ARB Install - End Cap Help - to Cut or Not to Cut?

[Koko4]

So I'm in the process of doing the ARB install, and am down to the end caps. The stock end caps are closed, and there is a threaded hole in the center where the crush can was attached. The "lip" on this cap doesn't seem as large / protruded as the other ones I've seen on write-ups.

Can I just grind down the edges around the end cap, and leave it on / use the existing threaded hole? Or do I absolutely need to grab the cut-off wheel and cut the entire end cap off, and then have someone weld a new piece on?

Thanks, and replies are appreciated - especially since I am supposed to have this done by tomorrow morning. Thanks again!

 

[shootmymime]

When I installed my bumper (not arb). I cut the cap welds and took a hammer to the end caps and they popped right off then I slid the bumper right on. I'm not sure how arb bolts up but I'd say cut the cap welds

 

[TCMach]

If you plan on winching. You need to cut that off and have a piece welded in with a nut for the endcap bolt.

 

[hounddogman]

The end cap has to come off . It will take about 30 seconds each with a saws-all . You can install the ARB without doing any thing else but if you have a winch it is highly recommended to weld a new cap on the inside. Here is a link to how I did mine except I did a nut on the back side instead of the bolt . http://www.nwtoys.com/content/123-frame-endcap-modification.html

 

[infamousRNR]

yes yes yes.... cut it off!!!!

or at the very least grind it so the crush can of the ARB bumper that supports the bumper itself can fit over the frame rail....

its pretty obvious once you try and fit the the sides that go onto the frame rails...

this is an absolute must when fitting a tacoma ARB bumper...

either cut off, or grind so there is no end cap at all or at least it is flush with the frame square portion...

don't be afraid... look at my build thread to see a time-lapse of my grinding mine off.




i hit the bare metal with some black spray paint to prevent rusting before installing the pieces that support the ARB bumper.

 

[Koko4]

So I ended up cutting it completely off last night, and then today I got the end cap welded shut with a piece of metal. However, they didn't think it'd be necessary to put a nut on the backside of the metal, and they wanted to charge me more to do so. So should I be good with the vertical bolt going through the frame rail, the end cap sealed / welded shut, and the two tow hook bolts on both sides? Seems pretty sturdy, but I haven't winched off of it or anything.

I'm happy with the look and bumper! Definitely feels like it has much more protection than before.