ARB Bumper for a Disco II any good?

[R_Lefebvre]

Just thought I'd get some opinions here. I've read a ton on DiscoWeb and of course they hate the thing. Complaints are that approach angle is "bad" (worse than stock?), and the bumper gets tweaked while winching and can damage the front fenders.

I'm just curious what the experience is amongst this crowd?

I'm more interested in overland type use. Not rock crawling or extreme trail use.

Is it acceptable for this, or is it really junk?

I actually like the TJM better because the winch is mounted on a tray that's more rigidly mounted to the frame. But apparently they're backordered through the summer.

The RTE is well built, but I don't think it offers enough protection to the front of the truck because it has such minimal coverage. I'd hate to hit a deer and instead of the bumper taking the impact, the front suspension does. Just for example.

If the ARB really is junk, I'll probably just end up making my own. Something as tough as the RTE, but more coverage like the ARB. Sacrifice approach angle for protection.

 

[sinuhexavier]

I have had the ARB on my truck for 3 years, I am anything but a hardcore "wheeler". Personally, I have one without the crush cans and I think that's where the problem comes in. It is a built in weak point.

I'm a big fan of how stock the ARB's look. My only complaint really is on the winch bumper how far it protrudes forward, but I have yet to have a situation that I need a better approach angle or couldn't get through something because of it.

For a good look at a TJM coming apart check these pics out.

 

[R_Lefebvre]

I have had the ARB on my truck for 3 years, I am anything but a hardcore "wheeler". Personally, I have one without the crush cans and I think that's where the problem comes in. It is a built in weak point.

I'm a big fan of how stock the ARB's look. My only complaint really is on the winch bumper how far it protrudes forward, but I have yet to have a situation that I need a better approach angle or couldn't get through something because of it.

For a good look at a TJM coming apart check these pics out.

I won't be doing much "wheeling" either. The purpose of the truck is to be a means of getting to a destination. If I have an urge to run a really hard trail, I have a WR250F.

What the hell happend to that TJM?

 

[sinuhexavier]

I think it was a combo of bad driving and poor engineering... Can't blame it all on the bumper.

 

[MuddyMudskipper]

I had an ARB on my truck for three years. I really don't have any major complaints except that is was too big and bulky for my needs. If I were in the habit of mowing down roos and their joeys then it would've been ideal. I never liked the way it lined up (or didn't) and I often plowed into stuff with my nose and I am by no means an extreme rock crawler. I do think that the ARBs for other applications fit a bit more snug.

I have a no longer available Safari Gard but most people I know have the RTE. Both have skid plates that protect the steering where the ARB does not. I also think the clearance issues folks talk about on DWeb stem from the ARB sticking out farther where the factory bumper sticks down farther.

 

[FourByLand]

Also if you want the RTE they also offer another version besides the slimline which is twice the thickness and the rest is pretty similar, give Steve a call and let him explain it to you then you can decide if it's what you need.

 

[Funrover]

Well I am not a fan of the ARB front bumper at all. After watching a friend bend hers up really bad (and not even on rocks.. A tree) and seeing pics of others I know bend theirs I am not impressed at all. I have also been able to do more with my factory puch bar( Like the GDE but no winch mount). I will say I like the way they attach to the frame to prevent "wrap". Personally the bumper is just to big for me also. The approach is bad (which is not a concern for you) and has caused others I kow to get hung up! They also seem really heavy for what you get, just shocks me! Yes I like RTE bumpers for their ability in the rock, however I also understand that is not for everyone. Arb's look great on the Rovers, but I find them finctionally inadequite.

Now with all of that being said. If the truck you have is your daily and you plan on more expo, less crawl and deer and such are a problem where you live then it might just be the right one for you!

 

[SMD]

I've had the airbag-compatible ARB on my truck for about 4 years. Some winching but nothing too extreme. Have hit plenty of rocks and a few trees with it. It's been fine, though I'll admit that if I did it again, I might actually go with RTE (and maybe will in the future - keep reading).

I like the looks of the ARB - just makes the vehicle look a little classier IMO and less 'Skeletor-goes-to-the-woods/desert." I'm also a big fan of keeping the marker lights. Can't explain it logically, but this is the second biggest reason I stick with my ARB (first being that I've already spent $$ on the ARB and it still works). If this were DWeb I'm sure plenty of people would simply chalk me up as a poseur (though half of those people would spell the word incorrectly. Don't get me wrong, I love DWeb and post there!).

But functionally, I don't think the ARB holds a candle to the RTE. I like that my RTE sliders are Rustoleum black and I can sand and repaint them when they get scarred. Ditto if you have their bumpers.

Another ARB negative - limited winch options if you decide you want one.

Being able to match the looks for the rear bumper (when you bang it up and replace it in the future) might also be a concern. You won't have a choice with the D2... I'm not aware of a bumper for D2's by TJM or ARB. But you can get one from RTE. TJM has a rear bumper for my D1, but this becomes a dilemma in my mind. Spend more $$ on a not-as-functional bumper and delay my eventual RTE migration, or just go ahead and migrate now?? So for now, I'll just continue to hobble along on my existing rear factory bumper until I get the itch to replace both. I'll have to talk to Steve about possible light options; maybe there are some small LEDs I can attach in some way.

A bit of a rambling email, but perhaps you can find some of these thoughts useful.