So, now that I've got a new truck, I'm thinking about keeping it nice. That involves protecting it from an 80 mph collision with a deer/other furry creatures. I know that the stock bumper wouldn't do much in that situation, but I know that there are bumpers out there that can protect it better. I know of ARB and TJM for being quite hefty bumpers. I also know of badland bumpers. Now, I don't need a winch, and I don't plan on getting one. So, what's my best choise of action? I don't know of any heavy duty bumpers that don't have a winch mount. If some one could give some insight/point me in the right direction that would be great.

 

Try this thread:
http://www.4x4wire.com/toyota/tech/bumpers/

 

80 mph is not an option. Even if the bumper itself survived the truck wouldn't... You looking for stuff like this? http://www.roadarmor.com/

 

Well the truck would have a much better chance at surviving with a good bumper rather than the stock one though.

Thanks for the links, I totaly fogot about the 4x4wire thing they did on bumpers.

 

What I'm getting at: Is buying an ARB and not puting in a winch a bad idea?

 

Oh no, I agree, good bumpers are a good thing. But they really protect you from the 5 mph stuff. The big impacts - the bumper, body, chassis etc all have to work together, sacrificing themselves to save your butt. I've spent countless hours in impound lots going over the remains of wrecks - it's astounding how well the modern vehicle can absorb impact and keep the passenger compartment intact!

 

Ok, I agree with you on that. The nice thing about a bumper is that if I hit a deer/whatever at a slower speed, it's going to protect the truck better (radiator, hood, side panels) I don't want to have my truck totaled, or have a ton of body work done because some retarted animal decided it was a good time to cross the road. Not only that, they look better IMO, and it also gives me a place to mount driving lights.