Greetings all,

For those that might remember me from way back when, I'm in the process of selling my Unimog, and I'm going to put some money into making the '04 Rodeo capable of doing light trails.

Thing is, I can't find most of the parts and pieces I had on my shopping list because the vendors have changed a bit. I could use some help.

Shopping list:
- Front Bumper - like the ARB Bull Bar - Darlington made a nice one, but did he retire or go out of business?
- Rear Bumper - Again, Darlington made one I really liked. Does anyone make one like those?
- Rocker Protection - I'm open for suggestions. They need to be a bit farther out so the Lady of the house can step up to get in.
- 1.5" suspension lift - That's easy. I'm thinking OME springs for the Trooper or Rodeo, depending on advertised lift.
- 1" body lift - suggestions, please. The bumpers will need to compensate for the gap.
- Skid Plates - I can't find any. I guess I'm heading to my welder and torch.

In short: Bumpers, rocker protection, 2"-2.5" lift, and skid plates. It looks real easy on paper. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/lol.gif" alt="" />

It's good to see some of the old timers are still haning around. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

Thanks in advance for the advice.

About the only vendor left around is Matt Brown at Independent 4X4 (independent4x.com).

Really? What a shame, but it's just my luck. I'm always a few years early, or a few years late.

On the up-side, an ARB front bumper might show up on Ebay someday. I suppose any weld on rocker protection will do. But it's the rear bumper that's kicking my butt. I really liked the way the lower rear quarter was all metal. I'm sure it was very functional, and it looked sharp, too.

I'll be kicking around here for a while. Maybe I'll learn something.

Joe Darlington is still fabricating bumpers, but he's on the East coast now in NC. Give him a call... 208-590-0104

Van <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />

One last question, then...

I've seen that some manufactures list bumpers from 89-02. Is the '03 and '04 Rodeo different, or can I assume that any front or rear bumper for a passport or Rodeo from 1989 to 2004 will fit my rig? If I had to guess, they made the cutoff because the engine and drive-train changes in those years, but I don't see how it changes the bumper mounts.

Thanks for the help.

I would venture to say yes they are different seeing as the body style changed in 95.5 I believe and maybe once again in later years. Best thing to do is give Joe a call.

Van <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/patriot.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cheers.gif" alt="" />