ARB front bumper is ready for US market
- Thread starter edsd90
- Start date
CoastalDefender
Explorer
Agreed.
I actually pulled the trigger on a Shrock for my Frontier yesterday (like the simpler lines better). However, the wife's X will definitely be getting the ARB unit.
08whitex
Adventurer
I have to say that I have always been a fan of the ARB bumper. I think it is one of the best looking bumpers on the market. With that said I dont think this one looks right. From the photos it looks like they bolted a bumper designed for a different vehicle over the factory bumper. If the bumper was 2 inches higher it would totally change the look and I would order one in a heartbeat.
Just my opinion.
Just my opinion.
sami
Explorer
Some explanation from an ARB Engineer(forwarded by Jim Jackson):
What I get from this, is that ARB builds looks around function/safety. That, is why they will get my business.
Layonnn
Adventurer
Thats probably the case for most of their bumpers. Which is something i like about them.
sami
Explorer
The 2005+ Xterra bumper was designed and built specifically for the 2005+ Xterra. :ylsmoke:
Here are a few more updates from Marc @ ARB:
Regarding the cutting of the bumper, James (Australian tech) and I spoke at length about this and there are a number of reasons for going this route including but not limited to:
1. Appearance-essentially the shapes used at the upper section of the bumper are very complex. It may be possible to build out of steel, but it would add substantial cost without significant benefit. Further relating to this we could move the bumper up further on the chassis, but this would create a very narrow "wing" (the outer sections of the bumper) and would look poor proportionally.
2. Strength, moving the bumper up further would alter the loads on the brackets and compromise the airbag compatible aspects of the crush zones accordingly by moving the bulk of the bumper above the chassis rails.
3. Diminishing returns- Essentially, the bar is designed to offer exceptional front end protection, a good winching platform, and airbag compatibility while enhancing the appearance of the truck. We're pleased with the look of the finished product and don't believe that altering the height/shape to eliminate cutting the bumper makes sense as it would compromise the entire structure without really improving the outcome on a functional level.
Packed weight of bar is about 150 lbs, deduct the weight of the bits that are taken off the vehicle when fitting, the crash bar, crossmember and lower bumper so subtract about 15-20lbs. So weight difference when bare bull bar fitted to vehicle is about 130-135lbs.
The opening for RFL is standard and there are aluminum hawsers that support synthetic rope and suit this opening with hole offset. Delrin rollers may be the optimal choice due to the winch inset of the bar.
The approach angle is 38degrees and will be similar to the stock bumper with your tires (33”KM2), though the bullbar gives substancially greater clearance underneath as the lower front edge of the OE bumper sits much lower.
There will be a template for cutting the stock bumper and the process will be quite easy.
The stone tray from bull bar to OE sump guard is 2mm and has formed holes to give greater strength and allow air flow.
Radiator skid plates have been talked about, but nothing is really in the works at this point.
As for winch options. That bar will accept M8000, M9000, and 9.5XP Warn low mount winches. Other brand winches may also work, but we don't test fit them. ARB bars are built around Warn winches
Regarding the cutting of the bumper, James (Australian tech) and I spoke at length about this and there are a number of reasons for going this route including but not limited to:
1. Appearance-essentially the shapes used at the upper section of the bumper are very complex. It may be possible to build out of steel, but it would add substantial cost without significant benefit. Further relating to this we could move the bumper up further on the chassis, but this would create a very narrow "wing" (the outer sections of the bumper) and would look poor proportionally.
2. Strength, moving the bumper up further would alter the loads on the brackets and compromise the airbag compatible aspects of the crush zones accordingly by moving the bulk of the bumper above the chassis rails.
3. Diminishing returns- Essentially, the bar is designed to offer exceptional front end protection, a good winching platform, and airbag compatibility while enhancing the appearance of the truck. We're pleased with the look of the finished product and don't believe that altering the height/shape to eliminate cutting the bumper makes sense as it would compromise the entire structure without really improving the outcome on a functional level.
Packed weight of bar is about 150 lbs, deduct the weight of the bits that are taken off the vehicle when fitting, the crash bar, crossmember and lower bumper so subtract about 15-20lbs. So weight difference when bare bull bar fitted to vehicle is about 130-135lbs.
The opening for RFL is standard and there are aluminum hawsers that support synthetic rope and suit this opening with hole offset. Delrin rollers may be the optimal choice due to the winch inset of the bar.
The approach angle is 38degrees and will be similar to the stock bumper with your tires (33”KM2), though the bullbar gives substancially greater clearance underneath as the lower front edge of the OE bumper sits much lower.
There will be a template for cutting the stock bumper and the process will be quite easy.
The stone tray from bull bar to OE sump guard is 2mm and has formed holes to give greater strength and allow air flow.
Radiator skid plates have been talked about, but nothing is really in the works at this point.
As for winch options. That bar will accept M8000, M9000, and 9.5XP Warn low mount winches. Other brand winches may also work, but we don't test fit them. ARB bars are built around Warn winches
sami
Explorer
Xterra ARB bumper Group Buy - CLICK HERE
Crikeymike
Adventurer
The Frontier/Pathfinder bar is already in stock at ARB. :wings: