09 front end vs aftermarket bumper

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sledless bdh

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• Dec 11, 2011

• #1

So...I know both have been talked about but is there an advantage to having the 09 front end over just an aftermarket bumper like the skinz bumper? I know that the 09 kit will save 3 lbs but its twice as much. $200 for 3 lbs is a stretch. What else can you gain by doing the 09 kit vs just a bumper?


Thanks,

Austin

 

Last edited: Dec 11, 2011

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heavy d

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• Dec 11, 2011

• #2

tttt.....very good question...been wondering the same thing and availability of new panels is the only real thing I can come up with (guess I gotta quit runnin' into sh*t) lol

sledless bdh said:

So...I know both have been talked about but is there and advantage to having the 09 front end over just an aftermarket bumper like the skinz bumper? I know that the 09 kit will save 3 lbs but its twice as much. $200 for 3 lbs is a stretch. What else can you gain by doing the 09 kit vs just a bumper?


Thanks,

Austin

Click to expand...

 

jzanc532

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• #3

I personally like the looks of the 09 front end a lot more, it is also supposed to reduce the drag through the snow. If you are fine with how your sled looks, I would just get a bumper replacement.

 

MORSNO

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My opinion is that it matters what you are trying to accomplish. Are you looking for front end protection or modern cosmetics? The Skinz bumper will take a beating and prevent front end damage much more than the '09 bumper will. The '09 front end will give a more modern appearance and will have less drag.

 

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sledless bdh

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• Dec 11, 2011

• #5

Drag? On what, the snow your plowing through? How...anyone got side by side pictures of new vs old plastic? I was thinking that the only difference was the "wheel wells" so to speak and not the belly area as well.

 

Last edited: Dec 11, 2011

jzanc532

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The old plastic is not as skinny in the front, not the best pics but I think you'll see the difference.

 

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Clarke673

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• #7

also the old plastics suck.. they crack more often and the side panels blow off. Also, the new kit is cheeper to replace and has less parts.
Your sled will be worth more when you sell it.

hope you like the pics

 

Last edited: Dec 11, 2011

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Himark

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• Dec 11, 2011

• #8

The aftermarket is a stronger bumper but in fact it could be a crumple zone that is being compromised. ie, OEM will give and fold around that tree while the a/m transfers all that energy directly to the bulkhead. I guess if you hit small trees its not a big deal but take out the king of trees I would want to soften the blow to bulkhead.. JMO.

 

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sledless bdh

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• Dec 11, 2011

• #9

So the hood and side panels are the same. Its the plastics in front of the a-arms. I know this is a stupid question but sleds are not home for me to look at...is the rear of the well part of the 09 kit as well? I can most definitely see the difference in front of the a-arms.

If I were to use a skinz bumper with my 07 plastics and later change to 09 plastics could I still use the skinz bumper ore would I have to go to a different bumper?

 

MORSNO

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• Dec 11, 2011

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sledless bdh said:

Drag? On what, the snow your plowing through? How...anyone got side by side pictures of new vs old plastic? I was thinking that the only difference was the "wheel wells" so to speak and not the belly area as well.

Click to expand...

The entire front plastic area is narrower.

Clarke_67 said:

also the old plastics suck.. they crack more often and the side panels blow off. Also, the new kit is cheeper to replace and has less parts.
Your sled will be worth more when you sell it.

Click to expand...

Sorry, they are made of the same plastic and you re-use your old side panels (they are the same as the '09).

 

MORSNO

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sledless bdh said:

So the hood and side panels are the same. Its the plastics in front of the a-arms. I know this is a stupid question but sleds are not home for me to look at...is the rear of the well part of the 09 kit as well? I can most definitely see the difference in front of the a-arms.

If I were to use a skinz bumper with my 07 plastics and later change to 09 plastics could I still use the skinz bumper ore would I have to go to a different bumper?

Click to expand...

The rear plastic is re-used (side panels), you only change out the front nose area and factory bumper.

No, the bumpers are different.

 

Last edited: Dec 11, 2011

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Clarke673

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MORSNO said:

The entire front plastic area is narrower.



Sorry, they are made of the same plastic and you re-use your old side panels (they are the same as the '09).

Click to expand...

Yea? well the design of the old panels makes them much more likely to crack, i had holes from branches in mine. The newer ones sure seamed alot stronger to me. And i thought in 08 the panels just clipped in like the 05-07? Can't remember though.

 

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sledless bdh

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• Dec 11, 2011

• #13

Morsno,

So it sounds like you feel the $400 cost for the 09 kit is worth it instead of $200 for just a real front bumper?

 

MORSNO

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sledless bdh said:

Morsno,

So it sounds like you feel the $400 cost for the 09 kit is worth it instead of $200 for just a real front bumper?

Click to expand...

No, it depends what you are trying to accomplish. Are you looking for front end protection or modern cosmetics? The Skinz bumper will take a beating and prevent front end damage much more than the '09 bumper will. The '09 front end will give a more modern appearance and will have less drag, but I doubt it will add any resale value (most accesories never add much to resale...ask anyone who sold a big dollar turbo sled). I would only recommend the '09 plastics upgrade if your current plastics are smashed and you need to buy new stuff anyway.

I have a Skinz bumper on mine, I was looking for protection from occasional brush busting we have to do here in AK. My modern cosmetics are scratches down the sides and on the skid plate.

 

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ggcustoms

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• Dec 13, 2011

• #15

09-10 front end kits

I've done 3 of these the last couple of years, I find it is well worth it, you can find them for around 400, and Ive had no problem selling the old fenders bumper and nose piece for 2-250 if they are still in good shape, Then use a skins bumper $140 and sell the stock bumper that comes with the kit for $50 or more on ebay, you get a better working and better looking front end for around 300 bucks and a box of beer...

 

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sledless bdh

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• Dec 13, 2011

• #16

Good to know! Thanks fellas.