Finding the right land cruiser 100 series rear bumper is definitely usually the point where most owners realize their construct is getting serious. Let's be honest—the stock bumper on the 100 Series is a bit of a disappointment if you're performing anything more adventurous compared to hitting a small driveway. It's mainly plastic, it weighs low, and it doesn't offer very much in the method of protection or utility. If you've ever dragged the "rear end" of your Cruiser across a rock or a steep ledge, you know that sickening crunching sound all as well well.
The 100 Series is a legendary platform, but its starting angle is the Achilles' heel. That's why a top quality aftermarket rear bumper is usually one of the very first big investments individuals make after they've sorted out their own suspension and wheels. It's not simply about looking hard at the nearby meet-up; it's regarding making the automobile more capable plus functional for long-haul trips or weekend trail runs.
Why the Share Bumper Just Doesn't Cut It
In case you look in the factory set up, it's clearly designed for the highway and the suburban sprawl. It's a multi-piece design with plastic cut and a concealed steel reinforcement pub that sits quite low. While it's fine for a grocery run, it's a liability rough-road. The moment you add a lift and bigger wheels, that stock extra tire location below the chassis becomes a massive headache.
First away, fitting a 33-inch or 35-inch wheel within the factory place is really a tight press, and it also kills your ground clearance. Secondly, if you actually get a flat while you're axle-deep within mud or sand, trying to make use of that factory winch mechanism to obtain the spare lower is a recipe for the very poor afternoon. Moving that will tire up onto a swing-out upon a new bumper solves that issue instantly.
Choosing Between Steel and Aluminum
When you start buying for a land cruiser 100 series rear bumper , you're going to operate into the classic debate: steel versus aluminum. There isn't a single "right" answer here, because it mostly depends upon your budget and exactly how you use your own rig.
Steel is the traditional choice. It's extremely strong, relatively easy to repair if you bang it up, plus it can take a serious beating from rocks. The downside is the weight. A complete steel rear bumper with dual swing-outs can easily consider over 200 pounds. That's a great deal of mass hanging off the very back of the particular vehicle, meaning you'll definitely need heavy-duty rear springs in order to handle the insert and maintain the car from sagging.
Aluminum, however, is usually a fantastic substitute if you're worried about Gross Automobile Weight Rating (GVWR). It's much lighter, which aids in gasoline economy and dealing with. Modern aluminum bumpers are surprisingly stout, but they are generally more expensive than steel. They furthermore don't handle direct "slides" over razor-sharp rocks as properly as steel does—aluminum tends to gouge rather than slide. If you're a "rock crawler, " go steel. In the event that you're an "overlander" seeking to keep items light, aluminum might be your best bet.
The Magic of Swing-Outs
The real game-changer with a good aftermarket land cruiser 100 series rear bumper will be the modularity. Most high-end options enable you to select between different swing-out configurations. You could have a single tire service provider, or you may go for a dual setup exactly where one side holds the spare and the other holds jerry cans, the Hi-Lift jack, or even a collapsible camp table.
Using a camp table incorporated into the rear swing-out is a single of those amusement you don't recognize you need till you have it. This makes roadside lunch time stops or setting up a stove at get away so much simpler. Plus, moving the particular fuel cans outdoors the vehicle is definitely a huge safety plus. Nobody desires to smell gasoline fumes in the vacation cabin during a ten-hour drive through the particular desert.
A single thing to keep in mind along with swing-outs will be the latch mechanism. You desire some thing that's easy to work with a singke hand but won't rattle your own brains from washboard roads. Cheap bumpers often have flimsy latches that start squeaking after a couple of months. Look for designs that use heavy-duty bearings and secure, slam-style or over-center latches.
Improving Reduction Angles
One particular of the almost all immediate benefits associated with swapping your manufacturing plant plastic may be the massive improvement in departure angle. Most automotive aftermarket bumpers are "high-clearance, " meaning they will wrap across the rear quarters from the automobile and sit very much higher than the particular original parts.
This generally requires cutting the rear lower one fourth panels of your Land Cruiser. I know, taking a reciprocating saw to your beloved 100 Series can be nerve-wracking, but the result is worth this. By cutting aside that low-hanging page metal and replacing it with steel plating that's component of the bumper, you gain several inches of measurement. It makes the vehicle look much more aggressive and, even more importantly, stops you from denting these vulnerable body sections when you're shedding off a corner.
Recovery Factors and Towing
A solid land cruiser 100 series rear bumper should always come with integrated recovery points. These are generally heavy-duty tabs welded directly to the particular frame brackets. Whenever you're stuck in a bog, you want a recovery point that's graded for the weight associated with a fully loaded 100 Series—which may easily push seven, 000 pounds or even more.
Towing is another large consideration. Most automotive aftermarket bumpers come with a built-in problem receiver. However, you have to check if that will receiver is really tow-rated. Some are usually only meant regarding bike racks or lightweight accessories. In the event that you plan on pulling a large off-road trailer or a boat, make sure the bumper is made to handle the particular tongue weight plus pulling force needed.
Installation Considerations
Installing the rear bumper on a 100 Series isn't exactly a good one-man job for a Sunday afternoon, specifically if it's the steel unit. You're going to require a floor jack port, some jack holds, and preferably a friend who doesn't thoughts getting their hands dirty.
If you're going with a high-clearance model that requires cutting the body, take your time. Measure two times, cut once—or probably measure three periods just to become safe. You'll should also think about wires. Since you're probably moving the spare tire, you may be preventing the factory license plate location or even the reverse lights. Most quality bumpers include mounts for any new license plate bracket and cut-outs for LED pods that can serve as much-needed auxiliary reverse lights.
Maintenance for the Long Haul
Once you've obtained your new land cruiser 100 series rear bumper installed, don't simply forget about it. These things live in a harsh atmosphere. They get blasted by rocks, road salt, and dirt. If you have a steel bumper, look out for rock and roll chips and contact them up with some paint or bedliner to prevent rust from taking hold.
The turns points around the swing-outs also need some love. Most of them have grease zerk fittings. Providing them a push of fresh oil every time you make oil can keep the swing-outs moving smoothly and prevent them from seizing up with time. There's nothing even more frustrating than looking to get to your extra tire and obtaining the swing-arm is usually rusted shut.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, upgrading your land cruiser 100 series rear bumper is about peace of mind. It's knowing that you can back to a bank or even drop off a rock without destroying your bodywork. It's the convenience of having your abdominal tires and extra energy where you may reach them. And let's be honest—it makes an currently great-looking truck look like it's ready to cross a country. Whether you move for a sleek aluminum setup or a beefy steel beast with just about all the bells and whistles, it's an investment that pays for itself the 1st time you're out in the wild plus things get a little Western.