FOUND A FRONT BUMPER!
ARB USA...we luv you man! Their new "Sahara Bar" and "Bull Bar" were shipping!
Experienced Cruiser folks directed us to ARB. With a little research and some time finding a source we opted for the lighter-weight Sahara Bar. We got a great deal from Off Road Unlimited in Scottsdale, AZ. They had all the parts and services we wanted:
*ARB Sahara Bar
*IPF 130W round lights
*Warn 8000i winch (the largest the Sahara could fit at that time, now 9500)
*Custom paint matching
*Install
So, we were off to Scottsdale. 2-days later it was ready. WOW, what a sweet lookin' setup! We were really pleased with the looks, the design and the install by ORL. We really liked the integrated lights within the bumper. The mini IPF's also spread a bright and very wide pattern, great while turning.
OH OH.....why is the front-end sitting about 1/2 of an inch lower than before? Obviously this was due to the weight difference of the new bumper, lights, and winch. No fear here though. We re-adjusted the factory torsion bars back to their original height and all was well. Kind of. More on this later......
Road test: Let's start out easy....here's a few shotts of the new install:
Didn't hang down as low in the front for certain!
Yes, that's was my 12 year-old driving...he was awesome!
With all working properly we hit some tough trails. Here's a shot from the Broken Arrow Trail near Sedona, AZ. In early 2002 this trail was somewhat difficult in spots. The Arrow had many ledges and stairsteps that required care. We noticed the added weight of the front add-ons made for a squishier ride when decending obstacles. Added care had to be taken, though with the overall clearance the improvement far exceeded the extra concerns while dropping off of rocks.
Wheel lifting down Edge of the Earth on FR42 (Tonto Natl Forest)
What about capability?
While I do not have many pictures of the 100, we did attend a run with the AzLCA to the Superior Powerline. This trail was moderate in most parts, however, due to a gate closure we were forced to exit via a very tight and difficult canyon which many usually bypass by choice. We had no choice (other than returning 5-hours in reverse). The 100 made it through though it was very difficult. I had spotters on both sides and at times were within an inch of my new 100. I was freaking. The canyon's exit was also extreme as I still had my stock suspension. In any event, some rock stacking and great spotting by Joe Chott got me past the exit. The exit did claim some damage to a locked and loaded FJ55 on 37's. How did the 100 make it through? I didn't even have sliders yet! Oh, and it was this trip where I really learned the factory Active TRAC traction control really worked. Here's some pictures from the run:
I was there:
Canyon exit:
To show what the 100 went through equipped this way, here's some pictures from future trips:
COMMENT:
One negative thing we experienced (and often) since adding the front bumper...it was front heavy. This came into play when decending steep and off-cambered hills. The 100 was a wheel-lifter. While we never got ourselves into trouble we sure were thinking of a rear bumper to balance the weight out. (More on that to come)
Pics for example only. The vehicle was lifted on these pics. Wheel about 2.5 feet off the ground:
Same spot...80-series with front and rear bumpers. Some of the diff is added flex, much is the fact the 100 was front-heavy. His wheel is about 1 foot off the ground:
Another example
More comments: In time it was discovered that the OEM factory torsion bars were too soft to safely support the weight of a steel bumper and winch. Some breakages were reported in Australia. If you add a front bumper and winch you should immediately upgrade your t-bars.
Evaluation: The front bumper allowed me to run the recent trails with success. On Powerline alone I would have destroyed my stock bumper on the ledges and rocks. Capability and durability have been increased. I do have the concern about lifting rear wheels as you can feel the front-end dropping down and popping the rear up. It might sound rediculous, though with each upgrade we've done we've been allowed greater off-road success. Nothing we have done has been a step backwards. Even ride quality is still excellent.
What's next.......we've almost made a decision on a suspension lift, AND....nobody has sliders yet! Errrr!