Front bumper options for 2018 GX 460? (2 Viewers)

[TX GX460]

Yea, but aren't those ARB bumpers like having a couple of anvils cantilevered off one's front end? How much to they weigh?

Yes they definitely add some weight in front, especially if you add a winch. My bumper weighs 150 pounds before the winch (accounting for the reduced weight from removal of the original bumper components). The weight can be accounted for with the proper shock and spring combination. But any plate bumper is going to have a similar result. The original question was about protecting the CV boots. Protection usually comes at a cost of weight. You have to consider your options and decide what trade-offs are best for you.

 

[r2m]

Yes they definitely add some weight in front, especially if you add a winch. My bumper weighs 150 pounds before the winch (accounting for the reduced weight from removal of the original bumper components). The weight can be accounted for with the proper shock and spring combination. But any plate bumper is going to have a similar result. The original question was about protecting the CV boots. Protection usually comes at a cost of weight. You have to consider your options and decide what trade-offs are best for you.

Agreed, in part.
Some items only need protection from much lighter mishaps such as brush, twigs and branches. Protection that could easily be in the form of simple aluminum, Delrin or light weight steel sheet metal. Don't need ballistic rated material for that light stuff, just for the rocks, logs, etc. that the vehicle could come down hard or hit hard on.
As was pointed out to me by another blogger on MUD on my own Metal Tech bumper, I have some exposed hoses up front, passenger side I need to cover. I'll do that with just some aluminum plate/sheet. Just enough to keep the under-brush from catching anything on a trail. It's not really in harms way for rocks or approach angles.

 

[TX GX460]

Agreed, in part.
Some items only need protection from much lighter mishaps such as brush, twigs and branches. Protection that could easily be in the form of simple aluminum, Delrin or light weight steel sheet metal. Don't need ballistic rated material for that light stuff, just for the rocks, logs, etc. that the vehicle could come down hard or hit hard on.
As was pointed out to me by another blogger on MUD on my own Metal Tech bumper, I have some exposed hoses up front, passenger side I need to cover. I'll do that with just some aluminum plate/sheet. Just enough to keep the under-brush from catching anything on a trail. It's not really in harms way for rocks or approach angles.

I completely agree with you. I was referring to commercially available products for the 150 platform. Of course there are other ways to do it with lighter materials, but no one is selling them to the public.

 

[TX GX460]

r2m, FYI the lower shrouds on the ARB bumper that shield the suspension components are a thin gauge sheetmetal as you described, and they are relatively light. Below is a shot looking forward from the top of the passenger tire. Aluminum would probably save a few pounds, but not much. All of the bar weight is on the main part of the bar and hoops.

 

[goodtogo]

My Ironman 4x4 bull bar is same design as the ARB. This Aussie utilitarian design and weld built bumper had protected my rig from rocks off road and other vehicles on road. Great approach angle plus extra panel on bottom connected to RCI skid plates protected the suspension components also.

 

[r2m]

• My Ironman 4x4 bull bar is same design as the ARB. This Aussie utilitarian design and weld built bumper had protected my rig from rocks off road and other vehicles on road. Great approach angle plus extra panel on bottom connected to RCI skid plates protected the suspension components also.

I know this is off post, but just a quick question.
With all due respect, what's the deal with the fenders? Do they actually:

• Give more width for off-set wheels?
• Allow a little more compression in suspension?
• Open up your wheel well?
• Allow a larger tire?
• Or just looks (which they actually look pretty good)?

I'm curious because if they open up my wheel well and allow a 35" tire, I may be interested in getting some when my current tires wear down. On that same note, who makes them and where did you get them from?
I ask this because as an engineer, form must follow function. That's why I don't like bolt on do-dads, mall cruiser 24" lifted crew cab trucks or Harley motorcycles owners, there is absolutely no function to spending the money on chroming every little nut and bolt on a bike. All that is about a functional as tit's on a snake.

 

[goodtogo]

I know this is off post, but just a quick question.
With all due respect, what's the deal with the fenders? Do they actually:

• Give more width for off-set wheels?
• Allow a little more compression in suspension?
• Open up your wheel well?
• Allow a larger tire?
• Or just looks (which the actually look pretty good)?

I'm curious because if they open up my wheel well and allow a 35" tire, I may be interested in getting some when my current tires wear down. On that same note, who makes them and where did you get them from?
I ask this because as an engineer, form must follow function. That's why I don't like bolt on do-dads, mall cruiser 24" lifted crew cab trucks or Harley motorcycles owners, there is absolutely no function to spending the money on chroming every little nut and bolt on a bike. All that is about a functional as tit's on a snake.

No problem, I studied and worked as Industrial Engineer before changing career. So, both form and function come in play when I install upgrades. As for form, these pocket fender flares give the GX 460 a more aggressive and wider stance look. As for function, they serve somewhat as a tree brush deflectors on rails. The flares also allow me to run wider tires (285's) without sticking out too much. As for the rear, these Prado 150 specific flares (because of the different profile and curvatures) forced me to trim and open up the rear wheel wells - allowing more room for articulation. Also, the front flare trimmimg and front MT metal bumper give more clearance on the front side of the front wheels. The flares have similar curvatures to factory wheel wells. Thus, they do not necessary allow bigger tires, 35" - your suspension lift, UCAs, trimming, and BMC can do that.

These Chinese made fender flares (ABS plastic) were desgined for LC Prado 150, which has different profiles than my GX 460. Alot of trimming (the flares and body itself) and I actually had to drill and bolt the flares directly ontoo the body for solid/functional mount. I bought these flares from an obscured online 4x4 motorsports accessories sellers in Saudi Arabia - can't find the info now. Hardly any option out there. However, there are quality Australian made fender flares called Kut Snake. They're not cheap and cost same to ship to US if that's even possible. httpsw.kut-snake.com/

Hope I answered your questions. Basically, the fender flares serve me well both in form and function. Also, it's just a personal preference - want to be a little different. Happy motoring and trailing.