Factory Bullbar converted to winch compatable??
- Thread starter BTFIVO
- Start date
BTFIVO
Well-Known Member
Well, I went and looked at an ARB, and mine looks exactly like one, except no webbing welded internally. But everything else is the same as well as how its mounted and gauge thickness of the steel. So I will go again to view and copy where they have installed webbing as well as mounting plates for the winch. Might turn out half decent after all and save myself a couple grand..!!
BTFIVO
Well-Known Member
Here's a few more facts.
Modifying bull bar - Rodeo,Colorado and DMAX Technical - Australia4WD Forum
Modifying bull bar - Rodeo,Colorado and DMAX Technical - Australia4WD Forum
deathsbreeze
Member
Is there a chance you can mount a winch cradle behind the bullbar, between the chassis rails. I have an alloy bullbar on my 03 Patrol and found a cradle that mounts behind the bar. Just had to cut the 3 middle bars from the bullbar for the cable.
Swaggie
Moderator
Yep there's a reason for that he doesn't want it coming back to bite him in the ass big time...
Not to mention the air bag compatibility issue, bullbars are designed around this and if they don't work because of a modified bullbar by you they (T. A. C) may not pay if you have a big accident and the Police report says a modified Bullbar stopped the air bags from deploying. Lets hope it's not needed but you never know and I don't know if it could affect your vehicle insurance in anyway too...
Neddysmith
Well-Known Member
Yeah i have looked into this a couple of times and both times came to conclusion that it is easier and more sensible to buy a new winch compatible bullbar and sell my existing non winch compatible bullbar to make up some of the costs.
Even my mate who is a fitter and turner said he COULD do it, but suggested it would be easier, cheaper and most likely safer in the long to get one already made, unless he was to make a winch bar from scratch.
Even my mate who is a fitter and turner said he COULD do it, but suggested it would be easier, cheaper and most likely safer in the long to get one already made, unless he was to make a winch bar from scratch.
BTFIVO
Well-Known Member
Yeah, I was lucky to find a buyer for my original unit, so just sold it and scored a brand new ARB delux bar for $1200 fitted. 
While he was at it, I saw an Ironman 12,000lb monster winch to which I had fitted to prevent further un-needed cost in the future. So not bad... bar + winch fitted for $2200.
While he was at it, I saw an Ironman 12,000lb monster winch to which I had fitted to prevent further un-needed cost in the future. So not bad... bar + winch fitted for $2200.
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prawns
Moderator
My old "non airbag" Paj has a alloy TJM bullbar on it which can have a winch fitted - but only if you purchase their metal plate - which goes behind the bullbar to spread the weight across the bar better
Didnt sound like too good a idea to me (not that I have the $$ anyway) I assume some other brands do a similar thing though?
Just a FYI incase somebody else on here reads this and wants to try it (be easy to make your own metal rectangular plate I reckon - but dont come crying to me if your bullbar gets a big hole in it and the winch falls on the ground with half your bullbar still attached - I dont trust that idea personally)
Didnt sound like too good a idea to me (not that I have the $$ anyway) I assume some other brands do a similar thing though?
Just a FYI incase somebody else on here reads this and wants to try it (be easy to make your own metal rectangular plate I reckon - but dont come crying to me if your bullbar gets a big hole in it and the winch falls on the ground with half your bullbar still attached
- I dont trust that idea personally)deathsbreeze
Member
Hi Knoxy133 i got the winch cradle off ebay
Patrol Winch Cradle Suit Genuine Nissan Alloy Bullbar TJM AND ARB Bullbars | eBay
just click on the sellers other items and you will find they have about 6 more for sale.
I used the winch on the weekend and its still where i bolted it down
Patrol Winch Cradle Suit Genuine Nissan Alloy Bullbar TJM AND ARB Bullbars | eBay
just click on the sellers other items and you will find they have about 6 more for sale.
I used the winch on the weekend and its still where i bolted it down
prawns
Moderator
Hi Knoxy133 i got the winch cradle off ebay
Patrol Winch Cradle Suit Genuine Nissan Alloy Bullbar TJM AND ARB Bullbars | eBay
just click on the sellers other items and you will find they have about 6 more for sale.
I used the winch on the weekend and its still where i bolted it down
You could always mount steel brackets from the cradle to the chassis if you get worried anyway?
BTFIVO
Well-Known Member
The Ironman bar looks very similar anyway and good at that. Good value. If I end up with the 76 series I'm going to try my luck with a Xrox. I will miss the added protection of a delux bar but this time I want something light but strong and not have to install heavy duty suspension.