ARB Bumper Differences

[hoser]

I also questioned why ARB changed the winch mount design because it seems like the separate cradle would be better. However, somebody on here from Oz (100 TD?) said the old design also had problems with the winch cradle bending under heavy pulls.

 

[Nottajeep]

For the record, I used to have an '03+ combo bar, and while it looked nice, it was a vibration machine, especially with the winch mounted. And that was just on the freeway! Mojave corrugations actually had me scared that my bumper was going to snap off and go under the truck, causing expensive damage. Once I started hearing stories about the newer combo bars stretching their accordion mounts in Oz, I decided to remove it and went to an older Sahara bar with the separate dedicated winch cradle. A much better design IMHO. The only weight on the accordion mounts is the face of the bumper itself, not the winch or the majority of the bracing for a winch. Also, the Sahara is lighter (no upper bar work), which I like.

I'm not exactly sure why ARB went with mounting the winch to the face of the bumper. I know bumpers for the 80 and other trucks do that, but those trucks also do not have accordion mounts to preserve airbag functionality, so they're still pretty solid.

This is news to me. I have heard no other complaints on this board. Anyone know of issues with vibe on the ARB combo bull bar? Really want some insight as I am just about ready to pull the trigger ordering this bumper for my '99LC...

 

[sonk76]

I have not had any problems with my 03+ bull bar on my 06 lx. I do not have winch mounted on it, so i can not comment on that, but i have not had any problems with vibrations on the freeway or otherwise. I have run this with various AT, and now MT, tires without trouble... I drive 100 miles per day.

I plan to install a winch sometime and can then comment on that.

 

[SR.GRINGO]

comparison shots

98-02- no fog light option, winch mounts to cradle on frame (feet down).

03-07- fog lights, wings sit higher, bumper mounted winch (feet forward), stronger wings.

Angles are the same, clearance in the center is the same, I think the 03+ looks better. The other 100 also has another inch of lift than me, I have the same clearance on the wing portion.

Is there enough room in the slot above the (03+)ARB placard to fit a led light bar?

 

[Layonnn]

Is there enough room in the slot above the (03+)ARB placard to fit a led light bar?

Possibly. You might be able to fit one of single row LED bars there.

A 30" bar fits perfectly on the top. This is the Rigid Industries bar with their cradle mount.

 

[Wilsil]

I think I have to show these pictures to our local ARB in Oz.
They keep telling that only the Sahara bar will fit the LX470.
I went to a local 4x4 shop and they said that the chassis of both the LC and the Lexus are the same. What has been confirmed by you guys.

Those with the ARB full bar and AHC, are there any saggings or issues with the additional weight?

 

[Layonnn]

I think I have to show these pictures to our local ARB in Oz.
They keep telling that only the Sahara bar will fit the LX470.
I went to a local 4x4 shop and they said that the chassis of both the LC and the Lexus are the same. What has been confirmed by you guys.

Those with the ARB full bar and AHC, are there any saggings or issues with the additional weight?

The problem with the combination bar and the LX is that the grill is attached to the hood. So when you open the hood, the grill hits the light/antenna tabs on the upper bar.
The solution is to cut the tabs off, grind it smooth, and then repaint the upper section. It is far from hard to do, but it just makes it not a simple "bolt on" job since there is some fab work to be done. Shouldn't take longer than 20 minutes, minus waiting for the paint to dry.

 

[pfran42]

Is there enough room in the slot above the (03+)ARB placard to fit a led light bar?

I have a 20 inch dual row LED light bar on the way for testing that I can verify fitment with on 98-02 and 03-07 ARBs if Nick and Steve let me play with their bumpers for an afternoon.

 

[2000UZJ]

I have a 20 inch dual row LED light bar on the way for testing that I can verify fitment with on 98-02 and 03-07 ARBs if Nick and Steve let me play with their bumpers for an afternoon.

Sure thing. I'd like to see if one would fit

 

[pfran42]

Sure thing. I'd like to see if one would fit

It will fit...it is just a matter of how it will fit.

 

[Wilsil]

Cheers.
ARB isn't easy to deal with over here.
If it isn't in the list, it can't be done.
They don't think outside the box.

 

[TheFuzz]

Cheers.
ARB isn't easy to deal with over here.
If it isn't in the list, it can't be done.
They don't think outside the box.

They do that for liability reasons. Not because they are short sighted or trying to drive away customers. Could they be a little more flexible about it? Sure...but that opens them up to potential issues. Stupid, but it's the world we live in.

 

[Wilsil]

I had a similar issue with them with my Surf.
It is the same car as the 4Runner but upspec.
I ordered a bullbar and they couldn't fit it. According to them they had to modify the bar and drill holes in the chassis in order to fit the tow bar.
I took the bar from them and drove to my mechanic. It tokk him longer to drive my car in his workshop, unload the new tow bar then to install it!
No drilling or modification needed, just took the blanks off where the holes were.....

 

[00N8]

I have a 03 + Sahara bar ARB Bumper I'm getting ready to put on my 01 LX, what LED bar will fit under the Bull bar? I'm thinking just above the main bumper, not on top of or below the Bull bar. Is the bumper install a one banana or more job? I may just take it to Iron Pig to let them install it for me.

 

[3D FJ]

I have a 03 + Sahara bar ARB Bumper I'm getting ready to put on my 01 LX, what LED bar will fit under the Bull bar? I'm thinking just above the main bumper, not on top of or below the Bull bar. Is the bumper install a one banana or more job? I may just take it to Iron Pig to let them install it for me.

One bananna job! However, it is best if you have a second person to help you align it.

 

[Gottagetone]

What I dont get is the cost difference!?! I can get the 00 Sahara for $1250 but the 03 is $1470, thats C R A P! Thats with the Chrome hoop and lights.......

And the guys at ARB tell me if you dont install it on the correct year bumper on the correct year vehicle it will not be warrantied......so....."but it has been done".....

 

[1loudLX]

from arbusa's warranty webpage:

Air Locker Inc. (ARB) products are warranted free from defects in materials and workmanship for a period of twenty four (24) months from the date of initial retail purchase, with the exception of the freezer/fridge which carries a thirty six (36) month limited warranty. Air Locker Inc's (ARB) obligation under this warranty shall be limited to repairing, replacing or crediting at its option, any part found to be defective.
Air Locker Inc. (ARB) does not warrant or make any representations concerning its goods when:

The products are not installed, used, and maintained strictly in accordance with the manufacturer's instructions

The products are installed in vehicles that are used in competition

The products are installed in vehicles fitted with aftermarket non-standard tires with diameters in excess of OEM specifications

The products are installed in vehicles with engines that have been modified to increase performance

Air Locker Inc. (ARB) will not be liable for labor charges and other intangible or consequential losses that might be claimed as a result of a failure of any ARB component or part thereof to the extent permitted by state law.

So not only is my bumper installed on "the wrong vehicle" but my tire size prevents warranty? Heck the way it's written on their website, my fridge warranty is void because of my tires.

 

[00N8]

I got a set of 03 ARB bumpers (Sahara front) without instructions and a box of bolts and hardware. The instructions on the ARB website are for the Deluxe front bumper and must be for the 99-02 bumpers because my winch mount is not as pictured. I can't figure out the right bolts, washers, nuts etc on this and could use some help.

I reused the bolts that held my tow point and tie down brackets but the bolts are too short to keep the tie down brackets. The result is pictured here with almost an inch of space between the bottom of the winch mount and the frame.




After I installed those all the way around I noticed a bracket that looks like it needs to be involved somehow:



I do not have any 10mm bolts that will fit through the chassis mount and frame horizontally but did see some long bolts that fit vertically from top to bottom but don't quite seem right. You can see it below, it's the long bolt that starts at the top of the frame rail and goes through, sticking out the bottom, just in front of the tow hook.





Any help would be appreciated.

 

[Trunk Monkey]

Flip that bracket upside down, it fills that space between the bumper and frame.

 

[farinvail]

Just looked at mine. I agree it fills the space between the bumper and frame but mine is installed as oriented in the 2nd photo above, not flipped at TM indicated.