Thread: D3 with embedded winch

Well, I may be a bit biased, but I think the ARB setup is the way to go!

I had the LR A-Frame winch bar and it was nothing more than a giant rubber overrider. An absolute waste of the $1200 or whatever I paid for it!

Admittedly, the ARB bar changes the frontal look of the car, but it's not worse, just different. The A-Frame bar provides no protection whatsoever and is really nothing more than a fashion accessory. The ARB bar gives good protection against hitting trees and rocks on the track (although obviously won't help you if you slide back into a tree ). Plus you can hang spotties, antennas, rod holders and all sorts of good gear off it! As the A-Frame bar is solid rubber, you can't bolt anything to it. I had my rod holder cable-tied to mine and the friggin cable ties cut into the bar!!

Plus, I was quoted $6600 for the LR winch setup (although that was at purchase and may have included LCT).

IMHO the LR winch by itself, either as LR intended it or even more so mounted flush, is really just a 'bling thing'.

But then again, Horses for courses I suppose. I worried a bit myself about changing the look of the car, but then thought that it's still a good looking car, it's now more capable and it's still a Landy!

Just my thoughts. You can all tell me to bugger off if you want.

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(Jamo &#064; May 15 2006, 08&#58;48 PM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>

Just my thoughts. You can all tell me to bugger off if you want.
[/b][/quote]

Okay then, bugger off.

Just joking.

Love your set up even though I&#39;m biased as well

Stevo, do it go an ARB BB. Once it&#39;s done you&#39;ll like it and think how much money you will save over the LR one. Or go the hidden version if you think that will work for you.

Chris

Thanks for the comments, its hard to disagree with any of them. If I was considering that sort of setup it wouldnt be with the A frame but the steel LR bar that is winch compatible. Main reason is that it keeps the look of the D3. I will have to have a look for the post Tombraider had, as it had the winch embedded into the actual frame of the car so it didnt protrude as much as this one. Mind you add the bar and it looks quite different ala G4 setup. Ive considered the ARB setup and your right it is a great bar and looks the goods on the D3, but it does alter the way it looks and that concerns me, though on Jamo&#39;s it looks great, Id guess Id have to see one on a black D3 and see what I think. Ive attached a pic with the bar I am considering, but once again open to thoughts as this is unknown territory for me

Regards

Stevo

[attachmentid=56]

Stevo,

That bar may tickle your fancy looks wise, but it&#39;d be next to useless as a practical item. It won&#39;t offer anything protection wise, and if you&#39;re looking at mounting a winch, there&#39;s nothing worse than finding out later your bar isn&#39;t "winch compatible.

That bar stevo won&#39;t do sh&#33;t and IMO looks [img]style_emoticons/<#EMO_DIR#>/spudnikhurler.gif[/img]

Where i live (birth place of the toorak tractor) there are a few D3&#39;s driving around with ARB bull bars and they look HOT&#33;&#33;

Mick

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE(stevo68 &#064; May 16 2006, 09&#58;23 AM) Quoted post</div><div class='quotemain'>
Thanks for the comments, its hard to disagree with any of them. If I was considering that sort of setup it wouldnt be with the A frame but the steel LR bar that is winch compatible. Main reason is that it keeps the look of the D3. I will have to have a look for the post Tombraider had, as it had the winch embedded into the actual frame of the car so it didnt protrude as much as this one. Mind you add the bar and it looks quite different ala G4 setup. Ive considered the ARB setup and your right it is a great bar and looks the goods on the D3, but it does alter the way it looks and that concerns me, though on Jamo&#39;s it looks great, Id guess Id have to see one on a black D3 and see what I think. Ive attached a pic with the bar I am considering, but once again open to thoughts as this is unknown territory for me

Regards

Stevo

[attachmentid=56]
[/b][/quote]

Stevo,

The LR Brush Bar which you refer to is not very strong at the point of mounting. The UK guys have replaced the 8mm bolts with bigger 10mm ones to prevent the bar falling off and tucking under the front. I saw a pic from Discovery343 on the Disco3.co.uk forum where his brush bar fell off on a muddy track in Tassie. IMHO forget the idea of the Brush Bar.

Sorry to narrow your choices but just trying to save you money. Looks like you have to go the Tomraider way with the hidden winch to keep the look of the D3.

Chris

Thanks for the feedback all, so far the ARB BB is coming out in front, LR seems to be not much chop, so may just hold onto the pennies a little longer and see what else comes out as there seems to be a fair bit overseas in terms of accessories. I have a list of things to do to the beastie, but I have to measure that with things that need to be done to the house to keep the other half happy . Anyone seen a black D3 with an ARB BB?

Regards

Stevo

Stevo,

I&#39;d worry about Rubber first mate. I know decent tyres with that size wheel are hard to come by, but that is the easiest way to make that thing go everywhere it is capable of going.
You&#39;ll gradually see more and more accessories come onto the market at cheaper prices too&#33;