4x4 / Off-Road TechThis section contains all discussion related to taking the FJ Cruiser in Off-Road situations, 4x4 applications and any armor modifications.
ARB Bumper + Warn M8000 Installation - LOTS of pictures
ARB Front Bumper Install (with a Warn M8000 Winch)
I received my ARB front bumper and I thought I'd take a few pictures during the install process. This thread contains only the bumper and winch installation. I will post another thread for the electrical portion as I am mounting the winch controls in the engine compartment. The installation (by myself) took me about 5 hours going really, really slow. The ARB installation instructions are pretty good. Now that I've installed one, I can probably complete the install in about 3 hours or less. The installation was not difficult at all. Matter of fact it was down right easy. There are a number of pieces and parts and some drilling that that takes place (which was not difficult). Well let's get on with it. If anyone has any question or needs any help with their install feel free to PM me.
All of the images in this thread are "clickable", so feel free to click on and image to view a larger picture.
The bumper:
The parts:
My FJ before and after the bumper: (there are more pictures from different angles at the end of this thread)
Remove the front bumper, grille, supports and misc. parts in prep for the ARB mounting hardware:
Drill out the captive nut inside the frame with a 13mm drill bit:
Install the frame bracket:
Install the mounting hardware and ARB bumper bracket:
Rotate the winch shift lever for easy access through the top of the ARB bumper (removed alllen bolts, then rotated the cover ~1/4 turn):
Install the winch in the ARB bumper:
Shots of the mounting hardware that the ARB bumper bolts up to (very stout!!):
ARB bumper on the FJ and bolted up to the mounting hardware:
Completed installation pictures (you asked for multiple angles, here you go):
Notable items that came up during the installation (in no particular order):
- Cutting the fender wells. I tried zip-tying them and eventually ended up cutting them off. We need an aftermarket sheet metal/plastic product to clean up the wheel wells.
- Installing a Hawse fairlead may not be possible. The ARB is designed for a roller fairlead. I will be attempting to install my hawse fairlead in the next couple of days.
- Unspool your winch cable before installing the winch + bumper on the FJ. It's much lighter...
- Installing the turn signals is a PITA. Have someone with tiny finger come help you with this step.
- The gap between the top of the bumper and the from of the FJ is about 1/2" to 3/4" and doesn't look that great. We need ARB to ship us a piece of molding to clean it up.
- The skid plate needs to be thrown in the recycle bin. Don't bother installing it.
Thanks sbechtold! Great pics. So what is the captive nut in the frame for in the originally? Is it a mounting point for the OEM bumper assembly? And have you noticed any sag afterwards? Looks great. You make it sound relatively easy, except for the turn signals.
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"Oh you just keep on using me, until you use me up..." Bill Withers
I'm sure all the bumpers we've seen will be great functionally. So far, to me, this is the best 'looking' bumber, especially when viewed in profile. It seems to follow the wheel wells whereas the others all look 'chopped' or angled in a way that just doesn't look like it is well integrated with the rest of the FJ's lines. The ARB looks great. I'd be curious to know about front-end 'drop' due to the weight.
So, how do you like it? Is it worth the money in your opinion?
I think it looks great and your post will undoubtedly become installation scripture for many of us. Thanks for all the hard work, creating a post like this is a real PITA. Awesome job!
Yes, it's worth it! I really like the bumper. When I saw the Silver FJ posted with ARB on it back in March I didn't think I was going to like the bumper. Pictures don't do the bumper justice. It looks much better in person. Just like the FJ's do!
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