Just scored an ARB bumper $400

[bucfl]

Dang! Sweet find for sure!

 

[jLB]

Ok this is exactly the info I was looking for. I had no idea I had to access the winch mount by removing the armor. So I'll have him fab up plates for me. ARB hardware might not work for me since my front end has been chopped and welded for my tow bar brackets. Custom brackets might just be the key here. I'll talk to him about it. Glad I asked you guys cause I was headed down the weld-on path. Duggy, no winch headed for my truck yet. I have more financial fish to fry but I appreciate the heads up. I just couldn't pass up brand new armor for that price, plus the fact that I'm tired of explaining to people what happened to my missing bumper.

If I had to fabricate something (or have something fabricated), I think I'd lean towards building mounts that bolt to the bumper, just like the ARB mounts for the 100 series, but I'd build the frame side of the mounts to slide on and bolt to the frame like the older ARB 80 series mounts

Arb front bumper install question

with the tow bar that you use, I don't think I'd want the usual ARB energy absorbing accordion mounts in there.

Before you do all of this, I know of a winch cradle that would go well with this bumper located in Austin.

I thought I remembered the winch bolting directly to the ARB bumper (feet forward). Why would you need a winch cradle? Are you proposing using the winch cradle as a foundation to build the frame to bumper interface?

 

[duggy]

If I had to fabricate something (or have something fabricated), I think I'd lean towards building mounts that bolt to the bumper, just like the ARB mounts for the 100 series, but I'd build the frame side of the mounts to slide on and bolt to the frame like the older ARB 80 series mounts

Arb front bumper install question

with the tow bar that you use, I don't think I'd want the usual ARB energy absorbing accordion mounts in there.



I thought I remembered the winch bolting directly to the ARB bumper (feet forward). Why would you need a winch cradle? Are you proposing using the winch cradle as a foundation to build the frame to bumper interface?

The ARB for the 100 series uses a 2 piece design. The "winch cradle" bolts to the frame horns and incorporates a winch mounting system between the frame rails.

The outer shell, the piece we all come to know and love then bolts onto the winch cradle making it a 2 pc design.

 

[jLB]

Ah, I think I see the difference, I suspect your experience is with the "pre 2003" model (no fog light inserts) of the ARB bar:

http://store.arbusa.com/Assets/PDF/3413050i.pdf

My experience is with the "2003+" model (w/ fog light inserts) of the ARB bar:

http://store.arbusa.com/Assets/file/32,3413190i.pdf

It appears from the instructions that the "pre-2003" uses a winch cradle, while the "2003+" does not.

 

[Ramathorn15]

I know the 2003+ deluxe bar (looks like the one the op bought) is a one piece and the winch mounts into the bumper, feet forward, before the bumper is installed.

 

[m3roar]

I've been steadily searching Houston Craigslist for such a thing and I never saw one. There was one guy selling a 200 series bumper but not a 100 series. Lucky you!

 

[duggy]

I forgot the 2003+ ARB combination bar has different brackets it uses to mount the chassis points. I wish all of the 100 series ARB bumpers mounted like the 80 series do, all 1 solid piece and onto the frame horns. The issue with the 2/3/4/15 piece design is that if you do not drill the pilot hole (which a lot folks dont), the bumper will move off of the chassis brackets if you nudge something. The 1 piece solid design is easier to install, but I understand ARB built in the accordion panels for safety regulations.

 

[jLB]

I forgot the 2003+ ARB combination bar has different brackets it uses to mount the chassis points. I wish all of the 100 series ARB bumpers mounted like the 80 series do, all 1 solid piece and onto the frame horns. The issue with the 2/3/4/15 piece design is that if you do not drill the pilot hole (which a lot folks dont), the bumper will move off of the chassis brackets if you nudge something. The 1 piece solid design is easier to install, but I understand ARB built in the accordion panels for safety regulations.

I agree, although I understand why ARB changed the mounting system(s) for the 100 series (adding crush zones) I much prefer the 80 series bar mounting system.

 

[Muddy Bean]

How often are you guys taking your bumpers off? I have it admit it seems a bit of drama to have to remove the entire bumper every time you want to service the winch.

 

[brianrride]

View attachment 1439531 Just made a Houston Craigslist score for a brand new ARB front bumper for my truck for $400. Now comes the hard part. I'm having a guy fab/weld it to my frame ends. It didn't come with a hardware kit. Any reason I shouldn't weld it? Is there a reason to bolt it on that would be better than welding? I have no reason to ever remove it. I haven't owned a bumper cover for years due to an accident with my tour bus so I'm comfortable with it being on there permanently unless someone gives me a good argument for NOT welding it. I'll be removing the tow bar and re-attaching it to the front of my ARB. Any advice on this would be super helpful. Truck goes in next week.
View attachment 1439533

Air Bag timing?

 

[Muddy Bean]

Took two days, but I used 1/4" steel flat stock and grade 8 9/16" hardware and bolted my armor proper. I am going to reinforce the areas where my tow bar will attach this week. Thanks again for the solid advice. Happy to finally have a bit of armor.

 

[FxFormat]

Looking good! Not sure if it's been asked before but are you going to put fog lights in there?

 

[Muddy Bean]

I'd like to put lights in there. I like to research and find quality accessories before I buy. So I'll be researching both LED and HID lighting solutions that I can physically fit in the factory openings. I'll also be moving my turn signals to the turn signal opening.

 

[bucfl]

Looks great! Definitely got your moneys worth.