.
 
If money's not a big part of the decision, Slee all day long... and you'll save gobs on shipping since you can drive to get it. Keep that $$$ in Colorado! :bounce:

Seriously, the way those bumpers are built just oozes quality. Keep your factory hitch if you'd like, but if the receiver can handle full throttle pulls during recovery a sailboat is a walk in the park. I'd expect they won't divulge tow capacity numbers for liability alone... Not that they aren't sure of their design, strength, and quality.

EDIT: forgot I was searching and bumping an old thread :D
 
You cannot keep the factory hitch and add the Slee rear bumper. It's one or the other. Sorry if that's not what your post meant.... That's how I read it though.
 
sleeoffroad said:
Actually you can run the factory receiver under the bumper.
Click to expand...

I stand corrected then. I don't recall being offered that option.

Does it bolt to the bumper or the frame? And the next question someone will ask is can you tow with it as if it was installed with the factory bumper?
 
I freaking love my BIOR. I've heard guys complain about double swings but I really don't mind. I wonder why those people bought 'em in the first place. I mean what'd ya expect? Super good work from the guys at BIOR, matches up with the TJM front real well and price was reasonable. Highly recommended. I tow with mine all the time with no worries. If I were doing it again I'd mount the spare on the other side.

1412087974710.webp
 
paflytyer said:
I stand corrected then. I don't recall being offered that option.

Does it bolt to the bumper or the frame? And the next question someone will ask is can you tow with it as if it was installed with the factory bumper?
Click to expand...
You need longer M14 bolts that what we supply, but we share the same bolt holes. It kinda looks goofy but the only option for people that want a rated receiver.

The only trucks that are weird is the 03's that had the receiver through the rear cross member.
 
I like my Slee rear a lot, styling is great and I like that I didn't have to notch the rear cross member to install it (as opposed to the BIOR). The fact that it angles to give slightly more clearance was really the deciding factor for me however. BIOR is a close second though, Mike makes fantastic products.

Edit: Err deciding factor was not having to notch the rear crossmember to install (with receiver hitch).
 
Last edited:
flood said:
I like my Slee rear a lot, styling is great and I like that I didn't have to notch the rear cross member to install it (as opposed to the BIOR). The fact that it angles to give slightly more clearance was really the deciding factor for me however. BIOR is a close second though, Mike makes fantastic products.
Click to expand...


I'm not aware of any notching required for the BIO bolt on rear bumper.
I also don't think there is greater clearance on the Slee--as far as I know the BIO rear is flush with the rear cross member.
 
Hayes said:
I'm not aware of any notching required for the BIO bolt on rear bumper.
I also don't think there is greater clearance on the Slee--as far as I know the BIO rear is flush with the rear cross member.
Click to expand...

It might simply be the illusion of clearance, if you look at how the rear angles up in side views you'll see what I'm talking about.
http://bumpitoffroad.com/products/100/rearbumper/files/bolt-on-100-rear2.jpg
http://sleeoffroad.com/products/images/100_series/rear_bumper_dual/fullsize/uzj100_18.jpg
Is this something to worry about? Probably not, I simply find it more aesthetically pleasing and in theory less likely to scrape.

The notching of the rear crossmember, from Mike's site: "Note: installation requires notching the crossmember if you opt for the receiver hitch."
 
flood said:
It might simply be the illusion of clearance, if you look at how the rear angles up in side views you'll see what I'm talking about.
http://bumpitoffroad.com/products/100/rearbumper/files/bolt-on-100-rear2.jpg
http://sleeoffroad.com/products/images/100_series/rear_bumper_dual/fullsize/uzj100_18.jpg
Is this something to worry about? Probably not, I simply find it more aesthetically pleasing and in theory less likely to scrape.

The notching of the rear crossmember, from Mike's site: "Note: installation requires notching the crossmember if you opt for the receiver hitch."
Click to expand...

Ah, got it. I hadn't considered the hitch.

As far as the clearance goes, we're probably splitting meaningless hairs. I do believe that the entire rear surface of the BIO is tucked in closer than the Slee--right against the cross member--but Slee angles the bottom face in to compensate. I might be wrong, though. Regardless, it's probably a meaningless difference. These things were meant to be dragged on the rocks.

I ran a Slee rear on my 80, and I've got the Slee Blueberry on the front of my LX470. You pretty much cannot fault the design and build on these. Really awesome stuff in my opinion. However, I've got a BIO rear out getting powdercoated (to match the Slee Blueberry) right now, and should have it mounted this weekend. I went this route for the customization options. I'll give more informed opinions once I get it on.
 
I have the Slee bumper and the GOBI ladder to access my roof rack and find this set up to work great for my needs. I have yet to tow anything, but imagine the two shackle points on the bumper can be used for your safety chains. The GOBI ladder attaches to the top half or window portion of your tail gate. I opted for the Slee tire swing out as well, but that's your call, depending on what you want.
 
BOIR has a rear bumper that is low profile. That's the one I'll eventually go with. I also like the rear quarter protection, but I think they all have that.
 
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