2013 JKU Rubicon ARB Bumper install and review

medicfernando

Adventurer
Hi guys. I have a 2013 JKU Rubicon that I am building as an overlander. So far put a 2.5 inch Tera Flex lift on it and the normal safety gear, first aid kit, fire extinguisher etc. Again, I am building this as an overlander, not a rockcrawler so everything on the rig will serve a purpose, not be there for show and as such I wanted a good stout bumper that will provide animal strike protection. After much deliberation I went with an ARB Deluxe front bumper for my Rubicon. The ARB bumper is truly a stout bumper. The mounting points are very good and actually adds some mounting ponts over the stock bumper. The weight is quite reasonable and I noticed no sag on my front suspension nor any changes in handling. The installation is straight forward and the instructions, with the exception of the marker light wiring, are quite clear and straight forward. The install does take some time as you have to install your fog lights and lenthen the fog light wires, cut the crush cans off the old bumper for the ARB, wire the marker lights, do some drilling...etc. All told, taking my time, I was in the garage about 5 hours. WIth a few skills and tools, anyone can do this. The marker ligt instructions as I said were a little confusing and came with a huge harness. I simply spliced them into the side marker lights on my fenders and they work great. On the bumper I mounted a pair of Hella Optilux 4" HID driving lights. I went with those because keeping with overlanding and function theme, I didnt want a pair of huge, amp drawing lights, which block too much airflow to the radiator. The Hella's work great. The bumper looks great, increases the approach angle and by far increases the protection of the front. In my opinion, the quality, craftsmanship, fit and finish are all outstanding. I coudn't be happier with the ARB bull bar. Here are some pictures. Cheers all! Fernando
Next up: ARB Rear bumper and ARB Fridge and slide.
bumper1.JPGbumper5.JPGbumper6.JPGbumper7.JPG
 
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medicfernando

Adventurer
Thanks guys. I came from FJ40, to FJ Cruiser, to Range Rover Classic and many others in between. I resisted Jeeps and made fun of them breaking axles out in the sticks. The JKU Rubicon caught my eye years ago and well, after driving one, here she is in my garage. I love it! Cant beat the factory setup of a Rubicon. Cheers. Fernando
 

Yulli

Yulli the Yeti
Looks good. I have that bumper. Though, I'm looking to replace it because I want the ARB stubby.
 

duckhunter71

Adventurer
I think the full bullbar gives it a nice finished look. I love your Jeep man.. I'm trying to resist the urge to shop them and your thread isn't helping!
 

medicfernando

Adventurer
Thanks duckhunter. I agree the full bullbar does give a great finished look and also fills in the area between the stock bumper and the fender. All it took for me to fall in love with the JK was one test drive. The other driver for me was the incredible availability of cool aftermarket support for just about anything you can dream for your JK. Have a good one!
 

medicfernando

Adventurer
Just picked up a 50 quart ARB fridge today and ordered the ARB rear bumper. Pics and install write to follow next week sometime after the install. Cheers!
 

lysol

Explorer
I've always liked ARB bumpers. How is it holding up?


....EDIT... My bad. I just saw your signature. You don't have the Jeep anymore do you.
 

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