I need to buy some - is there a FAQ around somewhere or how good are they comparatively?
Bumper Choices
- Thread starter SteveLCetc
- Start date
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Slee and ARB. Had them both and both are solid.
Don't know anything about the others.
Post the info you find by using SEARCH and they'll we'll have a faq for the next person that asks.
Don't know anything about the others.
Post the info you find by using SEARCH and they'll we'll have a faq for the next person that asks.
- Thread starter
- #5
Yah yah. Search Button. 
I guess my biggest question is which ones have protection for the AC condensor on a '97? The only one I know of is Slee's skid plate for the ARB...
Steve H
P.S. I couldn't find that with the search button.
I guess my biggest question is which ones have protection for the AC condensor on a '97? The only one I know of is Slee's skid plate for the ARB...
Steve H
P.S. I couldn't find that with the search button.
NorCalDoug
problems solved daily...
I recall that TJM's front bumper protects the A/C dryer.
Personally, I prefer the ARB to the TJM...which reminds me...I still need to get that little skid plate from Christo.
Personally, I prefer the ARB to the TJM...which reminds me...I still need to get that little skid plate from Christo.
- Thread starter
- #7
Hmmm.. That would be $485 vs. $820... Slee's don't protect it right?
NorCalDoug
problems solved daily...
It's been a while since I've seen a pic of Slee's front bumper, but I don't think it covers the AC dryer. Personally, I wouldn't make the decision based on whether or not the AC dryer is covered.
The slee front bumper is VERY nice; the ARB is too. I have the ARB. My decision to go with the ARB was based more on protection against animal strikes than anything else. Given the option again, I'd prolly go with the slee bumper (not really that many deer in the road where I live -- although I reserve the right to change my mind after my first deer strike.
Having personally seen a TJM on an 80 in person, I'd go with the ARB or Slee -- these seem to be higher in quality. Remeber, you get what you pay for.
The slee front bumper is VERY nice; the ARB is too. I have the ARB. My decision to go with the ARB was based more on protection against animal strikes than anything else. Given the option again, I'd prolly go with the slee bumper (not really that many deer in the road where I live -- although I reserve the right to change my mind after my first deer strike
.Having personally seen a TJM on an 80 in person, I'd go with the ARB or Slee -- these seem to be higher in quality. Remeber, you get what you pay for.
NorCalDoug
problems solved daily...
you know...if you're really worried about the AC dryer, why not move it. There should be some info in the archives about moving the thing.
>> Personally, I wouldn't make the decision based on whether or <<
>> not the AC dryer is covered. <<
Agreed. That's a weird criteria for bumper selection but whatever floats your boat. As for the dryer, relocate it after it gets busted and not before.
Or build your own skid plate for it with your newfound welding skills.
-B-
>> not the AC dryer is covered. <<
Agreed. That's a weird criteria for bumper selection but whatever floats your boat. As for the dryer, relocate it after it gets busted and not before.
Or build your own skid plate for it with your newfound welding skills.
-B-
As far as I am concerned (like it matters 
), until Grant comes out of retirement, the Slee is the way to go. My main reason for this is the recovery points on the Slee vs ARB and the fact that the Slee is intended to fit the 12 K warn (unlike the ARB which requires modification to fit a 12K Warn). Besides, Christo just plain makes cool shiat.
), until Grant comes out of retirement, the Slee is the way to go. My main reason for this is the recovery points on the Slee vs ARB and the fact that the Slee is intended to fit the 12 K warn (unlike the ARB which requires modification to fit a 12K Warn). Besides, Christo just plain makes cool shiat. what do you get for $485? and from who?
IIRC the ARB "rings" are not rated for recovery....they're merely there to attach the high lift mount to. I've seen 'em used for a strap, but I wouldn't do it myself as they'll bend pretty easily. Keep the OEM anchor points.
As for build strength, having installed both the ARB low mount and ARB commercial models, as well as the TJM 17, the ARB is definitely a heavier unit. The steel is thicker.
Having seen Slee's bumpers, both front and rear, in person and being used, I can vouch for the fantastic build quality! If you can spend the $$ you'll not be bummed out with the decision to go that way.
I've run an ARB on my last 2 cruisers, my FJ60 and my FJ80, and have really been pleased with both of them. I think I got mine for about $655 shipped from 4wheelparts...
-H-
As for build strength, having installed both the ARB low mount and ARB commercial models, as well as the TJM 17, the ARB is definitely a heavier unit. The steel is thicker.
Having seen Slee's bumpers, both front and rear, in person and being used, I can vouch for the fantastic build quality! If you can spend the $$ you'll not be bummed out with the decision to go that way.
I've run an ARB on my last 2 cruisers, my FJ60 and my FJ80, and have really been pleased with both of them. I think I got mine for about $655 shipped from 4wheelparts...
-H-
I know a lot of folks run the ARB for the looks and also for pegging deer etc, but after having several ARB's on my 80 and the slee, I will guarantee you will not find one that fits better than the slee.
Well, having Junk's slee on my truck makes me lean toward his side.
Yeah, but with a slee, where do you mount your CB/HF antenna(s) up front on the bullbar???????
That's primarily why I'm leaning toward the ARB.
That's primarily why I'm leaning toward the ARB.
You could be like me and not use the mounts on the bull bar. just drill a hole on the very end of one wing and moutn it there. keeps it out of your line of sight as well
Dave
happy with arb
Dave
happy with arb
That is why you get a slee rear and mount the antenna on the tire carrier where it will get the best reception and protection
I actually have my antenna mount in the light tab of my slee until I get my rear.
I actually have my antenna mount in the light tab of my slee until I get my rear.
NorCalDoug
problems solved daily...
[quote author=DanKunz link=board=2;threadid=16455;start=msg159931#msg159931 date=1084980212]
That is why you get a slee rear and mount the antenna on the tire carrier where it will get the best reception and protection [/quote]
That's where I have mine attached. Works very well. And I don't have to watch it swing back and forth on the trail
That is why you get a slee rear and mount the antenna on the tire carrier where it will get the best reception and protection [/quote]
That's where I have mine attached. Works very well. And I don't have to watch it swing back and forth on the trail
