Ok. So, here's the deal. I'm not into the super heavy duty bumpers like ARB. I'm not saying they are bad. They are REALLY GOOD Quality. Thing is, for most peoples uses, you can use a medium weight bumper. Like 5mm thick plate, instead of 3/8" plate, make sure you tie your winch plate into the chassis rails good (which is typically the standard), and tie your tow/pull hooks into the bumper/frame mounts, and you will probably have a bumper that is strong enough for your uses. Now if you plan on seriuosly bashing into rocks and large trees, you may want the HD Bumper. Remember though, with an HD bumper you're adding a couple hundred pounds, plus the winch (another 100 lbs), so you've just added a lot of stess to your suspension. So, while I don't want to discourage, I do encourage thoughtful planning. Is theJust, "In Case Of..." scenerio more important that the "Probably never use it" scenario. People forget just how strong steel is.
Also, don't forget that you can get a lighter, and still very strong bumper from a pre-runner style, or tube style bumper that will reduce the weight a good bit and be very useful. That's just more of an, is it available, or do I like that style call, though.
As far as rear swing out tire carriers go, I'm all for them, but I also understand the cons. Pros are that they don't kill the door, hinges, tear holes in the lata (sheet metal), and can actually add protection from rear impacts. Cons are that, no matter how well you design them, on rough roads, and with constant wear, they will rattle, bang, and generally drive you crazy. If not designed well, they will also make you want to set it on fire when trying to get things in and out of the back. They also add quite a bit of weight to the back of the vehicle, and the can have a anchoring dragging effect on steep approach angles. They too, also add quite a bit of weight, and have to be designed well. I don't trust Any tire carrier that is only mounted to a plate/tube bumper. My Swing out carrier designs always incorporate a tie in too the chassis rail either thru a welded or bolt on plate. Personally, I think that the idea of using a trailer spindle is a bit overkill. I understand lateral fatigue, down force, fulcrum, and all the other jabber. However, I have seen guys here in Chile build swing out carries with a grade 8 bolt past thru a set of 3/8's tabs, with a piece of tube welde to the arm of the carrier using a technyl (Hi density Nylon) bushing, carring a 33" tire and Hi-lift, and Jerry cans jumping dunes for a couple of years before they have to change the bushing. So, I don't know what you want out of the stuff you buy really. If you want to have that, it's so overkill that it will NEVER EVER Die, then get the name brand stuff and replace suspension parts. If you want the it's good and more practical, but it will need some less expensive components replaced, then get the locally built stuff. It's really just how much you want to put into it. How you want it to look, and if name brand is important.
I'm building a set of swing out carriers for both of my rigs, and yes... I'm willing to use a nylon bushing know that I will have to do maintenance on them. I also know it will be cheaper for me, and I wont have to import another piece if something happens to my trailer spindle, bearings, or so on... For me, here in Chile, it's more important for me to use what's easily accessible. Also, understand that I have nothing against the brands. They are well known for a reason, and it's more than good promotion. I just don't personally need all of what they are offering for my off-roading experience. As far as racks and bumpers go that is... I am willing to buy brand name stuff for certain components though. So, please don't missunderstand me to be a hater.
Sorry this turned out so long, but I hope that helps you think about few things and make a decision thats good for you.
... the Patrol is still in the shop. I won't get it back until Monday. Some of the spare parts took longer than expected to arrive. But I stopped by the garage today and it's looking good. In other news, I found out that ARB has a Guatemala rep/distributor in country! So as soon as the Patrol is back in my hands, and my lights are wired up, I will be taking a drive to the capital to do some suspension/lift kit shopping. I was originally looking at the 2" Superior Lift Kit Stage 1 or the 2" Tough Dog, but now that I know OMEs are available in Guatemala that saves me a whole lot of money and time!
