We're always thrilled to discover parts that are easy to install and simultaneously look and work great. That's exactly what we got when we spotted these Toyota Tacoma bumpers at a Northwest trail ride last fall. Manufactured by Washington's Jeff Kelson and his company, Badland Bumpers, these sturdy yet trick-looking bumpers are a real cinch to install-both front and rear bumpers are pretty much direct bolt-ons.
According to Badland, the front bumper/grilleguard is designed to mount any winch from Warn, Ramsey or Mile Marker, up to the 9500 series; winches with an integrated solenoid will require some grille trimming. The rear bumpers feature a receiver and a chain mount for trailers. Installation for both bumpers could take as little as two hours. Additionally, these bumpers offer the option of adding auxiliary lighting.
A look at the rear bumper,...
A look at the rear bumper, which comes standard with a receiver and a chain mount for trailers.
Tough enough for hard-core trail hounds and plenty cool for a Saturday night cruise down the avenue, these bumpers are made of 0.120-inch DOM steel tubing.
Badland's Tacoma bumpers fit '95-'97 and '01-'03 Tacomas. 'Wheelers with '98-'00 Tacomas can still run the Badland front bumper, but the front frame horns will have to be shortened by about 3 inches. The company plans to offer bolt-on bumpers for those years shortly. Both front and rear bumpers are sold in bare metal but can be powdercoated for a little extra dough.
Weighing in at about 130 pounds, these bumpers attach at stock locations, with no welding required. However, you will have to trim about 1 inch off the stock bumper's 11/48-inch steel mounting brackets to make the bumpers fit properly.
 Front Bumper Badland's front...  Front Bumper
Badland's front bumper for the Tacoma is more than a good-looking place to house a winch. It also offers 'wheelers an enhanced approach angle over the stock bumper, even with a mild 3-inch lift. |  To install, remove the factory...  To install, remove the factory bumper and disconnect the splash pan from the bolt-on crossmember; then remove the crossmember, tow hooks and tie downs. Using a hacksaw, cut the ears off the bumper mount flange about 11/48 inch forward of the welded nut. After you've connected the turn signals, slide the new bumper into position and install the side bolts. Don't tighten yet. |  Install the front bolts and...  Install the front bolts and the splash pan bolts. Reattach your tow hooks and tie-downs, then tighten all your bolts. |
 Remove the stock rear bumper...  Remove the stock rear bumper on both sides of the mounting bracket. Don't forget to pull off your license plate. |  Using a floor jack to help...  Using a floor jack to help position the bumper, move the new Badland unit to the stock mounting location. Be careful not to scratch the paint on the bed side. |  Line up the inside of the...  Line up the inside of the bumper mounts with the outside of the framerails and slide the bumper slightly upward into place. Put the side mounts in through the frame but don't tighten them. Install the bolts to the bottom. Make sure the bumper is square to the pickup's rear and then tighten the bolts. |
 Lastly, align your license...  Lastly, align your license plate against the rear bumper and drill four mounting holes. | | |