Well, I had my first true test of my newly-installed ARB bull bar on my 92 4Runner. You can see pics of it here in a previous thread if you're interested:

https://www.yotatech.com/forums/f2/pics-new-installed-arb-bull-bar-59613/#post609700

It was getting late the other night and I was heading home when a deer ran out in front of me. I would not have even noticed it had it not been for my new PIAA fog lights I installed on the front of the ARB a few weeks ago. Anyway, long story short, I hit him going about 45 MPH. He didn't give me any chance to stop, however I was just beginning to apply my brakes when I nailed him. He almost came up over the hood, but I guess he was too heavy to do so; thank God for that for both of our sakes. All I heard was 'thud', no crunching metal or breaking headlights, thanks only to the ARB for that. However, I was concerned what damage the ARB might have incurred. I pulled over and literally the only damage was my license plate was slightly bent in somewhat (it hangs below attached to the ARB), which is easily fixable.

I feel bad for the deer, but he got up and ran away so I guess he's alright. I hit him hard though, maybe he ended up dying, I'm not sure.

Anyway, although my ARB has looked good since the day it was put on, it's nice to know it's more than just that. Had there been any damage to my truck, my deductable would have been at least $500, which is more than half what I paid for the bumper.

Anyone thinking about getting an ARB should definitely do so. Not only do they look good, but they are also very practical for light placement, recovery operations, and general protection. This is probably something everyone already knows, but I just wanted to share my amazement in the amount of protection it provided the front end of my truck and me during this ordeal.

 

Glad to hear it held up well.
They are the beef of mass produced bumpers.

Little imports that cut you off and dive in front of you also hate them when you inch up on them at stoplights

 

Good to hear kudos for a manufacturer... Like the runner, BTW.

 

How much does the bumper weigh? I have been thinking about getting one but i'm concerned about the weight, and if it will make my front end sag.

 

my arb/winch combo was upwards of 150lbs. It could hardly move it myself after i got the winch put in it.

 

anybody know how this compares to a regular brush guard ? on a 99 4runner?

 

Probably less than 1/2 of that, but if it was a brush guard that took the impact mentioned earlier, you could bet the results would be much different.

 

I would agree definitely. but if it was around the same weight i would've ended up getting it sooner before i put a lift with firmer suspension on. i've been waiting to get one but dont want to put it on a car that has factory suspension. I have a feeling it may drag the front end down pretty badly

 

To my knowledge I heard that the brush guard with a factory bumper was heavier than an arb... i might be wrong though...

 

ERRONEOUS! ERRONEOUS ON BOTH COUNTS!

sorry. I had to include the wedding crashers quote. I really dont think that it is heavier. I had both of them off when I painted, and i dont think combined they were heavier than 75lbs.

 

anybody think it would hold up to deer at 60 mph? Did he fly forward or did you go over it?

 

The big problem I've seen with the factory brush gard is it can smack the hood when taking a moderate impact.

 

I bought my ARB just for this reason, the fear of tagging a dear. I'm glad to hear it held up well