Guys,

Just a quick question on this. Any reason one would choose aluminum over steel for bull bars besides weight? Any serious disadvantages to the aluminum?

I have an opportunity to pick up the aluminum ARB bull bars REAL cheap for my '90 'runner.

Thanks,

Warren

 

Steel in stronger than alloy.
Where did you see an alloy ARB bull bar in aluminum?

As far as I know, they only make my design in steel.

TJM on the other hand makes an alloy one called the T15 for the 2nd gens.



This group buy that Extreme has going on the forum here is for the T15 in steel on the same page.
Look at the price, $720, and he's getting them for $550 each.

 

As far as Aluminum Material properties go it has two advantages over weight. It is lighter and also hase better corosion properties.

Other than these two advantages steel is stronger and more durable. But what do you plan on doing with these, most likly the aluminum will be plenty sufficient unless you live in alaska and plan on mowing down moose on a regular basis. Even if this was your intent a little set of steel bars would not help, you would need a mack truck or just good insurance.

 

I couldn't find anything on aluminum ARB stuff either. which is why I'm asking.

The guy who's offering it knows his stuff though.

Thanks for the input.

Warren

 

Must read the fine print. "ARB type bull bars".

Not ARB. Not sure what kind they would be though. Possibly TJMs?

They're on his 1994 Land cruiser right now.

Thanks guys,

Warren

 

If they are on an FZ80 LC, they won't fit your 2nd gen 4Runner.
Beware of what he's selling.

Any chance you can get pics?
Corey

 

Yep. I'm gonna check it out Wednesday and i'll take some pics then.

Take care,

Warren

 

"As far as I know, they only make my design in steel."

As I said, WOW! This is one fine looking runner! You must be a very proud man Corey.

Have you got any info on the rack/roofrack you are using?

enzo

 

Thanks Enzo for the comps.

The rack is made by Yakima.
It is called the Load Warrior, and I have added the 18" extension to it, and the cargo net they carry.

It can mount on factory roof rails, or on round Yak crossbars, or Thule's square tube crossbars.

It's been a great rack, and I have had it stuffed to the max and then some before.
Only thing is they only make light brackets and a spare tire mount for it.

They were going to make a Hi-Lift mount for it, but I'm not sure if they have yet.
So I came up with my own ideas for a few of them.
Corey

 

Excellent...I'll check them out and look for a UK distributor - even though they'll try and skin me alive!

One other thing...what winch are you using in the ARB bullbar?

Thanks

enzo

 

I'm using the Warn XD9000.
I have also added a few enhancements to it too.

That remote will work up to about 100' away I found out last Saturday. Not that anyone would need to, but if you are in a situation where you want a freind to do be doing the operation of the winch while you are in the rig, it can come in quite handy.

I also use it from inside the cab instead of using the standard one that has the cable on it.
Corey

 

...again. Sorry I didn't see it on your home page the 1st time. The reason I asked is that I also am planning to buy the XD9000 and wanted some genuine user feedback, especially as you have the same bull bar and "vehicle" that I do.

My vehicle came with dual batteries, so please tell me did ro retofit a send battery and is it on a split charger...plus did you upgrade your alternator?
Rgds

enzo

 

I am runnering the stock alternator and one gel cel battery.
I have used the winch with the engine off, and it worked fine.

Had to pull a member out of a stuck in a snow bank back in April, and I ran the engine for part of that.
You can see here on this page where his nose was buried real good.
There are some vids there too of me pulling him out.

I'm not sure if he could have been yanked out with a strap, as it would have been hard for us to get traction.
That was the 2nd time that day I used the winch.

First time was just a test on Jim's red truck pulling him backwards up a hill.
Second time was getting the 4Runner out of the snow bank.
Both times were done with the wireless remote too.
That thing is cool

This winch gets high praise in the online comminity around the 'Net, and I have to say I'm very pleased with it.
I was going to get the M8000, but they cut me such a good deal on the 9, that I got it instead.
With the roller fairlead, I got it for $719.
I had just bought the ARB from them one week prior, and they showed me some slack on the price for being a good customer.
Corey