ARB Bumper install frustration

[oliverlove]

Sooo.... I don't usually feel inept, but after a long few hours with my Tacoma I feel useless. It makes me want to go cut down a tree to feel manly again.

It only took 2 phone calls to Will at Sierra to get the crossmember mounted, then I managed to screw up the threads on crush can mount.

Also, I don't own a drill bit big enough to fit the North-South bolts.

Burned my arm with a chunk of metal that flew off the drill bit...

Has anyone here had troubles mounting their ARB? I haven't even gotten to the 'hard' part yet of getting the crush cans to fit inside the bumper. Yipee!!!

All too often people only share the good days in Expo'ing, this was one of the bad ones. Which incidentally enough was still better than a day at work! :sombrero:

Anyone in deep south Tejas want to swing by and laugh, or help?

 

[robert]

Hopefully your bumper isn't tweaked slightly like mine was. It made bolting it on and trying to get it lined up fun- it's still got a bit more gap on the driver's side. :smilies27

 

[keezer37]

Good for you on posting up. You're absolutely right. All to often, you only hear about the good stuff people do. My favorite is reading numerous posts about the same install and you figure you got it all down. Then when it's your turn, it's like.... well nobody mentioned that might happen.

I actually think it would be pretty fun to have a thread dedicated to screwing up. Hell, I can barely wash my truck without squirting myself with the hose. I think there is a certain satisfaction in self-deprecation. It allows one to come to terms with the issue.

Can't help you with the bumper. Mine went on easy-peasy and I was soloing. I don't know what's wrong with you.

 

[opie]

Helped a friend of a friend install one on his mid-late 90's tacoma. It was a PITA. I can not remember exactly what wasnt lining up, it was on the drivers side and the bolts that run through or into the frame. 2 of the holes were off just enough that the bolts wouldnt start into the nuts inside the frame.

 

[Javelinadave]

Install of my ARB on my FJ was a three man PITA-a-thon.
Good luck.

 

[oliverlove]

IF anyone wants I can add pictures of my failed attempt to bolt on my bumper! :Mechanic:

I love the idea of a screw up thread, I can chalk up my attempt at a roll in bedliner as the first screw up!

 

[TangoBlue]

Let me get back to you tomorrow. My 12 year old daughter installed mine and she already went to bed. She didn't mention any issues at the time...


sorry - couldn't resist.

 

[oliverlove]

That actually got me laughing, you bastard.

 

[TangoBlue]

After your day today I figured you needed a chuckle. We've all been there - it's all part of the mania, er, hobby.

 

[Ryanmb21]

It took me five hours to wire my fridge up today, it sucked...A LOT.

 

[keezer37]

On a serious note though, I had mentioned in a previous thread; if you have saw horses and a hydraulic floor jack, it really helps to place the bumper on them and jack the truck up to the bumper.

 

[Pedro]

I found that three of four ratchet straps from the bumper to an engine crane helped quite a bit.

 

[Dave Bennett]

IIRC, once the ARB center sub-section is on the frame horns you just lift the main bumper onto the notched "horns" and let it rest there while you complete the job - it's not very heavy even with a winch mounted (recommend you mount it first if you have it). Once it's sitting in those notches you can get to work.

Next, adjust your wings/ends fender gap. Leave PLENTY of room for flexto avoid rub, at least you should be able to pass your fingers along the top of the end of the bumper between the fender flare.

Once you know what that gap needs to look like THEN you drill that hole into the ARB bumper mount/sub-section that "sets" the bumper using the gap as your guide.

Then it's a simple matter of installing brackets and all the other bolts that secure it. Follow recommended torque specs on all.

I've installed several of these alone in my driveway with nothing but hand tools, post up pics with your problem areas if you need help!

 

[oliverlove]

TacoDoc, thank you for the tips!

All of you thank you for the suggestions!!!

It turns out either the bolts are wrong or the nuts are wrong because they refuse to thread in. I am going to the bolt store tomorrow to see whats up.

Busted knuckles, and still no bumper... My parents would tell me some crap about me appreciating it more now that I really have to work for it...

:smiley_drive: I love the smiley face selection here!

 

[cruiseroutfit]

Guessing this is the 1st generation bumper install with the L & R crush can mounts rather than the single unit? Make sure you do the 'end-cap' mod if you are planning to us a winch along with your bumper. I've installed a few dozen of those 1st gen bumpers and have dealt with some 'tight' installs, a bottle jack in between the two crush cans makes quick work of getting the cans lined up with the bumper shell. Hope it comes together nicely for you.