Hello...100 Series buildup begins

[Wareagle]

Hi guys, I just joined the forum. I'm in process of building up my 100 series. I sold my trooper (looks like it ended up with another member here http://www.expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=32730) a few months ago, and I'm trying to build a replacement. I've done a little bit already. Any thoughts on a good rear bumper? I'm not wanting to spend $1500+.

 

[wesel123]

I'm running the ARB. Love it but its pricey and a tad bulky but its rated to tow (pain in the you know what to install the tire carriers).

If I could do it again I would go with Slee's. Smaller design and less expensive and maybe looks a tad better.

Kaymar's are great too. Man-A-free carries them and it seems to be in your price range I think its $1299 for a bumper with 2 pivot points.

Good luck and welcome the a new disease :sombrero:

 

[LandCruiserPhil]

Look at 4x4 Labs rear bumper. Arguably the best rear bumper available for a 100 and it comes in kit form.

 

[davegonz]

I second the 4x4Labs kit recommendation.

Here's my build up on my bumper: http://forum.ih8mud.com/100-series-cruisers/294772-penny-getting-luked-4x4labs-rear-bumper.html

I just received the dual swing-out kit for mine and will be starting on it this weekend.

 

[ginericLC]

I've had the Slee single swingout and the 4x4 Labs on my 100. I prefer the 4x4 labs as I don't like the centered rear tire of the Slee single swingout.

 

[2000UZJ]

4X4 labs kit is affordable. I'm looking into that bumper mainly because of the cost. Check that out.

 

[Pskhaat]

Also not particularly fond of the Slee centered swingout to the passenger side (would rather a port swing and keep the tire on the port side for US drivers, BUT I have never been keen on cutting the factory frame as is required by 4x4labs, no?

I do and always have appreciated Slee's attention to keeping a stock rig underneath, and have benefited from when I've moved up in years or to other vehicles for moving the very same parts.

 

[davegonz]

I wouldn't worry about cutting the cross member. The existing one is made of thin metal and is flimsy compared to the 4x4Labs bumper.

 

[Ducks]

Don't know if Jim makes bumpers for the 100 but I am getting one from him for my 60. A lot of people like them. I know he makes sliders for the 100.

http://solidrockoff-road.com/

:victory: Chad

 

[sleeoffroad]

FWIW, this is the next generation bumpers that will come out. Modular so that you can buy bumper, then carriers later. The latches are still going to be the old style. I am not 100 percent happy with the new ones, but we wanted to get the bumpers out there.

 

[Pskhaat]

Christo, will you make a US DS version for the tire swing, ladder on right?

 

[ShottsCruisers]

FWIW, this is the next generation bumpers that will come out. Modular so that you can buy bumper, then carriers later. The latches are still going to be the old style. I am not 100 percent happy with the new ones, but we wanted to get the bumpers out there.

Glad I have your original design on my Cruiser. I could never live with a 35-incher tucked to one side unless there was no other option. Good view out the back of the non-tire side. Horrible view out the back of the tire side. At least with the tire centered you can see out the rear corners and the mirrors still catch who's behind you.

In any event, it'll realy depend on what this guy intends to use his vehicle for (primarily) before one knows the ideal bumper.

 

[sleeoffroad]

Christo, will you make a US DS version for the tire swing, ladder on right?

Probably not. That means we have to double stock the parts.

 

[Wareagle]

As far as use goes, I think I'm mostly interested in protection and improving departure angle. I do not mind chopping a few inches from frame to improve the angles. Also, I may upgrade from 33s to 35s, so a swing away might be needed in the future.

I like my vehicles armored, so I want something that is well built. That said, I am relatively cheap and normally build stuff myself. I'm just not good at building bumpers. Skids and sliders are about the max that I can handle.

 

[Wareagle]

PS,

My cardomain link shows the extent of my offroading. Nothing too extreme..

I think 33s with 2" of lift is min and 35s and 3-5" of lift are as extreme as my plans allow.