Improving Approach Angle for ARB Bullbar?

Topper 1 · **Posted:** Thu Jan 11, 2007 11:04 am

This has been one great bumper -- looks, function, etc. But I'm sure other Bullbar-equipped KJ owners would agree that this bumper would be darn near perfect if it didn't stick out so far. Has anyone looked into or tried modifying the bumper such that it doesn't protrude so far forward? When looking a the bumper, it seems there's just a lot of unnecessary volume inside, even after accounting for the amount of space the winch needs.

tommudd · **Posted:** Thu Jan 11, 2007 7:45 pm

I agree that without a winch out front there is some wasted space, I had mine off the other day, (bored in the house so went to play in the garage) But anyways the way it is designed you would need to take some out of the mounting brackets themselves and some off the bumper. All in all it would be quite a job to "redesign" it. Could be done but I would think easier to just sell it and buy another brand if you dont like it. If you look at the bumper moving it back would also require you to cut the ends off where it wraps back around towards the tire, maybe 2/3 inches all the way across the front, like I said could be done but....I have looked at mine from every angle and for me, I will leave it alone!

OzLtd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 6:00 am

I had my TJM bar side by side with another KJ that was ARB bar equiped. The ARB stuck out around 30-35mm more than the TJM, I was not impressed.

I've even been thinking of ways to trim back my TJM bar but I dont think it would really net me any benefits as it has a really nice profile and suits the face of the KJ really well. I think it might start looking a bit 'home job' if I were to start chopping it back.

The ARB bar is good but its over engineered for the KJ. Its been built almost too big and too solid, for whatever reason. I nearly bought one just before I came into fortune with the TJM guys, but evem then, I had plans to chop it back and lighten it up. hows that for irony !

unixxx · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 12:09 pm

There are crush provisions built into the bull bar mounting brackets. Lowering the profile will decrease the amount it can crush and could make an accident more severe or change airbag triggering. I'm sure ARB would have made the bull bar lower profile if it were possible. They're the not the type of company that cuts corners.

chemguy · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:06 pm

Here is an example of a modified ARB bull bar.

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=59294&highlight=#59294

tommudd · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 3:09 pm

Actuall I really do like mine even if it does stick out some. It provides a place to sit, put tools, beer, food what ever you need while working on the KJ. Plus it does give it a better look I think. Mine will stay no matter what, not planning on changing, just want something similar for the rear!!!

Topper 1 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 5:59 pm

chemguy wrote:

Here is an example of a modified ARB bull bar.

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=59294&highlight=#59294

Yes! This is what I was thinking. Do you have any info on how this bumper was modified (pics, drawings, etc.)?

ATXKJ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 8:18 pm

The image was from cardomain
http://www.cardomain.com/ride/370128/3

Jeepjeepster · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:03 pm

chemguy wrote:

Here is an example of a modified ARB bull bar.

http://www.lostjeeps.com/forum/phpBB3/viewtopic.php?p=59294&highlight=#59294

Ive never seen a steel bumper that Ive liked on the kj.. But i must say, thats the best looking one ive seen! I bet that thing would sell like crazy!!

DaveKJ02 · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 9:26 pm

Jeepjeepster wrote:

Ive never seen a steel bumper that Ive liked on the kj.. But i must say, thats the best looking one ive seen! I bet that thing would sell like crazy!!

I think All J's was the best. Too bad they wont make it. Then the TJM bar. Does anyone know how an 05 front end differs from an 02 under all the plastic? Selection is so lame I'm tempted to try and mount a 05+ TJM on my 02.

DoverKJ · **Posted:** Fri Jan 12, 2007 10:20 pm

Quote:

I think All J's was the best. Too bad they wont make it. Then the TJM bar. Does anyone know how an 05 front end differs from an 02 under all the plastic? Selection is so lame I'm tempted to try and mount a 05+ TJM on my 02.

I was thinking of having a fabricator, makes a lot of stuff for TJ's and YJ, make me a bumper similar to the one that All J producted. He quoted me around $600 for the first one and he would need my jeep for a week. He said after that, the second one would be cheaper after he has figured out how to mount it.

I am having a hard time deciding though on what kind of bumper I want. I already have a winch, got a super deal on a 9K lb Mile Marker, so I cant decide whether to get the ARB or have one custom built as I can always put the winch on my wifes TJ.

OzLtd · **Posted:** Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:38 pm

DaveKJ02 wrote:

Then there's the TJM bar.
Does anyone know how an 05 front end differs from an 02 under all the plastic? Selection is so lame I'm tempted to try and mount a 05+ TJM on my 02.

Only the plastic guards and the corner areas around the bottom of the grill as far as i'm aware.

DWDs_KJ · **Posted:** Sat Jan 13, 2007 9:54 pm

Anybody try the trail ready bumper they look pretty nice but i have not heard good things about the trail ready services so im not to sure.

Also i was trying to talk Marty at rocklizard fab. to fab up a bullbar that can hanndle a winch in it. I have his rear bumper and I must say I love it!! if some on in a car rearends me they will be in a world of crap. The bumper was very strong and easy to install.

AZScout · **Posted:** Sun Jan 14, 2007 5:02 am

Quote:

Does anyone know how an 05 front end differs from an 02 under all the plastic? Selection is so lame I'm tempted to try and mount a 05+ TJM on my 02.

The fenders are different to accommodate the newer flares and turn signals.

OzLtd · **Posted:** Sun Jan 14, 2007 6:24 am

DWDs_KJ wrote:

Anybody try the trail ready bumper they look pretty nice but i have not heard good things about the trail ready services so im not to sure.

DWDs_KJ , nice rig - can we see some more pics of it pls. Side profile, rear, front ect, flexed ect

cheers.....

Improving Approach Angle for ARB Bullbar?

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