2nd gen ARB Bull Bar structure

[ms018kmf]

I've seen this touched on in some diffrent threads. I see lots of ARB equipped 2nd gen trucks that bend or crack their frames at the bumper mounts. Looking around at diffrent forums I've heard that some of the Bull Bars were designed for the overseas Hilux. They have the same mounting pattern as our domestic trucks but structurally they are diffrent. Are bent mounts a symptom of unintentionally using the wrong product or does every truck require bolstering the front end with more metal?

 

[bkg]

Nope. Front crossmember on the toyota frame is, frankly, weak.

 

[ms018kmf]

Have you burned on any tubes or plates to fix this? I've seen how 1st gen's get braced up for the ARB, just no gen 2 stuff.

 

[ms018kmf]

I'm gona try and get two sets of the ORS Steering box plates. My TC Idler arm uses an extra frame hole that looks like it was meant for the steering box in a right side drive. So once I get plates on each side of the frame I will have a better idea of where I can brace the frame without clearance issues. I may need the ARB first for the same reason, just to be sure it fits.

My bracing scheme won't come to bear fruit for another month at least. Just kicking around the idea while I wait for some parts to get wheeling again. Too many close calls last year, I need front end protection.

 

[Tools R Us]

A buddy of mine ripped the bumper off of his 2nd gen, wasn't an ARB, but a nice custom unit. He was winching when it broke. If I were building one for heavy use, the frame would get reinforced, plated.

 

[82 Toy]

diggin the lower lights. thats a good lookin bumper

 

[bkg]

Have you burned on any tubes or plates to fix this? I've seen how 1st gen's get braced up for the ARB, just no gen 2 stuff.

Yes...

Use a combination of Front Range Off-Road cross member brace and custom bracing on the frame rails.