@@FerrariLamborghini24 I didn’t go with Victory initially due to fitment complaints I was reading about. However… now that I know what I know… Victory does seem to check all the needed boxes and id just deal with the fitment issues (if any).
@@SandyCats I know but it’s just a better setup then what u have cuz all the problems you talked about and it checks all ur boxes but I wish these companies took more time and 3D scan the cars to get better fitment
Dude, you bring high quality content to YT and should be very well rewarded for it. Most of those rig build-up videos are "paid by sponsor" crap, which are meant to mislead buyers, or to make them think this company is best on the market in what they do. Perhaps YT should make this thumb down counter visible to all, so viewers can differentiate, which youtuber is a paid crook and who's honest. Keep it coming- subscribed!
Thank you!! You made my decisions simple going forward, more practical and easy...I want simple without needless extra bells and whistles...Best and most honest reviewer yet...
I have 4runner and I'm super dissapointed with CBI. As you say, they look great but that's it, perfect product for people who only take pictures for instagram. My rock sliders had to be replaced after using a hi jack. They bend soo much that I need to cut them and weld again. I added some reinforcements brackets because the construction of sliders can't take a weight of 4runner.
You are right on target ! Good work ! I agree with your information details. You pointed out limitation of those products "Do and don't". Love your videos. I got GX460-2015 with CBI bumper, Front Skid Plate, Slider and Prinsu Rack with RTT. They installed since summer 2021. Coincidentally & fortunately, I am stay within design specification of products (without provided spec.)
Really appreciate your honesty and taking the time to share your experience. Looking forward to seeing you try out Westcott Designs. Just purchased their roof rack and rock sliders for my GX. You are spot on with why I chose them over Prinsu. Westcott seems like they are all about both function and form.
I was really considering this CBI bumper until I found the Victory 4x4 options. Their Blitz bumper in particular seems to offer more functionality with similar looks. For max functionality and more bumper/fender chopping, they have the Strike model.
I have the Victory Blitz on my '22 GX and it looks great. And all of the functional complaints that he had were address with the Blitz. After a year on the car I haven't had an issue with it. It's not perfect, but it seems better than the CBI.
Those bolts for the belly skid on the crossmembers were brutal for me to install (it also sketches me out how close one of them is to the driveshaft). I’m dreading the day that I have to remove them. I got a good laugh out of the email you read 😂 keep the videos coming!
Great video! I think I’m going with budbuilt 1/8” lite steel skids and RSG angled sliders. I’m going to hold out on the bumper and hope Dissent makes something good. Their LC600 prototype is rad.
I like my CBI bumper and sliders, but had the same issues with the skids. For my skids they welded the crossmember wrong and had to send me a new one. They also didn’t send me the proper mounting hardware and I had to buy it on McMaster. Truly poor customer service. And yeah, the skids are a nightmare to install/remove, to the point of me considering welding in weld nuts and using hex head bolts instead. I may also cut holes to be able to use a pickle fork to remove CV joints. For my sliders, they did send me powder coated ones instead of raw steel, so it all evens out I suppose 😂
You could have gone with a more aggressive front bumper with more clearance if your plan was to go 35s. Then, with the right UCAs (SPC) , get your alignment guy to push your wheels forward. Between this and the video you did on fitting your 35s… man. Would have saved so much frustration, work and time. Anyway, thanks so much for making these videos. They are really informative and I appreciate getting to learn from your trials and errors.
You have the Best content on builds, but sometime a little difficult to listen too. Very monotone delivery, but please continue to make content. This video made me a subscriber and I look forward to future videos.
Thanks for the review. Recently got the CBI bumper installed, pretty happy about it. Thinking to add the CBI skid, so the rubbing with KDSS in your case occurs even though the stock KDSS cover plate is removed? Just curious. RCI has some good options, but CBI’s oil filter panel on the skid is really helpful for GX, the RCI skid only has that for the 4Runner. Any advice on that? Thanks!
Yes…. Stock plate was removed. Didn’t know RCI doesn’t provide access for oil filter. I only have experience with RCI and CBI. Personally… I’d still go with RCI and remove the skid every 5000 miles over CBI’s kdss headache. The RCIs are super easy to remove. I usually remove them monthly because I’m always tinkering nowadays and don’t really think twice.
Thank you for the reply! Does the RCI front skid fit the CBI bumper? Looks like those 4 bolts from the bumper covers the area that RCI skid plate goes? Thanks!
@@freedomrevival1375 I don’t have the GX right now. Won’t see it for a week. Remind me I can check for sure. But just looking at CBI photo on website it looks like the bumper doesn’t go to the interference point. I may be wrong though unit I see it.
What do you think of the THE CRESTONE by Sherpa? I heard a lot of good things about that roof rack which made me not want to buy another Prinsu rack for my 4Runner.
Never really examined it in person. However... looking at photos it looks like it would solve all my issues (flat roof and two piece supports). Only reason I said Westcott over others is because it appears to be the only one I've seen that gives you both the flat option and basket option. But I have honestly never had a need for the basket option personally.
I wish I could see this earlier. I just ordered CBI for 4Runner w/ KDSS few weeks ago. I'm stuck with it for now. Do you think 4Runner has same problems?
Wish I could give you an answer but I’m not sure. There might be some minor differences. I know that various year 4R models have slight differences as well. So it’s possible they did their testing with a certain model 4R that it worked with and they didn’t account for future minor differences. At least you know the fix now :(
I have the aluminum CBI skid on my 4Runner and there’s little indentations on it from the sway bar clamp bolts on the KDSS shock so it definitely contacts. I’m not running the spacers that were mentioned in this video though (I never got any? In fact a bolt was missing).
Update I installed the skid and there is about couple inches of clearance from the bottom of driver side kdss (the side that moves). It looks okay for now but I’m not sure how it will be like once I hit some deep moguls. I don’t know what the distance of kdss droop, so I can’t really be sure if it will hit or not. I hope that couple inches are enough. Worst case I’m considering cutting the portion of skid to allow kdss movement. I know it sucks but without compromising the ground clearance, it would be the best solution.
So basically, don’t get a Lexus for overlanding because there aren’t any or enough decent aftermarket parts...plus ur vehicle will look like EVERYONE else’s.
That vehicle has been replaced and never gained status a common off-road vehicle. And yes, the video did clearly state that fact. Almost everyone would be better off with a 4Runner if they choose Toyota
So nice to find a really detailed, experienced reviewer that doesn’t just say “every product is great”. Keep up the good work!
🙏🙏🙏
@@SandyCats look at victory 4x4 for the front bumper
@@FerrariLamborghini24 I didn’t go with Victory initially due to fitment complaints I was reading about. However… now that I know what I know… Victory does seem to check all the needed boxes and id just deal with the fitment issues (if any).
@@SandyCats I know but it’s just a better setup then what u have cuz all the problems you talked about and it checks all ur boxes but I wish these companies took more time and 3D scan the cars to get better fitment
Glad I went with rci and victory 4x4 for my gx. Never realized some of these issues with cbi. Great video and keep them coming.
Dude, you bring high quality content to YT and should be very well rewarded for it. Most of those rig build-up videos are "paid by sponsor" crap, which are meant to mislead buyers, or to make them think this company is best on the market in what they do. Perhaps YT should make this thumb down counter visible to all, so viewers can differentiate, which youtuber is a paid crook and who's honest. Keep it coming- subscribed!
Thank you!! You made my decisions simple going forward, more practical and easy...I want simple without needless extra bells and whistles...Best and most honest reviewer yet...
I have 4runner and I'm super dissapointed with CBI. As you say, they look great but that's it, perfect product for people who only take pictures for instagram.
My rock sliders had to be replaced after using a hi jack. They bend soo much that I need to cut them and weld again. I added some reinforcements brackets because the construction of sliders can't take a weight of 4runner.
You are right on target ! Good work !
I agree with your information details. You pointed out limitation of those products "Do and don't". Love your videos.
I got GX460-2015 with CBI bumper, Front Skid Plate, Slider and Prinsu Rack with RTT. They installed since summer 2021. Coincidentally & fortunately, I am stay within design specification of products (without provided spec.)
I’m glad I came across your video, thank you!
Really appreciate your honesty and taking the time to share your experience. Looking forward to seeing you try out Westcott Designs. Just purchased their roof rack and rock sliders for my GX. You are spot on with why I chose them over Prinsu. Westcott seems like they are all about both function and form.
I was really considering this CBI bumper until I found the Victory 4x4 options. Their Blitz bumper in particular seems to offer more functionality with similar looks. For max functionality and more bumper/fender chopping, they have the Strike model.
I have the Victory Blitz on my '22 GX and it looks great. And all of the functional complaints that he had were address with the Blitz. After a year on the car I haven't had an issue with it. It's not perfect, but it seems better than the CBI.
Ridiculously excellent content. Thank you for putting in the time to make these valuable videos. Well done my friend.
🙏🙏🙏
I had the same bumper. The round tube on the side bent into the with the first hard rock hit. I agree with the form over function.
Appreciate your candor. You have me leaning towards the victory 4x4 bumper.
Those bolts for the belly skid on the crossmembers were brutal for me to install (it also sketches me out how close one of them is to the driveshaft). I’m dreading the day that I have to remove them.
I got a good laugh out of the email you read 😂 keep the videos coming!
😂😂😂. I actually cut one or two bolt down shorter is I wasn’t happy with how close they were to the exhaust as well.
Great video! I think I’m going with budbuilt 1/8” lite steel skids and RSG angled sliders. I’m going to hold out on the bumper and hope Dissent makes something good. Their LC600 prototype is rad.
Thanks for sharing. Was considering the cbi covert bumper and had same questions.
Always the best and honest reviews, thank you
I like my CBI bumper and sliders, but had the same issues with the skids. For my skids they welded the crossmember wrong and had to send me a new one. They also didn’t send me the proper mounting hardware and I had to buy it on McMaster. Truly poor customer service. And yeah, the skids are a nightmare to install/remove, to the point of me considering welding in weld nuts and using hex head bolts instead. I may also cut holes to be able to use a pickle fork to remove CV joints. For my sliders, they did send me powder coated ones instead of raw steel, so it all evens out I suppose 😂
You could have gone with a more aggressive front bumper with more clearance if your plan was to go 35s. Then, with the right UCAs (SPC) , get your alignment guy to push your wheels forward. Between this and the video you did on fitting your 35s… man. Would have saved so much frustration, work and time. Anyway, thanks so much for making these videos. They are really informative and I appreciate getting to learn from your trials and errors.
Well done. Great information for GX owners.
You have the Best content on builds, but sometime a little difficult to listen too. Very monotone delivery, but please continue to make content. This video made me a subscriber and I look forward to future videos.
Any videos of you actually driving this thing or you just talk about it? Beautiful rigs, btw.
Thanks for the review. Recently got the CBI bumper installed, pretty happy about it. Thinking to add the CBI skid, so the rubbing with KDSS in your case occurs even though the stock KDSS cover plate is removed? Just curious. RCI has some good options, but CBI’s oil filter panel on the skid is really helpful for GX, the RCI skid only has that for the 4Runner. Any advice on that? Thanks!
Yes…. Stock plate was removed. Didn’t know RCI doesn’t provide access for oil filter. I only have experience with RCI and CBI. Personally… I’d still go with RCI and remove the skid every 5000 miles over CBI’s kdss headache. The RCIs are super easy to remove. I usually remove them monthly because I’m always tinkering nowadays and don’t really think twice.
Thank you for the reply! Does the RCI front skid fit the CBI bumper? Looks like those 4 bolts from the bumper covers the area that RCI skid plate goes? Thanks!
@@freedomrevival1375 I don’t have the GX right now. Won’t see it for a week. Remind me I can check for sure. But just looking at CBI photo on website it looks like the bumper doesn’t go to the interference point. I may be wrong though unit I see it.
What do you think of the THE CRESTONE by Sherpa? I heard a lot of good things about that roof rack which made me not want to buy another Prinsu rack for my 4Runner.
Never really examined it in person. However... looking at photos it looks like it would solve all my issues (flat roof and two piece supports). Only reason I said Westcott over others is because it appears to be the only one I've seen that gives you both the flat option and basket option. But I have honestly never had a need for the basket option personally.
I wish I could see this earlier. I just ordered CBI for 4Runner w/ KDSS few weeks ago. I'm stuck with it for now. Do you think 4Runner has same problems?
Wish I could give you an answer but I’m not sure. There might be some minor differences. I know that various year 4R models have slight differences as well. So it’s possible they did their testing with a certain model 4R that it worked with and they didn’t account for future minor differences. At least you know the fix now :(
I have the aluminum CBI skid on my 4Runner and there’s little indentations on it from the sway bar clamp bolts on the KDSS shock so it definitely contacts. I’m not running the spacers that were mentioned in this video though (I never got any? In fact a bolt was missing).
Update
I installed the skid and there is about couple inches of clearance from the bottom of driver side kdss (the side that moves). It looks okay for now but I’m not sure how it will be like once I hit some deep moguls. I don’t know what the distance of kdss droop, so I can’t really be sure if it will hit or not. I hope that couple inches are enough. Worst case I’m considering cutting the portion of skid to allow kdss movement. I know it sucks but without compromising the ground clearance, it would be the best solution.
@@alllvin01 I think I had about 2” of clearance visually. Going from memory though. Won’t really know until you go offroad
Disappointed with CBI as well
Did you ever end up cutting holes in the front of the bumper for airflow and wench access?
Nope. Once I put it 3 coolers and ran it through its paces…. Realized all problems basically solved
Thank you I don't think I'll be buying that brand for my GX..
So basically, don’t get a Lexus for overlanding because there aren’t any or enough decent aftermarket parts...plus ur vehicle will look like EVERYONE else’s.
Is that what you actually got out of this video?
Because that's not what this video was about AT ALL.
That vehicle has been replaced and never gained status a common off-road vehicle. And yes, the video did clearly state that fact. Almost everyone would be better off with a 4Runner if they choose Toyota
@JeepCherokeeful thinking a 4R is better overall than a GX is laughable. It's a toned down version.
To buy a mod just to mod THAT mod. Lol.
They need to hire a woman to organize their company.