ARB Bumper Feedback

[Whoknows]

I'd be interested to hear from those who have new ARB bumber on your 4th gen. I'm a bit surprised that there aren't more postings of them, while there are many (on another forum) of the Shockworks. I'm thinking of getting one of the two after someone did some damage to my stock bumper in a parking lot and didn't bother to let me know.

I've seen Loner's pics, but no others. My concern is whether the production model is true to the ARB 4Runner pics found at Slee Offroad and other vendors.

http://www.expeditionswest.com/equipment/SEMA_05/toyota/Mon/IMG_1846.JPG

I like the looks of the latter (above), but the production pics I've seen so far make the bumper look like is sticks out too far, and that it doesn't include the "wings" underneath.

http://i8.photobucket.com/albums/a17/docmallory/arb/arb1.jpg

I'd also love to hear feedback about ride, performance, and just generally if you like it. I'd also like to know about any issues with keeping DRL's -- does the bumper allow you to just use the same harnesss and simply plug in - keeping DRL function the same?

 

[loner]

The photos that youmentioned above (Slee, et al) were of the prototype. Sorry, but the production version does not have the plates under the side wings. However, IMHO, you'd never miss them on the production version.

I e-mailed ARB about the DRL issue and never got a reply back. Not sure what that means. The guy on the other forum with the customized Prado bumper has been running his DRLs with no problem (as of last time he posted about it), and I have been running my DRLs again for about 2-3 weeks after previoulsy having them disconnected. So far, it looks like the DRLs are no problem. The wiring is not an issue at all. The only concern is that the lenses may not be suited to be exposed to the heat from the 1156 bulb on a continuous basis. The old design of ARB lenses had this issue, but I haven't found any report of anyone having this issue with the new style of lenses like on the 4Runner bumper.

However, just to be safe, I'll be swapping out my 1156 incandescent bulbs for LEDs in January.

The wiring for the turn signals/DRL's is not a plug-in affair. Some splicing is required.

Ride and performance are mildly diminished (as you're having 125 more pounds sitting on the nose of the truck). Perhaps enough to notice, but not enough to care a lot about. These things are hard to quantify.

My only complaint with the bumper is that it jiggles a little when going over bumps. All the bolts are properly torqued, but the length of the mounting brackets, I think, allow the bumper to move around a little bit when the truck is jarred. The FJC Cruiser ARB does the same thing, I believe. If you try to move it with your body or hand, the bumper doesn't budge - it's just when going over bumps.

Also keep in mind you'll lose almost an inch in height in the front with this bumper. Also, these things are not as easy to install as they look. It took me far longer to install the bumper than it took me to install my lift by myself.

Overall, I like mine and am glad I bought it. However, if someone is just looking for a brush guard, they won't be happy with the ARB. The weight is a serious trade off, so you need to have a purpose for the bumper other than looks.

 

[ksneubec]

There is some "wiggling" with the Shrockworks bumper as well. All aftermarket bumpers, brush guards, etc. will do this to a degree. I can't speak for the ARB, but with the Shrockworks, you simply leave a small gap between the bumper and the front fenders and it becomes a non-issue.

 

[loner]

There is some "wiggling" with the Shrockworks bumper as well. All aftermarket bumpers, brush guards, etc. will do this to a degree. I can't speak for the ARB, but with the Shrockworks, you simply leave a small gap between the bumper and the front fenders and it becomes a non-issue.

Even at its highest setting, my ARB still sits a fair bit away from the fenders. (Wish it would sit a little closer though.) I haven't had any contact between the bumper and fenders and doubt I ever will.

FWIW, the ARB I had my on previous 80 series Cruiser had zero wiggle in it when going over bumps. That thing was like a rock. But its mounts were a lot different, IIRC.

I agree that just about anything mounted on the front of a 4Runner is likely to have some vibration/jiggles when jarred.

 

[Whoknows]

Anyone else take the plunge with ARB?

BTW, thanks mucho for the write up and feedback loner.

 

[Tucson T4R]

Sorry one more Shrockworks bumper owner reply. :biggrin2:

But seriously, any bumper is mounted to your frame and your body is mounted on rubber shock mounts. When you stress the vehicle over rough roads (or rocks or whatever) you will get major flex between the body and and the frame mounted bumper. As long as you adjust it so you have 1/2" or more clearence between the body and bumper, you will be fine.

Any well designed aftermarket bumper will be well attached to the frame. Your body will always flex in relation to the frame due the flexible body mounting system designed to improve your ride comfort. Keep them separated, and life is good. :bigok: