ARB Tacoma vs. Prado Bull Bar

tarheelrunner · 11-20-2009, 07:21 PM

I got into a fender bender this past week and the TJM 15 didn't survive. It really sucks you can't get these in the US anymore. I'm looking into my options for replacing it, been thinking about either Shrockworks or ARB. I searched pretty heavily and know that there are two ARB bumpers that will fit a 3rd gen, the tacoma version and the prado version. I have a limited, so I'm thinking I need the wider prado version, but can't seem to find a vendor that specifically sells that one. Does anyone know who sells the wider (prado) ARB bull bar? Also, any pics of the ARB installed with limited flares (the tacoma or prado) would be awesome! Thanks guys, trying to get my rig looking good again!

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SLOMatt · 11-20-2009, 11:23 PM

Here are some pictures of my ARB prado bar. I re-drilled the mounting holes to pull it closer to the grill, and you'll have some gaps on either side. I covered those gaps with some plastic. The benefit is that the prado bar is wider than the Tacoma bar so it protects the sport/limited flares better.

Installation:
http://www.blankwhitepage.com/gallery/t4r_arb_prado

- Matt

tarheelrunner · 11-21-2009, 08:49 AM

Awesome, that was exactly what I was looking for. I think I may just end up going with the Tacoma bar, I would almost rather have a tighter fit and leave the fender flares exposed (its just plastic anyway). Does anyone have any good pictures of how far the limited flares stick out past the Tacoma bar?

Yukon · 11-21-2009, 09:08 AM

You can see a little bit there.

tarheelrunner · 11-21-2009, 02:38 PM

It looks like the ARB tacoma bull bar fits the limited flares about like the TJM 15 that I've had for years, I was worried that the difference was going to be a lot more drastic. The next problem I have to tackle is that I've got a 2" body lift, which Steve at Sonoran Steel helped me out with by re-making by TJM brackets to fit the body lift. I'm sure a decent off-road shop could do the same with the ARB brackets, anybody have any pictures of modified ARB brackets so I have an idea of what might work?

Yukon · 11-21-2009, 06:40 PM

I can take a close up pic of the limited flares, and my Taco bar tomorrow if you want? Anyways, the way you modify the ARB to fit a body lift, is to take the brackets that it mounts to, and simply drill identical holes to the ones that are in it, 2 inches higher.

tarheelrunner · 11-22-2009, 06:56 AM

Some more pictures would be great, especially of the mounting brackets and the bumper compared to the limited flares. The body shop thinks they may be able to pound the bumper back to "normal" and repaint it - that would be ideal from a financial standpoint but that thing is pretty banged up so I'm not gonna get my hopes up. The more I look at the ARB bumper the more I like it, and I can get it shipped to a local 4wheelparts store free so I could pick one up for around $750, which is a whole lot better than the $1200 that a Shrockworks would set me back by the time it got to my door.

jdmaccord6 · 11-22-2009, 02:50 PM

here's another picture of a tacoma arb bar with the wider flares.

AlexJet · 11-26-2009, 03:50 AM

I should receive my Prado bumper this Friday and most likely will be putting it in my wife's '01 Limited this weeknd. I can do some images when finished if you want.

BajaRunner · 11-26-2009, 08:53 AM

Here's an ARB for sale. Not sure how close you are to Ohio.

http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145957

benp · 11-26-2009, 10:17 AM

I'm pretty sure this is the perfect thread for you: http://www.yotatech.com/f2/modified-...l-pics-145400/

Oh yeah and btw, love my Taco ARB. I have a M8000 in it too like I think you had in your TJM-15. Post up some updated pictures of your 4Runner man, I wanna see how those MTZ's look

tarheelrunner · 11-26-2009, 05:45 PM

Alexjet - I would love to see some install pics, please keep me updated!

benp - Thanks for the link, that is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm gonna go by the body shop tomorrow and talk to the guys about the chances of saving the TJM - if they can get it looking atleast "decent" then I'll probably try to make it work, atleast for a while. I actually just bought a BajaRack, which I haven't even gotten to install yet, but after dropping + $500 on that I really can't afford to be buying a new bumper right this second if I can help it. Below are the most recent pictures of my 4runner, like I said I'm replacing the Yakima/Surco with a 3rd gen BajaRack. Those ARB bumpers are sick by the way!

ESQ · 11-26-2009, 10:35 PM

The prado bar looks like it really robs approach angle. Both stick out a lot further than the shrockworks, but the taco is much better than the prado if you're sticking with ARB.

AlexJet · 11-27-2009, 03:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ESQ

The prado bar looks like it really robs approach angle. Both stick out a lot further than the shrockworks, but the taco is much better than the prado if you're sticking with ARB.

Why? Could you provide some further info on that?

ESQ · 11-27-2009, 12:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexJet

Why? Could you provide some further info on that?

Just look at it. It sticks waaaay out, especially at the corners.

I have parked my SW equipped runner next to a 4runner with the ARB taco bar and a similar lift, and the approach angle on the ARB bumper is lower on the corners due to the ARB hanging lower and protruding further forward. The prado bar does so even mores than the taco bar. That thing is massive!

Evilmunkey · 11-28-2009, 09:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benp

I'm pretty sure this is the perfect thread for you: http://www.yotatech.com/f2/modified-...l-pics-145400/

Oh yeah and btw, love my Taco ARB. I have a M8000 in it too like I think you had in your TJM-15. Post up some updated pictures of your 4Runner man, I wanna see how those MTZ's look

Hmm something is oddly familiar about the background in those photos, lol, hmmm thinking I might opt for the ARB myself

haddix · 11-28-2009, 10:11 PM

Heres some pics of my 01 limited with the arb taco bumper..

Heres some with the flares off..

Hope this helps.

AlexJet · 12-21-2009, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tarheelrunner

Alexjet - I would love to see some install pics, please keep me updated!

Well, my ARB is in already for about 2 weeks and I'm still waiting for CBI. I was thinking to put 2 in a same time, it shouldn't take a long time to put both of them. I looked at SLOMatts pictures and and seems 2-3 hr, may be 4 counting temperature bellow zero and snow here in Canada.

SLOMatt, how long did it take you to put the ARB on? I saw you worked with some help from your friend, so 2 person job.

As my CBI is still on its way (second week already), I might do the install in the begining of January.

SLOMatt · 12-21-2009, 11:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlexJet

SLOMatt, how long did it take you to put the ARB on? I saw you worked with some help from your friend, so 2 person job.

It took us the better part of a day, the main time drain was re-drilling the mounts to fit on my truck. If your ARB mounts bolt up with no modifications then it shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours to remove the old bumper, cut off the frame horns, and bolt on the new one.

- Matt

AlexJet · 12-22-2009, 03:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SLOMatt

It took us the better part of a day, the main time drain was re-drilling the mounts to fit on my truck. If your ARB mounts bolt up with no modifications then it shouldn't take more than 2-3 hours to remove the old bumper, cut off the frame horns, and bolt on the new one.

- Matt

Matt,
Why you need to re-drill the mounts? I didn't open my box yet, so I don't know how mine are looks like, but what for you did it on your truck? Is it part which bolts to the frame or the part which goes to the bumper? On your pictures there is only 1 hole shown re-drilled.
Another question would be how does it mounts on the truck. From your pictures I can perfectly see one horisontal bolt which gous through the frame and bracket, but there must be more... As a comparisson, my 2005 ARB bumper holds by 6 bolts on each bracket (4 facing forward and 2 sideways).
Is there any tricks for removing the stock bumper? I don't want to break it, so I'll be able to sell it after. I remember when I removed mine on 2005 it has a few hidden clips and I wasn't told about them, I would of broke the plastic support bracket. Anything on 3rd Gen which I should be aware of?
I'm planning to start working on 26 right after Christmass day and hope to finish 2 bumpers by 28s. BTW, I had a call from warehouse that my CBI might show up before 24th which is good news for me.

Just a side thought. Looking at 1st and last picture, I thought if would be beneficial to weld on a plate at the end of the frame (open rectangular) to close it up and make more rigid???

Do you have any pictures from underneath of the bumper showing skid plating? Would I be able to slide a winch in after the bumper is installed on the truck? I'm planning of adding it at some point next year or year after.

AlexJet · 01-01-2010, 05:51 PM

Pictures of ARB bumper on my wife's '01 Runner. Just put it past weekend.

And overall shot of both '01 and '05 Runners with ARBs:

g_cali · 01-01-2010, 06:22 PM

Alex those are some good lookin trucks man.

SLOMatt · 01-02-2010, 10:08 PM

Alex, the bumper looks good! Sorry I didn't get to respond before your install, just logged in for the first time in over a week.

- Matt

g_cali · 01-03-2010, 12:32 AM

Hey SLOMatt, are you from SLO?

SLOMatt · 01-10-2010, 12:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by g_cali

Hey SLOMatt, are you from SLO?

I lived in SLO for 5 years, but now live in the Bay Area.

- Matt

11-20-2009, 11:23 PM	#2 (permalink)
SLOMatt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 26	Here are some pictures of my ARB prado bar. I re-drilled the mounting holes to pull it closer to the grill, and you'll have some gaps on either side. I covered those gaps with some plastic. The benefit is that the prado bar is wider than the Tacoma bar so it protects the sport/limited flares better. Installation: http://www.blankwhitepage.com/gallery/t4r_arb_prado - Matt __________________ 2000 4runner Sport / 4x4 / 5spd / SS 1.2 / 265x75x16 Bighorns / HD-SKO / ARB Prado http://wwww.blankwhitepage.com/autom...toyota-4runner

11-21-2009, 08:49 AM	#3 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 296	Awesome, that was exactly what I was looking for. I think I may just end up going with the Tacoma bar, I would almost rather have a tighter fit and leave the fender flares exposed (its just plastic anyway). Does anyone have any good pictures of how far the limited flares stick out past the Tacoma bar? __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

11-21-2009, 02:38 PM	#5 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 296	It looks like the ARB tacoma bull bar fits the limited flares about like the TJM 15 that I've had for years, I was worried that the difference was going to be a lot more drastic. The next problem I have to tackle is that I've got a 2" body lift, which Steve at Sonoran Steel helped me out with by re-making by TJM brackets to fit the body lift. I'm sure a decent off-road shop could do the same with the ARB brackets, anybody have any pictures of modified ARB brackets so I have an idea of what might work? __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

11-22-2009, 06:56 AM	#7 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 296	Some more pictures would be great, especially of the mounting brackets and the bumper compared to the limited flares. The body shop thinks they may be able to pound the bumper back to "normal" and repaint it - that would be ideal from a financial standpoint but that thing is pretty banged up so I'm not gonna get my hopes up. The more I look at the ARB bumper the more I like it, and I can get it shipped to a local 4wheelparts store free so I could pick one up for around $750, which is a whole lot better than the $1200 that a Shrockworks would set me back by the time it got to my door. __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

11-26-2009, 03:50 AM	#9 (permalink)
AlexJet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 397	I should receive my Prado bumper this Friday and most likely will be putting it in my wife's '01 Limited this weeknd. I can do some images when finished if you want. __________________ 2005 4Runner V6 Limited 5" lift, 35", ARB locker, ARB & CBI bumpers, Snorkel ... 2001 4Runner V6 Limited 3.5" lift, 33" ARB & CBI bumpers, Snorkel - coming 2009 AE Expedition Trailer 35"

11-21-2009, 09:08 AM	#4 (permalink)
Yukon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Marquette, MI Posts: 334	You can see a little bit there.

11-21-2009, 06:40 PM	#6 (permalink)
Yukon Registered User Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Marquette, MI Posts: 334	I can take a close up pic of the limited flares, and my Taco bar tomorrow if you want? Anyways, the way you modify the ARB to fit a body lift, is to take the brackets that it mounts to, and simply drill identical holes to the ones that are in it, 2 inches higher.

11-22-2009, 02:50 PM	#8 (permalink)
jdmaccord6 Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Dallas, TX Posts: 130	here's another picture of a tacoma arb bar with the wider flares.

11-26-2009, 08:53 AM	#10 (permalink)
BajaRunner Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Location: 5th Gen San Diegan, California Posts: 6,112	Here's an ARB for sale. Not sure how close you are to Ohio. http://www.ttora.com/forum/showthread.php?t=145957 __________________ BajaRunner 1996 4x4 3.4L SR5 4Runner *6" IFS lift Front: TRD Coils/Bilstein 5125 * Rear: FJ80 Shocks/Coils * ARB Tacoma bumper * 35" MTR's and E-locked!**

11-26-2009, 10:17 AM	#11 (permalink)
benp Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Atlanta, Ga Posts: 49	I'm pretty sure this is the perfect thread for you: http://www.yotatech.com/f2/modified-...l-pics-145400/ Oh yeah and btw, love my Taco ARB. I have a M8000 in it too like I think you had in your TJM-15. Post up some updated pictures of your 4Runner man, I wanna see how those MTZ's look __________________ '02 4Runner Limited 4wd SS 7.2 Lift, ARB Taco, 265/75/16 BFG All Terrians, Brushguard, Hella 500's, Yakima Roof Rack, Alpine CDA- 9885, Kicker L5 12" Sub, Focal Front and Rear Speakers, Cobra CB/ PA

11-26-2009, 05:45 PM	#12 (permalink)
tarheelrunner Registered User Join Date: May 2004 Posts: 296	Alexjet - I would love to see some install pics, please keep me updated! benp - Thanks for the link, that is exactly what I'm looking for. I'm gonna go by the body shop tomorrow and talk to the guys about the chances of saving the TJM - if they can get it looking atleast "decent" then I'll probably try to make it work, atleast for a while. I actually just bought a BajaRack, which I haven't even gotten to install yet, but after dropping + $500 on that I really can't afford to be buying a new bumper right this second if I can help it. Below are the most recent pictures of my 4runner, like I said I'm replacing the Yakima/Surco with a 3rd gen BajaRack. Those ARB bumpers are sick by the way! __________________ 2000 4runner Limited 4wd, TJM-15 w/IPF driving lights and a Warn m8000, Stubbs Sliders, Surco safari rack, 883s up front, 890s in the rear, OME firm shocks, 2" RB body lift, Custom Hitch, 285/75 Baja MTZs on 16x8 American Racing Teflon Chambers, K&N FIPK, remote start, Pioneer 8600, 2 JL Audio 12s

11-26-2009, 10:35 PM	#13 (permalink)
ESQ Registered User Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: British Columbia Posts: 206	The prado bar looks like it really robs approach angle. Both stick out a lot further than the shrockworks, but the taco is much better than the prado if you're sticking with ARB. __________________ My Build Thread The 4Cruiser: 98 4Runner SR5, 5VZ-FE, Sonoran Steel 1.2, BCC custom swing-arm rear armour, full Budbuilts, 285/75R16 Goodyear Duratracs, extended diff breather, airbox deckplate, red LED cluster, console,Wabfab front discos, Warn M8000 winch, Shrockworks full hoop, PIAA 520s and 510s, Stubbs HD-SKO Sliders, External tran cooler, Tundra brakes, 5.29s and ARB lockers next

11-28-2009, 10:11 PM	#17 (permalink)
haddix Registered User Join Date: Jul 2008 Posts: 110	Heres some pics of my 01 limited with the arb taco bumper.. Heres some with the flares off.. Hope this helps.

01-01-2010, 05:51 PM	#21 (permalink)
AlexJet Registered User Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Toronto, ON Posts: 397	Pictures of ARB bumper on my wife's '01 Runner. Just put it past weekend. And overall shot of both '01 and '05 Runners with ARBs: __________________ 2005 4Runner V6 Limited 5" lift, 35", ARB locker, ARB & CBI bumpers, Snorkel ... 2001 4Runner V6 Limited 3.5" lift, 33" ARB & CBI bumpers, Snorkel - coming 2009 AE Expedition Trailer 35"

01-01-2010, 06:22 PM	#22 (permalink)
g_cali Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Paso Robles CA Posts: 374	Alex those are some good lookin trucks man. __________________ 85 4runner 22re 5spd, 4" national spring lift/shackles, 35's, 4.88's, high steer, advanced adapters 4.7 t-case gears, tru-trac rear, lock rite front, sliders, diff breathers 86 4runner 22re 5spd, stock -- sold --

01-02-2010, 10:08 PM	#23 (permalink)
SLOMatt Registered User Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: Oakland, CA Posts: 26	Alex, the bumper looks good! Sorry I didn't get to respond before your install, just logged in for the first time in over a week. - Matt __________________ 2000 4runner Sport / 4x4 / 5spd / SS 1.2 / 265x75x16 Bighorns / HD-SKO / ARB Prado http://wwww.blankwhitepage.com/autom...toyota-4runner

01-03-2010, 12:32 AM	#24 (permalink)
g_cali Registered User Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Paso Robles CA Posts: 374	Hey SLOMatt, are you from SLO? __________________ 85 4runner 22re 5spd, 4" national spring lift/shackles, 35's, 4.88's, high steer, advanced adapters 4.7 t-case gears, tru-trac rear, lock rite front, sliders, diff breathers 86 4runner 22re 5spd, stock -- sold --

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