I'll address a few points about the ARB bumper.

ARB no longer makes a bumper for the USA, Gen 1, 6cyl trucks. You can get a Gen 1, 4cyl bumper and have it modified. The frame rails are wider on the 6cyl trucks. I the picture below you will have to have the portion (circled in [color:"red"] red [/color]) moved inboard about 1 inch on each side. The outside portion (circled in [color:"yellow"] yellow [/color]) are not moved.


The ARB is going to cost more to ship. Unless you catch someone having a "Free Shipping" sale.

That said, I think the ARB is stronger overall. The ARB completely boxes in the frame extension. It mounts to the frame with 8 bolts (4 per side). I believe the DON uses 4 bolts (2 per side). The ARB has larger diameter tubing. The ARB comes with mounting tabs for lights and a winch relay box.

The Don bumper doesn't come pre-drilled to match the frame. It is up to the individual to match it, then drill it to fit. Mine is mounted with 2 bolts on each side currently, but I'll be augmenting the bolts once I get a winch (either with additional bolts or larger bolts).

I believe Sparky can speak to its ability with a winch.

Don shipped his first one or two bumpers already pre-drilled, but found because of the age and differing wear/abuse on different vehicles that the mount holes may not fit correctly on a given vehicle. So he chose to let the owner drill to their liking and that seems to have worked very well.

One of my favorite pics of two ARBs...

My DON bumper is modified with a stinger and to fit a Warn 8274 winch. I had to drill my own holes, no big deal. I knocked off the welded in nuts that hold the stock bumper on and drilled out the holes to fit 1/2in grade 8 bolts. I have 2 per side. I have not had any problems winching with it with either the 8274 or a X8000i. Both are rated at 8000lbs, but the 8274 will out pull the 8000i. I have winched hard enough to stop the 8000i and then hook up a snatch block to pull a Jeep out. I have also winched to where the 8274 was going real slow. I still do want to add some supports to the frame rails, just in case.

The ARB is probably a stronger bumper, but the DON is great, and half the price. I guess it is up to you which one you like better.

And that picture is why I still want a winch on the back.
Been there, but if you are last one in it is allot of work to get out.

You can winch backwards with front mounted winch provided there are enough snatch blocks (at least 4), or some other means of routing cable, and 3 anchor points. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/shiner.gif" alt="" />

I did a little research a while back and concluded the following:

Don's a member here and builds a damn fine bumper - argueably equal to an ARB.

ARB also builds a fine product - argueably equal to or slightly better than an Don's.

ARB is twice the price.

ARB's already worth plenty of money.

Don does it for the love of the "breed" and can probably use the additional money.

If it were me, and it probably will be one day, I'd buy a Don's bumper.

Thanks alot for your thoughts, still a newbie at this. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/baby.gif" alt="" /> Seen's like Don is the way to go. As far as winches, what do you think would do better a T-Max or Warn.

I've seen alot of rigs with Warn winches, and hear that they work great. But, I've also heard good things about the T-Max line. Besides I'd like to have something different. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/cyclops.gif" alt="" />

Read this post:

warn power plant

I like my Dons. But If you are going to do any offroading I suggest his sliders instead. Even if that means driving around for a while with your currently bent front bumper.

One down side to either a Don or a ARB. You will have the urge to smash something. <img src="/forums/images/graemlins/evil.gif" alt="" />