Hey jeepers so I am thinking about adding an ARB Bull bar (http://www.rocky-road.com/kjbump.html) to my '05 KJ Limited. I have done a little work on trucks before, more like assisting a friend drop and install a new tranny and engine. He was rather well versed in mechanical know how. So I am wondering how much work will need to be done to the front end to fit the bull bar on. It states that it is a simple bolt on, novice wrencher could do it. Is there anything else that I would need to modify to it? Anything like the fenders or such? It has the stock matching fenders on it.

This would be the first of a few mods I plan to do to the jeep over the next few months.

Please help a noob out.
Thanks,
--Joe

For '05+ KJ's just a few holes need to be drilled,no cutting of the fenders at all.Some simple wiring but the destructions are pretty clear.Should take about 2 hours for install,3 if adding a wich also.I would recommend a 2nd person to help lift it up into place,more so if your installing with a winch otherwise a very simple install.

plus some new springs if you're still running stock
Not a hard job to do though

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MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

That is just what I wanted to hear. I am good with a few holes being drilled and some destructions. I was planning to have a second person assist me as well. I figure jacking it up would be a wise idea correct?

I will consider adding a winch. It could come in handy.A winch can always be added later correct? Thank you for the assistance.


@ Tommudd. Yes the jeep is stock otherwise except for slightly larger tires. I plan on doing a lift on it soon after. Will the added weight make it sag too much?

As long as its going to be soon after, stock sagged springs and adding the weight of the ARB will certainly sag it more and quicker
Its an excuse to lift it!

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MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

Interesting...Excuse me but I am really mechanically stupid but... A lift would fix that issue correct? A lift simply uses new springs and shocks to lift the jeep higher. Is my understanding correct? Now how soon is "soon after" Finances might be a bit tight, but would about 2 months after the ARB instal be too long? I really am not too sure how badly it sags now, however I figure sagging is never a really good thing. I suppose I should look into lifts now as well..here comes a headache.

Last bit of annoyance from the noob here, would it be better to lift and get it all aligned up then do the ARB?

Many ways to do a lift
but a good lift that most use is the OME ( Old man Emu made by ARB), and also most use the OME 927 springs ( in the front) which are a heavier duty spring to take into account no only lift, but better ride and also to be able to handle additional weight
OEM springs that came on your KJ are rated at 310 lbs, the OME 927s are rated at 400lbs, so not only are they somewhat taller, but heavier rated
just one example but hopefully sort of understand now..

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MUDD'S MOTORSPORT'S We do IFS lift installs ,
03 OVERLAND EDITION /Kilby-Skidrow-Mopar-4XGuard skids/ 2.5 inch TOTAL CONTROL JBA coilovers -JBA Arms/MOABS-31 FALKEN WILDPEAK AT3W / 4.10's etc, 04 Kilimanjaro Edition loaded, plus 05 KJ limited

Indeed, thank you!

Personalli would take the money you are going to spend on arb and do the lift first. The ride will be greatly improved. It will be easier to save up for bumper after lift. You wont be so rushed to spend the additional money right away. My

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06' Liberty Sport, herculined all plastic, ome/rancho front with clevis and 3/8" top plate, 927 OME with to extra isolators, 265/75R16 howlers, 40 series flowmaster, front tow hooks, http://s852.photobucket.com/albums/ab82/JMSMN/

I had tjkj2002, USAFCOP, and Rock Lizard help me install my junk. My recommendation is to bolt it up but don't tighten it down until you adjust the ARB. There’s a lot of wiggle room. I've seen a lot of ARB bumpers installed with gaps larger than what I would prefer. Rock Lizard was anal and wanted the ARB to look perfect. After it was all said and done, I'm glad that he took his sweet time making it look pretty. Anyway, here’s mine for a reference.



In my opinion, you will want to put on the winch before you install the ARB. It makes it so much easier. Does your KJ have the fog lights? If so, then you will need to install the lights into the ARB and add wire extensions. Tjkj2002 used his portable butane soldering gun and soldered the fog light wire extensions.

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2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.

Thank you. Wow that is a stunning KJ. You have the RL rear bumper as well? I hope I can mine to resemble that at somepoint.

Thanks for the compliments. My RL rear bumper is finished. I just need to have it painted and installed. The key is to take your time and do it right.

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2015 Ram Ecodiesel/Big Horn/4x4/Quad Cab
2016 Arctic Fox 22G/Onboard 2500 LP Cummins Onan Generator/160 Watt Solar Panel

I took the road less traveled. Now I'm LOST.