TJM/ARB/??? bumper opinions

[dclee]

I had a couple quick questions about bullbars. I am looking for one for my 100 Series and am torn between the new Deluxe ARB (full tube cage plus foglamps like the Sahara), or the TJM T15 steel. Here is my thinking so far:

TJM pros:
-slimmer styling, better approach angle?
-lighter weight
-separate winch cradle mounted directly to frame
-less cost

TJM cons:
-less strength
-no integrated foglamps
-not quite as nice looking (subjective)

ARB pros:
-stronger
-integrated foglamps
-very nice looking (subjective)

ARB cons:
-heavier
-"fatter" design, less approach angle
-not sure about winch mount, but if it's like the 80 bar, the winch just bolts to the front face of the bumper, not to the frame
-more expensive

I was wondering about people's opinions, especially those that own any of these bars. I would not be using this for anything hard core, more expeditionary type four-wheeling and camping, so it doesn't necessarily need to be super strong. I did want the full tubing on top for protection against animal strikes, so the ARB Sahara or TJM T3 Classique are out.

TIA,

 

[Josh83]

If the Sahara is out then you can't have integrated fog lamps. Unless you are doing something custom with the turn signal cutouts.

 

[lowenbrau]

My opinion is that you want the weakest bumper that will hold up to the use you give it. Before I have to put on my Nomex, let me explain. Your rig was designed to fold up in a crash. This is a very good thing when you t-bone a soccer mom in her Volvo. It protects you and her. If you make a really really strong bumper (like a piece of railroad track) Its conceivable both you and soccer mom could be in a world of hurt and the Cruiser would walk away with no damage. Unfortunately off road obstacles like trees and rocks that encounter the rig regularly at slow speed are really hard on flimsy bumpers, hence some of the more stout options. Animals are the one big excuse for a bull bar on a highway vehicle, hence the name. You really don't care much if Bambi survives in fact it's likely more humane to hit him hard with the bumper than to cushion him with your radiator.

In short, use the flimsiest bumper that will get the job done.

 

[dclee]

If the Sahara is out then you can't have integrated fog lamps. Unless you are doing something custom with the turn signal cutouts.

For the `03 and up (redesigned front end) ARB integrated the same foglamp cutouts into their standard/deluxe bar that are on the Sahara. Agree, pre-`03 you could not have the standard bar with integrated fogs.

Thanks,

 

[spressomon]

Derek:

I too am considering the choices of front bumpers for my '99. Have you considered the TJM T3 Classique in steel?

 

[dclee]

I too am considering the choices of front bumpers for my '99. Have you considered the TJM T3 Classique in steel?

I did, and it's a very nice looking bumper. In fact, I'd probably take it over the ARB equivalent (Sahara). But, I do want full tube protection for the headlamps from animal strikes, so the T3 was out of the running.

Thanks,

 

[Snook]

You want "full tube protection" bar, does that mean you're expecting to hit animals at the Foothill expressway again?

Buy ARB then customized it to your needs like I did. I am going to make it three inches shorter for a better appoach angle. The reason why it can be shortened is that the winch mount bracket is designed for up to 12000lbs mounting but I am using smaller 8000lbs winch so there is a huge opening spaces on both front and back of winch.

Cheers,

 

[sleeoffroad]

I am in the same position. The ARB bumpers stick way out and I am not sure I want it. Considering the TJM Classique, just because it is more streamline. Then also you can re-use the fog lamps. ARB wants a ton of money for the IPF foglight inserts. The bumper come with the plastic pieces, not the lights themselves.

 

[ShottsUZJ100]

I am in the same position. The ARB bumpers stick way out and I am not sure I want it. Considering the TJM Classique, just because it is more streamline. Then also you can re-use the fog lamps. ARB wants a ton of money for the IPF foglight inserts. The bumper come with the plastic pieces, not the lights themselves.

Somebody needs to make a Slee 100 front bumper like the Slee 80 front bumper. ;p

 

[sleeoffroad]

Somebody can not afford to crash test a 100 series to check airbag compliance.

 

[spressomon]

Christo...we appreciate your honesty

 

[sleeoffroad]

Yes, but I could always put a slee bumper on Shotts's truck before Moab and then crash test it in the crack

 

[ryanjl]

Wow, did you have to crash test an 80 when you made your bumper for that?

 

[sleeoffroad]

Nope, but neither did ARB or TJM. On the earlier bumpers pretty much the party line is that it was never tested on a airbag equiped vehicle.

 

[ryanjl]

Cool. That's what I figured, since I always saw that warning in all the ads.

But yeah, I hear Shotts' 100 even comes with a dummy behind the wheel.

 

[dclee]

Probably not, but then again, no ARB bar made is crash tested for the 80s. If you check, there's a sticker on there somewhere saying not to install their bar on a truck with airbags, as it is not tested. Not that there would be any problem, but it's a liability thing most likely.

I think TJM may make an 80 Series bar that's airbag tested, but that's about it. So I don't think Christo is off-base here at all.

Now the 100, that's another story...

 

[dclee]

You want "full tube protection" bar, does that mean you're expecting to hit animals at the Foothill expressway again?

Hehehe, you read my mind Jay!

Plus, cruising tracks in the Mojave at 60 mph at 1:00 in the morning, things tend to jump out at you (big coyotes, wild horses, etc....). Or anywhere there is free range cattle. Crazy!

 

[sleeoffroad]

Derek, here is what your truck will look like. I think you have the same color, don't you. This is also a '03

 

[NorCalDoug]

Derek, here is what your truck will look like. I think you have the same color, don't you. This is also a '03

Dang. Looks pretty darned good to me. Personally, I prefer the look of the ARB products to the TJM.

 

[Snook]

Derek, here is what your truck will look like. I think you have the same color, don't you. This is also a '03

How about half-"amando"ized the ARB front bumper like this?

Cheers,