How do you feel about the ARB front bumper?

I'm thinking about putting an ARB bumper on the front of my 2011 2.7 4x4 access cab and wanted to see how everybody felt about them?

Will this hut my MPG in any significant way?

 

I think they are good enough quality but sort of butt ugly. And for the money I would support a local, or at least US, small business fabricator. Making bumpers isn't rocket surgery. Just IMO. Everyone has different tastes though.

 

I like mine, bought it already installed on the truck. Here's my mileage on 265/75/16s

 

I have had one on for 4 years, I like it. It did not really affect my mileage. As with any heavier than stock plate bumper, you should upgrade the front suspension to carry the load.

 

Hey I see you did the Dakars, did you have to do any drive train work because of the added height?

 

Everyone will have an opinion...

I think they are one of the best looking bumpers for the Tacoma available. The outer sides have some height to them unlike most other plate bumpers that taper down (again just an opinion) too much.

 

Mine was on the truck when I bought it. My initial thought was to dump it (one of the salespeople at the dealership offered to buy it if I were to remove it) and get one from a vendor here. It has grown on me now, and I will keep it on the truck. Fits great, and will offer the protection needed when offroad.

 

E, I know that liquor store ese I used to work in Espanola at the college.


I hemmed and hawed between the ARB and the other options. Right now there is a HUGE shipping crate in the back of my truck from Aluminess It cost ~400 more with the shipping, but it weighs about half as much as the ARB.

 

Mine has been on for about two months, absolutely love it, have never received so many compliments. I really like the fact that the air bag timing remains unaffected and I would not have any issues with an insurance claim or safety.

Regarding mpg, probably dropped 1-2 and I can also feel the weight over the steering. Hope this helps!

 

I knocked the front bumper off of my truck a couple weeks ago. So talked to the insurance company and was able to purchase an ARB instead of a factory bumper. Local body shop has my truck and installing it now. I seen it today on the truck but didn't take a photo as the grille and head lights weren't installed this morning. So far I love the look of it and cant wait to get it back at end of the week.

 

I LOVE them!!! cant wait to get one for my 04

 

Had mine for a few years & still like it. I totaled a Honda Accord with it & I just had some surface scratches. The deputy was so impressed he called his supervisor to come check out the bumper. I'd say as for MPG I may have lost 1 or 2.

 

I love mine. I whacked a deer, ripping off the factory bumper at 40 mph. My insurance covered the cost of the ARB deluxe bar so I was happy with it, until deer number 2. Other then the blood, guts and hair (that all washed off) there was NO damage, at 55 mph, slamming into a large 3x4 white tail... you read it right..
I love this bumper! My stock trd off road suspension does sag in the front but will soon be replaced. My mpgs are around 17.5-17.8 with the ARB but I didn't check Mpgs before (deer #1 was before my first oil change lol). Also I have the 6 speed manual trans. I did however come out of a wallawurl to find some dude taking a selfie with my truck... kinda weird. So it will get you some attention whether you want it or not... I dont. Hope that helps...

 

haha rocket surgery

 

I like them well enough to have bought another when I replaced my old Tacoma. If you add a winch to it you'll definitely need to upgrade the suspension since the package adds about 200#s with the wire rope, a bit less if you use synthetic line.

Old Tacoma:


Current Tacoma:

 

If it weren't for the bumper you wouldn't be able to tell it was a tacoma... Did you drive it off a mountain??!!

 

Seventeen year old kid crossed the double yellow line and hit me. I walked away with some scratches, he didn't.

 

It can get pretty complicated if you are trying to maintain frontal impact crumple zones and airbag functionality.

 

I know ARB makes that claim but, looking at how the bumpers and trucks are constructed, I am unconvinced. I am willing to listen to any thoughts that aren't driven by ARB's marketing though.