| Author | Message | ||
     Eugene (Eugene) Member Username: Eugene Post Number: 54 Registered: 02-2003 |
Hello all, I've been reading every Discoweb archive thread on front bumper options for a D2. I was wondering if those of you who have the RTE bumper could answer some questions I have about the bumper. 1) How difficult is the installation? Are the stock crush cans permanently removed for installation? 2) From looking at various photo galleries, I know that both the fog lamps and headlamp washers are removed in going to the RTE bumper. Has anyone managed to retain the headlamp washers? (I'm considering having holes for the headlamp washers pre-drilled then fabricating something a la Trek Outfitters bumper design.) 3) Does the skid plate offer protection for the front diff or does it protect more of the steering components? Has anyone found that the skid plate acts as a plow in heavy mud/sand situations? 4) How much does the A-bar or full brush bar bumper weigh compared to the stock plastic one? Is there noticable sag if a suspension upgrade (HD springs) has not been completed? Thanks, -Eugene | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Senior Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 1570 Registered: 02-2002 |
Eugene, 1) Installation is easy. Yes the crush cans are removed. 2) I do not have headlamp washers on my D2. I am sure you can easily fabricate something. Just ask John at RTE. 3) For the front diff, you need to purchase a Diff Guard. I recommend Southdown. It has not acted as a plow for me...yet. Here's a pic of my D2 (Mike Noe is spotting): http://www.discoweb.org/gwnf2/Paul%20Rocks.2.jpg 4) Yes, I recommend acquiring springs for ANY aftermarket bumper install. Remember, your stock LR crap is plastic. RTE is Steel. Go to www.rovertym.com and email John directly. He's a good guy and will answer all of your questions. Paul '00 Pig | ||
| Eugene (Eugene) Member Username: Eugene Post Number: 55 Registered: 02-2003 |
Paul, Thanks! One question about the Southdown diff guards. Both Rovers North and my local dealership offered the rear diff guard for sale. I could not find any mention of front diff protection unless I opted for the front axle guard plate. Am I missing something here? -Eugene | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Senior Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 1571 Registered: 02-2002 |
Yes, there is a front diff specific southdown guard and a rear specific diff guard that Rovers North sells. I recommend buying both (front and rear). Do not confuse the big axle/steering gaurd for the front diff guard. Go the the www.roversnorth.com online catalog and dig around for D2 protection. That's were I got my southdown stuff. Hope this helps, Paul '00 Pig | ||
| Zach Jaggers (Mountenn) Member Username: Mountenn Post Number: 94 Registered: 03-2003 |
Eugene, Although the Southdown diff guards are nice, they are a bit pricey. Most conventional diff guards only cover the face of the diff cover, which is better than nothing. When I was looking for diff protection, I wanted something that would cover the ENTIRE differential. Southdown did this, but I didn't like the whole front axle being covered. Check out www.discountrovers.com and look at the QT Services diff guards. They were $229 for the whole set (not too expensive), and worth every penny. Just look around a bit before going off and ordering something. Just my $.02. Zach | ||
| Jim Reynolds (4x4xfar) New Member Username: 4x4xfar Post Number: 27 Registered: 05-2003 |
Eugene, dont forget that the window washer resovior will need to be relocated or it will hang out from under the bumper. There are kits to relocate it or some have painted it black so it isnt so noticable. -Jim | ||
| Eugene (Eugene) Member Username: Eugene Post Number: 56 Registered: 02-2003 |
Thank you Paul, Zach, and Jim. Paul made a good point in his recommendation about acquiring springs for any aftermarket bumper install. It was something I had hoped to put off for a future round of upgrades. In retrospect, it would have been silly to gain ground clearance with a SlimLine bumper only to lose it again by a sagging front end. This hobby is getting expensive. :-) Cheers, -Eugene PS/ For anyone else interested in relocating the washer bottle, Dean Brown has a great write-up in the Tech section. http://www.discoweb.org/washerbottle/index.htm | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Senior Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 1572 Registered: 02-2002 |
Eugene writes, "This hobby is getting expensive. :-)" Hell yeah it is, but you can't put a price on happiness. For once I have a vehicle I really enjoy. The Mrs figured out how much I dropped into the Pig so far for aftermarket stuff. Let's just say that I have some cash wrapped in that black box on wheels.  My D2 has the LEV pump mounted at the aft PS firewall. So I mounted an aftermarket coolant overflow bottle to the battery/jack box via a 90 degree L bracket. Seems to be working well. Paul '00 Pig | ||
| Steve Rupp (Steve_rupp) New Member Username: Steve_rupp Post Number: 1 Registered: 03-2003 |
The RTE bumper is probably the most durable bumper you'll find. John builds great products. I have dropped my corner on rocks, run it into trees and it doesn't affect it at all. The frame will bend before the bumper. However if you are looking for a pretty finish, get it bare and find a good powdercoater. I have had problems with the powdercoating chipping really bad. Mine might have been done on friday afternoon, I don't know. Ask John if he has heard of this. As far as the skid plate goes, it seems to be pretty asthetic. I'm sure it will protect some but not completely. If you are are worried buy heavy duty tie rods. All in all it is a great bumper. Steve Rupp |
