Pros/Cons to RTE slimline

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Falconx84

Guest
I've pretty much decided on the RTE slimline bumper. I'm just debating the options. What are the pros/cons of the standard VS A-bar VS full brush guard? Advantages/disadvantages of the skid plate?

Would it be ok to run the bumper with stock springs for a while? I plan to upgrade the springs, but I'm still doing research. Looks like in about a month or so I'll have my insurance settlement from the accident. Just looking for some input now so I can mak a well-informed decision.

Thanks, guys.
 

Steve Rupp

Well-known member
Apr 21, 2004
3,213
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48
Seattle, WA
www.discoweb.org
RTE makes a great bumper. I prefer to have something a little different from the norm so I went with the A-bar. I think it's a pretty cool design. As far as the skid plate goes, I don't know. As long as you have HD steering components, you should be fine. The only beef I had with RTE products is the finish. RTE makes one of the best bumpers around with the worst finish ever. My powdercoat started peeling the day I got it. On the other hand $G makes the worst bumpers with the best finish. My brother has one and every time I see it I get jealous of the finish. I just bought a RTE rear bumper and had them send it out bare. I found a powdercoater near me do it and it looks awesome. It wasn't too cheap ($200), but was definately worth it. So that is my advice to you. Go ahead and get one but find a different powdercoater. You are so close to them that you can pick it up, delete the paint and shipping and pay for better powdercoating.
 

GregH

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
1,630
0
The RTE is stout, well-made bumper. Heavy guage steel, fully-boxed with quality welding. It offers an excellent approach angle and I would only compare it to Kyle's bumpers (Of which I've only seen two-Ho's and another used one on the floor at EE awaiting pick up). I've had no probs with finish but mine's only about 6 months old.

Comparing it to a flimsy $G is a joke IMHO. I had an ARB for years and it's also flimsy combined with a crappy approach angle. I bent it several times.

I prefer upgraded track and cross rods with relocated stabilizer to the front plate.

I don't like the RTE welded-on recovery points (not a strength issue but rather aesthetic) so installed EE shackle brackets instead.

I also prefer the full brush guard as I think it offers a little better protection.

My 2 cents-
 

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Ross_Thoma

Well-known member
Apr 25, 2004
97
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Interlochen, Michigan
Yeah The bumper is great, It is a bit heavy but I rode around with my stock springs for a year, you will must likly have bottoming out issues on the bigger bumps hit at speed but on road not a problem.

As for the A-bar, I went with it because I think that the bull bar is a bit much for an every day truck and I didn't want my Landy to look loke an oilfield work truck, the A-bar gives you a hand hold when walking around the truck in slippery of steep terrain so you don't slip under the truck and don't laugh but it is nice to lean off of when you are crouching for a S@it in the bush (keeps it out of your trousers)

I do agree that my finish is the shit's, But I have heard that they have switched powder coaters so maby the new stuff will be better.

Ross Thoma
 
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James Gall

Guest
Get the full brush bar...one hit to the front with the A-bar and you'll be replacing all sorts of parts. I love RTE but the A-bar in my mind is useless.
 

Peterb

Well-known member
Apr 23, 2004
70
0
58
Philadelphia Pa.
Pro,s and Cons,
Well, you dont have one you, that's the con, The pro is that you can buy one of the very best front bumper for a disco at a reasonable cost, It's a great bumper that will take alot of changes that you could do to it with grace and style!
 

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noee

Well-known member
Apr 20, 2004
1,887
0
Free Union, VA
A-bar

I've got the slimline with A-bar and there are two cons to the a-bar setup:
- Hard to reach over the a-bar straight away to reach into the engine bay
- No protection for the front indicators or front of the wings

THe finish on mine has been stellar and I've beat it up pretty good. No flaking on the powercoat. When I've banged it and gone to bare metal, I've just wet sanded it and given it a coat or two of rattle-can. Looks like new.

Hard to go wrong with either setup.
 

rovercanus

Well-known member
Apr 24, 2004
9,643
244
I'm gonna go to Wally Mart today Dave. Maybe some old lady will buy me a new bumper!
When you get your new bumper we'll have to get a group together to try it out.
 
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Falconx84

Guest
Sounds goods walter... I'm gonna try to get my bumper and a lift about the same time, maybe get tires, too. Right now, it looks like I may be moving to VA to establish residency so I can go to tech for a decent price. I should be around this summer, or at least through july. I'm hoping for between 3-5k settlement, so I can get this stuff done and pay off some of my credit card.

I wish she was paying for the bumper :( its coming off my insurance, so I guess full coverage is good for something. Her turning in a claim put an accident on my record, so I turned in a claim for the damages to my truck. Sucks, but oh well... gotta look at the bright side, a lift/bumper :)
 
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Falconx84

Guest
Ok... I've decided to resurrect this thread in hopes that someone has an opinion on this

I've decided on the slimline bumper w/ full brushbar. Now I'm debating on whether or not to get the skid plate for the front. Has anyone noticed wear or dings on the skid plate from use? or is it more of a "bling" item?

Also, I'm looking at a 2+2 SL and BL if anyone has opinions....


PS -- can't wait for tues, supposed to get my check from the insurance company :D then maybe lift, bumper, tires in like 2 wks!!