Question For Those That Have Modified/Changed Their Front Bumpers?

[PurelyAbrasive]

Those that have modified/changed their front bumper did you do the install yourself and if so was it difficult. I am thinking about getting the DV8 centric bumper being they are having a sale but I am a little worried about getting it being there are not that many if any places that would install it around me if I got one. Just trying to get a feel of what I am getting myself into.

 

[robsurfskate]

Not yet. Waiting on ARB to release their version. I live in Orlando, FL, so I'll have 4x4 Parts install it. They are an authorized ARB dealer.

 

[robsurfskate]

ARB only...

 

[JordanJ]

I did my install by myself, it wasn’t too hard. I’m not sure what the dv8 looks like, I have the ragofab one, so I suppose if it’s a full size it might be a little trickier considering the weight? But I’m pretty sure they all go on the same way, for me the hardest part was the front end removal, I had limited space and thought I was organized enough but I wasn’t. I’d recommend labeling absolutely everything as it comes off. Mine required cutting too, so there’s parts of the front that kind of break down into even more pieces so the proper cutting is possible so that was where I kind of truly lost sight of my organization lol. But point being, it’s easy enough to do on your own!

 

[robsurfskate]

I did my install by myself, it wasn’t too hard. I’m not sure what the dv8 looks like, I have the ragofab one, so I suppose if it’s a full size it might be a little trickier considering the weight? But I’m pretty sure they all go on the same way, for me the hardest part was the front end removal, I had limited space and thought I was organized enough but I wasn’t. I’d recommend labeling absolutely everything as it comes off. Mine required cutting too, so there’s parts of the front that kind of break down into even more pieces so the proper cutting is possible so that was where I kind of truly lost sight of my organization lol. But point being, it’s easy enough to do on your own!

I'm taking my time and waiting for the market to catch up. I prefer ARB. I have ARB MODS on both of my Tacomas and it's solid. just my own opinion.

 

[Insanoflexathf]

I’ve installed the DV8 bumper. It wasn’t bad at all, if you know your way around a vehicle. They have a YouTube video about the install as well. However, take your time with a razor blade and don’t butcher the bumper like this guy did, haha. I used a new razor blade and went over the same cut lines over and over and it went pretty well, looks clean too. I installed a 12,000lb Warn Winch and Rigid light bar in the bumper as well. The company is really responsive, so reach out to them if you have questions. They have an install PDF on their site to refer to as well.

 

[Swampdriver]

I’ve installed the DV8 bumper. It wasn’t bad at all, if you know your way around a vehicle. They have a YouTube video about the install as well. However, take your time with a razor blade and don’t butcher the bumper like this guy did, haha. I used a new razor blade and went over the same cut lines over and over and it went pretty well, looks clean too. I installed a 12,000lb Warn Winch and Rigid light bar in the bumper as well. The company is really responsive, so reach out to them if you have questions. They have an install PDF on their site to refer to as well.

What did you do with the DV8 bumper logo, since the Rigid light bar has a logo in the
same place?

 

[Alpha Puppy]

What did you do with the DV8 bumper logo, since the Rigid light bar has a logo in the
same place?

I cut mine off. Looks great without. Though I'm using the Baja Designs light bar.

 

[Insanoflexathf]

What did you do with the DV8 bumper logo, since the Rigid light bar has a logo in the
same place?

I left mine as is. I know a few people have cut the logo out, but I don’t mind it. I purchased this Rigid light bar and it’s a perfect fit. No logo to deal with in the middle…

https://a.co/d/gopddkD

 

[t3lcfe]

Those that have modified/changed their front bumper did you do the install yourself and if so was it difficult. I am thinking about getting the DV8 centric bumper being they are having a sale but I am a little worried about getting it being there are not that many if any places that would install it around me if I got one. Just trying to get a feel of what I am getting myself into.

Not difficult if you are handy enough
I did everything myself and slowly followed their instruction.
I did post with photos about it including how to wire the winch to rear battery
Here are again few photos and /or you can search through my signed name t3lcfe to check out the old posts

 

[PurelyAbrasive]

Does anyone ever worry that the loss of the large aluminum bar is going to be an issue if you have a minor fender bender? I mean any corner impact and it will be into the motor fairly easily.

 

[t3lcfe]

Does anyone ever worry that the loss of the large aluminum bar is going to be an issue if you have a minor fender bender? I mean any corner impact and it will be into the motor fairly easily.

I thought about that too…
The OEM aluminum bar has 2 side pieces bolted to the middle one. I wondered why the aftermarket steel one isn’t designed so that 2 side OEM pieces can be bolted to it.
Many bumpers I know and see (in off-road trucks) are designed that way. I guess it is “okay”, but not “perfect”. I can live with it

This company designs the steel bumper with 2 side pieces connected to the central one. This requires a lot of cuts and way heavier

 

[PurelyAbrasive]

I thought about that too…
The OEM aluminum bar has 2 side pieces bolted to the middle one. I wondered why the aftermarket steel one isn’t designed so that 2 side OEM pieces can be bolted to it.
Many bumpers I know and see (in off-road trucks) are designed that way. I guess it is “okay”, but not “perfect”. I can live with it

This company designs the steel bumper with 2 side pieces connected to the central one. This requires a lot of cuts and way heavier
View attachment 32524

Yep I am going to hold off on the bumper for a bit to see what new comes out. I do like the ARB Zenith front bumper but I may have to sell a kidney for it so...