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How much does the front bumper weigh? Did you notice any change in driving dynamics with the extra weight up front?
The metal tech bumper is 80lbs more than stock. I also have a smittybilt x20 12k lb winch which runs around 60lbs or so. The 650 lb springs I have in the Icon coilovers handle the extra weight very well.
I was doing some searching on Bull Bars and since this is the most recent thread about brush guards, etc. I thought I would weigh-in based on some experience.
I ordered a Vanguard Bull Bar with a skid plate in stainless. It came, and was $194.95 from Amazon direct from Vanguard (Woodside, NY). It came with a scuff on it so it went back. And... luckily it did go back. My Lexus dealer has a 2017 GX with a bunch of aftermarket accessories on it (they call it a Black Out Edition). This includes a Vanguard Bull Bar with a skid plate in black. As an FYI these things DO interfere with your parking sensors - specifically the middle two in the front. The bar sits directly in front of them and I was told (and shown) that the sensors go ape****e and are constantly binging. So, if you want a Bull Bar be prepared to turn off your sensors (inclusive of the nice rear cross traffic alert). I really wished it would have worked out and even Vanguard told me via email that it would not interfere with the sensors at all. Not true - see below.
I was doing some searching on Bull Bars and since this is the most recent thread about brush guards, etc. I thought I would weigh-in based on some experience.
I ordered a Vanguard Bull Bar with a skid plate in stainless. It came, and was $194.95 from Amazon direct from Vanguard (Woodside, NY). It came with a scuff on it so it went back. And... luckily it did go back. My Lexus dealer has a 2017 GX with a bunch of aftermarket accessories on it (they call it a Black Out Edition). This includes a Vanguard Bull Bar with a skid plate in black. As an FYI these things DO interfere with your parking sensors - specifically the middle two in the front. The bar sits directly in front of them and I was told (and shown) that the sensors go ape****e and are constantly binging. So, if you want a Bull Bar be prepared to turn off your sensors (inclusive of the nice rear cross traffic alert). I really wished it would have worked out and even Vanguard told me via email that it would not interfere with the sensors at all. Not true - see below.
How is that mounted? Seems like it will only make ground clearance worth.
How is that mounted? Seems like it will only make ground clearance worth.
It does make clearance and approach angle worse. Plus, they are actually damage multipliers due to the way they are mounted. They cause more damage in a light head on collision than if not installed.
I was doing some searching on Bull Bars and since this is the most recent thread about brush guards, etc. I thought I would weigh-in based on some experience.
I ordered a Vanguard Bull Bar with a skid plate in stainless. It came, and was $194.95 from Amazon direct from Vanguard (Woodside, NY). It came with a scuff on it so it went back. And... luckily it did go back. My Lexus dealer has a 2017 GX with a bunch of aftermarket accessories on it (they call it a Black Out Edition). This includes a Vanguard Bull Bar with a skid plate in black. As an FYI these things DO interfere with your parking sensors - specifically the middle two in the front. The bar sits directly in front of them and I was told (and shown) that the sensors go ape****e and are constantly binging. So, if you want a Bull Bar be prepared to turn off your sensors (inclusive of the nice rear cross traffic alert). I really wished it would have worked out and even Vanguard told me via email that it would not interfere with the sensors at all. Not true - see below.
just my personal opinion, but that looks as horrible. I can only imagine what the profile pic would look like.
It does make clearance and approach angle worse. Plus, they are actually damage multipliers due to the way they are mounted. They cause more damage in a light head on collision than if not installed.
After seeing the install vid, I'd take that off if the OP ever decides to hit a trail.
Saw this on IH8Mud... I might need to go down there as Mule Expedition Outfitters is in my area.. they are having a Grand Opening in their new location
Kaymar importer
"THREAD HIJACK
Apologies and introduction....Cruiser Brothers is a specialist importer/distributor of products from Australia - Terrain Tamer HP brakes and repair kits, Harrop elockers, Long Range Automotive fuel tanks and Wholesale Automatics upgrades for Toyota transmissions.
We also do favors for friends as logistics service. One such friend is Kaymar 4WD. In that role, we are able to help Kaymar with inbound shipments of bumpers and accessories. If you are interested in purchasing Kaymar products, please visit Kaymar Rear Bars, Wheel & Jerrycan Carriers and go shopping. Please contact Kaymar at sales@kaymar.com.au for pricing and order placement. They will propose, price and arrange shipping quote, including transport to a freight terminal near you for pick up.
Kaymar products are not inexpensive, but well crafted, complete and well documented for installs. Great people, great products.
This is a synergistic relationship for us as we are seeing a number of our tank purchasers also buying Kaymar rear bumpers to carry the spare.
If you have 60, 80, 100, 200, GX or FJ Cruiser, these bumpers are worth a look and worthy of consideration - even if you need to save up...
And if you have questions, feel free to stop by MULE Expedition Outfitters Grand Opening Open House in Issaquah on April 7. MULE is an Authorized Dealer for Long Range Automotive Fuel Tanks and they have installed Kaymar products in the past. See the GX 460 below
I will be at MULE's open house and will do a 30 minute presentation on LRA tanks and other cool stuff you can buy and install at MULE.
60 lbs seems "generous" for a plate bumper. Typically they are in the 100-120lb range, and I'd be surprised if you would remove 40 lbs of plastic and aluminum to net 60. Maybe they've done a good job finding weight reduction techniques? I'm just being a skeptic, and haven't done the detailed research. But I would expect some additional droop on the front end with the stock springs and a steel off-road bumper, but not terrible. If you add a winch, lights, and a 2nd battery then it would get pretty noticeable. The tricky part that once you go to a set of aftermarket springs, you need to see if you can match the spring rate to your additional weight + desired lift - otherwise the ride will be very stiff and unforgiving up front.
As far as the gap between body and bumper goes - another reason for a decent sized gap is for when you drop your front end off a rock and onto another rock, and/or do a steep decent where the first thing to hit the ground is your bumper. In those situations, the bumper will flex up toward the body, and that little gap is what can prevent actual body damage.
02-27-18, 09:58 PM
