I've got a '23 Tacoma that is my daily driver but I've been doing some occasional weekend wheeling with it (public trails in the Poconos, Centre County and at Rausch Creek). Truck is unmodified so far aside from a Decked drawer system, but I'm finally getting around to getting parts. Got some 17" Method wheels I've been buying as money allows and will mount them when I get to needing new tires.

I intend to replace the front bumper with a steel bumper. I'm probably going to go with a CBI classic front bumper, but maybe the CBI Baja, even though I don't really need a bull bar and don't need the extra weight on my daily driver.

My question is, since I need to spread this build out, and I intend to get a winch, how much of a pain will it be if I install the bumper and then get the winch maybe a year down the road?

Will the bumper need to be pulled to install the winch afterward, or can I get away with just pulling the skid plate (if that's even necessary)? When I purchase the bumper, I will definitely install the side brackets to support the winch.

On a second note, I'm also looking to get an ARB compressor for convenience sake. The little compressor I have takes forever to air up all four tires after a ride. I don't intend to run air lockers, just for airing up tires and running air tools.

What's the best mounting spot? I was originally thinking engine bay, but I've seen mounts that go under either the driver's or passenger's seat as well as in the rear seat cargo bin. (I'm not going to install in the bed, because the Decked system will just make it too hard to access that side panel.) Pros and cons of each as far as ease of install vs. ease/convenience of use?

My local offroad/overland shop has ARB compressors in stock usually, so that makes it easy to source.

I highly suggest RCI for all of your armor needs.
Since you are wanting to save weight their Pike bumper would do you really good.

They are 20% off currently for Tax season.

https://rcimetalworks.com/prod...bumper-16-23-tacoma/

Think about skids as well.

I have had RCI full skid sets on my Expedition EL and now my Tundra. Their stuff is awesome!
Now if they would just get around to making the Pike for us Gen2 Tundra folks. So Indon’t have to buy from another company for that style of bumper.

You will need to take the bumper off pretty much any bumper to mount the winch.

As for the compressor I would not mount it anywhere. I would build a compressor box. Much more versatile.

CBI has the install video....
Here are a PDF file with step by step instructions.
https://cdn.shopify.com/s/file...ide.pdf?v=1715715688
Removing the front bumper requires removal of the plastic clips which may break. I installed a MobTown front receiver hitch which required complete removal of the front bumper and modifications to the front grill. The winch typically sits on top of the new steel bumper--you may only have to remove the plastic front grill for the winch.

I have a 2016 Taco and got the Backwoods Adventure hybrid bumper. The main body is aluminum, while the support brackets (separate, but recommended), winch shelf, and recovery points are steel. It weights about 80lbs.

For a compressor, I'd go under the hood. Mine has a nice spot in the back left corner of the engine bay.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nzsz3MlbGgg

When you get it set up, head to Sullivan County. Stop in Forksville then head into the Endless Mountains. Catch some NATIVE trout in the Loyalsick creek. You can thank me later.

On my 97 TJ there was ample room to mount the ARB compressor in the engine bay so that's what we did.

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:

For a compressor, I'd go under the hood. Mine has a nice spot in the back left corner of the engine bay.

Technically, that's the back right side of the engine bay.

I also have mine mounted there.

I agree with Black. Don’t put the compressor in the engine bay. It’s too hot there and will degrade your compressor. Most top of the line compressor companies have a suitcase like model, sometimes with a small air tank that will allow you to fill up your tires quickly. Be sure the compressor has a 100% duty cycle.

As far as a winch is concerned you can’t go wrong with a Harbor Freight Badlands Apex 12K winch with synthetic line. I snagged one last year on a super sale for under $400 out the door.

interesting thread guys. I wonder if my new F350 has factory compressor. If not it should of

I have a custom steel bumper with front end protection that is rhino line coated. It was made by a local company that does a lot of them.

Skid plates was a good recommendation. Maybe a small lift?

quote:

Originally posted by IntrepidTraveler:

quote:

Originally posted by flesheatingvirus:

For a compressor, I'd go under the hood. Mine has a nice spot in the back left corner of the engine bay.

Technically, that's the back right side of the engine bay.

I also have mine mounted there.

Booooo! I'm never doing anything in the engine bay from the driver's seat!

I have mine in the engine bay too but I have an air chuck mounted in the bumper. No need to get under the hood. Same ARB compressor and it's been faithful for 8 years now.

quote:

Originally posted by Tn226:
I have mine in the engine bay too but I have an air chuck mounted in the bumper. No need to get under the hood. Same ARB compressor and it's been faithful for 8 years now.

That's a good idea. Do you have a switch on the dash?