Front Bumper Comparison

Front Bumper Comparison

One of the best ways to change the look and off road performance of your FJ Cruiser is to install an aftermarket bumper. The choices for this upgrade are so varied that it would be impossible to cover every option, but we’ll cover as many as we can. The major factors that go into choosing a front bumper include cost, style, features, clearance, winch compatibility, and weight. Once all of these items are addressed, it becomes clear which bumper is right one to fit  your needs.

For our comparison run, we had 6 FJ’s with a total of 4 different bumpers (2 were ARB bumpers). In addition to the ARB, we tested the All Pro (original 1 piece version), Road Armor, Aluminess, and Land Cruisers North West (LCNW) bumpers. The LCNW was the only tube bumper tested, but there are nearly as many tube bumper options for the FJ as any other style. The All Pro, Road Armor, and ARB bumpers are all made of high-grade steel, while the Aluminess bumper is made of 6061 aluminum.  The pros and cons of steel vs. aluminum have to be weighed on an individual basis.

The first part of our comparison involved taking photos of some of the various feature of each bumper. Ground clearance is always one of the first questions asked, so we measured each bumper while we were in a paved, level parking lot.

Of course each vehicle has a different setup and configuration, so the amount of ground clearance measured depends upon the amount of lift, tire size, and cargo in the vehicle. Since measuring from the ground  gives a 1”-2” margin of error, we also photographed the front of each FJ to show how the bumper relates to the frame. The tow points on the frame will be the same for every FJ, so showing how these relate to the bumper is a great way to gauge the amount of clearance you’ll gain.

As you can see, several of the bumpers sit very high on the frame, which will mean more ground clearance in the front, and a better approach angle. Regardless of which bumper you choose, you’ll see MUCH better clearance and approach angles than the stock bumper. Most aftermarket bumpers also eliminate the overhang near your front tires, that also enhances the capability of your FJ.

We took an in-depth look at all the bumpers in our test group. Below are the highlights of each one:

ARB  (MSRP $1,499.99) Website

-Style: Boxed Steel

-Features: Brush guard, heavy duty frame plate, integrated Hi-Lift points, 2X integrated light mounts, heavy duty design, includes frame bracket.

-Clearance: Approx 17-20 inches (with 2.5” lift)

-Winch Compatibility: Front mount, Warn M8000 or compatible

-Weight:  ~150lbs w/brush guard

-Installation: Moderate, 4-5 hours for an experienced team of 3

All Pro (MSRP $799.99 ++) Website

-Style: Boxed steel (1 piece pictured, current model is a 3 piece)

-Features: Integrated recovery points, Available bolt On bull bar/brush guard, fits tightly to the FJ body.

-Clearance: Approx 18.5-20 inches (with 3” lift)

-Winch Compatibility: Bottom mount, Warn 9.5ti or compatible

-Weight:  76lbs without bull bar/brush guard

-Installation: Moderate, 3-4 hours for an experienced team of 3

Aluminess (MSRP $1,200 ++) Website

-Style: Boxed Aluminum

-Features: Locking winch access door, integrated recovery points, 2X integrated light mounts, available bull bar/brush guard, flat top design, includes frame bracket.

-Clearance: Approx 18-20 inches (with 2.5” lift)

-Winch Compatibility: Bottom mount, Warn XD9000 or compatible

-Weight: 43 lbs without bull bar/brush guard

-Installation: Moderate, 3-4 hours for an experienced team of 2

LCNW (MSRP $1,195 ++) Website

-Style: Steel tube

-Features:  Close fitting tube design, multiple light mounting options, includes frame bracket.

-Clearance: Approx 20-22 inches (with 3” lift)

-Winch Compatibility: Bottom mount, Various compatible winches.

-Weight: 75lbs with brush guard hoops

-Installation: Moderate, 2-3 hours for an experienced team of 2. Some bracket modification may be necessary.

Road Armor (MSRP $1,661 ++) Website

-Style: Boxed Steel

-Features: Available Bull Bar / Brush Guard, 4” light pods, integrated recovery points, Lifetime guaranty against breakage, includes frame bracket.

-Clearance: Approx 18-20 inches (with 3” lift)

-Winch Compatibility: Front mount, up to 9,000lb capacity

-Weight: 73lbs without bull bar / brush guard

-Installation: Moderate, 4-5 hours for an experienced team of 4. Requires some special hardware to offset width of bumper on frame.

On the following list we’ve tried to include all major bumper options that are currently in stock and available. There are custom, low volume, and one-off-a-kind bumper options also available. Please visit www.fjc-mag.com for information on new bumper options as they become available.

Box Steel Bumpers

All Pro (See above)

ARB (See above)

Demello (MSRP $689 ++) Website

-Features:  Integrated recovery points, 2X integrated light mounts, available bull bar / brush guard, flat top design

-Winch Compatibility: Warn M8000 or compatible

-Weight: 75lb without bull bar / brush guard

Expedition One (MSRP $949.98 ++) Website

-Features: Integrated recovery points, 2X integrated light mounts, several bull bar/brush guard options

-Winch Compatibility: Several winch options

-Weight: 105lb with bull bar

Fab Fours (MSRP $1,357 ++) Website

-Features:  2X Integrated lights/side marker lights, integrated recovery points, available brush guard

-Winch Compatibility: Several winch options

-Weight: 106lb without brush guard

Road Armor (See above)

Warn (MSRP $1,060.23 ++) Website

-Features: Auxiliary light brackets, integrated brush guard, lower fog light mounts

-Winch Compatibility: Up to 12,000lb Warn winch

-Weight: 150lb

Aluminum Bumpers

Aluminess (See above)

Body Armor (MSRP $1,257.72 ++) Website

-Features: Integrated recovery points, includes shackles, light mounting options

-Winch Compatibility: Up to 9,000lb winch

-Weight: 78lb

Tube Bumpers

Demello Pre-Runner Lightweight Bumper (MSRP $950 ++) Website

-Features: 4x light tabs, works with winch or bash plate

-Winch Compatibility: Several winch options

-Weight: 65lbs

LCNW (See above)

Metal Tech (MSRP $899.95 ++) Website

-Features: 4x light brackets, independent winch mount, pre-cut holes for wiring lights

-Winch Compatibility: Several winch options

-Weight: 54lbs

The TOY Outfitters (MSRP $875 ++) Website

-Features: Integrated light mounts, available recovery points, integrated receiver hitch, available bull bar / brush guard

-Winch Compatibility: Several winch options

-Weight: 91lbs

Upgrades to OEM FJ Cruiser Bumper

Lucrum Winch Mount (MSRP $599.99 ++) Website

-Features: Integrated recovery points, available bull bar w/light tabs, lifetime warranty

-Winch Compatibility: Several winch options

-Weight: 50lbs (plus remaining parts of stock bumper)

When it comes time to upgrade your front bumper, the reality is that most people choose the bumper that fits their situation. All the specifications in the world won’t matter if you personally don’t like the way a bumper looks on your rig. If you are torn between one bumper or another, it is our hope that this information will help to make your decision easier.

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