Template for old ARB bull bar

[scott.com]

Well I got what I thought was a screaming deal from ARB's Seattle warehouse. Paid a really good price for a scratched up unit. Well when I went to install it I found out that the holes did not match up. After looking at it closer I realized that it was one for the Navara.

Now my options are limited. I'm away on business this week then the following week I'm going to Moab. So I don't have time before the trip to head back down to Seattle.

Now I hear that guys were installing the Navara bumper on the X before it came in the proper drilling. Does anyone still have the instructions for modifying it?

I talked to ARB today but they don't seem to keen on taking it back. Said it was sold as is? Not to impressed ARB. Oh they don't have the template anymore so there goes getting it from them.

I talked to ARB today but they don't seem to keen on taking it back. Said it was sold as is?

Not to impressed with ARB. Oh they don't have the template anymore so there goes getting it from them. They tried to explain how to do the mod to me over the phone but I'm a programmer not a machinist.

I hope I can sort this out.

[VaderX]

Well hopefully this won't freak you out but it is a way to handle the problem. Drill the mounting holes on the frame all the way through. then mount the rear bolts on the arb to give you a pivot. Then jack up the arb till it sits just where you want it. Then tighten the bolts to help it stay in place. then drill through the holes and through the arb. Insert remaining bolts and you are Done. I know it may sound a little odd but it should work. As a side benefit you get the added strength of having your arb mounting bolts go all the way through the frame. If anyone thinks this idea is moronic speak up and give alternatives.

[Schludwiller]

I've heard mixed reviews on the strength of running bolts through the frame.

The template ARB used was just an educated guess from measurements of Chip's ARB. They don't have any advantage over what an owner could do, except needing someone to weld the reinforcement plate. You might even get a better fit if you match it to your specific frame.

[O1SalsaX]

I drilled through my frame to install my ARB. The main benefit was that it doesnt flex as much. I saw pix of people with ARB/winch combos stretching the bolt holes in the ARB from winching. By drilling through the frame there isnt as much sheer stress in each bolt, and I installed 1/2" grade 8 bolts so I know that they wont bend,snap or distort. I'm sure that if I didnt drill my frame, when I hit my little treestump at Paragon I would have A LOT more damage then a bent ARB air damn.

[scott.com]

So if you drill through the frame do you still need to weld a plate onto it? If not wont there be a small gap. I guess you could shim it with some washers?

So would this void part of my warrantee?

[ozxterra]

Chip's came out looking pretty slick (in fact his rig is the one in the logo at the top of the page & at xterradventures.com)

Take your time and care and it should turn out OK. ARB doesnt make enough money on a bullbar and they cant offer support on them - thats fair enough.
You asked for the "deal" and it was a "deal" for a reason I guess....

I think Chip's was done as a test subject before the XTerra version was finished.

[coolerman]

You do want to be careful when tightning bolts that go all the way through the frame so as not to 'crush' the frame. If you have access to the proper tools the way to do it is to drill LARGE holes then insert a piece of pipe (sleeve) thats just a hair bit bigger that the bolts and weld it on both sides. (Known as a bung. Not BONG ) This provides a very solid mounting place. Make sure to coat the bolt with heavy grease or anti-sieze to prevent it from rusting solid.

Just so you know, my ARB FOR the X didn't fit very well and we had to enlarge 2 holes then use a pry bar to get it in place. Had to do the same thing to another KYFXC members ARB.

[mudphud]

Yeah, even the ones made for the Xterra require some slight modifications. We all know Nissan doesn't make every Xterra the same. We had to file down some of the holes in my ARB when we installed it. Was better than we did Rick's though. I think he ended up drilling new holes. Good thing we did his first and figured out how to do it right on mine.

[evergreen]

i have been pretty lucky so far. when rick helped install my arb, all the bolt holes lined up perfectly. the same with the skid row plates. but when we installed hayleys arb, a small amount of filing was needed.