Opinion: ARB Deluxe v. All Pro APEX

I have searched and read an my eyes are going to fall out. When I bought my Tacoma last year, you could tell the previous owner wasn't gentle with the bumper. It irritates me to see it so I finally decided to upgrade.

Honest Disclaimer: This is mostly a cosmetic/protection purchase. I don't rock crawl but do some trail riding and am planning to explore the US when I have some time.

I am between the ARB Deluxe Bar and the All-Pro APEX (current promo is appealing). I know the weight difference is 178lbs to 145lbs right now (not putting in a winch yet, $$).

I fully admit that I am in learning mode, and I have a thick skin before asking this next question. The PO upgraded the suspension and there is an AAL in the rear. (Flamesuit on), by looking at these pics:

(1) Does it look like the current suspension could support the additional weight? Probably can't tell.
(2) Compelling reasons for one bumper over the other?

Thanks,

 

That looks dangerously like a spacer lift on stock TRD front struts. I would recommend getting a true front suspension lift with springs that can handle the weight before getting a plate bumper.

 

What he said ^^^^

For the bumper i'd go pelfreybilt (Link on my sig), or the all pro.

 

Thanks guys. It is a spacer lift, unfortunately. Thats what that little reflection is in the picture. Any suggestions?
Here is the spacer shot...

And here is the rear...


if you replace the front do you need to do the rear as well?

 

For the front i'd do either coil overs, or OME 885's or 886's (make sure you get the coils with the x designation, I.E. 885x or 886x, they aren't prone to sagging like the 885's or 886's)
for the rear i'd do OMD springs, or OME dakars.

 

just go full ARB. ARB bumper with OME Shocks and coils with Dakars in rear

 

I am on the right track here....
http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com/OME-Tacoma-Suspension-lift-kit_p_231.html

 

I have an ARB with a spacer lift and it sags a little bit. Hopefully I will be able to replace the suspension this month, but I have been running it like this for two months now 5K miles and no problems. No, you don't have to do anything to the back if you change the front. Those Tuff Country shocks look a little old, so maybe in a couple months, you might change those out and stick a TSB AAL in there from ToyTec: http://toyteclifts.3dcartstores.com...af-for-Tacoma-with-rear-TSB-springs_p_16.html

I just have a block in the back of mine. I am wanting to replace it with an AAL or Dakar leaf pack in a few months, but right now my funds are going more toward getting the front upfitted and a Remington 870

Here is my truck as it sits now (I am running 285/70R17):

 

nice^

 

Nice truck man, i really do like that ARB bumper. It's going to have to be a choice for me, either the bumper or correcting the suspension. The latter would probably improve the ride quality I have now. the good news is I got a good price on the truck, the reality is it's because I didn't know any better so now have to improve it.

These are the leafs which to me also look a bit odd..


i'm thinking a complete suspension overall would be the smartest option right now, especially if I plan on doing a x-country trip...

 

I have the ARB w/winch on a spacer lift and desperately need to upgrade the suspension. I can live without it, but it sure rides like crap compared to stock. Love the look of an ARB though.

 

I had a chance to go arb but could not get over how fugly they are IMO.

 

Thanks man. I have been really pleased with the looks of it. And somewhat pleased with the functionality... Just need to get the susp. done this month.

Thanks man!... I love your truck, but unfortunately, I am going to have to agree with you: Your suspension looks like it could use an overhaul. I would recommend doing the complete OME kit with the 886 coils and a trim packer (gets rid of the driver's side lean). If you're ever planning on getting a plate bumper or a winch on there, just go ahead with the 886s - they'll ride rough at first, but once you get some weight on there, it'll be great. I don't have them on mine, but I have ridden in Sandman614's Tacoma, and it rides like a dream.

I feel you pain.. It is not a pleasant ride on stock suspension, but you and I are proving it can be done!

Ya know, I was torn between the ARB, All Pro, and Relentless Fabrication. They all make great bumpers IMHO, but when it came down to it (since insurance was helping me pay for some of it) it had to be SRS compliant and whatnot, and ARB was the only one for sure that I could prove did that - not to say I wouldnt install the others on my truck and trust it to work the same, but I needed proof for Ins. so I went with ARB. I hated the photo that ARB has on their website of that Silver Tacoma with KM2s and an ARB bumper... It looks like its driving around with geek glasses. No offense to whoever's truck that is, but man that did look ugly to me. I just figured my magnetic gray would blend with it better. I have been very pleased with it. I even have a winch waiting to go up under there, but I don't want to install it until I have the suspension upgraded lol. I still want to be lifted after I get all that weight up there.

 

Reviving this one. Suspension is updated, 5100's around. Still on my stock TRD coils only because I wanted to sort out my bumper before changing them out. So here I am, with a great, GREAT deal on an ARB in front of me, any discouraging reasons (not including appearance) why I shouldn't pull the trigger...

 

How much for the bumper?

 

Under $500

 

That's a heck of a deal. I personally like the look of the ARB but the weight w/o winch was the deal breaker. Ended up with an All pro from a fellow TW member(awaiting arrival). I came within a confirmation click from buying an ARB for $850 shipped from the Amazon surplus warehouse(returned item). But at $500, it would've been a no brainer. You can easily resell it and still get your money back plus some.

 

Agreed. The weight is what is throwing me a bit. I know I need new coils, just wondering if the road manners change dramatically with all that weight up front...

 

Probably especially since your suspension needs an upgrade for being an '06 and running spacer lift and blocks for who knows how long. I would buy the bumper and wait to install after the suspension has been upgraded. Doing it first and I'm afraid it will sag too much for your liking along with the trucks poor response with already old sagging suspension.

 

With a good suspension the weight of the ARB bumper is not a problem.

Buy the bumper, but plan on upgrading the coils first.