Thread: D2a Bullbar options - ARB, TJM, ECB and ...?

Originally Posted by Jason789

The ARB is also, according to rumour, stronger than the TJM

Yup.
Despite some people claiming this to be hear-say I'm prepared to vouch for it.
Knocked down a good sized roo at 100kmh, not a mark on the bar. Add to that that crap I put mine through pushing trees off tracks, etc and it's not got a mark on it.
Admittedly, it's a giant bloody plow when you start doing anything above basic offroading, as I found out the other day.
I've seen a TJM bar that hit a similar sized roo to mine and it wasn't pretty.
Personally I think the TJM bar looks better, but I know which one I'd rather have if animal strike was an issue.
If I didn't have to contend with suicide skippy I'd have an Xrox.

I believe the XROX bar is much better that the TJM and ARB bars, I have had both of these bars previously on different 4x4's - the XROX bar seems stronger (the sheer of the bolts over the area of contact will be as good or better than the welds) and has much better clearances; mine has a 12000lb Warn in it; used it in anger a couple of times with no issues; would not change it for any other bar. I have not bumped into any wildlife yet!! I hope it never happens, time will tell...Joe

I'm biased, but I've had TJM & ARB.
Xrox is great for rock crawlers, or buggies, but useless for impacts & IMHO but ugly.
Go the ARB Bar, still made in Australia, looks nicer, heaps stronger, better winch set up too, and colour coding option.


ARB deluxe bar (D2a has foglights)


TJM bar (made in China)

I am biased the other way TJM for me out of the two - looked better in my eyes and closer to the vehicle and better approach angle.

Cheers

PS. My brother fits bullbars in his shop and reckons there is nothing between them in terms of strength...what is significantly stronger is the TJM Black Stallion Bar...its a brute.

PPS FenianEels pic above shows the TJM where its had its bumperets removed - looks much better with them on and gives more low impact protection.

PPPS - when I got my TJM Bar for my D2 9 years ago they were still made in Australia...so if you are comparing strength and build quality made sure its apples with apples - so if you are buying a second hand TJM winch bar like mine, I dont know how you can tell, but try to get the Ozzie one.

I don't think the bar strength is that relevant, they're all probably strong enough.

All of them that are air bag compliant have crush cans behind them, and it's the cans that will bend before the bar - the bar then pushes back and makes contact with the body of the vehicle. At least this is what I have found with my ARB Sahara bar, the bar can take the knock, but the crush cans can't (they start to crush (compress in))...

Anyone know if Xrox or TJM will sell replacement crush cans? ARB don't seem to (the first dealer told me this outright, the second said they can get them but take 4 to 5 weeks as they're made to order, 6 weeks later and they still have NFI).

Originally Posted by FenianEel

Go the ARB Bar, still made in Australia

Sure about that? When I was looking for an ARB bar I was informed they were no longer manufactured in Australia, and that I'd have to wait for one out of the USA.

Originally Posted by ozscott

better approach angle.

Pretty sure (if we're being purely technical) it doesn't reduce the approach angle. There's a post in the middle of the "Show us your D2" section that explains it with some degree of technical knowledge but I digress

They might not be stronger, but better designed perhaps.
Most TJM bars I've seen after animal strike has some degree of damage from it, ranging from "Bit of a ding" to "Got a new bar yet?"
Either way it's better than needing a new radiator or something like that.

I can ask my local TJM people (who also sell xrox) if you like R.E crush can replacements

Mate what are RE's?

Cheers

PS. Sure about it - at the time my brother was buying and selling both brands. He still does both but often fits Ironman now which is made in China etc, but look great and cheaper.

Don't forget to consider the weight,I have an xrox with no winch and didn't have to alter the front springs.Also the x'rox may not have as good of coverage of the wheel area as others.