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I've had my Smittybuilt double tube bumper on my truck for 23 years. I actually experimented and took off the Toyota accessory step bumper prior. It looked good, but I wanted to at least have some weight in the rear for weight balance and protection. Just my 2 cents
I'd say keep it on. Better looking than the stock step bumper. If you take it off feel free to send it to me. Ya, protection...have you looked at the back of our trucks? without the bumper there are just the 2 stubs of the frame. Anyone rear ending you will skewer themselves to your axle and in many states that'll be your liability since you're missing a safety item.
Bumperless looks good but I worry about the idiots who "park by feel". A slight tap on even the OEM bumper probably won'te be noticeable but the same tap on the sheetmetal will probably leave a dent...
I want to see a custom tube bumper that is low profile and hugs the trucks ass REAL nice.... Just a thought. Look at all the exo cages they build on the 4x4's... Thats where i got the idea from, but i havent seen anything that would look cool on a 2wd yet.
Or maybe fitting an old school thin chrome bumper on the rear... similar to the older datsuns, celicas, etc...
i wanna take it to the body shop and see what they can do for me, i like the bumper and i know i probably do need to0 leave it on there it just sticks out to far. i want it almost hugging the body^^
when my truck was my work/commute ride I had Smittybuilt double tube bumpers front & rear. Since I turned my truck into a weekly driven show ride I have a 92-95 4-Runner front bumper/valance all one pice & painted up front & no bumper , a Cali Compo @ the rear!!