Shotts' 1997 Lexus "Rock Crawler" buildup:

[ShottsCruisers]

I have some other pics. HOW DO YOU GET THEM TO SHOW UP LIKE CLARK'S ABOVE. I have them on my site so I know I can hyperlink them. When I try though this forum just shows the red X in the upper left corner. They're just jpeg files. ???

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Here's side shotts showing approach angles:

 

[Scott Brady]

John,

Make sure to add the file extension at the end of the image link. You were missing the ".jpg" part

 

[ShottsCruisers]

John,

Make sure to add the file extension at the end of the image link. You were missing the ".jpg" part

I added the .jpg and nothing. I even tried adding the -L.jpg ??

 

[Scott Brady]

They are -M.jpg

When you upload to smugmug, find the image you want (displayed in the right pane), right mouse click and select properties. Copy the URL and past it into the forum (with the image tags)

 

[ShottsCruisers]

They are -M.jpg

When you upload to smugmug, find the image you want (displayed in the right pane), right mouse click and select properties. Copy the URL and past it into the forum (with the image tags)

Ahhh, I'll retry the 4th pic. J

 

[ShottsCruisers]

Got it Scott. Thanks!

Hey, look at that bottom pic. The illusion.....doesn't the 100 look like a shorter wheel base like a Disco compared to the 80?

 

[The BN Guy]

Great approach angle! Good looking rigs to boot!

 

[jeffryscott]

bumpers and airbags?

John,

have you given any consideration to the air bag with your new bumpers? I ask because I'm trying to figure out my bumper situation on my daily driver and want the protection of the airbag, but want a good bumper too ...

On the Vitara, the airbag sensor (I'm assuming that is what this is anyway) is attached to the current bumper, or what the parts people call the crush bar. Again, I'm guessing, but I would guess, because of the name, that when that metal begins to collapse, the airbag is told to deploy.

ARB makes air-bag compliant bull bars, and non air-bag models. A former highway patrolman told me the airbag will go off regrardless, but just wanted to get your thoughts ...

Thanks, Jeff

 

[Scott Brady]

Jeff,

While most trucks and 4wds have air bag sensors tuned for hard impact and light bumper contact, I would try to retain a crush zone before the airbags deploy. The ARB bars for airbags have an accordion style crush zone, which allows the bumper to decelerate or take a minor impact without the airbag deploying. What I do not know about your vehicle, is if the sensor on the bumper is an impact (contact) sensor, or an inertia (force) style. Most are inertia now, which provide more predictable deployment, even in an off-center impact. The inertia style make the crush zone less important.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

John,

have you given any consideration to the air bag with your new bumpers? I ask because I'm trying to figure out my bumper situation on my daily driver and want the protection of the airbag, but want a good bumper too ...

On the Vitara, the airbag sensor (I'm assuming that is what this is anyway) is attached to the current bumper, or what the parts people call the crush bar. Again, I'm guessing, but I would guess, because of the name, that when that metal begins to collapse, the airbag is told to deploy.

ARB makes air-bag compliant bull bars, and non air-bag models. A former highway patrolman told me the airbag will go off regrardless, but just wanted to get your thoughts ...

Thanks, Jeff

Hmmmmm, you know what.....this was not our focus. We copied my 1993 non-airbag rig. Yezzz, the '97 has duals. I'll need to speak to my mechanic about this. He showed me where the sensor was though I didn't ask about effectiveness.
SCOTT: Any comments here?

 

[kevin]

I have been wondering the same thing about my 2000 Trooper. I have been considering building a front bumper myself. I guess I will have to remove the front bumper for closer inspection.

 

[ShottsCruisers]

I've been busy traveling. I'll get to my mechanic soon. I've been thinking about this and am not too concerned. Like the 93 WAS, this LX will be our dedicated trail rig. The only risk is to and from the trailhead. I ran the 93 without S-bars which is more risky IMO compared to no airbag. I'll find out though. Maybe Robert addressed this and we're safe. :exclaim:

 

[Desertdude]

I dunno - I wouldn't mind an airbag on the trail if it was needed I am famous for backing into things ( don't ride behind me

 

[goodtimes]

I am famous for backing into things ( don't ride behind me

I'll keep that in mind.

John, when are we getting that out into the rocks???? Martinez is calling!