Which Bumper?

[CycloSteve]

OK, so I am a bit torn with the decision of the front bumper to use with my 45.

The truck is essentially a resto-mod, so I am not going stock. That decision is made. Bobbing the bed, diesel, 5 speed, aftermarket seats, 60 series axles, you name it.

The current debate is to go with one of the two 4+ bumpers, or the Hanson Offroad bumper with center hoop and two side hoops. The Hanson also looks like my Shortbus, and they have several rear bumpers which I can have modified to work with the truck.

The truck will be wheeled, perhaps not the 'con due to the length of the rig, but definitely trails where I will need a good bumper. An 8274 is also in the works, so that needs to both fit and look right with the setup. Not 100% sure that the second 4+ will work with the 8274.

Hanson Bumper (the one I like is more narrow, this is their picture)

4+ simple bumper with 8274 mount

4+ hoop bumper

Much to my surprise, the said without hesitation that she liked the Hanson best. Yes, she is a keeper even if she hates the black wheels on my 80.

So fellow mudders, what say ye? Sorry, this rig will not be stock, and will be modified, but for those who know me, it will be done with both taste, look right, and function above all.



Steve

 

[captcruiser]

I say design one and have the medal artist (Don) fab it up !

 

[DanS HJ-45]

Not 100% sure that the second 4+ will work with the 8274.

It will. Unless MAF has changed their hoop bumper in the past year or two. I'd probably call and confirm before ordering though.

Dan

 

[subzali]

The hoop is flipped on the 8274-compatible version:

Personally I wouldn't get it. You can't put a hi-lift anywhere to jack up the front end with this bumper, the hoop gets in the way. I'm going to try and sell mine and get one more like this one, except I want to have Dave add on some shackle hangers for me and ship it to me raw. The powdercoat didn't hold up very well on my bumper.

 

[CycloSteve]

Good points Matt. If get the "simple" bumper, I definitely would order it in the raw, and have Don fab/weld on some tabs for recovery purposes, and perhaps a winch-protective hoop. I am surprised that it does not have any recovery spots, or at least hi-lift holes in it (like the 4x4labs rear). Georg is a dealer for 4+, and turned me on to them as an option. Odds are whatever bumper ends up on the truck, it will be "tweaked" to fit my needs...same goes for the rear, which definitely will be custom.



Steve

 

[Ghetto Fireman]

Works and looks good!!!!!!!

 

[Ghetto Fireman]

Works and looks good!!!!!!!

Here is a better photo.

 

[pjohnson]

Steve - your truck is sitting at the shop of the best Landcruiser Fabrication artist in the world...

Stop spinning and tell Don to do his magic

You are creating a one of kind truck. Don't put an off the shelf bumper on it. It deserves a custom job.

Phil