2nd Gen Front Bumper Kit questions

Hey guys,

I am wanting to get an aftermarket offroad front bumper for my 2009 taco and I am interested in going with a DIY kit. I have only a little experience welding, but I think it could make for a fun project and I could learn a lot.

Some questions I have to start are what brands/companies make DIY kits that are legit? I have been looking at the bumper kit from Coastal offroad which looks pretty good (I like the clean look and I think it is reasonably priced), but I am wondering if you guys have experience with or know of another bumper kit that is better for about the same amount of cash.

Two bumper kits that I have considered so far are:
https://www.truenorthfabrications.com/product-page/2005-15-tacoma-diy-plate-bumper-kit

https://www.coastaloffroad.com/product-page/2nd-gen-tacoma-high-clearance-plate-bumper/

Any personal experience from going the DIY route to consider? I am okay with it taking a while to weld and put together, I can work on it in my freetime and I am willing to take the time to learn. I also would like to go this route because there isn't a major wait time for a kit and shipping is considerably cheaper than buying a pre-built bumper.

P.S. If this is posted in the wrong area or you could point me toward some other helpful threads that would be much appreciated! Thanks!

 

Well I don't have experience with either one of those two bumpers. They look fine. Strength will ultimately come down to your welding abilities.
Now on to the rest of it. The one thing most people forget when buying a DIY kit is that their welding materials cost money. So you're going to be spending money on gas, wire, grinding wheels, sanding Wheels, electricity, Etc. Then when you're all done and positive it fits perfectly you take it back off and take it down to the powder coat guy. At that point you're going to spend several hundred dollars having it blasted and powder-coated. Or maybe you're just going to have it painted and again that's going to cost you a few hundred dollars. You can go the cheap route and try to rattle can it but that s*** won't hold up. You're going to have rust within a year. Possibly you're a painter and have the equipment to lay down a quality paint job. Well that'll last for a few years if you off road. But again sanding materials, primer, reducer, paint, hardener, Etc. All going to set you back more money. By the time you get done spending all the money for what I've mentioned you could basically buy something and bolt it on and be done with it.

 

I'm in the same boat. For some people it's all about the end dollar, and for some people it's the experience of making something that you can be proud of. I'd rather drive a late 60's mustang that I had to put work into, than a modern day Corvette or lambo right off the lot. For your truck, Even if buying vs building is the same cost, if you're motivated and want to learn, don't let anyone talk you out of building one.

Airdreams is pretty spot on though for the additional costs, plus any extra tools like basic welding gear, clamps, PPE, etc.

If you're going to abuse it, you might be better off painting yourself so that you can touch it up easier. Worst case scenario, you screw up and still pay someone to blast/paint it.

In addition to those two, I'm just scrolling google results for Tacoma bumper kit:
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/bumpers-2nd-gens-only.164975/
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads...umpers-i-can-weld-myself.300449/#post-7629337
https://www.tacomaworld.com/threads/relentless-diy-front-bumper-kit.261246/

https://www.movebumpers.com/collections/toyota-bumper-kits
https://nwtrailinnovations.com/bump...toyota-tacoma/toyota-tacoma-2005-2011-bumpers
https://www.srqfabrications.com/store/05-15-2nd-Gen-Tacoma-Plate-Bumper-DIY-Kit-p188419797
https://sosoffroadconcepts.com/tacoma-armor/tacoma-front-bumpers/

 

TLDR... if I had to pick one from your links, the True North bumper looks awesome!