What is your favorite pick for an 80 series rear bumper?

[upcruiser]

I am planning on doing some upgrades to my 80 this coming spring. One of which is to upgrade the rear bumper in an effort to get my spare off of my roof along with my high lift and to free up more space ip there for the RTT. Also looking into a new basket that is lighter and flat in profile to replace my super heavy ConFer basket. Looking for some first hand experiences and recomendations.

 

[blupaddler]

Rear bumpers...
I really like Hanna or 4x4 Labs if I was going to do it again. I thought the 4x4 Labs bumpers required you to cut the rear cross member off, I could be mistaken though. Hanna makes really good stuff, I have seen a couple of those and they are nice.
Although if I was going to technically get another rear bumper, I think I would check into weights more this time. And possibly see if Aluminess (bumpers you see on SMB) would make one for an 80, hopefully it would be lighter...

I have had the Kaymar for almost five years. It is a good bumper. Not a "rockcrawling" bumper, although I have rested the 80 on it once or twice, and it has held up fine. They are offered in modular form too, you can add the tire carrier, fuel carrier, light, etc. A good expedition type bumper, and a bit cheaper too.

http://hannaquality.com/index1.html



Personally, I am not a big fan of roof racks. Unless you have kids or a bunch of people, it is just added weight up high. I even love my RTT, but hate the extra weight and loss of MPG. I had a Kaymar tradesman roof-rack for a couple of years, but sold it a few years ago.
Let me clarify by roof racks I mean the big Kaymar, Hannibal, etc. Not the Yakima or Thule bars...
:sombrero:

 

[daPitbull]

4x4 Labs:smiley_drive:
http://4x4labs.com/oldsite/index.shtml

 

[jdayment]

I would go with Iron Pig decently priced and great bumper

 

[luk4mud]

I recently looked over all the bumper options and ended up getting one made. If I were to buy a commercial one, it would have been the 4x4 Labs. However, the local fab guy made me exactly what I was after at half the price and at least equal quality.

 

[CruiserAbuser]

I have the current generation Slee and I am very pleased. It isn't the cheapest list price and doesn't have the optimal departure clearance but it is very high quality. It has taken quite a bit of abuse and has held up with no issues.

I considered the Hanna, it was cheaper and had the additional storage rack available but having it shipped brought the price over the Slee (he is local). Also after some consideration I decided that, when loaded, the fuel/storage rack would add too much weight past back of the truck.

I do like the look of the 4x4 Labs but did not want a "kit" and once again shipping cost was a factor.

If, as many will say, the quality of each is equal then it will depend on what you need from a bumper.... maximum clearance? ... additional storage capacity? .... availability direct pick-up/install from dealer?

 

[Life_in_4Lo]

Hanna has constantly refined his bumpers so I really think they should be a top consideration for any 80 looking for a rr bumper.

he's got oversize spindles, LED integrated taillights, side protection hoop option and two versions of the side hoops, cad-designed spare carrier swingout, unique shackle recovery points... there are a lot of great ideas.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

I recently looked over all the bumper options and ended up getting one made. If I were to buy a commercial one, it would have been the 4x4 Labs. However, the local fab guy made me exactly what I was after at half the price and at least equal quality.

Care to post some pictures?

 

[Scott_sFZJ80]

How about this one...

 

[Scott_sFZJ80]

I also recommend the AOB roof rack as a low profile and aluminum RR.

 

[Dan2722]

I have the new gen Slee and love it. I considered both Hanna and 4x4 which are both great bumpers but did not want to cut my frame for the 4x4 and could not get in touch with Hanna when I wanted the bumper (fire season and he's a fireman).

You might also consider Bump-It Offroad http://www.bumpitoffroad.com/bumpers.html

I have seen his skid plates and sliders and he does quality work.

 

[Box Rocket]

Might give you an idea or two. This is a custom homebuilt bumper on my truck. Johnny Lange from Wildyoats.com designed this in his garage and had enough steel bent up for about 12 kits for a bunch of local cruiser guys a few years ago. I was one of the lucky ones that got one. I welded it all up in my garage. Johnny's design did not include a swing out so I did that on my own. So each of the kits has a slightly different approach on the swingout. I'm planning on adding a second swingout for fuel cans at some point soon.

I haev been very pleased with how it came out and how's its held up on the trails. It's been on the truck for almost 3 years now and still looks great IMO for a homemade job that was just rattlecanned.

Sorry for the pic dump but I was trying to show as many details as I could. These are from this past summer.

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Might give you an idea or two. This is a custom homebuilt bumper on my truck. Johnny Lange from Wildyoats.com designed this in his garage and had enough steel bent up for about 12 kits for a bunch of local cruiser guys a few years ago. I was one of the lucky ones that got one. I welded it all up in my garage. Johnny's design did not include a swing out so I did that on my own. So each of the kits has a slightly different approach on the swingout. I'm planning on adding a second swingout for fuel cans at some point soon.

I haev been very pleased with how it came out and how's its held up on the trails. It's been on the truck for almost 3 years now and still looks great IMO for a homemade job that was just rattlecanned.

Sorry for the pic dump but I was trying to show as many details as I could. These are from this past summer.

Nice custom bumper... I didnt see a receiver hitch in any of the picture?

 

[Box Rocket]

Nice custom bumper... I didnt see a receiver hitch in any of the picture?

Ah yes. I have since added one so I can pull my trailer. Thanks for pointing that out.

 

[bluedog]

Kristian,

I have the Slee bumper and have been very happy with the quality and construction. I think if I could change one thing, I would want a jerry can holder on the back too.

It has a big platform so I can stand on it and unzip the cover for the RTT, 2 recovery points, and the ability to mount another one in the center. The swing out is solid and the bearings (super important) are very smooth.

Latch to keep it closed and tight

Have fun with your search. I hope to see it next summer in the UP.


B

The swing out bearing and spring loaded pin so it doesn't swing closed.

Open