How to Choose The Right Bump Stop for Overlanding: Timbren vs. Sumo Springs vs. Toyota

0:26 Bump Stop Basics
1:00 Making Bump Stops Complicated
2:42 Timbren Active Off-Road Bumpstop impressions
3:05 Sump Springs Impressions
3:27 Stock Tacoma Bump Stop
4:44 Stack Height Comparison
5:17 Timbren Details
6:16 Timbren Compression Test
7:35 Sumo Spring Detail
8:48 Sumo Spring Compression test
9:03 Compression Comparison
9:34 Sumo Spring Is Softer
10:36 Sump Spring Front Bump Stop
11:51 Conclusions
PRODUCTS TESTED
Sumo Springs for Toyota Tacoma: amzn.to/3wlbpU4 [PAID LINK}
Timbren Active Off-Road Bump Stops: amzn.to/4bBaij9 [PAID LINK]
Toyota Leaf Spring Bumper: parts.camelbac...
BUMP STOP BASICS
1. You definitely need bump stops
2. Bump stops are a piece of rubber that prevents metal-on-metal contact when you hit a REALLY big bump with your car or truck.
3. Your vehicle comes with these from the factory.
4. Unless you’re getting really extreme, or you just like making things complicated, your stock bump stops will work just fine.
If you want to move forward to making things really complicated, here’s what you need to know.
Our Tacoma has Old Man Emu’s BP-51 suspension, including shocks and springs. So it sits about 2.5 inches over the factory ride height.
WHY YOU MIGHT NEED DIFFERENT BUMP STOPS
Many lift kits come with a spacer that moves the bump stop closer to the axle. This is to prevent the shocks from bottoming out because the collapsed length exceeds the clearance of the stock bump stop. This would cause the shock to bottom out, which might be bad, depends on the shock.
The Old Man Emu kit does not require modified bump stops. The instructions do not require or recommend modifying the bump stops. The specifications state that it is compatible with 0 lift and the collapsed length of the shock is only about an inch greater than the stock shock.
So If you like to keep things simple, you can stop here and keep using your stock bump stops.
TIMBREN ACTIVE OFF-ROAD BUMPSTOPS
amzn.to/4bBaij9
I installed Timbren Rubber bump stops a few years ago to help with that, and you can check out the video where I talk about that. The short story there is that even though Timbren markets these bump stops as softer than stock, they are not. When the truck hits them it’s jarring and bouncy and I don’t love it.
Sumo Springs
amzn.to/3wlbpU4
A few months ago Super Springs came across my video and asked if I wanted to try their Sumo Springs Product. Sumo Springs are a bump stop made from micro-cellular Polyurethane foam. They come in three different densities depending on the weight of your vehicle. Some sump springs can be used for carrying constant load, like an overload spring, but for my purposes, it’s just a bump stop.
TOYOTA LEAF SPRING BUMPER
parts.camelbac...
So let’s compare. The stock bump stop is short and made of very hard rubber because it’s meant as a last resort padding in case of big impacts. It’s about 61mm of rubber.
The Timbren bump stop is made of a similar black rubber, but it’s hollow inside and has a bellowed structure to allow it to be softer than solid rubber. It’s much taller at 95mm and is designed to impact earlier in the travel to spread the harsh stop out over a greater distance and time.
The Sumo spring is taller still at 139mm and is made of a completely different material micro-cellular polyurethane designed with less bounce to soften harsh rebounds, the exact thing I was looking for.
DISCUSSION
I’ve been driving around with sumo springs on the driver’s side for about a month and Timbren bump stops on the passenger side. I definitely notice that the bottom out is harsher with the Timbrens. Semi-quantitatively, the sumo springs are 1 cm thinner when fully compressed and compress over a longer distance, so they are noticeably softer and theoretically allow more axle up travel when hitting bumps.
The Sumo Spring really delivers and I’m definitely glad to switch. while it’s a little taller, it interacts over a greater distance, making its effect a lot more subtle. Plus, the material doesn’t rebound as fast and makes for a much better experience.
When it comes right down to it, neither the Timbren Active Off-Road Bump Stops nor the Sumo Springs are actually bump stops; they’re overload springs. They are there to augment the leaf springs when you put a load in the truck so that you don’t get excessive sag.
If you need the extra load-carrying capacity, then that may be a tradeoff you’re willing to make.

[@cv6473]

finally a video that looks into this and see does it really make a difference and the brands. To add to he mix look up perry parts bump stops. For size comparisont they look same as stock but the way they are made are differnt. There videos of compression and all let mek now your thougths.

[@Openmindpureheart]

I have Perry. And I’m replacing them with timbren because perrys suck.

[@PerryParts]

@@Openmindpureheart We are always open to customer feedback. Our product can be adjusted for any vehicle platform, and can be tailored for all use cases. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any issues with your Perry Parts. Thousands of folks are happy with our product, but even a single person that isn't happy is important to us to address.

[@robertyoung8289]

I run without out a front swaybar on my PRO. The Sumo bump stop took all the dangerous sway on the street out so i can run without out it with confidence.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Hmm I wonder which is better. My gut says the sway bar is safer in road and the sumo springs limit travel off road. How do you like that off road?

[@robertyoung8289]

@@AllTerrainFamily I honestly haven't noticed any real lack of travel off road. I tend to seek out moderate trails. The front removal of the sway bar is a definite upgrade and I literally notice no more concerning sway since installing the Sumo's. Give it a try and let us know what you think. Thanks for the video.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

@@robertyoung8289 I need to experiment with swaybar removal. That sounds like it would complicate things nicely...

[@alex.hodschayan]

Hey Mike, so glad you love your SumoSprings! We really believe they are the best option out there for everyday use and when loaded up! Wow, what a great video! Love how in-depth you went on each stop and the advantages of each. Looking forward to following more of your journey!

[@Radicalwillie]

I can't speak to a lifted application, but I loved the Sumo springs on the stock "TRD Off Road" suspension. The stock tacoma is pretty softly sprung, it doesn't take much weight in the back (200 - 300 lbs) to bottom out the suspension on highway dips at speed. The sumo's really soften the hit and slow down the compression. I recently replaced my '17 with a '23 and will be installing the Sumo's again in the coming weeks. But I certainly understand your point that with the BP's, you're probably not seeing the same benefit as a stock suspension would.

[@cv6473]

Finally somone, i was thinking the same thig seems i'mg going to stay stock as much possible. Any thoughts on the bump stops brand perry Parts?

[@pgirard26]

Great vid Mike. It has always surprised me that you don't have more exposure. I like how you explain the feel of these products in different situations that are most relevant to the everyday user. Love the on vehicle in-use shots as well. Just an FYI, 4wheel Parts is closed on Sundays, thus their rti ramp is, um, free to use when dialing in suspension numbers. Great content. Keep it up.

[@30-06]

Nice to see the comparison. I have Sumo Springs on my 17 Tacoma OR w 6spd manual: very happy with it.

[@tylerphelps4868]

Love the real in depth look and comparison. Keep up the great videos

[@ericpetrus9720]

I ran the 1000# sumosprings on my tsb springs for 8years. They did the job but I recently did a 3 leaf progressive add a leaf and changed to old man Emu shocks vs my old bilstein 5100 and removed the sumosprings. If I need more capacity I will go to the 500# sumospring. The 1000# set contacted all the time and in hindsight was very harsh. Much happier with the add a leaf. Fwiw

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I agree that adding actual spring is the way to go. These are ok as a temporary or occasional use solution.

[@TwistedOmYoga]

Awesome video! I love my yellow sumo Springs on the taco. It’s much needed even with an OME set up. Thanks for sharing

[@honda116969]

Why did you go with yellow rather than blue? Do you carry real heavy loads? My payload on my TRD off-road manual transmission is 945lb 🦴 stock suspension cuz I don't go off-road a lot I put blue sumo springs on the rear I just want to get them on the front it feels much more hunkered down when I go over large bumps it used to bounce all around before there's only about 1/2" between the spring & the frame rail so I must be using them quite a bit.

[@joealves5070]

I have both timbren and sumo springs.. timbrens on my 1500 are definitely stiffer and handle more overload applications, 4 sumos on my 36' camper to help with the sway and bumpy ride. The stiffer they are they more they handle the load, sumo compresses a lot compared to timbren so it can be a softer ride. Both of these have made it possible to tow such a large camper with a 1500 but your truck will take a beating even with all this tech. 1500 just not made for the application i was putting it through , upgraded to a 2500..

[@Nightowl-OO]

Hey AT Fam, good review. I’ll offer another consideration for replacing the factory rear bump stops, it deals with intended use, the bump stops stop you from bottoming out the springs, and if your bottoming out the rear bump stops regularly you should have already upgraded your rear suspension and increase overall body lift (like you did 👍) However if your intended use is not constant heavy loads but towing, or occasional construction work, the sumo springs provide a low cost solution for the additional support they provide

[@AllTerrainFamily]

In most cases overload leaf springs are better and cheaper. Rubber and foam just aren’t sensible springs. Super Springs sells these products too. On a tacoma, they are just as easy to install.

[@vinassteven]

I believe you are missing the point of a Timbren SES (Suspension Enhancement System). I just installed them on my 2023 Tundra, and if I am not mistaken, they are meant more for towing and hauling so you don't sag that much in the rear or in the front if you carry a plow. I don't think they are meant for off-roading. By design, they limit up travel because they have a stiffer progressive spring rate. The more they compress, the stiffer they become. They are meant to assist your factory suspension without needing airbags. Airbags will add extra weight to your vehicle, and you have to constantly get out when adjusting your airbags to make sure you have the correct ride height. Another function Timbren SES provides is the protection of your other suspension components, which can be negatively affected when bottoming out while carrying or hauling a load.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

These are not the SES. They are the bump stops.

[@CBautofab]

To bad you didn't have some Duro Bumps to test out, I have used the Wheelers Bump Stops, the Sumo Bump Stops and my favorite are the Duro Bumps so far, they seem to really help on full compression in both higher speed woops, hard pack, soft sand, crawling on the trails and when mall crawling those speed bumps.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Yeah. I think those are better than any of the options i had here.

[@connorm1600]

You should try out the Perry parts bumpstops.

[@CD-hc5ds]

I also run the OME system What are you running your shock settings C/R

[@andhon]

Where did you get the ubolt flip kit for the sumosprings?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

It all comes with the Sumo springs as an option.

[@butchgreene8718]

I'm here because the 2015 Tacoma I bought I just realized has black Sumo Springs on it. My question for off roaders & overlanders pulling something light like a Hiker Trailer...does the Sumo Spring have potential to cause a rollover by capping droop during articulation? I.E...what just happened in this video at the end. Would Sumo Springs prevent the uphill side of the axle from sagging down into it's travel on an off camber hill & potentially "bounce" the rear wheel off the ground causing a rollover?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Yeah. I guess that could happen.

[@MoY206]

Sooo what I got out of this video is just stick with stock bump stops if you wheel a lot bc it limits travel but if you tow a lot then sumo's are worth it? For my application, I own a 3500 pound boat which I tow occasionally in the summer and spring and I wheel, tbh less then 6 times a year. Hmmm 🤔 decisions decisions lol.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I would say if you to A LOT, then get better leaf springs, if you tow occasionally then sumos are OK. An overload spring like a helper spring or add a leaf would be better and cheaper.

[@calgreco8607]

Very interesting, I wonder if Springs international will make a shorter front bump stop so that the suspension is not in a bind?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I doubt it. This is intended to do exactly what it is doing.

[@JoseMartinez-ms3bj]

Love your sarcastic shit, keep it coming !!!

[@damonphalin6023]

I have a 21 TRD Pro and a 375 LB AT Topper just not sure what I should do, AAL or small Block and Sumo Springs, adding Westcott 1.75 lift to front

[@AllTerrainFamily]

AAL. Makes no sense to lift only the front of a tacoma.

[@damonphalin6023]

@@AllTerrainFamily yeah I understand that just uncertain which way to go for the Rear

[@AllTerrainFamily]

@@damonphalin6023 Ideally, a full leaf spring pack that is correctly rated for the weight you carry. Add a Leaf is the next best option. Sumo springs are an OK option if you don't go off road. But the add a leaf is about the same price, but a little harder to install.

[@freidrichnietzsche6643]

What arb bumper is in that Silverado? I’m adding the blues to my ‘16 Silverado 1500 mid travel on kings.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

It’s an older ARB, i don’t think they had more that one bumper for that truck.

[@Mike-4547]

Thank you for the video. What front bumper are you using?

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Warn Semi-hidden.

[@Mike-4547]

@@AllTerrainFamily thanks looks good

[@Bob-gy6ud]

The Timbren or Sumo are HELPER springs designed for load assist keep vehicle properly balanced under load. The factory bump stop is actually an overload stop. However a trade off is always made loading carrying anti sway proper balance or total flex of travel. Only the user can answer that to his needs. Honestly not complicated if your not running close to 75% payload/haul capacity they have no need to change as the loss in suspension travel is lost in off road. However if you tow/haul and rear has negative squat (rear end sits lower than front then they are needed to restore handling and heavy load comfort. So do you need them? Maybe or maybe not. If you don’t need but want to spend money anyway sure.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Timbren does make helper springs. These are the bump stops though.

[@mintkondish7396]

Timbren don't really do warranty either, wouldn't get them again, I'd go with the sumo or maybe airbags

[@rmsfootball63]

Have you looked at the accurate bumps? I am in between the sumo springs and accutune.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

I have not

[@kingofbratz3626]

Hey timbren and sumo! Why not develop a stop almost half the size in height with some sort of a screw in top addition/option for easy install for towing and the sag issues? Give us the option of what ride quality we want. The biggest issue with these is the loss of Ride quality for everyday driving.. The only people really looking at these are those who want to tow without sag and then keep their ride quality when not towing but are stuck with these issues.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Check out RubberShox…

[@honda116969]

I think sumo springs make your suspension last longer, cuz it's not being used nearly as much 🤔

[@denden01161]

Looking for rear suspension help towing

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Upgrade your leaf springs.

[@denden01161]

@@AllTerrainFamily well I have Lexus gx460 coil spring. Can’t

[@AllTerrainFamily]

@@denden01161 *Upgrade your coil springs. There should be options. But also Airbags are a good option for coil springs.

[@eliasbeas3556]

In summary: Keep your OEM bump stops. Ignore marketing.

[@Bingoz277]

Sorry you lost me at meters. I only do imperial units od measure.

[@AllTerrainFamily]

Totally understandable. It takes people on average 230 years to learn a new system over units and the metric system is only 225 years old. Only 5 more years to go bro!

[@chrisking6695]

@@AllTerrainFamilyim loving this comment lmfao. Like it’s so hard to learn a new system. I’m from Germany but I learned the imperial system pretty quick after I moved here.

[@raymonkent5835]

Maverick!