ARB bumper install questions.

Are there any good ARB front bumper install diy treads or videos? I’ve searched and found nothing really helpful for 1st gens, it’s a bit different than the 4Runner and I’m having trouble getting the piece onto the end of the frame that extends it out to slide the brackets over. Any info would be greatly appreciated!

 

I actually might have just found what I needed! Going to try in the morning!

 

When you do, please update the thread. I'll be doing this soon. On a related note, does anyone know if they Badlands 12,500 lbs winch from Harbor Freight will fit the ARB bumper?

 

@Crow_of_judgement

 

Looks like I’ll need a ratcheting end wrench to tighten the piece onto the frame. Not sure what else would fit there’s like no room for anything else to get in there.

 

Other than that it looks to be pretty straight forward.

 

Do you remember what you used? Definitely can’t fit a 19mm socket in there, much less a ratchet, I don’t have a huge variety of tools.

Haha i didn’t realize that was a thing

 

Hmm.. guess I may have to take the roid rage approach.

 

The passenger side bracket on the crush can on mine was defective. ARB overnighted me a new one.

 

My brackets are fine I think. I’m talking about the little box that bolts to the frame end, once that is on the bracket slides over and bolts into the front of that piece.

My photobucket isn’t letting me upload the photo.

 

From what I have seen, the biggest issue is with these - apparently, if they come loose when trying to thread the bolt you'll have to remove the bumper to retrieve the nut since you won't be able to fish them out by hand with it on... unless you're slender/plastic man of course

https://youtu.be/Wey2f8n0Klc?t=1705



Here is another shot of those 3 (3 per side) capture nuts. Note the arrows - this is where that little bugger will drop if it comes loose while trying to thread the bolt on.





@2BeersPlease may have some helpful suggestions/tips on install of this badass bumper

While the install differs on the 01-04 Tacoma from the 4Runner (the end of the frame doesn't have to be cut), Tim's video is still a really good reference.

 

What was previously mentioned (by others above) definitely would help. If you have a socket that can fit in through that front hole in the end cap 'face' or just a flex head gear wrench to insert through that side opening. It definitely could've been better thought out (the install process/design). Still, very solid product.

 

I can fit a 1/4 in extension through the front of that cap with a 3/8 adapter inside but I doubt the 1/4 will give me what I need to tighten correctly.

 

I think I used an offset wrench to get to that bolt.

 

I remember having a hard time with the crush cans. I tried using a stubby socket and some extensions and didn't work too well. Ended up just getting an offset wrench to finish it


eta.. this helped too

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/arbfrontbumper/bullbar.html

http://www.parksoffroad.com/tacomamods/arbbumperupdate/arbbumperupdate.htm

 

Was just about to say, that looks different from my install. Then I came across his update link and was about to mention it then saw your edit with the 2nd link.

PITA

 

I saw these two links aswell, I’ll just have to buy a set of offset wrenches or borrow my dads.

 

Not to sidetrack but kind of still has to do with the ARB install (for those that run coolers) -

Curious if anyone else has installed or had to reinstall their trans cooler as a result of the bumper. Initially, I had my trans cooler mounted using @zero4's location. I hadn't connected it yet when I picked up the ARB. Fitting the ARB to bring it home, the bumper was making contact with the cooler at the bottom. Opted to remove the cooler and figured I would reinstall it again when I replaced my grille (switching from chrome to black).

Basically two options as I see it -

here -


or something like zero4's and mod it a bit more so there is no contact -



just didn't want to zip tie it...

 

I have a trans cooler installed in that area. I made some brackets with some right angle aluminum and a couple flat metal wood brackets. Its close to the bumper but no contact, can try and get a pic later