Will the ARB front fender protectors (that connect to the ARD steps) line up with your bumper?
Kavik 100 Series Front Bumper
- Thread starter Kavik
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- 100 series bumper bumpers front
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- #64
Yes, aware of the LX hood/grill. The uprights angle forward quickly at the bottom, and should have no problem clearing the grill on the way up.
I doubt these would bolt right up. I'll do a little checking to see if its even possible.
You could certainly leave it unpainted. I orbital sand the surfaces to remove any imperfections, so you could always clean it up that way.
I live in Arizona, so there is so little moisture to promote oxidation. I suppose if you live/travel in very wet/snowy/salty areas it would chalk up over time. The beauty is that it will never rust through or pit like steel. If you like the raw aluminum finish, I would leave it alone for a few seasons and see how if fares, then you could always powder it later down the road.
Subbed. Very interested.
Kavik, I want to understand how strong this is going to be, will I be able to pivot off stuff. I'm not looking for a battering ram, I just want to make sure I'm going to be able to use this to 'ride' a tree or rock without it pushing in.
Eta on delivery? I wasn't really in a hurry but did some fairly serious wheeling this weekend, my first time, and now understand how much a good bumper really gets used, especially for recovery situations.
My buddy has an 80 with an ARB steel, and the headlight bars were a life saver in a couple of spots, just want to understand that the alum will hold up. I'm not so worried about scratches and scrapes as much as deflection.
Eta on delivery? I wasn't really in a hurry but did some fairly serious wheeling this weekend, my first time, and now understand how much a good bumper really gets used, especially for recovery situations.
My buddy has an 80 with an ARB steel, and the headlight bars were a life saver in a couple of spots, just want to understand that the alum will hold up. I'm not so worried about scratches and scrapes as much as deflection.
Great looking bumper Kavik! I'd be tempted to drive from Albuquerque to pick one up for my 99 LX470. Where would you recommend as jack points for a Hi-Lift?
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- #70
Production update - My initial sample run was not acceptable, and replacements are on the way. Could have them in hand as soon as next week. Fingers crossed!
As far as tolerance for abuse/crushing...That's a tough one to answer. The ARB on my 80 is ridiculously overbuilt. This bumper cannot compare head to head in crawling/bumping situations. I believe it will support the weight of the truck in a static situation (as in a Hi-Lift), but have not literally tested it that way yet. In contrast, I would not "pivot" off the wing or try to slide up/over obstacles in dynamic wheeling. Not on purpose, anyways. I am confident it has a higher strength/stiffness to weight ratio than any steel bumper. However, it is a very heavy truck, and I am anxious to see how they fare in the wild. If you plan to stuff the front of your 100 into stuff, you may be wise to stick with steel. But, if ours does get damaged because of a little too much courage, that single section can be replaced.
As noted above. As soon as the new components arrive, especially with the internal box gussets, some additional testing will occur. There is a window near the frame mount that may just be the ticket for a HI-Lift.
I'd love to have you out to AZ, but it's really damn hot right now and I need to catch up some back orders. I'll be updating the queue and add you in!
r2m
Richard
As an engineer I've contemplated an all aluminum front bumper that can house a winch for a long time. Glad to see someone actually doing it!
My question is: Can you adjust your mounting for a body lift? I have the 2.5" suspension lift (with diff drop and control arms) and I built myself a 1.75" body lift to comfortably run 35" mud terrains.
Thanks.
My question is: Can you adjust your mounting for a body lift? I have the 2.5" suspension lift (with diff drop and control arms) and I built myself a 1.75" body lift to comfortably run 35" mud terrains.
Thanks.
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- #74
Done!
Working on a kit. But will likely create a version with slotted mounting holes for all the different BL heights.
Oh, and this....
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Time to get to work now B! Happy for you man, great job here.
Jason
Jason
Bump?
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- #78
Working on it! I want to thank everyone that is hanging in there. It's been a long process made even more challenging by 70-80 hour work weeks. I'll be contacting everyone via pm to see if you are still game so I can calculate batch sizes.
Thanks again for the interest and patience!
Pics...
Bump?
Expect some news this week so I have heard.
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