80 Series TJM 13 Bumper Install

[Chuy]

I picked up this bad boy today from Sierra Expeditions. A big thanks to Wil for getting me this bumper.



The bumper fits perfectly in the back of your cruiser even when 1/2 loaded with a car seat, 12" sub box, and 50qt fridge.



Its heavy and awkward but if you put your back into it. Its a one man lift and a one man install.



The bumper is extremely well packed with some thick density foam, bubble wrap and card board. Unwrapping it took me longer than the install.





The OEM bumper is dead simple to remove 4 small bolts hold it to the frame.



Another 4 bolts to remove the 2 tow points



Here is a look at the bumper from the back side. As you can see it has an integrated skid plate to protect the AC dryer. Its the only bumper that I have seen for the 80 that has this integrated. A big plus in my book.





The accessories on the bumper are very straight forward installs. The lights, solenoid box mount, winch spacers, and removable side wings are all included and attached with bolts.



With a strong dead lift curl you can lift the bumper and rest it on the frame while you install the attaching bolts. It attaches with 5 bolts on each side plus the 2 OEM bumper bolts and one long bolt that goes through the frame for maximum security.



Here are a couple of shots after the install. There is a ton of space for any size winch and with the added spacers and hardware a winch install should be a breeze.







First impressions it is very solid and well built. My vehicle is my DD so front end protection to me is very important. It doesn't hang as low as other production bumpers. It has all of the hardware and spacers for attaching a number of different winches. It has an integrated AC dryer skid plate. The powder coating looks very good and durable. Removable wings for more aggressive terrain. I really like it and I am very happy with my purchase. I cant wait to get a winch now!

[alan]

did they tell you it was made in china?

[jim65wagon]

Seriously? That's all you can say? Dude gets a nice shiny new bumper and got it installed by himself and that's your only comment? Try something positive.
.
Nice job! That's a good looking bumper, It looks like it has a great approach angle. I give it two thumbs up!

[scootr29]

did they tell you it was made in china?

and.....

[Caoboy]

did they tell you it was made in china?

Your source?

[flyingwil]

Man that was QUICK... the bumper looks great, Jesus! Looking forward to seeing some more pics of the bumper in the day and next time you swing into the shop.

[adventureduo]

Looks great! Nice to see more TJM here in the USA.

[flyingwil]

did they tell you it was made in china?

and.....

Most companies (ARB included) have production companies in Asia that they own and operate to reduce bottom line costs since the price of materials is so much less over there, abiding by the quality controls they establish keeping their reputation.

[hoser]

AFAIK, the TJM factory in Australia had a fire a couple of years ago and had to shut-down. They've since sent production to China. The quality control has always been good.... or good enough where Toyota (rumored) uses them for their OEM, Australian market bull bars.

Chuy, looks great! Thanks for sharing.

[Chuy]

A few daytime shots I took after work. As you can see it has some unique differences form the other bull bars on the market. It doesn't have a low hanging skirt, built in AC dryer protection, removeable wings, comes with winch spacers, etc.