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Talk to me about Bull Bars

Discussion in '2.5 Gen Tundras (2014-2021)' started by tialoc, Mar 16, 2017.

  1. Mar 16, 2017 at 1:22 PM
    #1
    tialoc

    tialoc [OP] Mod newb!

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    Sean
    Piedmont Triad, North Carolina
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    None so far
    So I used to have a 2007 Silver Sky CM and on that truck I had a chrome bull bar, I don't know who made it looked like an Aries or Westin. I bought the truck with it and never put any lights on it.

    This pass week I found myself the new owner of 2015 Black 1794. I am going for the black and chrome look. I've seen other trucks with the same type of bull bar and something about the grill on the 3rd gen compared to the 2nd gen I just don't know.. Both Aries and Westin sell a black bull bar with a chrome (or stainless) skid plate as well as a solid chrome (or stainless) model. I am torn between the two I think the black would show up better on the 1794 because of the silver center section of the front bumper but then I think the chrome might be better because the whole front of the truck is shiny, lol.. I do plan on putting some PIAA lights on (which I could also use some advice on because I've never messed with the lights before and they have several different series and sizes)

    Can anyone post up some pics to help me make up my mind? or maybe some suggestions I haven't considered. I don't want to replace the whole bumper.. I don't even have a lift on her yet...

    I've looked at the n-fab light bar and think it's really nice but I think I really miss the BB on my old Tundra.

    Thanks,
    Sean

    IMG_20170311_135106.jpg
     
  2. Mar 16, 2017 at 1:36 PM
    #2
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    Sean, this may not be very helpful cause I wanted something different than anything else out there. So my father and I fabricated a bull bar for my truck. Here it is unpainted.....

    IMG_0271.jpg

    IMG_0274.jpg

    Here I decided to go black.....
    IMG_0290.jpg

    And what it looks like with the 22" light bar on it......
    IMG_0657.jpg

    Don't know if this is what you're looking for but maybe something to give you an idea or two.
     
  3. Mar 16, 2017 at 1:41 PM
    #3
    tialoc

    tialoc [OP] Mod newb!

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    That's awesome! you and your Dad have some skills with that welder.. it is different that what I've been seeing for sure.. I like it. It's not the look I am going for as I think I want to stick with the rounds bars. but you guys should consider selling those!
     
    Jsena and 040Tundra[QUOTED] like this.
  4. Mar 16, 2017 at 1:44 PM
    #4
    040Tundra

    040Tundra Teddy 2013-2019

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    A little of this and a little of that.
    Thank you sir!! It's a lot of extra work when you don't have the proper equipment. He's got the welding down but the cutting of multiple angles with a single angle saw is very difficult.

    I thought about the round bar ones as well, I just wanted something a little different. Good luck on your hunt.
     
    Jsena and tialoc[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  5. Mar 16, 2017 at 3:08 PM
    #5
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    I like Westin Ultimate bull bar on 2nd gen, but not on 3rd. I think the grill is too large for the bull bar (or the bull bar is too small for the grille. Personally, if mine were 3rd gen, and I wanted a bull bar, I would go with something like this.
    Winch005_zpsfcc02010.jpg
     
  6. Mar 16, 2017 at 3:09 PM
    #6
    TheBeast

    TheBeast The Beach

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    not a big fan of bull bars, they tend to crush back inside the engine compartment in case of collision. I would get an aftermarket bumper instead
     
  7. Mar 16, 2017 at 3:48 PM
    #7
    TXRailRoadBandit73

    TXRailRoadBandit73 YOTAS,RAILROADER,RÖKnRÖLLN',BEER,MAX/GEMMA

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    Bumpersuperstore.com
     
    tialoc[QUOTED][OP] likes this.
  8. Mar 16, 2017 at 6:26 PM
    #8
    Spoony1

    Spoony1 New Member

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    image.jpg Here is my truck with a Lund bull bar with a built in ridged light bar.
     
  9. Mar 23, 2017 at 8:39 AM
    #9
    showtime240

    showtime240 New Member

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    What Model is that? I cant seem to find it.
     
  10. Mar 23, 2017 at 9:17 AM
    #10
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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  11. Mar 23, 2017 at 9:22 AM
    #11
    showtime240

    showtime240 New Member

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  12. Mar 23, 2017 at 4:03 PM
    #12
    chphilo

    chphilo Tundra addict

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    It looks like there are two parts to the set-up. I think the bull bar and the winch tray are sold separately. I don't know much about it except it looks darn good on 3rd gens, imo
     
  13. Mar 23, 2017 at 4:58 PM
    #13
    Patriot

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    I think bull bars really look out dated. I have been thinking about this from SouthernStyle- light, winch, bumper combo, for a seamless functional bumper. Need to see some install reviews before ordering.

    image.jpg
     
    Last edited: Mar 23, 2017
  14. Apr 2, 2017 at 4:01 PM
    #14
    Big Tom

    Big Tom New Member

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    They are called Bull Bars but are they for looks only? Can you push a car with them?
     
  15. Apr 2, 2017 at 6:56 PM
    #15
    Big Tom

    Big Tom New Member

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    When I had my last one they were called "Grill Guards". I knew that it was just for looks and a place to Mount my "Per-Lux-Fog Cutters". How's that for old?
    Now that they are called "Bull Bars", I was wondering if they were more substantial..
    I only want one for the looks and to mount Aux lights so no need for a heavy duty one..
     
  16. May 31, 2020 at 9:52 PM
    #16
    stevolene

    stevolene New Member

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    I know this is an old thread , but are the lights easy to wire up that come with these? can you maybe detail how you wired the lights? the bull bars themselves are easy , but wiring has been an issue for me
     
  17. Jun 1, 2020 at 4:22 AM
    #17
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    A lot of people call them damage multipliers instead of bull bars.
     
  18. Jun 1, 2020 at 4:43 AM
    #18
    Boerseun

    Boerseun MGM XP-Series

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    I have heard that, but I think it depends... What is the odds of getting in a big accident (where the front end is messed up anyways), vs. the typical small bumps from other cars in parking areas etc. I had a bull bar on my Tacoma and it had several dings and scratches after 16 years, none of which I knew when it happened; must have been in parking areas where others pulled up to close to me. One time it was hard enough to break one of my lights. My bumper would have had those marks, but the bull bar protected from that.
    upload_2020-6-1_7-38-10.jpg
     
    Wallygator[QUOTED] likes this.
  19. Jun 1, 2020 at 4:52 AM
    #19
    Wallygator

    Wallygator Well Zippedy Da Do!

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    Yeah it probably wouldn't make a difference in an accident. The way these vehicles are now designed to crush on impact and all there will be plenty of damage anyways.
     
    Boerseun[QUOTED] likes this.
  20. Jun 5, 2020 at 1:49 PM
    #20
    stevolene

    stevolene New Member

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    my reason is pretty simple , I think they look cool
     
  21. Jun 5, 2020 at 4:44 PM
    #21
    Rustedfenders

    Rustedfenders If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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    Aries 4" Bull Bar, 3-2 Level Lift Havoc Stainless hoop steps.
    Bull bars, Go Big Or Go Home. 20200531_173817.jpg
     
  22. Jun 5, 2020 at 4:50 PM
    #22
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    Seriously....go big or go home???? Bull bars are basically great until a Prius backs into it. My 2 centavos. I couldn't get my Westin anti bull bar off my 07 soon enough.
    Here's my modified Ranch Hand that I adapted to my 14.

    20200404_140848.jpg
     
    NewImprovedRon likes this.
  23. Jun 5, 2020 at 7:46 PM
    #23
    Rustedfenders

    Rustedfenders If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

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    Aries 4" Bull Bar, 3-2 Level Lift Havoc Stainless hoop steps.
    I had one on my taco until some a$$ cut in front of me then slammed on his brakes. Was able to drive back home with no damage to radiator.
     
    Black Wolf[QUOTED] likes this.
  24. Jun 5, 2020 at 8:20 PM
    #24
    Black Wolf

    Black Wolf Bigfoot Hunter, Sasquatch too, but not Yeti

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    TuwaPro rack, Z1 Offroad stuff, NISMO suspension stuff, FlowmasterFX Extreme exhaust, AIS, OVS, J&L can, other goodies on the way
    I messed up this Ranch Hand Grille avoiding a T bone. Hit a wood light pole at maybe 5 mph or so. The pole had no give naturally. I hit it on the driver's side and the part of the grille that protects the headlight side slammed into the fender and caused a mess. Fracked up my fender. My fault but avoided a T bone hit.
    I had to trim an access point on the bumper to make it fit on my 14. I cut off the ends because the driver side wrap around was bent and looked stupid. I was going to give it to the Great Punkin, Conner, here but tragically he lost is life so I repurposed it to fit on my 14. I wanted to get a winch bumper but I'm sticking with this setup. My grandson knew Conner too so it's quite easy to forgo the aftermarket bumper. Life is short. Needless to say but I know Conner would appreciate me adapting my Ranch Hand to fit my 14. A huge loss on this forum. Ask any of us Colorado members...and a Texas member too... @4x4_Angel

    20200312_185456.jpg
    20200404_140848.jpg
    20200312_181440.jpg
    20200312_181456.jpg
     
    Last edited: Jun 5, 2020

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