ARB Front bumper?

[FrontierNation3]

I PM'd a few member that I could find who had the ARB Front bumper to see how well it was holding up, years after installation. They haven't been on in awhile, so I don't know if i'll ever get an answer. So, does anyone else have it that I missed? Any complaints/comments/thoughts? Can't decide between this one or the Shrock. I personally like it because I think the Shrock leaves the tires wayy too much exposed for my liking. Also, I am getting the Fabtech with coilovers soon (8" up front) so it will look a hell of a lot better. Does anyone think it looks goofy by how bulky it is? Thanks!

Also, check out this sweet Pahthy with an ARB from 4x4 parts! This is what my Frontier will look like if I go Fabtech wth ARB.

[roastbeef]

arb has a solid reputation for making great, well built products. you really can't go wrong.

i don't quite understand what you're talking about when you mention "leaving the tires too exposed." high clearance is good, it allows for a better approach angle.

[Brook724]

I don't see much difference in the front profile. But I don't know why you would want he bumper to hang down any lower. The more tire you can see, the better.

I might be mistaken, but I remember reading that the ARB is designed to crumple to some extent in a front-end collision, and that's why they don't have shackle mounts.

Edited to add: It looks like only certain ARB bumpers for certain vehicles are designed to crumple. Either way, it seems ARB prefers that people use factory tow hooks or the winch for recoveries.

[FrontierNation3]

Originally Posted by roastbeef

arb has a solid reputation for making great, well built products. you really can't go wrong.

i don't quite understand what you're talking about when you mention "leaving the tires too exposed." high clearance is good, it allows for a better approach angle.

Sorry, I didn't make that clear enough. Approach angle, IMO, is necessary for someone doing serious off-roading (rocks, steep trails, etc.). I usually stick to looong grasslands and kinda like the 'wildlife', if that makes any sense. Mostly grass and dirt, so I wanted something that looks great/performs great. I needed a bit more clearance than the stock bumper, but I don't like how much the Shrock has, since I drive on grass/dirt roads a lot.

Also, that's why I considered ARB in the first place. They really do their homework when making products.

Originally Posted by Brook724

I don't see much difference in the front profile. But I don't know why you would want he bumper to hang down any lower. The more tire you can see, the better.

I might be mistaken, but I remember reading that the ARB is designed to crumple to some extent in a front-end collision, and that's why they don't have shackle mounts.

Edited to add: It looks like only certain ARB bumpers for certain vehicles are designed to crumple. Either way, it seems ARB prefers that people use factory tow hooks or the winch for recoveries.

Well, I put a terrible picture of how bulky it is. It is noticeably more bulkier than the Shrock. And, yea, they don't offer shackle mounts. This is one of reasons I considered the Shrock. Here's a better pic of the 'bulkiness':

[jamyers77]

^FN, that's an X isn't it? They do stick out a bit in the front. Does it have to do w/ their winch location? You could always go w/ TAG. That'll cover your tires up nicely!!

[FrontierNation3]

^I actually have no clue. The winch is located in the same position/area as where the Shrock bumper has it. Maybe I could customize it to make it closer to the fender? But, yea that is an X. I believe they are basically the same as the Frontier, just different shapes.

And, I am seriously considering the KMA/TAG bumper man! As I already told you, that bumper is sick, and I want it. Its just that NOBODY is running the ARB with a drop bracket lift, and I think it will look awesome. Love the ARB, except for how far it sticks out. Soo confused between ARB, Shrock and TAG!!

[jamyers77]

Originally Posted by FrontierNation3

^I actually have no clue. The winch is located in the same position/area as where the Shrock bumper has it. Maybe I could customize it to make it closer to the fender? But, yea that is an X. I believe they are basically the same as the Frontier, just different shapes.

And, I am seriously considering the KMA/TAG bumper man! As I already told you, that bumper is sick, and I want it. Its just that NOBODY is running the ARB with a drop bracket lift, and I think it will look awesome. Love the ARB, except for how far it sticks out. Soo confused between ARB, Shrock and TAG!!

I was saving for a Hefty bumper, and still love their lines. I believe Chris will work w/ you in customizing a bumper. After reading some of his posts (TNX) it sounds like they actually enjoy that more than cranking out skids/sliders/bumpers. Motorcop has the only one I've seen on a Frontier.
http://www.heftyfabworks.com/

[Mike r]

[FrontierNation3]

Originally Posted by jamyers77

I was saving for a Hefty bumper, and still love their lines. I believe Chris will work w/ you in customizing a bumper. After reading some of his posts (TNX) it sounds like they actually enjoy that more than cranking out skids/sliders/bumpers. Motorcop has the only one I've seen on a Frontier.
HeftyFabWorks - Custom bumpers, rock sliders and more for your truck or vehicle

Wow, never even heard of them before. I just checked out their site and it said they started out building custom bumpers. I am definitly gonna give them a call tomorrow and see if they can build me an ARB replica but keep the bulk wayy down. Or maybe ARB can do this for me? Gotta make a lot of calls tomorrow... Thanks for the link!

[matstx]

This is theyre Sahara bar on a Navara. Not too bulky. Loads of guys here run them but IMO Shrock looks way better. ARB is completely airbag compliant as it has "crush cans" built in the mounting points.

Sahara bar | Products | ARB 4x4 Accessories