By Chris S. on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 10:50 am: Edit

Hey, I just talked to Mark at ARB in regards to the rotation of the bumpers on the Series II Discos. I asked him where to weld the bumper to make sure it won't rotate. He told me that welding didn't matter, but that the reason they rotated was because they were not installed using the "Pinning Bolt". This is the vertically mounted bolt that goes thru the bumper and chassis. He said alot of places don't install these bolts because you have to have a very long drill bit to create the hole for it, and they just leave them out. Mark noted that they will indeed rotate without them but that they should be "solid" with the pinning bolt. Hope this helps any concerns.

Chris

By mongo on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 11:23 am: Edit

Hey Chris,
NOT TRUE, AT ALL. I installed mine and it still rotated. I still haven't got the final word on mine, but it seems the winch mount needs some reinforcment. I just got my frame supports from the machine shop and I'l be installing them this weekend. These are basiclly gussets the mount to the frame behind the crush cans and connect to the shear plate by the winch. Hey Christian, I pretty sure your "Pinning Bolts" were installed. I not sure if tack welding the cans in place either will work either. I'm going to try my own frame mounts.

Frank

By Ron L on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 12:37 pm: Edit

Mine has them as well and it still rotates. Mine is not rotating at the frame, mine is rotating on their bumper mount/frame sleeve.

By Roverine on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 02:00 pm: Edit

Have been reading the threads related to this ... I appreciate everyone's input here, as we were considering the ARB bullbar when we are able to replace our stock bumper/brushbar for the '01 Disco2. One of the issues was being able to get one that is "airbag compatable" (I have read threads debating this ....) and supposedly sanctioned by LR(? warranty issues). Think we'll definately wait it out a little (if possible).

-K

By christian on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 03:10 pm: Edit

Mongo, after getting under the vehicle again, I believe the failure of the bumper is at that driver side crush can before the crush area where ARB cut a large "U" on the inside edge of that particular can. this creates alot of open space and greater chance for that side to give in an impact. It doesn't look as though the crush can gave much compared to that "U" being crushed. Without a solid piece of metal going from front to back and up and down, it just leaves too much space for failure. That "U" was designed in that side to allow for the winch to sit in there. Take a look at yours and let me know. I may ask if non winch cans are available for my airbag bumper and use them until I put the winch in. Later and thanks.

Christian

By Craig on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 04:16 pm: Edit

I recently had the opportunity to meet with Chris Wood from ARB while he was one a trip to touch base with some of his larger vendors. We spoke about this issue briefly, and here is my understanding. Airbag compatible ARB bumpers are built to Save Your Life when coming in contact with a heavy mass by way of violent frontal impacts. For those of you wanting a more 'unforgiving' bumper, the non-airbag bumpers are still available and in stock at ARB-USA. Show me another airbag bumper (like there are any) that doesn't rotate, and I'll gladly admit that there is something wrong. Seems like those of you having issues with rotation are probably running the incorrect application for your needs. There are other options out there; do your homework first, and make a decision on accessories based on your findings. No, I don't run an ARB bumper on either my Disco or 91 RR. I'm not saying that your complaints are not justified, but my NO means should this issue be considered a "Failure"! Airbag compatible bumpers have their applications, as do non air-bag bumpers. Also, the non SRS bumpers don't have such a low slung winch mount. Food for thought.
preach on brother Beavis.
Craig
LRDE Parts

By Craig on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 04:20 pm: Edit

in addition-
I know the non SRS bumper doesn't do much for the DII crowd, but there are still other options.
Thanks,
Craig

By MONGO on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 06:15 pm: Edit

OK,WRONG,IN MY CASE THE SHEAR PLATE WHERE THE WINCH MOUNTS "FAILED" I'm not stupid, I buy a winch bumper knowing it's designed for a air bag installation. Why does the piece of shit BEND at the shear plate where the winch mounts to the bumper. In my case, the piece of shit, and it is a piece of shit, couldn't handle a relatively low impact and not suffer any damage. You really do get what you pay for...
I'm told by the guys at ARB that the bumper designed to comform to impact standards. Ok, I buy that, I don't buy the fact that the piece of shit crumples. Bottom line. If the crush cans were collasped, I wouldn't say a word, but instead of the crush can doing what they were supposed to, my bumper crumpled. look at the pictures in klyes window, it says it all.
And I bought the bumper knowing it's short comings, but my in case, the piece of shit needs works, bottom line. Also, ARB has some suggestions to reinforce the bumper.HMMM, what's that says...
Also I'm glad you were able to talk to someone from ARB. I'm still waiting to here from them on my issues...Getting off my soap box...


Frank

By Roverine on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 07:11 pm: Edit

So ...... please forgive me here, but the Disco2 is foreign territory for me, and I'm no mechanic. Just not used to 4WD with airbags, warranty vs. performance issues, etc. I know 3 things: 1) Want a capable bumper (I hear that frustration loud & clear!). 2) I don't want an airbag inflating at a minor mishap - don't want it to NOT inflate when it's a major, (like everyone else) and I can't say that I am capable of disconnecting and reconnecting an airbag system. 3) Warranty/liability issues if I went with a non airbag compatible ...
Damn ... maybe I should have just kept it simple (for my simple self) and kept my old beater (NOT!). Thanks again all for your valuable input.

Kim

By Mongo on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 07:25 pm: Edit

Hey Kim,
MAybe some answers...
#1. Capable bumper, depends on type of off-roading. Trek Outfitters is awesome, expensive, but awesome. Should handle all levels of off-roading.
#2. Buy a CDL engaging system. Big words for a handle, or DI set-up. Do a search, lots of info. If your going off-road, pull the air-bag fuse.
#3. Magic words...Warranty, depends on your dealer. Liabilty..talk to your lawyer. I think any liabities won't be whether it's air bag compatible, just how much damage you do to the other vehicle if you get in an accident, I'm pretty sure I'll win in any accident.In a heavy impact the air bags will fire off regard less of what's on the front end...

Frank

By Craig on Thursday, August 30, 2001 - 08:02 pm: Edit

relax frank-
no one is calling you stupid. I know you made a large investment in your ARB, and can understand your frustration. My reasoning on the above posts is to offer info to those who have not yet taken the plunge. I cannot comment on ARB's suggestions for reinforcement, because it's not my bumper. Hopefully the next reader considering such a purchase can use some of this info to make a wiser choice. ARB may suit them fine, maybe not. Sounds like you put your vehicle through some hard use. That's great! Maybe a different configuration is a better choice for you. The fact still remains that this is the only choice 'so far' for customers wanting to retain accurate SRS sensing and deployment.
cheers
Craig

By christian on Monday, September 03, 2001 - 03:24 pm: Edit

Mongo, I'm sending a pic of that failed crush can and clearly you can see that it is not really the crush can that failed but the fact that the "U" that is cut out for the winch does not give any support to that inside portion of the drivers side crush can. I have the new set and I will try to get it welded in some way to prevent that side of the can from displacing. Have a look in Kyle's Window later..

Later buddy,
Christian

By mongo on Monday, September 03, 2001 - 06:22 pm: Edit

Christian,
So it wasn't the crumple zone on the crush can. But the actual mount...interesting. I'm waiting for new mount from my machine shop. These actual will have gussets for reinforcing the shear plate were the winch mounts...I'll let the group know how they come out...

Frank

By christian on Tuesday, September 04, 2001 - 04:41 am: Edit

Mongo, if you look at the drivers side crush can or the piece that fits between the bumper and the frame, you'll see a portion of it on the inside of the box frame construction of the can. A "U" is cut out to allow for the winch to be placed partially into the crush can area. The failure, in my opinion, is right after that "U" before the actual crumple areas that are designed to crumple. I sent a pic to Kyle's window so keep and eye out for that. Where/how did you mount your winch? does a plate actually get placed between the two cans to support the winch?

Christian