A steel rear bumper is one of those upgrades that makes more sense the more seriously you use the FJ off-road. The factory rear bumper is plastic and offers minimal protection against rocks and trail debris. It also has no provisions for mounting recovery gear or a hi-lift jack.
A proper aftermarket rear bumper addresses all of that. The main practical benefits for FJ Cruiser owners:
Jack mounting is the most important functional upgrade. A hi-lift jack needs a solid mounting point to work safely. Most steel rear bumpers include a dedicated hi-lift receiver that gives you a safe lift point when you are stuck on trail.
Departure angle improves with most aftermarket designs since they are cut higher and tighter than the factory bumper which hangs low and catches on obstacles when backing over ledges.
Spare tire carrier is included on some rear bumper designs, moving the spare from underneath the vehicle where it collects trail damage to a swing-out mount on the bumper. This is a popular setup on built FJ Cruisers.
On material choice: steel is the standard for trail use. It is heavier than aluminum but significantly stronger and more resistant to the kind of impacts a rear bumper takes on rocky terrain. Aluminum saves weight but dents and cracks more easily under hard contact.
#1. Smittybilt – Toyota FJ Cruiser Rear Off-Road Bumper
Our top pick for the best rear bumper for the Toyota FJ Cruiser is the Smittybilt rear bumper. This off-road bumper comes with bright driving and fog lights, and solid mount D-Rings that are welded both on the inside and outside. It is made of durable steel and fits 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser models. The bumper is coated with high-quality textured finish and comes with a lifetime warranty.
- Constructed from 3/16 inch cold rolled steel with 1/4 inch mounting plates
- Powder-coated in Smittybilt’s two-part matte black finish
- Comes standard with 7/8 inch solid D ring mounts
- The winch mounting system can hold up to a 16,500-pound winch
- Class III 10,000 lb rated receiver hitch
- Easy installation process
- Heavy-duty bumper
- Well worth the money
- Will make heads turn
- Requires no drilling
- Terrible instructions
#2. Body Armor – Toyota FJ Cruiser Steel Rear Bumper
The Body Armor rear bumper is a great option for off-road enthusiasts. It has a dual-coated powder coat finish that gives it a textured look, making it both durable and stylish. It is specifically designed for the 2007-2014 Toyota FJ Cruiser.
The center of the Body Armor is notched to accommodate clearance for a 35” tall tire when it is installed to the OEM tire mount. This bumper was constructed to provide the best protection no matter if you are on a trail, out on the highway, or cruising through town.
- Easy installation due to the 3 piece design
- Steel plate construction (5mm thick)
- Constructed from 3/16” cold rolled steel plate
- Pre-drilled for the backup sensors
- Simple bolt-on installation
- The finished product looks sharp once installed
- Tough and durable
- Decently priced
- Large step area to have greater access to the roof rack
- Is constructed to be compatible with aftermarket tow hitches
- The OEM hitch isn’t compatible with the Body Armor rear bumper
#3. ARB – Off-Road Bumper for Toyota FJ Cruiser
The ARB off-road rear bumper offers good protection of your car. Backed by a two-year warranty, this steel off-road rear bumper is custom-designed to fit your Toyota FJ Cruiser. The construction of this off-road steel bumper is super solid. In the event of a rear collision, there is excellent protection.
The black powder-coated finishes give it a rugged look that can withstand any element. This can also be color-coded to your vehicle if you so desire. To tow with your SUV, you can use it in combination with the ARB tow hitch.
Minor drilling may be needed for installation, however, instructions are straightforward. It is designed to fit with Toyota FJ Cruiser models 2007-2014.
- Constructed for steel for both durability and strength
- Powder-coated finish to help it withstand any element
- Holes are provided for the factory back up sensors
- Off-road terrain can be optimized with departure angles
- Comes with a D-ring recovery point
- Comes with a 2-year warranty
- Offers maximum rear protection
- Contain the most well-engineered mounting
- Great lines
- Will not fit factory hitches
- Weighs more than most bumpers do
- There are not any swing-out options
Conclusion
Off-road rear bumpers that are rugged will help better protect your Toyota FJ Cruiser while you are out on the trails. They will provide you with a safer off-road experience. It is not difficult to choose a best off-road rear bumper for your car. It is enough to clarify the compatibility with the vehicle and buy a part for your money.
We truly feel you will now be able to make an educated decision on which off-road rear bumper is for you. The Smittybuilt rear bumper for Toyota FJ Cruiser is our top pick as this bumper is easy to install and well worth the money.
Video: How To Install Rear Off-Road Bumper on Toyota FJ Cruiser
FAQs
How much do the off-road bumpers weigh?
On average, an off-road bumper will weigh between 50 to 130 pounds. Your truck must be able to fully support the weight through the dampers and suspension. If these two can not support the weight, the nose of your Toyota FJ Cruiser will sag about ½ to 2 inches.
You must also take into consideration other accessories that you wish to add, such as a winch or spotlight. Any of these things will add to the weight, which could cause your SUV to sag even more. If there is a lot of weight upfront, the undercarriage can be damaged.
You might also notice that the shocks and springs go out sooner in your car when there is extra weight up in the front. You should also keep in mind that if you have extra weight on your Toyota FJ, and the front end sags, it will affect your driving and its performance. Gas mileage will not be as good. You may also notice braking is affected if there is too much weight.
Taking corners can also have a negative impact. Some even state that steering is harder. Various vehicles are much harder to handle when the weight is not within the recommended limits.
Do I have to drill into my frame to install an off-road bumper?
No, you do not need to drill into every off-road bumper. Some of the bumpers that are on the market today feature simple bolt-on assembly. There are other rear bumpers that only require minor drilling.
Also Read:
Best Shock Absorbers and Lift Kit for Toyota FJ Cruiser
Best Steel Front Bumper Options for Toyota FJ Cruiser
The Best Fender Flares Options for Toyota FJ Cruiser
About the Author
Anton has owned a Toyota FJ Cruiser since 2015 and created FJCruiserHub in 2020 to help fellow owners find the right gear without the guesswork. Every review on this site is based on hands-on research and real-world experience with the FJ Cruiser. Learn more