ECB Bullbar - Big Tube Bar

[BG_TX]

Anyone currently running these or previously used them (PC black of course, not chrome)... I am preparing for my spring overhaul (lift, sliders, bumpers, etc) and was curious what the feedback was on these.

I would be interested in hearing about the integrated winch system, durability, etc... also some side profile shots if anyone has any would be awesome!

I know ARB is tried and true but just checking the other options prior to forking over the dough. My other concern about the ARB bumpers is there seem to be many different models out there with slight differences and I am not sure which one I will get if/when I order one (seems most places just advertise the bumper and not the specific model so those pictured may be different than received). The photo of the ARB bumper for 62 series on SOR is perfect but it is different than the one pictured for the product overview. Also, I have seen the ARB bumper mounted on some 62 series trucks and it looks great, others look awful and I am not sure if it is a difference in models or if there are different mounting settings that attribute to the variances.

I also really like the minimalistic approach on the 4+Plus Deluxe Winch bumper but it is for a 60 series and the side tubes will block the turn signals on a 62. Perhaps someone knows of a source for something similiar without the signal blocking tubes? My hunt would be much easier if I knew how to fabricate my own junk but I lack the tools, the know how and the confidence right now (maybe later).

Anyway, any feedback from those experienced with these bumpers would be much appreciated. I would be mounting on a 62 series and I am looking for something functional (incorporates a winch), something rugged and aggressive in appearance and something that 'fits' the styling of the 62 wagon.

Thanks for your help...

 

[IrollwithTojo]

I've got an 1989 62 as well and I'm in the same boat as you. But as soon as I get the money I am going to go with the ARB for my 62.


-Carl

 

[BG_TX]

I am still intrigued with the big tube bar... it is horid looking but looks built. I can only assume it is not recommended since there is no feedback for it.

I doctored a photo with it, looks like a semi just curious how it would look on a lifted 62.

 

[Dirtgypsy]

Anyone currently running these or previously used them (PC black of course, not chrome)... I am preparing for my spring overhaul (lift, sliders, bumpers, etc) and was curious what the feedback was on these.


I know ARB is tried and true but just checking the other options prior to forking over the dough. My other concern about the ARB bumpers is there seem to be many different models out there with slight differences and I am not sure which one I will get if/when I order one (seems most places just advertise the bumper and not the specific model so those pictured may be different than received). The photo of the ARB bumper for 62 series on SOR is perfect but it is different than the one pictured for the product overview. Also, I have seen the ARB bumper mounted on some 62 series trucks and it looks great, others look awful and I am not sure if it is a difference in models or if there are different mounting settings that attribute to the variances.


I also really like the minimalistic approach on the 4+Plus Deluxe Winch bumper but it is for a 60 series and the side tubes will block the turn signals on a 62. Perhaps someone knows of a source for something similiar without the signal blocking tubes? My hunt would be much easier if I knew how to fabricate my own junk but I lack the tools, the know how and the confidence right now (maybe later).


Anyway, any feedback from those experienced with these bumpers would be much appreciated. I would be mounting on a 62 series and I am looking for something functional (incorporates a winch), something rugged and aggressive in appearance and something that 'fits' the styling of the 62 wagon.

Thanks for your help...

first bumper is lightweight aluminum. nice but will fold like a robertos quesadilla with guac the first rock you drag it on

ARB is tried and true. the first pic is the old style, the second pic is the new style or the one you would receive should you order\

4plus is my choice for a solid alternative to the ARB. they are well built and will hold up to years of abuse.


hope this helps

clint

 

[BG_TX]

4plus is my choice for a solid alternative to the ARB. they are well built and will hold up to years of abuse.

Thanks Clint... I assumed the SOR bumper was trash since there was no feedback for it, thanks for confirming the assumption.

I really like the 4+ as well (minus the side tubes which I could cut off I think) but it is for a 60 series and from what I have read the 60 bumper will not fit a 62 without some significant mods.

Guess the decision will be ARB, everyone has an ARB though... ARGH!

 

[Bomar]

check 4 wheel parts sales sometimes you can get them for less than $700 and free shipping to local 4wp.

 

[lcwizard]

Call Steve at man-a-fre. You can order the 4+ in any configuration you want,
No tubes, more tubes, light tabs front hitch, etc. One of the advantages of being built in the USA

Thanks Clint... I assumed the SOR bumper was trash since there was no feedback for it, thanks for confirming the assumption.

I really like the 4+ as well (minus the side tubes which I could cut off I think) but it is for a 60 series and from what I have read the 60 bumper will not fit a 62 without some significant mods.

Guess the decision will be ARB, everyone has an ARB though... ARGH!

 

[BG_TX]

Call Steve at man-a-fre. You can order the 4+ in any configuration you want,
No tubes, more tubes, light tabs front hitch, etc. One of the advantages of being built in the USA

Good info... Thanks Wizard!

 

[lcwizard]

There is even the version that appears in the movie " The Kingdom "
or this one...

all based on the same lower channel

Good info... Thanks Wizard!

 

[fowldarr]

Call Solid Rock Offroad, he'll make you whatever you want, he should have a link in the vendor section, or just google it. I don't know if he has a front bumper design or not (I can't remember) so may not be an alternative, but worth looking into. Nobody that has bought from him has ever complained as far as I know.

 

[BG_TX]

Call Solid Rock Offroad, he'll make you whatever you want, he should have a link in the vendor section, or just google it. I don't know if he has a front bumper design or not (I can't remember) so may not be an alternative, but worth looking into. Nobody that has bought from him has ever complained as far as I know.

I thought SROR was not taking new orders or behind on orders... I may be mistaken. As I dig through posts I forget to check the dates of entries and I may be referring to an old post the was recently replied to. I can check with Man-A-Fre to see what they can do for a 4+ on a 62 series then with SROR and compare prices, etc.

Thanks!

 

[woytovich]

I have an ECB on my lifted 60. Mine (I was told by the shop that got it) was spec'd for a 4Runner. As such it is more narrow than the one's designed for the 60 series. I'll post a pic in a few minutes. They modified it to mount to the 60 framerails.

In any case it has held up pretty well but now, 7 years and some pretty rough rock crawling later it has developed cracks. Probably more due to the modifications than the original design.

Pics here:
http://www.woytovich.com/cruisers/woystoys.html

 

[GLTHFJ60]

There is even the version that appears in the movie " The Kingdom "
or this one...

all based on the same lower channel

I love it. Now could those uprights be extended up to provide more protection for the headlights and grille?

EDIT: Mark beat me to it.

 

[BG_TX]

I have an ECB on my lifted 60. Mine (I was told by the shop that got it) was spec'd for a 4Runner. As such it is more narrow than the one's designed for the 60 series. I'll post a pic in a few minutes. They modified it to mount to the 60 framerails.

In any case it has held up pretty well but now, 7 years and some pretty rough rock crawling later it has developed cracks. Probably more due to the modifications than the original design.

Pics here:
Woy's Toys - Toyota Land Cruisers

Looks like you have put that rig to work and the bumper held up... so the 'structural grade' aluminum is pretty strong?

 

[krookedpandas]

My tube bumper I got from SROR was half the price of an ARB, better looking IMO and plenty strong. Only problem is Jim is down on production on everything and it was custom made.

 

[woytovich]

Looks like you have put that rig to work and the bumper held up... so the 'structural grade' aluminum is pretty strong?

Yes, it has not been soft/weak like you might think aluminum would be.

http://www.gclcny.com/galleries/CMCC08/Crum/images/100_1566.jpg

 

[lcwizard]

then it would look like the ARB...

I love it. Now could those uprights be extended up to provide more protection for the headlights and grille?

EDIT: Mark beat me to it.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

then it would look like the ARB...

I was thinking more like what a STOUT bumper looks like, but I'm going to try really hard not to hijak this thread.

 

[HJ-45CrewCab]

First, I like ECB bar because it is different. The 60 series equation seems to all have OME / ARB bumper, but if I were in the market right now, I would go for the ECB. Additionally, they are currently on SOR clearance page under the 60/62 section with "make an offer" pricing. Cant hurt to call and make an offer. You might save significant $$ for something else.

 

[BG_TX]

First, I like ECB bar because it is different. The 60 series equation seems to all have OME / ARB bumper, but if I were in the market right now, I would go for the ECB. Additionally, they are currently on SOR clearance page under the 60/62 section with "make an offer" pricing. Cant hurt to call and make an offer. You might save significant $$ for something else.

I agree CrewCab... I am searching for something different than the ARB since most peops have an ARB... but my choices are limited since I can not fab my own so I am stuck with store bought, mass produced, etc. I like the ARB but I like the old style for 62 series not the new style so I am SOL. The ECB bar is different and monstrous but the aluminum worries me... woytovich looks to have had success with his ECB but it is a different model, looks to be mounted pretty high to avoid skrapes(sp), etc so the structural integrity is still in question for me.

GLTHFJ60 - you can hijack this thread, I don't mind.

I didn't realize 'c-r-a-p' was sensored... so 's-c-r-a-p-e-s' is sensored as well! AWESOME!