Bent My Rear Lower Links While Wheeling

DRTFabrication · 2025-12-07T23:21:49+00:00

Here is our first 4G tacoma product🤟 We built this bumper to be the go-to high-clearance option for the 4G Tacoma. It’s a hybrid plate + DOM tube design that keeps the weight down while still delivering serious strength, perfect fitment, and max departure angle. Quick Breakdown: Hybrid design: DOM + Plate Construction – 1/4" plate structure paired with a 1.75" × .120 DOM main tube and dual 1.5" supports per side. Integrated 2x2 Hitch – The hitch is built into a 2" × 2" × 1/4" tube and welded to the 1.75 main tube. chain attachment plates doubling as gussets Laminated Recovery Points – 3/8" center plate with 1/4" overlays. Works with ¾" shackles and ⅞" pins. Gussets tied to the 2x2 tube and frame horns span behind the recovery points Crossmember Delete – Factory rear crossmember comes out for maximum clearance and departure angle without losing rigidity. Sensor-Compatible – Retains the factory BSM sensors x back up sensors Lighting Options – rock light mounts on the gusset behind the 2x2 tube and chase light mounts on the 2x2 tube Adjustable Plate Mount – Tool-free design lets you move the plate for street or trail. Built in the USA – Jig-welded A36 steel for consistent fitment and durability. More info coming soon. https://drt-fabrication.com/collections/4th-gen-tacoma/products/tacoma-high-clearance-rear-bumper-4th-gen-2024-current

rustytaco

Administrator

Staff member

Sep 8, 2025

So... we hit some pretty solid rock crawling a few weeks ago. I had just installed my 37s, so I was ready to see what the truck could do.

Overall, I think it did well. But... I wasn't being careful enough on one section and dragged my driver's side rear lower link on a big rock. With the weight of the truck dragging over a rock it put a pretty decent bend into the arm. I have a tiny bit of driveline vibration, but nothing terrible. Barely noticeable to most. We kept wheeling for two days after it happened, and I've driven another 1500 miles since it happened.

Currently on the lookout for some new links. Probably a full set. Uppers and lowers, preferably adjustable to push the axle back a little bit and fix any pinion angle issues (if they come up). They need to be beefy, ready to take some hits.

If you're going to wheel your truck in the rocks, I recommend you upgrade before the damage happens. An avoidable issue that might limp your truck. Oh, and you should probably get all the skid plates available for the link/shock mounts as well.