ARB vs TJM bumper on a 200

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jblatl

jblatl

10 Year
Joined
Dec 29, 2012
Threads
81
Messages
1,031
Location
Marietta GA
I have looked at many many pictures of these two brand's of bumpers and can not come up with a reason to spend an extra $1,000 on the ARB bumper.

Please help me, the TJM bumper looks better from the front (the center supports are at the same angle as the grill), the original bumper does not have to be chopped up to fill holes that ARB got to lazy to make the proper filler, the overhang is less, it is 130 lbs vs 150 lbs, and last of all HALF THE PRICE.

What am I missing?

I am looking at buying the TJM T13 next month for $1,250. Is there a reason to save some more cash 1k more for the ARB???

HELP
 
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I've had my TJM for about 6 months. I was very impressed with the quality, fitment, etc. I've owned several ARBs and a Ironman prior to this bumper (first for me on a 200 though). I like the TJM and glad I got it. I'm not a fan of the cut OEM bumper required by the ARB.

 
I have a question, is the TJM airbag "approved" like the ARB, that would be my decision point.
 
I don't mind the cut bumper. Ask a few people here to show you close up shots of the cut ARB bumper and the TJM filler piece. The ARB moves when hitting bumps and pot holes which having the cut plastic bumper as the buffer works for me whereas the TJM is metal to metal. I haven't heard any issues from others here with those hitting though. As long as you have a nice gap. Airbag was a requirement for me which eliminated all but ARB and TJM.
 
I'm looking hard at them both, also. Honestly, if it wasn't such a pain to get the TJM, would have already done it.

Since I don't need the approach angle for rock crawling, I like the TJM's wider wings. The angled center uprights are nice, but I do wish they had some kind of rubber cap, like the ARB, for aesthetics.

I also keep coming back to TJM because it doesn't appear to stick out as far. Trying to stay as low profile as possible but still get bull bar protection.

Anyone in the Portland, OR have the ARB on their 200? I'd really like to see one in person.
 
onemanarmy said:
I'd like to see the pics of the crashed 200s that ARB and TJM used for testing.
Click to expand...

I'm sure a used $30,000 example was tested.

Right?
 
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I think the biggest issue would be actually finding a TJM in the US.

I have a T13 and LOVE it.

image.webp
 
I have a TJM also and love it. The wings are made out of flexible plastic. I recommend buying an extra set like I did at time of purchase. Was like an extra $50.00.
 
MScruiser said:
I think the biggest issue would be actually finding a TJM in the US.

I have a T13 and LOVE it.

View attachment 1285941
Click to expand...

Looks absolutely killer! Your paint looks like glass.

I remember you did quite a bit to make sure the bumper-filler part color matched the rest of the cruiser. Read that others found having a paint shop just paint those didn't always work out. Any words of wisdom for those of us without painting skills or knowledge of what to ask for?
 
pdxlc200 said:
I have a TJM also and love it. The wings are made out of flexible plastic. I recommend buying an extra set like I did at time of purchase. Was like an extra $50.00.
Click to expand...

Which part is the "wings" that you are referring too? Is this the filler piece between the bumper and grill?
 
@mark71 , just take your time. Don't forget to wet sand. And of course buff after paint and clear coat. Then seal and wax it all.
 
Hard to find TJM bumpers in US. I need one in few months if price is right.
 
I talked to the TJM rep for the US and he is more than willing to bring some over here for us in the US, he has containers coming state side all the time bringing suspension components in to the US for companies that armor 200's. Byron at Straight Six in Kennesaw GA was going to become a US dealer. The side wing fillers are plastic I believe, good to know on ordering an extra set. From what I have read, if properly installed with the correct gap there is no issue with rubbing.

We need to get Byron to keep one on the shelf for us at his shop. I will harass him when I am back in that area of GA.
 
So how is it that both are "Airbag compliant", but only the ARB mount has a crumple zone.

What on the TJM makes it compliant, I wonder?

I don't want a minor fender bender to deploy my airbags.
 
I am curious about the crumple zone you mention. Both bumpers appear to mount the same way and have similar construction. Where is the construction are you seeing the crumple zone, I wonder if they are counting the bolts to the frame sheering off as the crumple zone? I believe there is at least one airbag sensor located in the front section of the frame. I am not for sure on that, someone smarter than me please chime in.
 
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