Bumper question...ARB Vs Ironman (1 Viewer)

[prerunner221]

Looking for opinions on these two bumpers for a 2016 GX. I have had a, ARB on my last FJ Cruiser and it was great. I have no reason to not grab another ARB bumper, and am seriously considering a Summit bar with LP9's up top and Squadron Pro's in the bumper like I had on the FJ.

I just purchased an Ironman foam cell pro for the GX and really like it. Ironman sells their own bumper with similar looks as the ARB and I really like it paint matched.

I have never seen the Ironman in person though. They seem to have a good reputation in OZ but I just don't see their stuff in the states. Is it comparable? Any reason to do one or the other? Thanks for the replies, it will be going on this truck:

 

[Jstawgn]

Look almost exactly the same. The ARB winch mount is part of accordion collapsible crash bar. The winch can move a bit during pull but would be saver during a frontal crash. Both are airbag compatible to Australian regulations.

 

[ChiTown]

I just installed my Ironman bumper on my 11' GX and am pretty happy with it. I went with the Ironman because it ties into their recovery points and makes for a very solid unit.

 

[prerunner221]

Do you have pictures?

 

[ChiTown]

The 3 bolts here make a "frame sandwich" with the recovery point and the winch frame sandwiching the frame plate. You can also see the 3 bolts on the side of the frame and the one under the cross beam (under the circle slightly to the right). It's way better that a flat plate bolted to the side of the frame like most recovery points.

 

[Tex68w]

I have been struggling with this very same decision myself, at the moment I am leaning towards the Ironman of the two. I am also considering waiting for the CBI GXOR Hybrid as well.

 

[prerunner221]

I've been waiting on the same but it's from CBI so it'll end up being 1500ish would be my guess. I really like that it looks pretty factory, and I like that you gain a little clearance, but for that price I feel like I might as well just do a complete bumper. We'll see where they put it. I'd also like the option to mount some auxiliary lighting and the CBI doesn't have that.

 

[Tex68w]

I've been waiting on the same but it's from CBI so it'll end up being 1500ish would be my guess. I really like that it looks pretty factory, and I like that you gain a little clearance, but for that price I feel like I might as well just do a complete bumper. We'll see where they put it. I'd also like the option to mount some auxiliary lighting and the CBI doesn't have that.

Agreed in all respects. We've hit a small deer, two red tail hawks, and obliterated a dove and a pigeon all in the past four months. We've narrowly missed a third red tail hawk, a hog, a coyote in the past few weeks as well. After constantly repairing all of the small body damage to the front end it would probably be in our best interest to go ahead and run a full replacement bumper just for the added protection as it seems inevitable that we likely hit another animal in the future.

 

[SandyGX]

I've been trying to make this decision myself. Can anyone confirm if the Ironman bumper will retain the parking sensors or not? I can't find any info so I'm assuming not. Any reason other than that, that the ARB is $900-1000 more?

 

[Tex68w]

My Ironman Premium front has the parking sensor cut outs.

 

[Washingtontaco]

The Ironman is a PITA to install, sensors and washer are functional.

Installation starts at #43

Builds - 2018 Premium 460 build

Coming along nicely! So many things I had planned to install on mine in the coming weeks but given the circumstances I have put a lot of that on hold for the moment. I planned on deliveries slowing or even stopping some so I have a lot of parts stocked up and few items left over from my last...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[SandyGX]

My Ironman Premium front has the parking sensor cut outs.

Unfortunately, only the classic is available for my model year ('11).

 

[Washingtontaco]

Unfortunately, only the classic is available for my model year ('11).

I would think similar installation issue.

 

[Tex68w]

I agree with @Washingtontaco, the install is one of the worse I've ever experienced, that said, the ARB doesn't appear to be any better with shops charging 10+ hours labor for install. These bumpers were never intended for the Lexus GX so it makes install a one-off free for all when it comes to cutting and clearance.

 

[maingear]

I purchased the classic and drilled my own sensor holes. it works perfectly. I have to back into my garage and front outer sensor picks up the threshold of the garage (where the door’s track is mounted) every time. I need to disconnect the harness and spray some corrosion x to water proof it. If you drill your own and need the 3d printed mounts PM me your address and I‘ll get them shipped out for free.

Only thing I would do diffrently, would take more time with plastic inner fenders. I cut them too soon.

Justin

Calling on Ironman Classic Bumper owners, GX460 2013

I don't think I have the template to cut the plastic bumper set correctly. If I follow the line on the bottom across the front of the bumper it puts the cute below the distance sensors which does not look right from the few pics I have found online. Anyone have any thoughts?

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[nw_fj62]

There is rich content on this subject in the mud threads here.... I'm not clear the ARB bumper (for Prado 150) is even available for sale here - call ARB USA to ask (I did). As WaTaco and others have shared, the bumper cuts are involved and tedious and the Ironman instructions (for Prado) not particularly helpful. Chris and team at Ironman USA were happy to help. If you are interested in full coverage, I'd consider the new Victory 4x4 front bumper as well.

I've been happy with the bumper now that is installed. My only hindsight is that I should have installed IM recovery points with bumper install.

Ironman Classic bumper, XRC Gen3 Winch & Baja Designs LP6 Install

My weekend project: installing Ironman Classic bumper, Smittybilt XRC Gen 3 winch and Baja Designs LP6 on my 2013 GX 460. Any tips or inputs on installation welcome. I've done a previous bumper, winch and light install but still consider myself an enthusiastic amateur... Side note - I put...

forum.ih8mud.com

 

[Tex68w]

Agreed, I wish I had installed the tow points at the same time as well. I am done messing with it so I haven't bothered since lol. Maybe one day haha. Also, last I checked there weren't any Prado 150 front bumpers in stock with ARB NA/USA but it has been a while.

 

[franco19]

Look almost exactly the same. The ARB winch mount is part of accordion collapsible crash bar. The winch can move a bit during pull but would be saver during a frontal crash. Both are airbag compatible to Australian regulations.

So would an arb bumper be more solid than an iron man for that reason ?

 

[Jstawgn]

So would an arb bumper be more solid than an iron man for that reason ?

Does not really matter. Got no direct experience. Some prefer ARB, some prefer Ironman. Cosmetic and price is more of a deciding factor for most people.

 

[Tex68w]

TJM for the 2016+ trucks is a standout option as well.