Brush guard and Winch

I really want a brush guard and a winch but it seems as though I have to pick one or the other.

Warn used to make their Trans4mer Brush guard w/ winch plate for the second gen tacoma but it doesn't seem like they do anymore though I've yet to reach out.

Im curious if it would be possible to run a brush guard and an integrated or semi-integrated front bumper winch plate at the same time; if they use the same mounting locations and/or of they'd both fit.

Now I know someone is gunna hop on here and tell me to get a winch bumper. I understand your points and they are valid but don't waste your time.

Anyways if anyone knows of an existing products I might check out, or if they have info about running both, please let me know. Any info would be much appreciated.

 

gl, it took me awhile to find a trans4mer and 100 percent worth it if you can find one. Had to drive up to Washington from Cali.

 

I have been considering this in combination with a brush guard. I have not looked into compatibility as it's possible they use the same mounting points, but I think there are workarounds. Most likely involving cuts through the integrated skid plate.

 

That's what I have but all I have left is the Winch Plate, I cut the rest of it off since the upper area started to shake so bad as it got older.

 

Not sure why you would have a brush guard.

a steel bumper will give protection, looks, recovery, guard brush, and mount a winch.

Weak “brush guard” damage multipliers are stupid.
That is why this is the case.

the market goes lemme get some good shit. Suppliers go let me make some good shit and sell it to fulfill the demand. Not dumb shit.

if you’ve had your truck long enough someone has crashed into it. Making it free. And protecting the investment. That a brush guard does not do.

 

Until I saw everyone shitting on them I was interested in a brush guard. Why so bad? I want one as my property (where I do majority of offroading) is infested with Silver Berries/Autumn Olives. Dunno if you have those in your part of NC (I grew up near Greensboro and didn't see my first until VA) but they grow fast encroaching on paths and the thorns can gouge the metal. It's just cosmetic (initially, then rust, then holes) but I figured a brush guard would suffice. Something better than cheap tube metal with bird shit for seams, but I'm here for suggestions.
Also, it's easier for me to count days I haven't seen deer out and about. Just replace front bumper with a steel one? I want a winch eventually too...

 

If you are literally just hitting light brush and nothing else they're fine.

The problem comes when you hit anything heavier than light brush, then they act as levers that will twank your front frame mounting points and still allow plenty of additional front-end damage besides. Crushed headlights, possibly crushed front grill/radiator, etc.

A full coverage steel bumper, preferably with full tubes above, that has brackets that transfer at least half the load directly to the vehicle frame (not just the crash-beam support points or whatever) will do a lot better in any real collision, including deer & possibly even moose.

 

Cover the truck in paint protection film and get an ARB bumper. It has some sort of hoops for brush

 

1. a brush guard is not going to protect the truck
2. a brush guard costs money, to make the truck worse
3. a brush guard is a damage multiplier based on the pivot points it mounts to
4. they look stupid

a steel bumper with full hoops is going to give you the following
1. good looks
2. mounting locations for lights, winch, and more
3. protect the vehicle on the street from Hyundai's and Kias
make it stronger off road, and better clearance
protect against nature like deer
It protects the investment. That's what the truck is. Spending $18k on an overpriced truck for it to be written off by a simple Kia because it wasn't protected, is not wise.
4. a step surface to work on the truck
5. if somebody hits you prior, which is common, they're going to pay for it. Same goes for the rear.
6. Wrap around. Take for example ARB front. It wraps around (coverage)
7. visibility safety. ARB lights add more lights. It's a steel bumper. If a person sees it and is 1% less likely to pull out, I'll take it.
8. Evens the look. Odds are you've been hit in the rear and got a free steel HC rear. That looks odd with no front.
9. Recovery points
10. Durability. I'm pretty sure the coating is durable
11. Crash safety. It's gonna do better in a crash.

 

Thanks. I've managed to never been in more than a parking lot bumper knock so I just don't think about collisions. I know it'll happen eventually so I'm glad I asked. Tax refund might not last long this year...
ARB seems to be the go to. Especially with the crash ratings. I know IIHS has standards and the like, but they only test up to 35-40 mph I think, assumption being the driver will manage to slow down some before impact (or nobody ever passes 60+ mph crash tests). Road illumination is another good bonus. Thanks again

 

The question wasn't, brush guard or bumper? It was, can a brush guard and an integrated Winch plate be used in conjunction and/or are there any products like the warn trans4mer still being produced?

Still, despite the forewarning, everyone has to chime in and demonstrate how smart they are without actually answering the question.

WhY wOuLd YoU gEt A bRuSh GuArD?!

Because I think they look cool on trucks that're otherwise stock, a mounting option for some lights, and to guard my frontend from the brush I frequently drive through. Yes I know I can achieve all that with a bumper and get even better protection. I don't care, I think that would look stupid, like when footballers practice with their helmets on only. I'm not concerned about added protection. My want for a brush guard is mostly cosmetic, my inquiry about running a winch plate concurrently is simple curiosity.

Please, if your only addition to the post is the benefits of a winch bumper, just move along.

 

think you're asking a very fair question. if i were to do it again i would look into a lightweight brush guard + a hitch (for attaching and detaching a winch when necessary)

for example:

https://www.extremeterrain.com/black-horse-off-road-grille-guard-black-0515-tacoma.html



https://www.4xinnovations.com/2005--2015-Tacoma-Front-Hidden-Hitch-Receiver_p_26.html



my friend has that on his ranger and is happy to not have to do huge mods like an arb bumper demands

 

Rough crowd!
It's your truck and if that's the look you are into, more power to ya!

I thought Warn had one but no luck finding it online. If nothing is available, maybe go hidden winch mount and then have the non winch brush guard that are still available, still a choice of those out there.

Best of luck with your search! Ignore the ones that think everyone needs an extreme rock crawler set up, like theirs!

BTW, this was my 91, just sold it last year!

 

Who cares what minor benefits a brush guard might bring for minor events like running into br

 

The ARB bumper should meet OPs requirements plus it’s a quality unit for a winch with solid recovery points.
Brush guards aren’t my cup of tea but some people like them so why not suggest a good brand

 

I agree with you completely.

I just had to post the meme because your username contains "McFly."

 

ha, cool.

 

Exactly what I'm wondering, if the two can be used at the same time. I feel like their mounting locations will conflict with one another.

That's an option I'd not yet considered. Definitely going to look further into it. Much appreciated.

 

Have you considered getting the brush guard you like the best and then doing a hidden winch mount like this

https://www.ampdupllc.com/product-page/2nd-gen-tacoma-hidden-winch-mount