Suspension Questions with New Bumper

Hi there!

I've got a 2016 Limited 4x2 and I'm going to be adding an ARB Summit Bumper. ARB states that the bumper and hardware weighs 170 lbs and it's my understanding that the stock bumper and hardware weighs about 40 lbs. I will not be adding a winch, but will be adding 2 6" KC Pro Sport lights to the bumper.

My question is, with this ~150lb increase, will the front end of my truck sag? I'm assuming the answer is yes. If so, what is the best way to bring my truck back to stock height and retain stock ride?

I could add a leveling kit to achieve the increased height, but I'm worried that the ride would suffer from the added weight.

Can I get away with just a strut upgrade only to, say Bilstein 5100s or HDs, adjusted in height to compensate for the weight? Or a spring upgrade only to, say, OME Medium Load (2888) springs? Or would I need to upgrade both the front struts and front springs?

Will the added the spring rate/strut valving affect the ride negatively? Will I need to do anything to rear suspension to compensate for the front changes?

Thank you in advance for your help!

 

I just got done adding 880's and Icon shocks to mt 1st gen.

You are going to need better springs, so you might as well get some better shocks while you have it apart.

I noticed i have a better ride with my stronger springs. The extra weight of the bumper offsets the stiffer springs harshness.

 

I can't offer you advice for how to upgrade your suspension, only that you will definitely need to if you want to prevent sag. I installed my summit bar a bit ago and lost 1.5" from the front (with an 80lb winch).

 

Curious why you chose the ARB over other much nicer looking bumpers on the market? For me I just couldn't see adding another foot to an already looong front end. Not to mention it's fugly.

 

Did you upgrade the front and rear suspension or just the front end?

Do you have a 4x2 or 4x4? I'd imagine with my 4x2, I already have a softer spring rate, but I'll be forgoing the winch. Did you notice a difference in ride and front suspension travel with the addition of the bumper?

Strength. My Nissan Frontier was totaled back in December from hitting a deer. Pretty violent crash as he nearly came up to the windshield. With how frequently I travel to my property, I want the added strength of the ARB bumper. That's also while I'll be adding the KC 6" lights that are DOT legal so I can wire them up to my high beams.

While it does stick out, I plan to have it powdercoated to match so it's not as noticeable as when it's all black.

 

OME 886 paired with 5100s is what you need because of that spring rate. It'll keep you from nose diving every time you hit the brakes moderately hard. Other OME coils can bring the ride height back up, but they're softer so it'll dive. Only "downside" is it'll lift up your front end a couple inches.

PS once you start modifying like this, there's no way to retain a stock ride. Just won't happen.

 

4x4, TRD-OR

 

Are the OME springs stock height? If so, if I left the 5100s at a lower setting, would I still get the height increase? I could deal with a little height increase up to level, but I definitely don't want to be nose high.

 

It depends on which OME coils you get because there are so many. Talk to Marie at Headstrong offroad and she'll guide you in the right direction. She's the main person to buy from around here.

 

Since the front ends of the 2013 and 2016 are reasonably similar, here's my experience with the ARB.

I don't believe the weight, unless there is significantly more steel on the new ones than the 2G or even pre-Tacoma bumpers. Mine was about 90 lbs without a winch. My truck sagged about 1" in the front. I didn't notice any degradation in ride, but who knows if the 3G is different than the 2G.

I went with 5100 @ 0.85 / Eibach 620s and gained approximately 2" in height compared to the advertised 2.4" with that combo (1.6" springs + 0.85" struts). The ride firmed up and I liked it more as it felt sportier. As far as how it will survive a crash, here's my truck after a 30 mph head-on collision.



It totaled the truck, but I could still open and close the hood.

 

Wow. That's impressive and exactly the type of strength I'm looking for! Thanks for sharing!

I thought the weight seemed very heavy as well, but I took my information directly from ARB's new letter on the bumper seen here: http://www.arbusa.com/Uploads/PDF/newProductAdvice/2016/2016Tacoma_Summit.pdf

If you only noticed a 1" drop in height and no degradation in ride or nose dive under heavy braking, that's a very good sign. I'll give ARB a call tomorrow and see what they say about the weight.

Thanks!

 

hopefully that bumper was reused

 

You couldn't re-use it.

 

You asking about mine? It looks in better shape than it was. The center between the two lights was bowed up as the whole bumper had been shifted.

 

I spoke with ARB Tech Support about this setup and they confirmed that the bumper and brackets are right around 170 lbs. They said the brackets and hardware also add to the weight factor.

They said the OME springs won't work unless I'm okay with lifting the front end. I asked him if it was a lift or a level and he said that it would lift the front end higher than level and would ride nose high unless I put a block in the back. He also said the springs would need new struts because they're taller.

He recommended I contact Slee Offroad as they're more familiar with what's available from other suspension manufacturers. I contacted Slee, but couldn't reach anyone.

The search continues.

 

SUPER LIKE!

 

In my opinion I would get in contact with @ToyTec Lifts and see what they can come up with, I know the adjustable setups are very nice and will provide the perfect ride height you are looking for but the 888 with the 90021 shocks will hold that bumper up and give you a great ride!

 

I thought all Limited tacos were 4x4 without crawl control. I'm still new to the Tacoma lineup.

 

Random but i found this and wondering if you can chime in. Back end of mine is raking kinda hard. I do have some beefy suspension in the rear but if I wanted to level out the front end should i swap my OME 9000 for Billy 5100's? I have 886 coilovers in the front to take the weight of my ARB

 

So you currently have 90000/886 and want to bring the nose end up a little bit? I would add 1/2" top plate spacers up front. You'll need longer studs to accommodate them.

https://www.headstrongoffroad.com/store/p30/HS_1/2"_Top_Plate_Spacers_-_TT05512-TPS.html

That is the easiest, least expensive, and also happens to be the best way to do it. Your ride quality won't change at all.