'03+ ARB Combination Bar on a '98-'02 LX470

hoser · 02-05-07, 01:16 AM

I purchased a used '03+ ARB Combination bumper from fellow mudder, theMule, to install on my '98 LX. A bit of a risk but I thought I'd give it a try. Actually, it was easier than I thought it would be. I would estimate it takes just an additional 1 hour over the regular install time depending on how well you "finish" and paint the upper bull bar where the two light/antenna tabs are removed. The two tabs on the upper bull bar need to be removed in order for the LX hood to clear when raised. This is Phase 1 of my ARB bumper install. I plan to chop my bumper for less overhang as Snook has done here. I just wanted to get the bumper mounted for now before I proceed to Phase 2.

Pic#1, Locate the two frame horns. The lower portion will need to be trimmed carefully with a cut-off tool.

Pic#2, shows what exactly needs to be cut.

Pic#3, modified frame horn.

hoser · 02-05-07, 01:17 AM

Pic #4 shows the accordian brackets mounted.

Pic #5 shows the upper tab mounts grinded off. You'll have to grind it smooth, primer and then paint/powdercoat it. I'll probably be removing the top hoop so I left it a bit rough. If you need the tabs, you could also reweld them off to the side. It is the LX grill that interferes with the tabs when you open the hood. The LC grill is stationary and is not part of the hood.

Pic #6--The finished product.

matt 105 · 02-05-07, 02:05 AM

Thats gunna look nice!
Ive always liked that LX front
Its a shame there's just too many wildlifes around here.

Matt

theMule · 02-05-07, 07:45 AM

That is great to see the bumper already mounted, it looks great on there! I'm happy things worked out Les, I appreciate you buying it from me, thanks and take care!

CrusrDug · 02-05-07, 08:05 AM

Looks good Hoser. What kind of winch are you going with? Waiting for AHC report as well.

Greg B · 02-05-07, 09:59 AM

Looks great Hoser!

The Toyo's look like they are wearing pretty well too. How about a couple of pics of the whole 100 so we can see how the new bumper looks?

Val678 · 02-05-07, 10:54 AM

Looks Great!

Copy Cat!!!

LOL

hoser · 02-05-07, 11:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CrusrDug

Looks good Hoser. What kind of winch are you going with? Waiting for AHC report as well.

I'm not sure if I am even going to put a winch but I will size it for a smaller/lighter M8000 winch. This bumper is very stout but also very heavy... maybe 140+lbs? I can totally feel the extra weight and will be installing a set of LC T-bars.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg B

Looks great Hoser!

The Toyo's look like they are wearing pretty well too. How about a couple of pics of the whole 100 so we can see how the new bumper looks?

I have only put about 10k miles on the Toyos but so far they are wearing well. I'll try and snap some more photos when I can but the end product isn't quite finished yet. I can't stand the amount of frontal overhang of the ARB. If it wasn't for Snook and his "slimming" mod, I probably wouldn't have bought this ARB bumper.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Val678

Looks Great!

Copy Cat!!!

Yup, thanks Val!

ChuckB · 02-05-07, 12:08 PM

That looks awesome. I might have to go that route when the time comes!

Greg B · 02-05-07, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

I can't stand the amount of frontal overhang of the ARB. If it wasn't for Snook and his "slimming" mod, I probably wouldn't have bought this ARB bumper.

Are you planning on cutting off the bull bar part? If you do the Snook mod, the hood will contact the top bar when you open it, won't it? I've been looking at doing this to mine too; but without cutting the top bar off, I don't see how the hood will shut.

e9999 · 02-05-07, 02:32 PM

nice job and great writeup. FAQ material.

no significant loss of strength?

what about the little headlights? are they covered up much?

hoser · 02-05-07, 03:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Greg B

Are you planning on cutting off the bull bar part? If you do the Snook mod, the hood will contact the top bar when you open it, won't it? I've been looking at doing this to mine too; but without cutting the top bar off, I don't see how the hood will shut.

Yes, I will at least be cutting off the top bar. I don't really need the protection, it's a city cruiser.

Heck, I should have gotten a Sahara bar and saved me some trouble. I'd rather have less overhang over bullbar protection. For you, it might be possible to weld on new hoops that are vertical and mounted forward of the original position and can allow room for the hood.

Quote:

Originally Posted by e9999

nice job and great writeup. FAQ material.

no significant loss of strength?

what about the little headlights? are they covered up much?

No loss of strength--or if any, very minimal. The accordian mounts are still held in by 4 bolts. The part cut-off was not used as a mounting point. Yes, the high beams are slightly obstructed in its current state but they still work fine.

1loudLX · 02-05-07, 11:41 PM

oh no you didnt hoser, you know what you just did right? Now i have to do that!!!!!

aedgington · 02-06-07, 04:33 AM

Very nice. Wish you had been two weeks earlier on this so I could have bought the $600 ARB that was on eBay

dclee · 02-06-07, 10:30 AM

Hoser -

I was able to dig up the install instructions in the garage last night. Will be faxing today.

calamaridog · 02-08-07, 12:08 AM

That bar is much better looking than the early version.

Jim_Chow · 02-08-07, 09:03 AM

Hoser, what did you use to cut the steel horns? I guess this mod is non-reversible in that you won't be able to reinstall the crush beam if you ever decided to sell the vehicle w/ the OEM plastic bumper?

hoser · 02-08-07, 10:12 AM

I used a pneumatic cut-off tool to cut the steel horns. It only takes a few minutes per side. The part that was cut-off could be welded back on if needed. It is also likely that the newer style crush beam/bumper could be used. The next time somebody with an '03+ removes their bumper, snap a picture so we can compare.

macneill · 02-09-07, 09:03 AM

Looks great. How 'bout some more pix?

SALEH · 02-09-07, 01:54 PM

hoser Cool did u get fog lights for the bumper ? and what about winch ?

hoser · 02-09-07, 02:07 PM

No foglights nor winch yet. From what people are saying about the ARB foglights, they aren't that great and probably not worth it. The PIAA lights on it right now came included with the bumper. I'll probably remove those too.

hoser · 02-09-07, 03:00 PM

I just received the instructions for the ARB bumper (thanks dclee) and it states:

"3. To fit chassis brackets to chassis rails, cut off the lower section of chassis mount."

"4. Mark out a line level with the bottom of chassis rail, and cut off using a hacksaw or a angle grinder and touch up bare metal with paint."

Now, I thought the lower chassis rail was THE difference between the pre and post '03 years but according to the instructions, you are supposed to cut that piece off for later models as well? Why do they even have two different ARB combination bars? (besides the curvature of the front grill being slightly different)

dclee · 02-09-07, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

No foglights nor winch yet. From what people are saying about the ARB foglights, they aren't that great and probably not worth it. The PIAA lights on it right now came included with the bumper. I'll probably remove those too.

I got the ARB fogs and they're fine, about as good or maybe a tad better than OEM (not that that's a ringing endorsement). They actually have a decent cutoff, and definately fill in the illumination pattern below and to the sides of the truck. And they do maintain a factory look, which to me was important given how much we paid for this thing (the truck, not the bumper... well, OK, the bumper too!). Plus, I hated the plastic fillers, sort of like dash button blanks - I just wonder what they're for and I have an irrational need to fill them...

dclee · 02-09-07, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

I just received the instructions for the ARB bumper (thanks dclee) and it states:

"3. To fit chassis brackets to chassis rails, cut off the lower section of chassis mount."

"4. Mark out a line level with the bottom of chassis rail, and cut off using a hacksaw or a angle grinder and touch up bare metal with paint."

Now, I thought the lower chassis rail was THE difference between the pre and post '03 years but according to the instructions, you are supposed to cut that piece off for later models as well? Why do they even have two different ARB combination bars? (besides the curvature of the front grill being slightly different)

Yup, had to make the cut on my `04. Not sure what other differences there might be.

I think you hit it with the shape of the grille. I think that's the only difference.

Jim_Chow · 02-09-07, 08:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by hoser

I just received the instructions for the ARB bumper (thanks dclee) and it states:

"3. To fit chassis brackets to chassis rails, cut off the lower section of chassis mount."

"4. Mark out a line level with the bottom of chassis rail, and cut off using a hacksaw or a angle grinder and touch up bare metal with paint."

Now, I thought the lower chassis rail was THE difference between the pre and post '03 years but according to the instructions, you are supposed to cut that piece off for later models as well? Why do they even have two different ARB combination bars? (besides the curvature of the front grill being slightly different)

On my '03, the ARB mounting bracket just slid on directly...no cutting necessary!

hoser · 02-09-07, 08:53 PM

Now, I'm confused. Are the Sahara accordian mounts different than the Combination bar mounts?

02-05-07, 10:54 AM	#7
Val678 IH8MUD Junior Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Walnut, CA TLCA# 16457 Posts: 166	Looks Great! Copy Cat!!! LOL __________________ 1999 LX470 Mods- BFG A/T 33" / Safari Snorkel / ARB Deluxe Bull Bar / Hella 4000 TeamLoud - 2012 Baja 1000

02-05-07, 12:08 PM	#9
ChuckB IH8MUD Addict Join Date: May 2003 Location: Ewa Beach, HI TLCA# 14425 Posts: 567	That looks awesome. I might have to go that route when the time comes! __________________ '72 '00 LX-UZJ100 (Sold) '86 FJ60 (Sold)

02-05-07, 02:32 PM	#11
e9999 You want to do what...? Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: PRK Posts: 10,180	nice job and great writeup. FAQ material. no significant loss of strength? what about the little headlights? are they covered up much? __________________ '97: 88K, 3xlock, Custom HD roo bar for sale, 285 MT/Rs on steelies, Hanna sliders, 851+1.5"/863/N73/N74E/SD24, ARB bull with M12, Kaymar with duals, Kaymar rack, Slee TC skid, 2m/440, more stuff, loose nut behind the wheel!) '03: 99K, the better half's... DD and souped up DR650

02-05-07, 11:41 PM	#13
1loudLX Mall-Cruiser Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: New York TLCA# I NO HAZ K? Posts: 2,809	oh no you didnt hoser, you know what you just did right? Now i have to do that!!!!! __________________ 2000 Lexus LX470 - K&N/SLP/HIDs/Clear Corners/LEDs/Nav/Sirius/Black LC 16"s/BFG AT 285s/Blacked out trim 2005 Specialized FSR XC - CF HBar/XC Stem/Alias 143 Seat/Sidewinder Grips Oo==L==oO Need 100 3rd row seats? http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-parts/2...ml#post3604000 Need some Michelin LTX M/S 275/70/16's? http://forum.ih8mud.com/sale-tires-w...-shipping.html

02-06-07, 04:33 AM	#14
aedgington IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Aug 2005 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 490	Very nice. Wish you had been two weeks earlier on this so I could have bought the $600 ARB that was on eBay __________________ King of comfort, convenience, and appearance mods. Hack your nav \| Find out what generation your nav is Sleeping platform with storage Installing Xenon HIDs

02-05-07, 01:16 AM	#1
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,729	'03+ ARB Combination Bar on a '98-'02 LX470 I purchased a used '03+ ARB Combination bumper from fellow mudder, theMule, to install on my '98 LX. A bit of a risk but I thought I'd give it a try. Actually, it was easier than I thought it would be. I would estimate it takes just an additional 1 hour over the regular install time depending on how well you "finish" and paint the upper bull bar where the two light/antenna tabs are removed. The two tabs on the upper bull bar need to be removed in order for the LX hood to clear when raised. This is Phase 1 of my ARB bumper install. I plan to chop my bumper for less overhang as Snook has done here. I just wanted to get the bumper mounted for now before I proceed to Phase 2. Pic#1, Locate the two frame horns. The lower portion will need to be trimmed carefully with a cut-off tool. Pic#2, shows what exactly needs to be cut. Pic#3, modified frame horn. Attached Images __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70 Last edited by hoser; 02-13-07 at 11:42 AM.

02-05-07, 01:17 AM	#2
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,729	Pic #4 shows the accordian brackets mounted. Pic #5 shows the upper tab mounts grinded off. You'll have to grind it smooth, primer and then paint/powdercoat it. I'll probably be removing the top hoop so I left it a bit rough. If you need the tabs, you could also reweld them off to the side. It is the LX grill that interferes with the tabs when you open the hood. The LC grill is stationary and is not part of the hood. Pic #6--The finished product. Attached Images __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70 Last edited by hoser; 02-05-07 at 09:04 AM.

02-05-07, 02:05 AM	#3
matt 105 IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: Bowen Basin, QLD Australia Posts: 334	Thats gunna look nice! Ive always liked that LX front Its a shame there's just too many wildlifes around here. Matt __________________ ------------------ a white Landcruiser - now with Track Tactical!

02-05-07, 07:45 AM	#4
theMule IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Sep 2003 Location: Between the Port of Indecision and Southwest of Disorder TLCA# 14287 Posts: 334	That is great to see the bumper already mounted, it looks great on there! I'm happy things worked out Les, I appreciate you buying it from me, thanks and take care! __________________ "THE MULE" A good ole boy can become an intellectual, but an intellectual can't become a good ole boy! 1965 FJ45 SWB 1967 FJ45 LWB 1972 FJ40 FST 1973 FJ55 1976 FJ40 1982 1st Gen 4WD Truck SR5 1983 1st Gen 4WD Truck SR5 1984 FJ60 1993 FZJ80 2005 Scion tc

02-05-07, 08:05 AM	#5
CrusrDug IH8MUD Regular Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Folsom, CA Posts: 422	Looks good Hoser. What kind of winch are you going with? Waiting for AHC report as well. __________________ 06 LC, Toyo A/T 275/70/18, AHC "mini" lift and 1.5 inch spacers removed due to rubbing PM me if you need spacers!

02-05-07, 09:59 AM	#6
Greg B IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jan 2005 Location: Louisville, KY TLCA# 15376 Posts: 1,039	Looks great Hoser! The Toyo's look like they are wearing pretty well too. How about a couple of pics of the whole 100 so we can see how the new bumper looks? __________________ 2001 UZJ100 Land Cruiser ARB bar, OME lift (863's, N74L's), Slee diff drop, 295 BFG AT's, Slee step-sliders, Slee rear bumper, Husky liners, Hella 4000's My Featured 100 Thread

02-06-07, 10:30 AM	#15
dclee IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Elk Grove, CA, USA TLCA# 12205 Posts: 1,717	Hoser - I was able to dig up the install instructions in the garage last night. Will be faxing today. __________________ Derek Lee `63 Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (404.115) `64 Mercedes-Benz UNIMOG (404.114) `81 Mercedes-Benz 300GD (460.333) `90 Mercedes-Benz 500SL (R129) `02 Saab 9-5 Aero `04 Toyota Land Cruiser (UZJ100)

02-08-07, 12:08 AM	#16
calamaridog IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Jun 2003 Location: Cuyamaca, CA and Las Vegas, NV Posts: 2,466	That bar is much better looking than the early version. __________________ 2000 UZJ100 - OME - sold Currently looking for the right FJ60 TLCA #14734 Calamaridog

02-08-07, 09:03 AM	#17
Jim_Chow IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 2,287	Hoser, what did you use to cut the steel horns? I guess this mod is non-reversible in that you won't be able to reinstall the crush beam if you ever decided to sell the vehicle w/ the OEM plastic bumper? __________________ '03 LX470: ART slotted & cryo'd rotors, Porterfield R4s pads, Stoptech stainless hoses, ARB sahara & Kaymar bars, HID's. '86 4Runner: lots of mods incl rear electric locker, front truetrac, regeared, OME lift, ARB/Kaymar bars. '01 Prelude SH: stock '00 Honda CRV: stock

02-08-07, 10:12 AM	#18
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,729	I used a pneumatic cut-off tool to cut the steel horns. It only takes a few minutes per side. The part that was cut-off could be welded back on if needed. It is also likely that the newer style crush beam/bumper could be used. The next time somebody with an '03+ removes their bumper, snap a picture so we can compare. __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

02-09-07, 09:03 AM	#19
macneill Rollin’ on 33s... Join Date: Jun 2004 Location: Brooklyn / Edgartown / Oak Bluffs TLCA# 12733 Posts: 3,151	Looks great. How 'bout some more pix? __________________ 1981 FJ60 - Martha’s Vineyard - 210K, OME, BFG ATs, MAF header, hi-flo cat and Magnaflow, Surco Safari Rack, Rod Racks. 2002 UZJ100 - Brooklyn - 44K, OME 865, OME T-Bars, TJM T-15, TJM RB8, Slee Diff-Drop, Slee Tube Sliders, African Outback Roof Rack, Borla & SLP Exhaust, Warn, IPF, PIAA, Toyo Open Country ATs. Gotham City Land Cruisers Yankee Toys Bay to Blue Ridge Cruisers

02-09-07, 01:54 PM	#20
SALEH FZJ100 Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Kuwait Posts: 310	hoser Cool did u get fog lights for the bumper ? and what about winch ? __________________ FZJ100 35" ARB rear locker with 4.88s , Sahara Bar , Kaymar Rear Bumper With Tire Carrier , African Outback Roofrack , Slee Sliders & Diff Drop , Long Ranger Combo , Dual Battery System And Milford Cargo Barrier and ARB Fridge.

02-09-07, 02:07 PM	#21
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,729	No foglights nor winch yet. From what people are saying about the ARB foglights, they aren't that great and probably not worth it. The PIAA lights on it right now came included with the bumper. I'll probably remove those too. __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

02-09-07, 03:00 PM	#22
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,729	Question for '03+ owners... I just received the instructions for the ARB bumper (thanks dclee) and it states: "3. To fit chassis brackets to chassis rails, cut off the lower section of chassis mount." "4. Mark out a line level with the bottom of chassis rail, and cut off using a hacksaw or a angle grinder and touch up bare metal with paint." Now, I thought the lower chassis rail was THE difference between the pre and post '03 years but according to the instructions, you are supposed to cut that piece off for later models as well? Why do they even have two different ARB combination bars? (besides the curvature of the front grill being slightly different) __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

02-09-07, 08:53 PM	#26
hoser IH8MUD No-Lifer Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: Bay Area, CA Posts: 3,729	Now, I'm confused. Are the Sahara accordian mounts different than the Combination bar mounts? __________________ 98 LX470 85 BJ70

02-09-07, 09:00 PM	#27
dclee IH8MUD Lifer Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Elk Grove, CA, USA TLCA# 12205 Posts: 1,717