Swapping No-Hoop ARB Front Bumper for Something Else (1 Viewer)

[isthatalexus]

I'm not happy with the bulk and aesthetics of the pouting lower lip no-hoop ARB bumper on the front, so I'm considering options for a replacement. A few parameters and requests for input from anyone who's done this:

• If you've replaced and ARB bumper w/ another brand, which model did you use? (I'm looking for any hints about if it's possible to avoid buying new front plastic)
• Pretty sure the ARB did not require cutting frame metal, but I did not install this one, so will have to inspect
• I like the hoop look of the full Safari bumper, so I'd go for hoop again, but is radiator airflow a factor I ought to consider? (have fuel boiling, which is being addressed using the @2001LC doctrine; hat-tip)
• I run the RLC rear bumper, and the new front ought to match better than the ARB does (RLC: it was one of the first out of the gate, so it's rough-looking and needs some love and mods to update. e.g., 7-pin, air chuck, gas strut, etc.)
• Material: I am leaning towards steel, but could be convinced otherwise. Possibly.
• I am blessed with enough weldy friends, that I would go with a you-build-it version. (puts beer on shopping list)

Current setup: (yes, that's very custom hood paint; will sand/prime/wrap at some point)

Thank you in advance for any inputs and tips.

 

[Sandroad]

Here are a few threads with possible ideas.

Front Bumper Options LC200 - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/front-bumper-options-lc200.1290786/

Any consensus on bumpers? - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/any-consensus-on-bumpers.1304613/

https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/poll-which-front-bumper-do-you-have-on-your-200.1226427/

200 series Front Bumpers - VPR - https://forum.ih8mud.com/threads/200-series-front-bumpers-vpr.1155704/

 

[Fisher23]

The only cutting on that ARB install was the bumper skin.

Several of the other bumpers remove that bumper skin and fit nice and snug.

 

[Heritage 2020]

Deer strike protection is the reason I have an ARB Summit (hoops protecting lights, radiator/grille, hood, and pushing animal to side hopefully).

Peace of mind for dawn/dusk, night driving during deer season (and randomly throughout the year).

The ARB Summit (the one with the hoops) doesn't impact radiator cooling one bit.

I don't know if the ARB Summit bumper cut is exactly the same as the cut of the "no-hoop" that you have. If it is, you have probably the easiest solution--if the bumper cuts of your version are the same as that of the hooped Summit

Plenty of great bumpers out there (I'm biased in favor of ARB).

NOTE: The LC is a tub of lard (sprung weight), so going with an aluminum front bumper vs. steel--is akin to ordering a diet coke and a large meat lovers pizza, lol. If I were trying to shave weight, I'd look at my wheels/tires.

 

[tbisaacs]

Honestly a pair of LP9s would fix the proportions and replace those tragically tiny lights you have for a lot less than a new bullbar.

 

[gasman4u]

Deer strike protection is the reason I have an ARB Summit (hoops protecting lights, radiator/grille, hood, and pushing animal to side hopefully).

Peace of mind for dawn/dusk, night driving during deer season (and randomly throughout the year).

The ARB Summit (the one with the hoops) doesn't impact radiator cooling one bit.

I don't know if the ARB Summit bumper cut is exactly the same as the cut of the "no-hoop" that you have. If it is, you have probably the easiest solution--if the bumper cuts of your version are the same as that of the hooped Summit

Plenty of great bumpers out there (I'm biased in favor of ARB).

NOTE: The LC is a tub of lard (sprung weight), so going with an aluminum front bumper vs. steel--is akin to ordering a diet coke and a large meat lovers pizza, lol. If I were trying to shave weight, I'd look at my wheels/tires.

Does your bumper eliminate any of the functionality from stock bumper? I'm thinking of front camera/radar cruise control/headlight washers/parking sensors/etc. TIA.

 

[Heritage 2020]

Does your bumper eliminate any of the functionality from stock bumper? I'm thinking of front camera/radar cruise control/headlight washers/parking sensors/etc. TIA.

Everything works exactly as stock (camera, radar cruise, parking sensors, headlight washers, etc).

The camera was relocated to above the winch fairlead and provides a clear field of view just as stock.

 

[isthatalexus]

Gents, these are great, pragmatic suggestions. Thank you. I will mock up/look at examples out there. I also have a pair of gigantic lights from a fellow MUDder that may fit the bill.

I don't know if the ARB Summit bumper cut is exactly the same as the cut of the "no-hoop" that you have. If it is, you have probably the easiest solution--if the bumper cuts of your version are the same as that of the hooped Summit

Honestly a pair of LP9s would fix the proportions and replace those tragically tiny lights you have for a lot less than a new bullbar.

 

[Docwyte]

Very happy with my Rhino bumper. Very OEM+ looking.

 

[gasman4u]

Rhino is my favorite bumper from an aesthetic point. With that said, it wouldn't hold up to the inevitable deer strikes in my future without hoops.

 

[Docwyte]

Kinda doubt hoops would make a difference. You hit a big enough deer, damage is gonna happen

 

[gasman4u]

Kinda doubt hoops would make a difference. You hit a big enough deer, damage is gonna happen

The big dogs (white tail) we have are a bit different than the mule deer you've got out your way. Damage, sure. Days/weeks out of commission due to awaiting new body panels from hitting a buck? Hoops help here.

 

[ryanCA]

The LC is a tub of lard (sprung weight), so going with an aluminum front bumper vs. steel--is akin to ordering a diet coke and a large meat lovers pizza

As a Hummer H1 owner, I disagree

View attachment 3501038

Very happy with my Rhino bumper. Very OEM+ looking.

What is the best place to buy that?
weight?

Also is yours color matched (hard to tell
in pic)?

 

[Docwyte]

Shipped weight was 140lbs I think? So maybe 130lbs? In that pic it's not color matched but I just had that done. Will probably head to the body shop in a little bit and take some pics

 

[isthatalexus]

View attachment 3501038

Very happy with my Rhino bumper. Very OEM+ looking.

Well, your truck also appears to be smiling, which conforms with your sentiment. Looks great!

 

[Docwyte]

Well, your truck also appears to be smiling, which conforms with your sentiment. Looks great!

You're right! Who doesn't like a happy truck?

 

[ryanCA]

Shipped weight was 140lbs I think? So maybe 130lbs? In that pic it's not color matched but I just had that done. Will probably head to the body shop in a little bit and take some pics

appreciate some photos

is there a direct argentina contact that I can buy it from?

 

[Docwyte]

WhatsApp contact 54 9 3516 66-9407, Diego

 

[ryanCA]

WhatsApp contact 54 9 3516 66-9407, Diego

Thank you kindly, doc!

Is you rear bumper stock? Any side profile shots of the whole car with front and rear bumper?

 

[Docwyte]

Sure thing, good luck!