How many safari's do you go on, (1 Viewer)

[svensett]

The ARB bumper is deceiving on the 80s. It looks like it is hanging way down in the center, but if you start poking around you will find that the bottom of the ARB = the bottom of the frame horns. The bottom of the grill surround is about 5.5 inches above the TOP of the frame horns. (can you tell I've been measuring for a bumper?)

I wondered why all the bumpers for 80s hng down so low myself until I actually pulled my factory bumper off and saw for myself. Not lack of better design, just the way these trucks were made.

 

[notyourmomslx450]

I would love to see a more tucked up, yet still rugged bumper on the market. I feel like the ARBs kinda fall short of what COULD be done to improve on the approach angle. As for departure angle, I don't think it could be improved on too much without hacking up the frame or moving the rear axle back since the rear bumper is also the rearmost crossmember. It could stand to be closer in to the body, though (i.e. tube...strong tube). Just my .002

 

[beaufort-fj60]

if your looking for something to build. everyone is begging for a front bumper in the 60 section. not to many options

 

[FirstToy]

If you have a problem with the ARB, Slee has a great front bumper design.

 

[cruiserdan]

What is a "safari trend"? Could you define it a bit?

As an 80 owner that has had one for 13 years and also a family. It can get a bit cramped if you are going on an outing where you need to take your "house" with you. You gotta have a rack and extra gas and all sorts of other bits when you drag a family of 4 out camping for a week.

 

[locrwln1]

That and you can still spend a week or more in parts of Nevada and the rest of West and never see another person, unless you want to. So yeah, it is a little different than running Rubicon, Fordyce, Moab, Tellico and Badlands. You can cover a lot of miles with out using any pavement. I grew up in Arkansas, so I know what private property and a house down every road is like. I prefer the West many times over. While there are guys that rockcrawl their 80's as has been said, a lot drive of them long distances just to try a different road and see a unique spot, while doing it comfortably. Gotta be able to take your gear.

 

[mickey_rubicon]

safari usage

FOR - here is some pictures from the trinity alps near mt. shasta, good use of the roof rack. we also use the roof rack to carry large dead trees and anything else to throw in the fir. hit me up offline for more pictures of all this gear in destructive testing. as ruffling feathers - thats what feathers are for As for the dep/to angles being affected, they can always be countered by a better lift, snugging the custom bumper closer in on the frame, etc. its a matter of preference, but for marketing and looks nothing beats a bullbar versus a factory bumper with a brushguard that will fall off in a manzanita bush. cheers brother!

 

[frankies off road]

If you have a problem with the ARB, Slee has a great front bumper design.

I have no problem with any manufacture. just asking questions ..

 

[elmariachi]

Since the LC is more of a niche market in the US, there isn't much offered so give ARB/Slee some more competition and throw out some new ideas/executions and the products avaliable will grow and then we can mod our rigs more specifically to what we do.

I agree. If I were you and looking to fab for the 80 Series, I would:

1. Build an 80 winch bar with a "little less" bulk up front and have the option of no Roo bar pipes. It MUST be winch capable.

2. A half-length (or one that doesn't cover the sunroof) steel rack similar to the ARB. It needs to come with a stowable mini ladder that will somehow attach to it.

3. An 80 Series rear bumper similar to the Kaymar, only cheaper.


One of the issues for 80 accessories all these years has been the cost to get stuff across the pond. The ARB rack is a prime example. You're here in the states....if you can build this stuff and keep it affordable...you have a big edge.

 

[frankies off road]

What is a "safari trend"? Could you define it a bit?

The look of long range off roading for days without the need of such storage and bulk of bumpers.

MALL CRAWLERS that never see trails..

 

[frankies off road]

Do you need a big series warn in there M10000 ?

would a 9,000lbs work for most aplications?

 

[elmariachi]

Do you need a big series warn in there M10000 ?

would a 9,000lbs work for most aplications?

That is a subject of much debate. IMO a 9K is enough...but when you get one of these loaded down...you're pushing 6500 lbs. That'll make a 9K groan on a straightline uphill pull if you are buried to the chassis.

 

[MoJ]

If there was something that offered the same protection as the front ARB and could hold a winch but was a tighter package I would of bought it instead.

 

[frankies off road]

That is a subject of much debate. IMO a 9K is enough...but when you get one of these loaded down...you're pushing 6500 lbs. That'll make a 9K groan on a straightline uphill pull if you are buried to the chassis.

what about a snatch block too much trouble ?


it will be hard to improve curent design without going to a 9000lbs winch..

 

[-Spike-]

You figure out a way to build a bolt-on rock bumper and you'll sell some steel. Those of us with custom fabricated rock bumpers had to cut frame ends and move parts out of the way to accomplish better approach/departure angles. 95% of Land Cruiser owners will never put a major aftermarket part on their vehicle. 75% of those that will, need bolt on parts. Most of the rest of us build our own crap because we like to build our own crap. The market for parts that require altering the vehicle frame or moving things around is pretty slim. That being said, anyone who wants to put more choices on the market has my encouragement.

-Spike

 

[elmariachi]

what about a snatch block too much trouble ?


it will be hard to improve curent design without going to a 9000lbs winch..

I think there is a perception that 9K is not enough. I have had great success hauling my 6K+ monster out of tight spots with a 9K and a snatchblock myself. If that's where you need to be to build a superior product, then build it that way.

 

[frankies off road]

You figure out a way to build a bolt-on rock bumper and you'll sell some steel. Those of us with custom fabricated rock bumpers had to cut frame ends and move parts out of the way to accomplish better approach/departure angles. 95% of Land Cruiser owners will never put a major aftermarket part on their vehicle. 75% of those that will, need bolt on parts. Most of the rest of us build our own crap because we like to build our own crap. The market for parts that require altering the vehicle frame or moving things around is pretty slim. That being said, anyone who wants to put more choices on the market has my encouragement.

-Spike

not finished yet,and its bolt on.

 

[frankies off road]

Where are my sunglasses?









I think it depends on the need. Myself, not having any little punks (yet) to drag along with me, I prefer more of a self contained setup. Travel light, avoid as much weight as possible, spare mounted in the cargo area, etc. The rear bumpers available don't appeal to me personally. I really like the idea of some simple, nicely designed, bolt on wings that would hook right up to the frame and the rear crossmember that's already there -- something similar to what BRKLYN1 showed in his ROTW. Seems like it would help keep 2 things to a minimum - cost & weight. I think there's got to be an relatively simple way to avoid the massive rear bumpers. As far as the front goes, I think the ARB fits me perfectly. My part of the country is heavily wooded and full of deer. Before the ARB I broke a front marker light assembly navigating between trees - all it took was a very small branch hanging out. Again, this is all opinion, I certainly respect the views and needs of others, which btw are apparently the majority as that is what many of the products cater to.


I like your bumperet add on idea .

 

[alkaline747trio]

IDK what everyone else will say, but I like it as a base idea. Beef it up a little and see if you can suck it up to the grill anymore. Also, the "wing" tubing might be a little vulnerable.

 

[frankies off road]

If there was something that offered the same protection as the front ARB and could hold a winch but was a tighter package I would of bought it instead.

thats what i was looking for.