Never again, ARB

brian2sun · Jan 3, 2023

I agree ARBs are the ugliest bumpers, but years ago I ran across a 1st gen Tacoma one for $200 used and I had to buy it because it was too good of a deal to pass up. I put it on my ‘97 4runner, but I chopped off a couple inches along the bottom for clearance/better approach angle (and I welded some angle iron along the inside bottom edge for strength). Then I cut off the bars around the headlights (which always looked like the truck was wearing glasses to me, haha). I think it’s about the best looking ARB now…

Nirango kid · Jan 3, 2023

brian2sun said: ↑

I agree ARBs are the ugliest bumpers, but years ago I ran across a 1st gen Tacoma one for $200 used and I had to buy it because it was too good of a deal to pass up. I put it on my ‘97 4runner, but I chopped off a couple inches along the bottom for clearance/better approach angle (and I welded some angle iron along the inside bottom edge for strength). Then I cut off the bars around the headlights (which always looked like the truck was wearing glasses to me, haha). I think it’s about the best looking ARB now…

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Does look good on your 4runner.

mushroom_man7 · Jan 3, 2023

Tdavis5f15[OP] initial post: ↑

I’m pretty handy. I’ve never needed to take my vehicles in to have any kind of work on with the exceptions of transmissions.

After installing the ARB on my Tacoma, all I’ve got to say is, “Never again, ARB.”

Nothing has lined up correctly. I’ve spent a solid 30 hours working on this thing and I still haven’t finished it all the way.

First off, the factory bumper template didn’t remove enough material, and I cut it perfectly where the template said to. So, after getting the bumper in place I realized I needed to remove the ARB (with winch installed) and re-cut the factory bumper for clearance.

It should be noted at this time that removing 18mm off the bottom of the grill as instructed doesn’t remove enough grill. Plan on removing 20mm.

Next issue that arose came when trying to drill the holes for the final two mounting bolts. Good luck getting a drill in there. Even with a right angle drill, I found the holes impossible to drill out, so I drilled my own and used grade 8 bolts instead.

The winch I chose was the smittybilt X2O 12k winch. The adapter plate that comes with bumper isn’t compatible with the X2O series, so I ordered the adapter plate. Damn. That plate didn’t work either. Luckily I was able to use a piece of cardboard to make my own template and drilled out holes to make the original solenoid fit.

Next up, the fairlead. New holes need to be drilled out to make the fairlead line up. No, really. ARB has in the instructions to mark out new holes and drill them out. So I did. Wildly unnecessary. After looking at the bumper I think it was just an oversight, and rather than redesign the front end they just tell you to drill new holes.

Next up is the fog lights. The directions say to retain the factory wiring loom, but damn, the new lights don’t plug in to the loom. I was able to remove the connectors that came with the ARB fog lights and solder them in to my existing loom. It works ok, but again, seems unnecessary. ARB does send a new loom and what not, but it doesn’t use the factory switch and has you run a mile of wire.

Now screwing the light in from the backside is a whole other story. It took me about 20 minutes per side to get the top screw in to clearance issues.

The final steps are to bolt up the splash plates. Easy, right? Nope. Doesn’t clear. I had to put the bottom plate in my metal break and put a little extra bend on it to get it in place.

All in all, the bumper looks good, and is strong to boot, but it also costs nearly 1600 bucks. For 1600 bucks the bumper shouldn’t need any fabrication or additional custom fitting done. After dealing with the effer, I’ll never buy another ARB product. I’d go with anything else. CBI would be my new first choice.

There were many little things here and there that frustrated me to no end. One man couldn’t install this bumper by himself, and certainly not in one night. I was lucky enough to have my dad around to help out.

Also, the instructions aren’t in color. 1600 bucks.

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arb is shit, cheap chinese made parts just like every other company

TacoTuesday1 · Jan 9, 2023

Mully said: ↑

That's ok, when the 4th gen comes out of the closet, it will get shit all over too.
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4th gen they're switching to 4.0L 1GR-FE with new and improved Engine Cover design

Adventuretaco13 said: ↑

So I put this bumper on this past weekend... It's level left to right but it's rised (you can tell in the picture.) Doesn't bother me a whole lot but throws to stupid TSS off. Now when I threw it on I played with the mounting holes and that's what I got. The antenna mounts are so close to the grill. Any advice on how to fix this? Worse case I can live with it.

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what in the toys r us is that

thing looks Heavy Doodie

OnHartung'sRoad · Jan 9, 2023

What are plate bumpers for? Just asking…

Just_A_Guy · Jan 9, 2023

OnHartung'sRoad said: ↑

What are plate bumpers for? Just asking…
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To look good at the mall?

Color_Me_Taco · Jan 9, 2023

Given ARB is Australian, they are built for pure purpose, and care little about "look good first".

And this must be the 3rd, 3 year old thread regenerated on my feed tonight. What's going on? Lol

musicisevil · Jan 9, 2023

To slam into a ‘roo or moose and be able drive home

SR-71A · Jan 10, 2023

musicisevil said: ↑

To slam into a ‘roo or moose and be able drive home
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The exact reason I bought one. I also do really like the looks, but that wasnt the deciding factor.

Up in the north country where deer and occasionally even a moose tend to jump into the road I felt the kangaroo crash test rating was worth a lot (those damn critters are huge!)

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OnHartung'sRoad -So glad I didn't take the other...

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