Project Fools Gold

Thanks! 265's are growing on me, will definitely switch out to 285's sooner than later. Could just be the Falkens. Not impressed with them at all. They are good in the snow, but other than that, I don't think I would get them again.
The truck rides so much better than stock for sure. I thought the OME 2887's would be a stiff ride, but they are great. Hopefully they won't sag out when I get my bumper, if it ever comes. Kinda getting pissed, I ordered it on 11/27 and still hasn't shipped. Might cancel my order if it doesn't ship this week. I didn't realize the place I ordered from didn't stock them and it is being drop shipped from ARB. They are saying it is out of their hands now. I guess their name should have been a clue - OK4WD. But I got it for $825 shipped. We'll see what happens this week.

 

$825 is a deal an arb! Mine was $650 but it was also used. I wouldn’t cancel. It’s worth the wait. It’s coming from Australia so it may take a while.

 

got mine for 500USD used, needed a little TLC AND wasn't even eyeing a bumper like ARB's but glad I did

 

Ouch!!!!

 

Should note. That wasn't me. But... Had it not been arb...I dont know what would have happened

 

My bumper showed up last Friday. I got to install it on Monday. Install was very easy and straight forward. It was all strapped down to a pallet but the box with all of the small parts was ripped open. The bag that has all of the nuts and bolts was cut open and I'm still not sure if I got everything I was supposed to, but was definitely missing some bolts and instructions.
This is the first time I have ever bought a bumper. I was a metal fabricator for 15 years before changing careers and no longer have access to the big shears and breaks that make bumper building easy. It was pretty nice just bolting it on. But I will most likely build my back bumper.
I think it looks really good on these trucks and have always liked the looks of the ARB's. Now I have to figure out what lights to use as foglights and where to put them and if I'm going to put any off road lights as well. Ideally I want to put the fog lights where the blinkers are, but size and aiming might be a problem.

 

Look great Chili! I installed some ARB intensity knock offs on my arb. They were less than $90 and I’m very happy with them. Looks great on the bumper imo.

 

Those fogs are bigger then the mooooooooooooon.

 

I like em big N bright

 

Nice build, love the wheels, bumper. The color is nice, not like everyone else. Good job.

 

Looks real good chili, but watch your clearance at the fender flares, I have a TJM bumper which is alot like ARB and the body was flexing into the bumper rite at the flare creating a thump and wearing the powdercoat off the bumper.
I found that an index finger of thickness at the flare was enough to keep them from touching.

 

Finally got around to changing out the drivers side wheel bearing/ hub assembly about 2 weeks ago. It was pretty bad, and glad I did it. That made some of the vibrations and grinding noise go away, but made the notorious needle bearing issue even more prevalent. So I ordered up one of the East Coast Gear supply bushing kit and installed that last weekend. Install wasn't too bad and the removal tool from them made it that much easier. Happy to say the grinding noise and vibrations are gone! The needle bearing seemed to be in good shape by appearance, but clearly was the problem. Now I can get back to doing mods that I actually want to do. I think some sliders are next, and more necessary, but the chrome rear bumper just doesn't jive with the ARB up front, so I really want to something about that. I guess I'll see what the tax man gives me back this year and go from there. I also have the ECGS bearing removal tool I hopefully no longer need if anyone is interested in buying it.

 

I've noticed my headlights are clouding over and not really that bright. I've been looking at different bulbs and other options and not really seeing much. I really want to do the projector retrofit, but I've found a bunch of different options on Amazon and eBay that don't look too bad. Some of them are a little too "fast and furious looking, but some are pretty cool. Anyone have have any luck or found a particular brand that works or is a good deal for the $$? I know you get what you pay for, but I don't think the OEM ones are super high quality to begin with anyway. Most are under $200 and if they didn't last I guess I wouldn't be too heartbroken.

 

I finally could not take the Faulken Wildpeaks anymore. The tread was just too skinny for 8" wheels, load range too light so they constantly look like they had low tire pressure even though I had them at recommended pressure and are just too much of a street tire for me. The only redeeming qualities were in the snow, otherwise I thought they were junk and don't see what any of the hype is for them. 4wp was having a pretty good sale and I was even able to get a better Discount after calling and talking with the sales guy. I went with 285 75 r16 KO2's and couldn't be happier. That's what I was originally going to get, but went with the 265 75 Faulken and instantly regretted it as soon as I saw them. So now I have the look and performance I was after in the first. They did, if course, rub, but some trimming of the flares made that go away. I know they will rub when I can on the trail, but I will address that soon. Also need to lower my ARB but probably won't be on the trail for another month.