Let me know if you need a truck for measurements
2024 Tacoma - What do you think?
- Thread starter HDavis
- Start date
I took a step back on bumpers and spent the last week looking at options. This doesnt preclude me from swapping for something Slee comes up with later on. I waited a long time for the rear 200 series bumper that already had a prototype. That is actually a good thing as Slee wants to fully test his products and I have no complaints about that.
I wanted a bumper that did not movee the sensors to simplify the install. These resulted in bumpers that are not full width, Low profile I believe they are called. I didn't really like the other full width options. Being a daily driver with some moderate wheeling, I am OK with less protection. The 200 series will be my primary wheeling rig. I can always change the bumper out if that changes at a later date. The trimming on these bumpers would not impact the areas that would need to be trimmed for a full width bumper
I have the TRD Pro style grill with a light bar, so don't need another front light bar.
here are the bumpers I considered
I selected the RCI Pike Bumper With a Warn EVO VR 10-S winch. The bumper has 4-6 week lead time. I talked with RCI at the Expo and really liked the look of this bumper on their truck. Good group to talk to. At the time was discussing their skid plates (Bought), but grew to bumpers a week ago. Win for the Toyota Expo put on by the club!!!
I wanted a bumper that did not movee the sensors to simplify the install. These resulted in bumpers that are not full width, Low profile I believe they are called. I didn't really like the other full width options. Being a daily driver with some moderate wheeling, I am OK with less protection. The 200 series will be my primary wheeling rig. I can always change the bumper out if that changes at a later date. The trimming on these bumpers would not impact the areas that would need to be trimmed for a full width bumper
I have the TRD Pro style grill with a light bar, so don't need another front light bar.
here are the bumpers I considered
I selected the RCI Pike Bumper With a Warn EVO VR 10-S winch. The bumper has 4-6 week lead time. I talked with RCI at the Expo and really liked the look of this bumper on their truck. Good group to talk to. At the time was discussing their skid plates (Bought), but grew to bumpers a week ago. Win for the Toyota Expo put on by the club!!!
- I liked the look of this bumper the best
- This has beefy secondary brackets.
- Install Video and Instructions are very easy to follow
- Likely to line up better with my RCI Skid plates
- Decided to add a winch even though initially considered it a nice to have
- I did a test with 14 gallons of water on the front end and it showed droop added to suspension likely less than 0.25" for bumper and winch. Not something I will worry about. The Bumper + winch less Bumper removals is about 111 lbs. 14 gallons of water is about 116 lbs. Not fully accurate since the bumper will be on the frame rails providing more downforce.
- I have a Light Bar in my TRD Pro style Grill, so did not want big gapping holes were big light bars go. The ones on this bumper are small and don't look like something is missing. If I wanted a Lightbar, either Victory or Cali Raised would have been higher in my list
- I oscillated between CBI Super Convert and the RCI Pike for most of this. Feeling the RCI had a stronger mounting setup and I liked the look of the Pike Bumper better
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Ken, how is the ride now after a while on the new springs. I’d really enjoy a little extra uptravel on my truck.
The ride is great. Seems like the stock ride but taller 
Ok, maybe a little firmer, but that could just be my imagination.
It does deal with really bumpy roads a bit better. Not the harshness of the bumps. Before it seemed like sometimes it was hitting the internal shock front bump stop. Yesterday it didnt feel that way on the same stretch of road
Ok, maybe a little firmer, but that could just be my imagination.It does deal with really bumpy roads a bit better. Not the harshness of the bumps. Before it seemed like sometimes it was hitting the internal shock front bump stop. Yesterday it didnt feel that way on the same stretch of road
I selected the RCI Pike Bumper and ordered it on Thursday as part of their Memorial Day sale. They told me 2-6 week lead time. I was surprized when they called me the next day and said the Bumper and winch were ready. I drove the 70 miles to Loveland to pick it up
I had watched the Install video several times
The Instructions were also very easy to follow and are linked on their web site
There are lots of videos that go over how to remove the bumper. The instructions were very clear on how to do it. The only thing I was nervous about was trimming the old bumper. I cut the majority of it with an angle grinder after taping. It wasn't too bad! It was messy though.
I then used a dremel with a smaller cut off wheel to fine tune the cuts. Then used a grinding stone and a sand block to smooth out the cuts
I removed the Crash bar and brackets which was about 40 pounds
I then installed the bumper per the video and written instructions. This part was the easiest
I put the winch in, and had to take it out a couple of times. The Warn instructions are not as straight forward. You have to attach the power cable (ground already installed). Then you have to put the captured nuts into the bottom of the winch. Once I did that, it was easy going. RCI provides a custom bracket to put on the hanger Right side of photo) so you can reach in the bottom hole and work the clutch
I then put it all back together. As you can see, the bumper has room for the front license plate in the stock location. It does cover the RCI Logo. I asked them if they have weather proof stickers in case I want to put one on the bumper. It would partially have covered lights if I had installed that option.
I have the tranny and Tcase RCI aluminum skids coming. They did not have those in stock
Like I said, you can reach in the bottom hole to adjust the clutch
I am very pleased with the result. The measured droop before and after is 3/8 of an inch. Not something I am going to worry about.
I had watched the Install video several times
The Instructions were also very easy to follow and are linked on their web site
There are lots of videos that go over how to remove the bumper. The instructions were very clear on how to do it. The only thing I was nervous about was trimming the old bumper. I cut the majority of it with an angle grinder after taping. It wasn't too bad! It was messy though.
I then used a dremel with a smaller cut off wheel to fine tune the cuts. Then used a grinding stone and a sand block to smooth out the cuts
I removed the Crash bar and brackets which was about 40 pounds
I then installed the bumper per the video and written instructions. This part was the easiest
I put the winch in, and had to take it out a couple of times. The Warn instructions are not as straight forward. You have to attach the power cable (ground already installed). Then you have to put the captured nuts into the bottom of the winch. Once I did that, it was easy going. RCI provides a custom bracket to put on the hanger Right side of photo) so you can reach in the bottom hole and work the clutch
I then put it all back together. As you can see, the bumper has room for the front license plate in the stock location. It does cover the RCI Logo. I asked them if they have weather proof stickers in case I want to put one on the bumper. It would partially have covered lights if I had installed that option.
I have the tranny and Tcase RCI aluminum skids coming. They did not have those in stock
Like I said, you can reach in the bottom hole to adjust the clutch
I am very pleased with the result. The measured droop before and after is 3/8 of an inch. Not something I am going to worry about.
I know I gave up a level of protection not going with a full width bumper. With my new springs giving me more lift and not wanting to mess with moving any sensors, I decided this was the right path for me for what is my daily driver. I will take it on some easy trails, but the 200 will be my go to wheeler
I think you made the correct choice. The same I’m planning, just can’t decide on all my preferred LC250 components.
I installed a GMRS Radio Today
My dilemma was were to install the tiny main unit, Midland - MXT275VP4-15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio and the mic. This was complicated having the HAM already installed
First I fished the wires through the firewall including the antenna cable. I noticed a lot of foam which is likely sound deadening material. Up on the top left of this area in the passenger floor boaard against the firewall, there is a nice space for the main unit. I used Gorilla two-sided tape to attach it. It may not hold well, but in the little spot with carpet over it should be good to go.
I used the spare switch spot on the center console to install an RJ-45 jack and ran the main unit to the jack. You need a double male small cable to make it work and I had one left over from the HAM Radio. You can get these cheap anywhere
I don't like the current Mic setup on the grab bar, so I am still waiting for one of these
www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com
I will either get a ram mount mic holder or take the ball off and mount one of my existing Mic holder.
I did have to move the HAM Mic and I used a Ram Mount with that and carefully screwed the thinnest ram mount ball into the thick plastic there.
I used the passenger ditch mount bracket for the Ghost Antenna
My dilemma was were to install the tiny main unit, Midland - MXT275VP4-15 Watt GMRS MicroMobile Two-Way Radio and the mic. This was complicated having the HAM already installed
First I fished the wires through the firewall including the antenna cable. I noticed a lot of foam which is likely sound deadening material. Up on the top left of this area in the passenger floor boaard against the firewall, there is a nice space for the main unit. I used Gorilla two-sided tape to attach it. It may not hold well, but in the little spot with carpet over it should be good to go.
I used the spare switch spot on the center console to install an RJ-45 jack and ran the main unit to the jack. You need a double male small cable to make it work and I had one left over from the HAM Radio. You can get these cheap anywhere
I don't like the current Mic setup on the grab bar, so I am still waiting for one of these
2024+ Toyota Tacoma & 2025+ 4Runner Passenger Side Grab Handle Mount with 20mm Ball
Looking to securely mount a single device on the passenger side grab bar of your 2024+ Tacoma or 2025+ 4Runner? Look no further than our Taco-specific grab bar handle mount! BUILT FOR TACOMA & 4RUNNER This grab bar mount was designed exclusively for the 2024+ Toyota Tacoma & 2025+ Toyota...
www.bulletpointmountingsolutions.com
I will either get a ram mount mic holder or take the ball off and mount one of my existing Mic holder.
I did have to move the HAM Mic and I used a Ram Mount with that and carefully screwed the thinnest ram mount ball into the thick plastic there.
I used the passenger ditch mount bracket for the Ghost Antenna
Today I completed my Skids plates
RCI Engine, Tranny and Tcase
RCI Rear Link Rear
This is a known weak spot. From Tinkers video
So I tried the RCI Rear Link Front Skid but it didnt work since the top bolt was used by the CBI Slider. I ended up with a DV8 skid there
Very Happy with it.
RCI Engine, Tranny and Tcase
RCI Rear Link Rear
This is a known weak spot. From Tinkers video
So I tried the RCI Rear Link Front Skid but it didnt work since the top bolt was used by the CBI Slider. I ended up with a DV8 skid there
Very Happy with it.
oh and I changed my GMRS Mic mount to one from Bulletpoint. Fits better on the grab handle vs the zip ties I was using
Installed the Rough County Molle panels. Only ones I found that work with the OEM Tonneau cover. Rotopax tomorrow and then to find some brackets for my stuff
I saw post on other forums about needing Bed stiffners do to the bed being a composite. Any previous gen Tacoma owners have a comment on that?
The difference on the 4th gen is the full boxed frame, but the bed is still bolted on with 6 Bed Bolts.
The difference on the 4th gen is the full boxed frame, but the bed is still bolted on with 6 Bed Bolts.
Took my Tacoma on its first off road run today. I took it up Argentine as part of our off road clubs volunteer cleanup day with the forest service.
Understand my comparison point is to my Land Cruiser.
I was very pleased with how it performed
It did not shift from 2H to 4LO. It beeped at me. It shifted from 2H to 4H. Then it shifted into 4LO. Looking at the manual, looks like that is the way it works, although it isn’t clear.
The cameras were nice, but pressing on the front view made it larger than the other two and that was a lot better. The rear camera works well. We hit a snow drift on a narrow shelf road and we had to backup quite a bit to find a spot to turn around. Sometimes the view from the side mirrors made it seem like I was on the very edge when I had a bit more room. They are extended out a bit from the body.
The gears are much lower than my 200 series Land Cruiser in 4LO even with a 8 speed Tranny. This is great for descending on the trail in not needing brakes and making slow climbs over obstacles. The not so good is when you get to wide open mostly flat trail and the RPMs go above 3000 at 12 MPH. This isn’t a big deal, just an observation.
The long wheel base made it harder to turn (Obviously) and it seemed like the full lock steering wasn’t as much as I am use to. Although, this could be a false impression due to my difficulties turning around on the narrow shelf road.
My HAM and GMRS radios worked perfectly and I had great range on both. Much farther on the HAM of course.
My winch worked awesome as we used 3 trucks with winches to bring upright a fence that had fallen over.
I went down an obstacle and I could feel one tire in the air. Likely wouldn’t have happened if I had the detachable stabilizer bar. That contributed to my feeling as it doesn’t have as much articulation as my Land Cruiser. I expected that since the Land Cruiser has KDSS (really cool system)
I was very pleased on how it performed and it did better than I expected. The offroad electronics and smart system are newer version of what I have in my Land Cruiser and it worked perfectly. Very point and shoot as long as you pay attention to your line. I had no issues today on its first run.
My truck is a non-Hybrid and I was very pleased at how it did driving the mountain roads. No lack of pep and made the steep climbs at high speed with no issues. The low torque allowed me to quickly pass the several yo-yo’s driving slow in the left lane when the right opened up.
These are great trucks and if this was the only vehicle I have, I wouldn’t hesitate to take it off road on any of the trails we do.
Understand my comparison point is to my Land Cruiser.
I was very pleased with how it performed
It did not shift from 2H to 4LO. It beeped at me. It shifted from 2H to 4H. Then it shifted into 4LO. Looking at the manual, looks like that is the way it works, although it isn’t clear.
The cameras were nice, but pressing on the front view made it larger than the other two and that was a lot better. The rear camera works well. We hit a snow drift on a narrow shelf road and we had to backup quite a bit to find a spot to turn around. Sometimes the view from the side mirrors made it seem like I was on the very edge when I had a bit more room. They are extended out a bit from the body.
The gears are much lower than my 200 series Land Cruiser in 4LO even with a 8 speed Tranny. This is great for descending on the trail in not needing brakes and making slow climbs over obstacles. The not so good is when you get to wide open mostly flat trail and the RPMs go above 3000 at 12 MPH. This isn’t a big deal, just an observation.
The long wheel base made it harder to turn (Obviously) and it seemed like the full lock steering wasn’t as much as I am use to. Although, this could be a false impression due to my difficulties turning around on the narrow shelf road.
My HAM and GMRS radios worked perfectly and I had great range on both. Much farther on the HAM of course.
My winch worked awesome as we used 3 trucks with winches to bring upright a fence that had fallen over.
I went down an obstacle and I could feel one tire in the air. Likely wouldn’t have happened if I had the detachable stabilizer bar. That contributed to my feeling as it doesn’t have as much articulation as my Land Cruiser. I expected that since the Land Cruiser has KDSS (really cool system)
I was very pleased on how it performed and it did better than I expected. The offroad electronics and smart system are newer version of what I have in my Land Cruiser and it worked perfectly. Very point and shoot as long as you pay attention to your line. I had no issues today on its first run.
My truck is a non-Hybrid and I was very pleased at how it did driving the mountain roads. No lack of pep and made the steep climbs at high speed with no issues. The low torque allowed me to quickly pass the several yo-yo’s driving slow in the left lane when the right opened up.
These are great trucks and if this was the only vehicle I have, I wouldn’t hesitate to take it off road on any of the trails we do.
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