ARB Bumper Install Questions

[YOTAFAN]

Ok, so tomorrow I will be installing my new ARB bumper. Last night, I got to looking at the parts and the instructions and WTF, the instructions stick. I like to think of myself as being a little mechanically inclined, but could the folks at ARB at least supply me with a few pics or diagrams on their instructions?

Anyway, I did a search for install help and was able to answer some of my questions, but does anybody know of a good write-up (maybe w/ pics) on installing this sumab*tch? Most of the write-ups say there are 6 bolts that mount the bumper to the frame. After reading the instructions, it sounds like you have to use 8 bolts. Also, the kit comes with two brackets. One of them is a license plate holder, but what's the other joystick looking doohicky for?

One last thing, my rig doesn't have the front tow hooks. Hopefully you can see this in the picture below. Instead, it has these flat tab looking things. I'm guessing they are remnants of an old damage multiplier the previous owner may have had, then subsequently removed. I plan on tossing those in the trash. How will not having the front tow hooks affect my installation? Is that what the two rectangle spacers that come with the kit are for? If anyone has any front two hooks they're looking to get rid of, please let me know. Thanks for letting me rant a little and for all your help. This website is worth its weight in gold.

 

[YOTAFAN]

I meant to say the instructions stink, not stick. Sorry about that.

 

[LICruiser]

...

I count this as myfirst real mod. The only time I used the directions was to see which length bolt went where. I did it by myself in about an 1.5hr. Sometimes peoples frame rails are a bit to far apart or to close which in that case do a search on how to resovle it. I rested the bar on my thigh and lifted and slid it on

 

[Romer]

The rectangular things are zinc spacers that go between your tow hooks and the frame. I recommend getting some replacement tow hooks as they are a much better grabbing place than the ARB. That second bracket, no clue. It was not required in my install and there were a few other bolts and stuff that were not needed. Could have to do with a winch or something, but I got all the parts I needed for that with my WARN.

It's pretty straight forward. Take off the old bumper. Take off whatever is mounted where the tow hooks should go. Slide the ARB onto the Frame (Helps to have 2 people) and bolt her up. It will be obvious where to bolts go based on the holes on the bumper.

 

[TCH2FLY]

From what you described that is the second bracket used to remount the winch control box.
Does it look like this but except it has some holes in the flat plate?

The plate bolts to the winch contol box and the thin arm is attached to the winch motor with the existing straps

 

[YOTAFAN]

So the zinc spacers go between the tow hooks and the frame. Now in my case, since I don't have the tow hooks (yet), will this cause me headaches with those bolts being too long?

 

[Romer]

Use the spacers and you should be OK. That way you will know where they are when you get the tow hooks.

 

[XXXR]

Keep the bolts loose until all the bolts are in and then tighten. Mine fit SNUG and keeping the bolts loose helped in it's alignment. You will love the new bullbar. But boy, I hope you got your 2.5 OME lift on order... you need some meats with a bull!

 

[e9999]

IIRC the spacers are just so you can install the tow hooks flat despite a protrusion due to the ARB. IOW, this should not affect your bumper installation if you don't use the hooks. And indeed, you should...