ARB bumper install issues

[irish_11]

I am installing an ARB bumper on my 1999 Toyota Tacoma and the holes are not lining up. Following the instructions off expeditionswest site

bumper mounts allow for a strong connection to the frame and a crush zone for proper airbag deployment. It bolts to the frame at the recovery points

The holes where the factory recovery points are supposed to be bolted through do not line up enough to get the bolt through. The bracket looks like it should move 1/16-1/8th of an inch further into the frame and it will not move in the right spot. Has anyone else had issues with holes lining up on this bumper?

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Open them up a tad. I've had to deal with this on a few Tacomas, at first I thought the ARB crush can/mounts were the culprit but after some investigating it was the frame that was sligtly different bhan the other. I've since had it happen a couple of times all on 96-99 Tacomas.

 

[irish_11]

Open them up a tad. I've had to deal with this on a few Tacomas, at first I thought the ARB crush can/mounts were the culprit but after some investigating it was the frame that was sligtly different bhan the other. I've since had it happen a couple of times all on 96-99 Tacomas.

I opened up the holes and sure enough it went right on, thanks

 

[ywen]

When you install the ARB bull bar, does it attach to the side mounting bolts that the stock bumper uses? The side mounting bolts are the ones sticking straight down at the front of the fenders of each side, just in front of the wheel well..

 

[cruiseroutfit]

When you install the ARB bull bar, does it attach to the side mounting bolts that the stock bumper uses? The side mounting bolts are the ones sticking straight down at the front of the fenders of each side, just in front of the wheel well..

No, it does not.

 

[ywen]

No, it does not.

That's what I figured seeing how puny those bolts are holding the fender apron brace. I know with the stock bumper, you can't slide the bumper out until the bumper clears those vertical side mounting bolts.. What do you think is the purpose of them? I broke a bolt on the passenger side brace so the brace is attached to the body via 2 bolts. I'm wondering if it's worth getting the brace replaced if I do end up getting an ARB bumper someday and ARB doesn't utilize those braces..