ARB front bumper and AHC

[ticoman]

Hi all, I have searched, but did not find good answers on the ability of the AHC system to handle the weight of an ARB front bumper (without a winch). They said the bumper is about 60-0 kg. Does anyone have any experience with this?
I have a 06 100 series with the 4.2 1HDT- Fte. with factory AHC , centar and rear diff lock.
Thanks

 

[GTV]

Yes it can but you will need to make sure your pressures are in spec.

 

[hoser]

Since you have the heavier 1HD-FTE, I’d consider adding Timbren or Wheelers off-road bump stops.

 

[newbielx470]

Since you have the heavier 1HD-FTE, I’d consider adding Timbren or Wheelers off-road bump stops.

Does a V8 gas version LC (with AHC), having both an ARB bullbar bumper and a winch, need special bump stops? (Assuming AHC pressure in spec.)

 

[hoser]

IIRC, the diesel engine is over 200 lbs heavier than the V8 gas. If you are adding a light/med winch, it’ll probably be ok unless you are dune bashing. If you find yourself hitting the bump stops a lot, then re-evaluate.

 

[ticoman]

Thanks for your replies. I know that the Diesel model has heavier torsion bars to account for the added weight, so it should be fine.

 

[hoser]

The diesel AHC t-bars have a slighter larger diameter than V8 AHC t-bars but they also have a longer length. I would assume the net effect is still a higher rate torsion bar but nobody I know has measured it.

My unverified observation is most IFS 100's that have cracked their front LCA's were in Australia and were diesel (granted most overland 100's in Oz are probably diesel). But very occurrences on US V8 100's. Certainly the terrain is different so who really knows the answer. IMO, I would take extra precaution with the HDJ100.

 

[IndroCruise]

Hi all, I have searched, but did not find good answers on the ability of the AHC system to handle the weight of an ARB front bumper (without a winch). They said the bumper is about 60-0 kg. Does anyone have any experience with this?
I have a 06 100 series with the 4.2 1HDT- Fte. with factory AHC , centar and rear diff lock.
Thanks

You already have the answers in previous posts in this thread. Here are a few more points to ponder:

-- As mentioned by @hoser, the 1HD-FTE is about 100kg heavier than 2UZ-FE,

-- The torsion bars are different on 1HD-FTE compared to 2UZ-FE but the AHC/TEMS systems and specifications are the same for all 100 series models (LX470 and LC100 where AHC is fitted). As @GTV emphasises, this means that the care MUST be taken to ensure that torsion bars are adjusted to maintain AHC pressures within the FSM-specified range using Techstream or other suitable ECU reader (and preferably at the lower end of the range), AND at N height setting with tape-measured hub-to-fender distances set at 500mm Front and 520mm Rear,

-- If a so-called 'Sensor Lift' is adopted at N height setting (with increased hub-to-fender distances) then additional turns will be required on the torsion bar adjusters to regain FSM-specified AHC Front pressure.

-- If the vehicle is heavily built-up, regaining FSM-specified AHC pressures Front and Rear may require reindexing of torsion bars and King KTRS-79 Springs with a higher spring rate are likely to be required at the Rear,

-- ARB chooses not to publish Front bar weights. However, from personal experience and inquiries, if an ARB Deluxe bar is under consideration, then the weight is closer to 80 kg. A bar weight of 60 kg might apply to the so-called Sahara bar without the additional hoops,

-- In addition to the recommendation by @hoser, reinforcement brackets at the Front LCA"s also are advised where the torsion bar joins the LCA -- as recommended by most Bar suppliers including ARB -- see more information about this here:

Moab disaster turned best experience. Grandpas Garage!!!! BUY THE BRACKET!

First of all, if you dont read this whole tread that's fine, but buy this stinkin bracket and don't wait. Cruiser Outfitters has it and it's pretty cheap. Look on the suspension page on their website. OME 100 Series Front Torsion Bar Reinforcement Bracket (sold as pair) Part# OME...

forum.ih8mud.com

-- Even without problems from pounding the bump-stops, if high Front weight is not compensated by adjusting or reindexing torsion bars as necessary, then seals within the 'shock absorbers' (really hydraulic struts on an AHC-equipped vehicle) are likely to leak -- easily avoided by correcting Front AHC pressure within the FSM-specified range,

-- My 2006 LC100 with 1HD-FTE and AHC and ARB Deluxe Bar (but no winch), adjusted and modified as described above, has operated satisfactorily in all road and off-road conditions AFTER I learned from IH8MUD how to maintain the AHC/TEMS systems -- and especially the system pressures, condition of the 'globes' and condition of the Height Control Sensors!!

-- Last point to add: If I had my time over, I would seriously consider a high quality aluminium bar for the large weight saving over the steel bar. Arguments rage about the effectiveness of aluminium versus steel in the event of a large animal strike and it is true that steel is preferred in outback Australia. However, I think the aluminium bar would have been enough for my risk exposures.

 

[ticoman]

You already have the answers in previous posts in this thread. Here are a few more points to ponder:

-- As mentioned by @hoser, the 1HD-FTE is about 100kg heavier than 2UZ-FE,

-- The torsion bars are different on 1HD-FTE compared to 2UZ-FE but the AHC/TEMS systems and specifications are the same for all 100 series models (LX470 and LC100 where AHC is fitted). As @GTV emphasises, this means that the care MUST be taken to ensure that torsion bars are adjusted to maintain AHC pressures within the FSM-specified range using Techstream or other suitable ECU reader (and preferably at the lower end of the range), AND at N height setting with tape-measured hub-to-fender distances set at 500mm Front and 520mm Rear,

-- If a so-called 'Sensor Lift' is adopted at N height setting (and increased hub-to-fender distances) then additional turns will be required on the torsion bar adjusters to regain FSM-specified AHC Front pressure.

-- If the vehicle is heavily built-up, regaining FSM-specified AHC pressures Front and Rear may require reindexing of torsion bars and King KTRS-79 Springs with a higher spring rate are likely to be required at the Rear,

-- ARB chooses not to publish Front bar weights. However, from personal experience and inquiries, if an ARB Deluxe bar is under consideration, then the weight is closer to 80 kg. A bar weight of 60 kg might apply to the so-called Sahara bar without the additional hoops,

-- In addition to the recommendation by @hoser, reinforcement brackets at the Front LCA"s also are advised where the torsion bar joins the LCA -- as recommended by most Bar suppliers including ARB -- see more information about this here:

Moab disaster turned best experience. Grandpas Garage!!!! BUY THE BRACKET!

First of all, if you dont read this whole tread that's fine, but buy this stinkin bracket and don't wait. Cruiser Outfitters has it and it's pretty cheap. Look on the suspension page on their website. OME 100 Series Front Torsion Bar Reinforcement Bracket (sold as pair) Part# OME...

forum.ih8mud.com

-- Even without problems from pounding the bump-stops, if high Front weight is not compensated by adjusting or reindexing torsion bars as necessary, then seals within the 'shock absorbers' (really hydraulic struts on an AHC-equipped vehicle) are likely to leak -- easily avoided by correcting Front AHC pressure within the FSM-specified range,

-- My 2006 LC100 with 1HD-FTE and AHC and ARB Deluxe Bar (but no winch), adjusted and modified as described above, has operated satisfactorily in all road and off-road conditions AFTER I learned from IH8MUD how to maintain the AHC/TEMS systems -- and especially the system pressures, condition of the 'globes' and condition of the Height Control Sensors!!

-- Last point to add: If I had my time over, I would seriously consider a high quality aluminium bar for the large weight saving over the steel bar. Arguments rage about the effectiveness of aluminium versus steel in the event of a large animal strike and it is true that steel is preferred in outback Australia. However, I think the aluminium bar would have been enough for my risk exposures.

Well done. This completes my inquiry. I have tecstream and use it a couple times a year to check on my pressures . I am a little leary of the added weight of the ARB but, living in Costa Rica, thyere are a lot of dangers on the roads. I have found cheaper (lighter ) chinese options but they are not as heavily build.
Thanks again for the great info.

 

[ticoman]

Has any body bought the Chinese knockoffs of these bumpers? I see some on Amazon and a few other places. They are 120 lbs and uite a bit cheaper. I am here in Costa Rica and they are $850.00

 

[hoser]

If you really need a bullbar, the knock-off bumper would not be the best choice. The bar work on the ARB provides a lot of protection. The tubing even continues down into the bumper wings to provide support. It's been a long time since I had the ARB but I think the jacking points were reinforced... doubtful on the knock-off. The winch relies on the bumper mounts and I don't think I'd trust those.

ARB Deluxe:

 

[newbielx470]

I'd be worried that if any part of the knock-off has weak points due to bad material/design, it could become a damage multiplier (kind of like the non-offroad oriented bumper guards...)