WreckDiver1321's 2003 Frontier CC SC

wreckdiver1321

wreckdiver1321

Overlander
So, the ARB was a total failure. I was pretty sure it would fit, thanks to 4x4 parts.com, but it wasn't even close. I'll post pictures of the issues. But the fit was way off. I even had to take a chunk out of the frame horn (it in no way affected the strength). It also didn't line up below the headlights, at the wheel arches, or even at the mounting bolt holes. I thought I could make it work, though, so I tried everything.

After getting it bolted up, I am extremely dissatisfied. After causing some damage to the powdercoating, I'm going to try and see if Rugged Rocks will take it back, but I doubt it. Chances are I'll have to find someone to buy it off me at a big loss.

There is hope though. I know the Ironman bumper sold by Rugged Rocks is made for the late (2001+) D22. It looks very close to the ARB and is around $160 cheaper. There are actually some things about it I like more. The other option is seeing if, by some miracle, I can get a late model D22 ARB bumper over here, but that's doubtful.

Oh well, live and learn I guess.
 
mortonm

mortonm

Expedition Leader
I was unaware that ARB didn't make a bumper specifically fo North American Spec frontiers? Is it the same as the navarra annd you just couldn't get one here? What was the one you ordered?

ARB makes basically nothing for the Xterra but they do make a bumper.
 
stioc

stioc

Expedition Leader
That really sucks man, did you take any pics of the said problems? I would contact ARB USA, they have awesome customer service. They'll ask you to take some pics and measurements etc.

I too was unaware the ARB Frontier bumper wasn't built for the US Frontiers, I thought even the Xterra bumpers were the same. Afterall I've seen people buying used ARB FJ bumpers and mounting them on Monteros or WARN Tacoma bumpers and mounting them on Monteros too with minor modifications.
 
wreckdiver1321

wreckdiver1321

Overlander
Yeah, it's a serious bummer. I was a little confused too, until I had a look at some pictures.

I thought (again, from looking at the AC website) that the bumper would fit all first-gen frontiers and Xterras. Totally my mistake, since other sites list it as fitting only 1998-2000 Frontiers. When they facelifted the Frontier, they changed up some stuff in the front end, which apparently not only included the grille and headlights, but also small parts of the frame. I thought the bumper I bought would fit, but nothing lined up. Here's a couple of comparison pics.



Notice how in this picture the bumper sits flush with the bottom of the grille, headlights, and the fender. These are all in a straight line.



This is the bumper I bought. Notice the 2" gap below the headlights which is covered by trim. Also notice how the fenders line right up with that extra 2" drop. This gap isn't there on the later (2001+) first gen Frontiers. This is just one of many fitment problems. And, now that I've looked, you can see the part numbers are different. The ARB USA site lists the bumper I bought as part #3438110. The bumper for the late 1st gen Frontier (Navara), which is made, but can't be bought in the US for some reason, is part #3438100. So they do make a bumper for this model Frontier, but we can't get it in North America.

Whoops. :(
 
mortonm

mortonm

Expedition Leader
damn, that really sucks, path forward? cry for a little bit and think about it?

on a side not that Xterra looks awesome from the front with ARB, just from the side they look so bulbous to me
 
wreckdiver1321

wreckdiver1321

Overlander
mortonm said:
damn, that really sucks, path forward? cry for a little bit and think about it?

on a side not that Xterra looks awesome from the front with ARB, just from the side they look so bulbous to me
Click to expand...

Haha don't have time to cry! The ARB is on there for now, so I've got a bumper at least. I've got a way to finance a replacement for a while, so I think I will get an Ironman bumper (as soon as I verify it will fit!). It looks similair, but it's about $160 cheaper. After that's on, then I will try to find a buyer for the ARB. If I offer it at a good enough discount, it shouldn't be too difficult.
 
Allof75

Allof75

Pathfinder
Real sorry to hear about the bumper. But may I ask, did you try to return it? It's 4x4parts' problem for misleading you into thinking it'd fit.
 
wreckdiver1321

wreckdiver1321

Overlander
Allof75 said:
Real sorry to hear about the bumper. But may I ask, did you try to return it? It's 4x4parts' problem for misleading you into thinking it'd fit.
Click to expand...

I bought the bumper from Rugged Rocks actually. Tried to work out a return, but no dice. I don't think I will ever buy from AC again after this little episode. Not worth it.

Rugged Rocks has given me excellent customer service today, though. I just wanted to ensure that the Ironman bumper would work out, and the Rugged Rocks people got me assurances from the guy who designed it that not only would it fit, but they'd also refund me and pay return shipping if it didn't. Now that's service.

So it looks like I'll be going Ironman on this one. They have a good reputation, the bumper looks good, and the price is better. Here's a few shots I was able to pull from Google:









I actually think I like it more than the ARB, to be honest. I like how the light guards follow the headlight lines a bit, how the fairlead mount is recessed and below the license plate, and how the turn signals are more clear than pure amber like the ARB, so they match the headlights more. Also, you can see the smaller recesses on either side of the fairlead mount that are actually Hi-Lift jacking points. And I have this weird love of those little rubber bumperettes the Ironman has. I had them on my Disco, and I just think they make it look so nicely finished off. The only downside is I can't actually see recovery points, but I can remedy that with the good old Chevy tow hooks mod (my current tow hooks had to be removed due to the way the new bumpers are mounted.)

Overall, I'm good with the change.
 
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wreckdiver1321

wreckdiver1321

Overlander
mortonm said:
Looks like a great substitute. Shouldn't have too much difficultly selling your ARB.
Click to expand...

Funny thing is I was originally going to get the Ironman because of the price and look, but opted fro the ARB instead for the more known brand name. Bad call. I think it'll really finish off the look of the front end well.

I hope it'll be easy. I was thinking it wouldn't be too hard to get $600-700 out of it.
 
mortonm

mortonm

Expedition Leader
wreckdiver1321 said:
Funny thing is I was originally going to get the Ironman because of the price and look, but opted fro the ARB instead for the more known brand name. Bad call. I think it'll really finish off the look of the front end well.

I hope it'll be easy. I was thinking it wouldn't be too hard to get $600-700 out of it.
Click to expand...

Either that or buy a 98-00 frontier and build a backup.
 
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