ARB install on 2012 Tacoma

Guys, I installed an ARB front bumper and warn winch on my 2012 Tocoma today. For the most part I like it, but I have a couple of questions for you guys that have already installed them.
1. What did you do with the fender liners? I've got mine just zip tied out of the way at the moment to see what kind of ideas you guys may have.
2. I mounted a Warn M8000, and it's gonna be pretty hard to reach through the hole to put it to free spool. I clocked the winch just like the instructions said. What did you do about this issue?
3. I am sorely disappointed that ARB didn't design this bumper where the factory fog lights can be used. Just a ploy to try to make you buy there's I suppose. I'm gonna fabricate something to make mine work.
4. Do I need to have a front end alignment done since I have added the extra weight of the bumper and winch?

Thanks in advance for any comments or suggestions.

Barry

 

Not sure about the ARB. But many more aftermarket bumpers require you to cut the fender lining. The other stuff cant help with, sorry.

 

1) I just cut the fender liners with a box cutter right before they hit the bumper.
2) As far as the winch goes, i have mine clocked per instructions also, its not an ideal angle IMO...Im considering rotating it so it sits straight up.
3) Yes, it sucks, but i think the ARB fogs are actually a bit brighter than the factory ones, i just bit the bullet and forked out the cash for them.
4)I wouldn't worry about an alignment with just the bumper, however, i wouldn't recommend running this bumper without some sort of lift to compensate for the weight - you'd need an alignment for that.

Good luck!

 

To reach my winch control I took a big "T" water key {like what the plumber uses to turn off the water main at the street} Get one at Lowes or Home Depot...and I had it cut down to maybe 6"....works great! I know when wheeling in winter my hand would have been to cold and stiff to turn!!

 

I also installed the ARB fog lights and up graded the blub a bit...did the turn on any time thing too!!!!

 

Hope this helps!!!

 

Hmmm, I sure do hate to cut the liners, but I guess thats what I'll do. I've got a 3" skyjacker lift, shouldn't be any problem there. I'll probably bite the proverbial bullet too, as much as I hate too!

 

y setup I relocated the winch control box up uner the hood near the firewall (deter theft). I used the wiring for the driving lights to power some KC HID off road lights. And yes box cutters to the fender linings.

I chose the 9.0 RC Warn winch. It was designed for a Jeep so very compact. Unfortunately mounts 90degrees off of the mounts. Had to weld some strips onto the ARB bumper to get it installed.

No allignment needed if you dont change your suspension. I changed mine to OME 885' and Dakars in rear.

 

Good idea, I'll look into that. The lever on my winch is really stiff for whatever reason, maybe they are all like that??? Thanks for the tip!

 

Good idea on relocation of the control box! Now the thief will just steal your truck

You do know that the head on your winch can be turned (Clocked) correct? Not trying to insult your intelligence, some people just don't know, I didn't before yesterday when I got to reading about installing this bumper.

 

No worries. You are correct on the clocking. I was unaware of that at the time unfortunately and was too anxious to get it all installed I guess. I was actually pretty surprised the 9.0 RC was 90degree offset from the ARB bumper mounts. So I guess it seemed 2nd nature to just weld on some scrap metal and thought I was pretty smart... find out later I could have changed the head around. Duh!

Anyway the Warn 9.0 RC is a great winch. Light weight, and fast. I've used mine tons to rescue other Tacos (so far haven't needed a self-recovery).

True, ha ha, now they will steal the truck. Don't think I don't worry about that. Actually thinking of picking up an old rough Toyota pickup as a trail-head vehicle. I've been broken into quite a few times.

 

you dont have to cut the liners. I zip tied mine to the support for the lights

 

That's what I did too. There just aren't any other options, cut it or zip tie it up. Neither seem like good options though!

 

I zipped tied my fender lines as well. Holding up well and they're not in the way or visible unless you're actually looking up into the fender well.