ARB Bumper on stock FJ

astrangerathome [OP] · 02-10-2011, 09:53 PM

I just got my ARB Bumper installed, like to thank Cruiser Larry and his install guys at Dirty Parts in Culver City (Greater Los Angeles), done quickly, professionally and reasonably priced. My first worry was that it would sag, after the install I drove it on the freeway for 20+ miles to see if I could feel it, didn't notice anything different. Did a bunch of left, right and u-turns to see if my week old Nitto Terra Grapplers rubbed, and I felt and heard nothing. Tried a little braking on an empty street and I did not feel the front "sink" or anything. Since I don't have a winch, the weight of the bumper alone may not be enough to cause a noticeable sag. I still plan to get an OME Suspension Lift. Once again thanks to Cruiser Larry at Dirty Parts.

**weavinfj** · 02-10-2011, 09:56 PM

FJs come in 4x2? just kidding!

astrangerathome [OP] · 02-10-2011, 11:19 PM

When I was buying mine, it was only a $1k difference between the 4x4 and the 4x2, I skipped the 4x4 only because it was base and the 4x2 had the complete upgrade package. Since I had no budget at the time, I decided to get more bang for the buck. As long as I don't run through deep mud or try to crawl over large rocks, I'm fine, dirt roads and sand are fun.

***Layonnn*** · 02-11-2011, 04:32 AM

Quote:

astrangerathome previously said:

Since I don't have a winch, the weight of the bumper alone may not be enough to cause a noticeable sag.

I can promise you that it will.

But, as long as you are going with the OME suspension you are all good.

I ask Larry's advice on which spring to use with that bumper taking into account that you are a 4x2. You might want to run a lighter spring then a comparable 4x4 with ARB due to less weight up front in a 4x2.

**Lunkerbass** · 02-11-2011, 06:27 AM

Not to hijack your post but I've got a 4X4 with a free ARB (thanks State Farm) without the winch but will be getting a XD9 or a M8000 for nothing as one of my customers is outfitting a bunch of Range Rovers and has extras and wants to give me one for the FJ.I'm running the Bilstein 5100's on the next to last notch which I have not seen any sagging as yet Do you think I can get by using the last notch to get rid of any sagging?

I can't say no as he wants me to use the install as advertisement for his company.
The FJ will never see it's use but what the heck it'll look cool

***Layonnn*** · 02-11-2011, 06:46 AM

The stock springs are not designed to handle extra weight. Especially not 200+lbs.

What do you mean by you have not seen any sagging yet?

Have you been keeping a log of the measurements of the front end height and that has not changed or visually, it looks the same?
You can put it on the last notch of the bilsteins and it will suffice for a while. I'd look into stiff springs though.

**Lunkerbass** · 02-11-2011, 07:06 AM

Quote:

Layonnn previously said:

The stock springs are not designed to handle extra weight. Especially not 200+lbs.

What do you mean by you have not seen any sagging yet?

Have you been keeping a log of the measurements of the front end height and that has not changed or visually, it looks the same?
You can put it on the last notch of the bilsteins and it will suffice for a while. I'd look into stiff springs though.

No logging but a quick visual walk around and it looks the same.
I didn't think you can use other than stock springs with the Bilstein 5100 adjustables?

astrangerathome [OP] · 02-11-2011, 09:03 AM

Quote:

Layonnn previously said:

I can promise you that it will.

But, as long as you are going with the OME suspension you are all good.

I ask Larry's advice on which spring to use with that bumper taking into account that you are a 4x2. You might want to run a lighter spring then a comparable 4x4 with ARB due to less weight up front in a 4x2.

I agree that gradually it will sag over time, I was just surprised not to see it sag right away like others have posted, but then again, I don't have a winch on mine. I have asked Larry for his recommendation on an affordable -$1k- suspension lift and it was the OME Medium Load Kit, there was a site that said the Medium load was for FJs with ARB Bumper and no winch.

Now I just have to save up the money. I know it takes a while but it's nice to buy 4 digit items and not have a monthly payment to worry about.

Thanks for all the comments/advice

astrangerathome [OP] · 02-11-2011, 11:49 PM

I spoke too soon, I guess my suspension has finally settled and I think I have none left in the front lol. The FJ was vibrating, rattling and I felt some bumps I went over. Like others have said, the stock suspension was not meant to support a heavy after market bumper. So I guess I'm gonna call the shop on Monday and get a quote for OME Medium Suspension Lift, including installation. Wish I had enough money for the Icon Stage 2 lift.

***Layonnn*** · 02-12-2011, 12:08 AM

I think the ome setup is only 7-750 last time I bought it. Install is pretty easy too.