At a crossroad with the front bumper...

Well due to the fact I made a little contact with the front bumper (literally, only touched a short wooden wall), the front bumper is starting to fall off. I think the truck was in an accident at some point and the bumper was reattached (or not) with smoke and mirrors. Got an estimate to replace the front bumper and all the components and it was $1,200.

Given the cost, now I'm looking at replacing the whole bumper with aftermarket. Don't have to deal with stuff like inner fenders, brackets, clips, etc. Not many choices...either ARB, Ironbull or Brute Force Fab. I'm leaning towards the last one because it looks decent and it appears they will do installation. The bad part is their lead time is 4-5 months...

Any feedback would be appreciated.

 

@FirstGenVol has one

 

You’re probably right it was in a prior accident. I forgot to chock the front wheels on my truck after lifting up the rear pumpkin with the jack. Since the truck was on a slight incline in the driveway, it rolled into the garage after I let the jack down.

Tried to stop it but it knocked the wall back about an inch and pushed the front bumper up like 3/8”; barely noticeable.
The gear was in neutral, BTW.

 

Really pleased with my decision to get the brute force bumper. The quality is outstanding. I've met a few first gen owners recently and gotten huge compliments on my truck and bumper.

 

That brute force fab is sexy

I’ll drop a few in here to check out if you got a local welder:

https://www.coastaloffroad.com/product-page/1st-gen-tundra-high-clearance-plate-bumper/


https://addictedoffroad.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=29

https://www.movebumpers.com/community/gallery/toyota/Tundra/2000-2006

 

still haven't stopped by to say hi to me


i love the brute force bumpers look.. its the one that keeps tempting me.

 

I made a mistake...actually Relentless Fab (which is near me) has a 4-5 month lead time. I have to call Brute Force to find out what their lead time is...

 

I'm also leaning toward Brute Force for a winch bumper. Same configuration as @FirstGenVol. I had my heart set on an Addicted Offroad bumper but they don't call back after leaving messages. Probably not a good sign.

 

Has anybody dealt with Brute Force? I tried contacting them TWICE to ask about their lead time and told them I was interested in purchasing a bumper. CRICKETS. Are they so busy they don't need more business or is this normal for them?

 

It's normal for them. I don't know why he doesn't hire a few more people or at least someone to answer the phone. I know he's covered up with work.

I was able to reach him on his cell. I think he prefers to text. PM me if you want it.

 

Thanks!

By the way, I went back to Relentless Off Road's website (they are in my neighborhood) and it appears the Tundra bumpers are no longer offered...

 

@Captain Tenneal yeah it’s normal for Billy there at Brute Force. Luckily he picked up the phone the first time I called him. Try texting him as well, that main number on the website is his cell. I ordered mine on April 23rd, I was told there was a 20 week wait. So only a few more weeks left…

 

Some food for thought:
I have had a Brute Force Fab plate bumper for over 3 years now. Are you planning on lifting as well?

The bumper plus a winch is approximately 200lbs of *additional* weight on the nose of the vehicle. It will drag your stock suspension down.

I initially paired it with OME 2885 springs and Nitro-charger shocks. Rode worse than stock. Lifted way too much. Uneven left to right lift. Driveline vibrations.

I have since switched over to SPC UCAs, Toytec Aluma 2 COs, CVJ High Angle boots, extended sway bar links. It rides better then the OME, but not as good as stock. I still have some fine tuning to do and probably need to adjust prop shaft angles as I am still getting a little steering wheel vibration.

Prior to starting the modifications on this truck, I thought it would be easy to mod and just send it. Unfortunately it has been much more money and time than I suspected.
Some people don't ever run into any of these issues though. Looking back, I'd have kept it stock if I had known about the potential issues.

 

Many years ago I went down the same rabbit hole as you with a 2003 Tacoma. I was on different forums then and extremely naive to lifting Toyota’s. I had a ARB front bumper that added a ton of weight and was told Bilstein 5100/OME 883 would ride like a Cadillac. In the defense is a few I was told not to but I went with the majority consensus…. HUGE MISTAKE! I destroyed that truck and it rode like garbage making me regret every moment of ownership. Beautiful truck though…

To each their own…but adding that much weight drastically affects the vehicle. Which will almost require you to upgrade your suspension. Then you encounter the cost. I would never recommend a budget lift such as a Bilstein 5100 or spacer with an aftermarket bumper, been there done that. You will have to go much higher end.

In all honesty I did mine for looks and it simply was a waste of money. If you really need it, then by all means it’s worth it’s weight in gold.

 

Thanks for the opinions! I actually am on the fence because it takes so long to obtain a bumper. I believe the weight of the bumper I am looking at is 130 to 140 lbs. I have Bilstein 5100s raised up 3/4 inch in front (stock in back). I was considering it because it looked simple to install and I don't need to buy all the replacement pieces (clips, fender liner, etc...).

I found a video that explains how to remove the bumper (actually a Sequoia but I assume it's the same procedure) and it doesn't look too bad. Just have to figure out if I want to match the Raptor spray that was on it before or go back to gray (which means I'll have to do the fender flares too...). It's easier to find Sequoia info...the references for Tundras seem to be all 2nd and 3rd gen.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCgP4SwNM70

https://remont-bampera.com/en/toyota-sequoia-2001-2007

 

@Captain Tenneal removing the front bumper on my Access Cab was surprisingly easy. I can't imagine it's much harder for your double cab.

 

Its super easy. Remove all the pieces in the wheel wells and clips underneath. I believe some bolts are hiding behind the headlights and then in front of radiator.

Go slow. I did it alone on more than one occasion, but an extra set of hands will make it easier.

https://www.tundras.com/threads/jpinks-05-dc-sr5.75554/#post-2005142

 

Heck put the first gen armor thread. Tons of info and pics of bumpers front and rear, sliders, skids etc