Fantastic video again fellas! Really interested in doing the same bumper mod with my Bison, only in black (anthracite) rather than “gun metal”. Interesting that you removed the engine skid plate whereas AEV’s installation guide does not mention it - just the wheel closeouts. But if it makes things easier I suppose? www.aev-conversions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/AEV30329AC-Low-Tube.pdf
Yeah we could've probably gotten the closeouts out without removing the skid, but after a quick look around we saw it'd be much easier without the skid plate on. Thanks for the kind words!
Yeah, when instructions gloss over little things we flag those to include or highlight. Thanks Brian, this was a fun one to make. More Bison and 4Runner videos coming!
These are two of trucks I am seriously considering for my next vehicle. I’ll be watching and hoping for some comparisons where it’s makes sense to compare them. Cheers!
Great video. Paint tape was an excellent idea. With the AEV tire mount, is there still enough room to get a dirt bike in the bed next to the tire/tire mount or is the mount/tire too wide to allow this?
Hey Jeremy, thanks for the comment. Here we go 😁: For me, Bison over the Raptor because of where I like to offroad. Here in Washington I can fit the Bison on tighter forest/jeep trails that I wouldn't dare take a full-size truck. Little better gas mileage, and also fits in my garage! As for the Tacoma, the big killer on that for me is that I'm 6'2" tall and the lack of seat adjustment made it so I just couldn't sit comfortably in the Toyota. The Bison also has the front/rear lockers, the amazing DSSV shocks, and all the bumper protection/skid plates straight from the factory. Closest thing to it in its segment is the Gladiator Rubicon, but I've been burned badly by Jeeps in the past, so Bison it is! That being said, the Tacoma TRD and Raptor are awesome trucks too!
Yeah the Tacoma is surprisingly tight inside for me as well. The 4Runner doesn't have that issue for me unless it has a sunroof. But they're awesome... my friend Ben has a TRD Off Road that's been modded nicely I want to get on the channel some day.
Chris, jump in and help this guy! :-) Here's a good article from TFL about this very question... they recommend the gas over the diesel: tfltruck.com/2019/05/asktfl-gas-or-diesel-chevy-colorado-zr2/
Hmmm... Really plans on your use. I went with gas, because this truck is also my daily driver. I like the manners and power of the gas for everyday use. On the ZR2/Bison Colorado specifically, the suspension negates any towing advantage the diesel has, both are rated at 5,000lbs towing. However the gobs of torque on the diesel can be very helpful offroad as well as the extended fuel range make for great options for an overlanding. Cheers!
@@JasonExplainsThings @chrissmith I have confirmation that indeed it will not fit. Will have to modify by cutting/trimming off either sports bar or the TC itself which I will be doing to mount. AEV wasn’t able to give me an answer and had to be the test-bed and order one myself to find out. Thank you for your reply! Just following up m8s!
Haha, you're right! But they're quality tires. Like these Duratracs way more than I thought I would, but when they're worn, I'll be going back to KO2s. Just gotta decide between 33s or 35s!
Fantastic video again fellas! Really interested in doing the same bumper mod with my Bison, only in black (anthracite) rather than “gun metal”. Interesting that you removed the engine skid plate whereas AEV’s installation guide does not mention it - just the wheel closeouts. But if it makes things easier I suppose?
www.aev-conversions.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/AEV30329AC-Low-Tube.pdf
Yeah we could've probably gotten the closeouts out without removing the skid, but after a quick look around we saw it'd be much easier without the skid plate on. Thanks for the kind words!
Yeah, when instructions gloss over little things we flag those to include or highlight. Thanks Brian, this was a fun one to make. More Bison and 4Runner videos coming!
I’m in love with my 2021 Zr2. Couldn’t be happier.
They're great trucks!
Keep up the good work bro. Videos are really edited well and have good vibes
Looks great and a good time with friends!
Love your content man. Keep up the amazing work man
Thanks! I really enjoyed making this one.
Added the same to my Bison, the 2 nuts were a challenge, hardest was reaching the studs but didn’t take much time.
Perfect, I just bought a ZR2 Bison and bumper! Looks 'easy' lol.
These are two of trucks I am seriously considering for my next vehicle. I’ll be watching and hoping for some comparisons where it’s makes sense to compare them. Cheers!
Thanks for the tip! We definitely plan on doing some comparisons.
Someone went to University of Montana! Go Griz!
Class of 2006! 🤘
UHHHH... sweet center tube lower thingy. SMASH them cows! And Yay for the new addition!
Just little cows! :-)
Good looking bumper but I'd like the steel to be a higher gage for the price
I hear you, but the 3" tubular substructure is the real kicker. It really is a solid bumper.
Looks like Yakima, I always loved driving Humvees and Strykers through the mud at YTC
Nice. I did some filming of Bradleys and M1A1s on the firing range several years ago.
Great video. Paint tape was an excellent idea. With the AEV tire mount, is there still enough room to get a dirt bike in the bed next to the tire/tire mount or is the mount/tire too wide to allow this?
Chris, Chime in dude! I’m guessing there is
Yeah, shouldn't be a problem!
Too bad you can’t get that truck in the crew cab long bed.
If you haven’t seen it we did a stage 5 Icon suspension install on Chris’ last truck that was a long bed. That’s about as close as you can get. 👍
I know, but it would be cool to get it from the factory that way, everything covered under warranty. All worked into the purchase price.
Good vid! I see the Sounders plate, whereabouts are you guys? I just got my AEV low tube center bumper, will be installing this week.
Nice. We’re in Central WA.
The cool part of Washington!
Very good! I’m in Woodinville. I dig your ZR2 vids, keep em coming!
Nice! I used to live north of there and commuted through woodinville every day.
Just stumbled on the channel. Considering a Bison to replace my Raptor. Would love to hear why the bison over a Tacoma or Raptor!
Hey Jeremy, thanks for the comment. Here we go 😁: For me, Bison over the Raptor because of where I like to offroad. Here in Washington I can fit the Bison on tighter forest/jeep trails that I wouldn't dare take a full-size truck. Little better gas mileage, and also fits in my garage! As for the Tacoma, the big killer on that for me is that I'm 6'2" tall and the lack of seat adjustment made it so I just couldn't sit comfortably in the Toyota. The Bison also has the front/rear lockers, the amazing DSSV shocks, and all the bumper protection/skid plates straight from the factory. Closest thing to it in its segment is the Gladiator Rubicon, but I've been burned badly by Jeeps in the past, so Bison it is! That being said, the Tacoma TRD and Raptor are awesome trucks too!
Yeah the Tacoma is surprisingly tight inside for me as well. The 4Runner doesn't have that issue for me unless it has a sunroof. But they're awesome... my friend Ben has a TRD Off Road that's been modded nicely I want to get on the channel some day.
Traded my 2022 raptor for a bison. Other than the outdated interior, can’t beat the nimbleness and mpg with the diesel
3:15 😂😂😂😂😂
Is there a small child that likes Mass Effect in the window?
I’ve heard the legend!
With the vertical mount, can you still install the sport bar and lights?
Not sure, sorry. Chris says he doubts it would clear. We ran into this issue installing a bed rack recently.
Is there enough depth on the carrier to mount a spare tire fuel can before the spare tire?
Hey Art, our AEV contact says no. FYI… Chris locks his spare with a cable lock.
I’m new to off roading/overlanding would you recommend the gas or Diesel engine? I’m use to sports cars but plan on picking up a ZR2 Bison as well.
Chris, jump in and help this guy! :-) Here's a good article from TFL about this very question... they recommend the gas over the diesel: tfltruck.com/2019/05/asktfl-gas-or-diesel-chevy-colorado-zr2/
Hmmm... Really plans on your use. I went with gas, because this truck is also my daily driver. I like the manners and power of the gas for everyday use. On the ZR2/Bison Colorado specifically, the suspension negates any towing advantage the diesel has, both are rated at 5,000lbs towing. However the gobs of torque on the diesel can be very helpful offroad as well as the extended fuel range make for great options for an overlanding. Cheers!
Will this AEV-TC fit with a Sport Bar that came with my ZR2?
Good question! I'd ask AEV about that. If it's the height of a tall bed rack I'm guessing that it would.
Hmmm... I'm almost positive it won't, sorry!
@@JasonExplainsThings @chrissmith I have confirmation that indeed it will not fit. Will have to modify by cutting/trimming off either sports bar or the TC itself which I will be doing to mount. AEV wasn’t able to give me an answer and had to be the test-bed and order one myself to find out.
Thank you for your reply! Just following up m8s!
Is this also called the front bumper tube kit?
Yep.
Can you please link the fish wire you used?
If I remember correctly they came with the kit.
I like those Colorados, but the tires are scrawny. My only gripe, but would still take one over a Tacoma any day.
Haha, you're right! But they're quality tires. Like these Duratracs way more than I thought I would, but when they're worn, I'll be going back to KO2s. Just gotta decide between 33s or 35s!
Do you need to do any modifications to do 33s? Looks like they would clear fine.
@@JasonExplainsThings a little bit on the pinch weld to avoid rubbing at full flex is all. 35s on the other hand....
Can you lock it?
We address that at the end of the video. You can add a cable lock but there is no built in lock.
15:55 I see a dirty hitchhiker/stowaway
What? I don’t see anyone.
@@JasonExplainsThings Some creeper eyes for sure!
Some say he lives there to this very day...
If big puddles are your thing how about a snorkel?
Maaaaaaaaybe.