The Bull Bar was an 85 model that I got from Andy Zook, but as you know Brian they are not compatible with dropped spring hangers. I am not really satisfied with the mounting, but there isn't much to work with on the front of the frame! I added gussets everywhere I could and welding it in numerous locations directly to the spring hanger and the front of the frame, time will tell if it holds up in a hard pull...
The two ways I've done it in the past:
cut off all of the mounting points on the ARB, leaving just the down-braces so they sit flush with the frame. Drilled those in 3 places on each side, welded up some mounting points on the front crossmember/dropped hanger (braced for side loading, of course) and bolted 'er on. That was on the white truck.
On the 4Runner, the PO cut off all of the mounting that interfered w/ the hanger and welded two braces that connected to the drop hanger spring-bolts. Worked great, until it pulled the drop hanger hard enough to crack the frame and pull the front crossmember away. We used FRORF's front x-member brace and dropped hanger (moved 1/4" forward to match the brace, and braced behind) then rebuilt the entire ARB mounting model. i did use the PO's idea of the front spring bolts, but now that they are much closer to the frame and better braced, I'm hoping it's not an issue. And, it almost looks stock now. Unfortunately, like yours, I'm sure, I lost a lot of mounting points in the process.
I really like the look of the 84-85 ARB's. Much nicer than the 86+.
now go polish that engine - we want pics! <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/smile.gif" alt="" />
