ARB look alike bumper?

Red97XJ

NAXJA Forum User
Location
Northern Indiana
Guys, I LOVE the look of the ARB, but have heard that is not rock tuff and not the best for hi-lift jacking. And of course it seems alot of $, but don't they all, so that is NOT the reason for the post.

Any ideas of who makes what i am looking for. About all the bumper folks say they will build a custom one for me, but I don't like paying out the cash without first seeing what it would look like on a XJ. I want a pic before i pay.

Pics would be great!
Thanks
Jason
 
Depends on your definition of tuff.
The ARB is designed to fail just before your frame does.
A stronger bumper won't bend, but then your frame will so what's the point?

What you could do is find a bumper you like, such as the ARB, and then find a super-stout bumper that is close and ask that it be built to your specs.
 
exactly those are two different kinds of "strong" the ARB is designed to take an impact to save the frame but it lacks support on the ends to save it from up and inward impacts such as rocks, trees, ect. Mine is bent up slightly on either end but is otherwise straight, even with the fairlead truss removed. I made a steering box brace built into the bumper mount to help the weak mounts, this has helped a ton and havent bent a mount since.
 
could you guys with ARB's post some pics?

How about guys that DON'T have ARB's but have some sort of bull bar setup. I don't mind the tapered bumper look, but most of em don't have a top half of bars to protect, that is what I am having a tuff time finding.

thanks,
Jason
 
I am partial to my TJM unit.... works nice!!!

newbumper1mine.JPG
 
OK, now I feel like I am really lost, I do like that TJM, but I thought I had seen ALL XJ bumper comp. never heard of that, I do like the look, just need to add upper bars. what is there website?

Jeepzz, how does that mount? that looks cool.


thanks guys,
Jason
 
Red97XJ said:
OK, now I feel like I am really lost, I do like that TJM, but I thought I had seen ALL XJ bumper comp. never heard of that, I do like the look, just need to add upper bars. what is there website?

Jeepzz, how does that mount? that looks cool.


thanks guys,
Jason
TJM has a bumper with the upper bars. Don't have their site URL, but this site has a lists of teh different bumper sthey make: http://www.4x4connection.com/nav/tjmbars.htm
 
I ordered one from Rigid. Terry makes a real nice bumper and the price is right. He is going to MOAB at the end of the month. also on the web. use your browser to find him
 
I have an ARB on my 91 and I have been very pleased with it. Haven't tangled with many rocks but definately bounced it off the dirt a few times and was glad I had it. I have also had the unfortunate experience of testing it vs a large dog, which once again it did what it was designed to do. I have a friend with a TJM on a Tacoma that I know he likes as well, it is a competing company with ARB and I would say the bull bars are comparable, just a question of which one costs less or if you can have one built for cheaper. There are pics of mine on my website.
 
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