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Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

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  • #16
    Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

    Just to give a balanced view. I haven't got a bullbar , nor a lift and have had no trouble outdoors so far.

    Bullbars are not as strong as they used to be as they now have to conform to the airbag sensor requirement, so the aluminium ones will crumple very easily (and probably do more damage than no bar on a gentle hit to the corner.) The steel ones have a crumple zone so who knows how much protection you get from that. They are great though to look at and good for mounting your spotties.

    A lift is a good idea in that it allows you to get over just that much more when you have obstacles in the way. That is a matter of judgement for you to make. As I won't be keeping the vehicle for more than 2 yrs the added expense doesn't seem worth it. Probably the main reason folk end up getting a lift is that the weight of their bullbar necessitates stronger springs, so why not do a lift at the same time for little extra cost.

    As I said, I had neither option fitted to my car and got up to the Cape and back without any difficulty. The two things I did find useful on that trip were a snorkel and mud terrain tyres (Cooper ST's) - both were a great help.

    In the end get what you think will suit your budget and the secret desires for your truck - Cheers

    p.s. Sorry if I have offended anyone- it wasn't meant, but the question has been asked and here is my opinion :roll:
    Greg - 08 D4D Prado,
    Some trips done - Cape York, Fraser Island, Simpson Desert / Central Aust, Vic High Country.

    Comment

    • #17
      Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

      Hi

      My Prado is a 2003 GXL Auto Petrol/Gas

      Cheers

      Anthony

      Originally posted by MDSimpson
      The guard cracking issue was fixed in the more recent models. What year model do you have? Can anyone confirm this?

      Comment

      • #18
        Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

        Hi All

        I really appreciate you comments/views. I have posted a few items on Pradopoint and have always been impressed with the replies I receive.

        I am leaning towards leaving the car stock standard and being cautious when on the road. Hopefully I will not regret this but that will come down to the choice I have made.

        I will get some spotties - any suggestions on which sort and how to mount them considering I will not be adding a bar?

        Also, I am about to buy a Uniden UHO15SX UHF radio for this trip. Any opinions on this brand or model would be appreciated.

        It is comforting to know that there are so many variety of users out there, I sometimes feel a bit funny as I use my Prado for relatively low end off roading but I enjoy the stuff our family does, whether driving aong the fire trails to a river for some fishing or heading out onto the beach.

        I have done some changes to the car which I have owned since new (2003) which have made my travels alot more comfortable.
        DYI rear door table
        Rear LED door light for the table
        DYI drawers
        Milford cargo barrier
        ABR Sidewinder fridge/freezer
        ABR Sidewinder dual battery system with an Off Road Down Under battery tray
        Extra power in rear from Aux battery
        Front recovery points
        BFG A/T tyres
        Home made shower, similar to Glind, etc
        Rhino roof bars with boat loader
        Roof basket
        Home made awning
        Dual DVD screens for the kids

        Cheers

        Anthony

        Comment

        • #19
          Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

          The guard cracking issue was fixed in the more recent models. What year model do you have? Can anyone confirm this?
          There have been no in production changes to the front end of the 120.

          The only things that have changed are the front body mount modification when fitting bars. Also more thought has been put into battery tray designs.
          These two changes have all but made the cracking issue disappear on the Prado, and it’s an issue that was over stated to start with.

          We have an extensive thread on this here:

          http://www.pradopoint.com/viewtopic....racks&start=20

          The steel ones have a crumple zone so who knows how much protection you get from that.
          What crumple zone? (ARB steel winch bar)

          Mick
          [CENTER][B][I][SIZE=1][COLOR=blue]1KZ-TE Turbo Diesel, 5 speed manual, 3.5 inch lift, 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson MTZ, D-Tronic chip, Boost controller, mandrel exhaust, dump pipe, modified intake, ARB steel bar, Magnum winch, Safari snorkel, rear drawers, half cargo barrier, dual batteries, Uniden UHF, Sat Nav, reverse camera, Magellan XL , Tjm bash plates, ARB alloy roof rack, rear telescopic work light and numerous other modifications!!!
          Now with 3BAR MAP sensor & 18PSI Boost![/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B][/CENTER]

          Comment

          • #20
            Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

            Originally posted by Grinch
            I will get some spotties - any suggestions on which sort and how to mount them considering I will not be adding a bar?
            I was looking into this issue and I saw other cars with a simple bracket mounted onto the number plate screws. Unfortunately for the Prado, that location is very filmsy. I think the cheapest way is to get a nudge bar. I did read a thread somewhere about which nudge bar gave you the best departure angle (here they are)
            viewtopic.php?f=38&t=5881&hilit=nudge+bar
            viewtopic.php?f=4&t=5749&hilit=+nudge+bar+tjm

            Comment

            • #21
              Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

              Originally posted by MickL
              What crumple zone? (ARB steel winch bar)

              Mick
              Hi Mick,

              I quote from the ARB site-http://www.arb.com.au/products/arb-p...ngineering.php

              ARB:
              With an air bag equipped 4x4, it is essential that the vehicle's crush rate and air bag triggering is not altered when a bull bar is installed. To ensure compatibility, ARB assesses each vehicle's frontal crush characteristics and replicates the crush rate into the design of each air bag compatible bull bar and its mounting system
              If the vehicle's crush rate is unaltered, then it would seem to me that there isn't much extra protection. :?
              In a recent Overlander about ARB preparing for the 200 series (I think late last year), there is a photo of the crumple zone on the winch bar mount.

              Cheers - Greg
              Greg - 08 D4D Prado,
              Some trips done - Cape York, Fraser Island, Simpson Desert / Central Aust, Vic High Country.

              Comment

              • #22
                Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                If the vehicle's crush rate is unaltered, then it would seem to me that there isn't much extra protection.
                In a recent Overlander about ARB preparing for the 200 series (I think late last year), there is a photo of the crumple zone on the winch bar mount.
                The ARB 120 steel bar hasn't got a concertina crumple zone like some designs. It's a solid mount to the chassis. Fair enough the overall design does not effect the vehicle crush rate or air bag deployment in a motor vehicle accident, however this in no way effects the protection from animal strikes and if you look through the ARB bull bar thread you can see photos of the mounting set up and the strength around the center section.

                Hitting a big red will not result in the same force, over the same area, as in a motor vehicle crash so crush rates don't really come into it, but it can sure do enough to damage your radiator and leave you with an immobile vehicle.

                I been unlucky enough to hit two unfortunate, good size roos in my Prado with nothing more than a broken Lightforce light, and scuffed powder coat.

                In a minor strike it'll save you paint and panel repair costs.... hit something a little tubbier and it's save you a walk home.

                Mick
                [CENTER][B][I][SIZE=1][COLOR=blue]1KZ-TE Turbo Diesel, 5 speed manual, 3.5 inch lift, 265/70/17 Mickey Thompson MTZ, D-Tronic chip, Boost controller, mandrel exhaust, dump pipe, modified intake, ARB steel bar, Magnum winch, Safari snorkel, rear drawers, half cargo barrier, dual batteries, Uniden UHF, Sat Nav, reverse camera, Magellan XL , Tjm bash plates, ARB alloy roof rack, rear telescopic work light and numerous other modifications!!!
                Now with 3BAR MAP sensor & 18PSI Boost![/COLOR][/SIZE][/I][/B][/CENTER]

                Comment

                • #23
                  Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                  The most part of your car that needs protection is the radiator, damaged lights you can still drive with, may i suggest get a good quality nudge bar at a 1/3 price of a bullbar, then you have somewhere to mount the lights and protect the radiator at the same time, problem solved, saved a $1000.
                  [b]Rob[/b]

                  [b]2016 Toyota Hilux SR5 D4D Auto Company Cruiser... [/b].
                  [url=http://www.pradopoint.com/showthread.php?23866-Hutch-s-2012-150-GXL-V6-petrol-Auto]Hutch's 2012 Build up[/url]
                  [SIGPIC][/SIGPIC]

                  Comment

                  • #24
                    Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                    Grinch - yes I think a nudge bar is the best solution if you're looking for somewhere to mount spotlights. I don't know of a way you could mount them with any real strength to the standard bumper. I have Lightforce spots but It seems the extremely similar Roolites aren't too bad for a cheaper price. My brother's Lightforce 170 strikers just flew apart out near Docker River on a corrugated road so maybe don't go the "stem" mounted type (like I have too :? ). There are so many makes of spotlights now that it really comes down to what you want to spend and what you want out of them. Like a cheapy set from Supercheap will certainly give you extra light, but my opinion is you can spend a little more and get something quite reasonable, the Roolites for example. I am about to upgrade my spotlights to HID, but in all honesty the 100watt halogens I currently have aren't too shabby at all. They're no HID's but not too shabby all the same.

                    In terms of the UHF radio, I can tell you on my list is the GME TX3100 because of it's extremely compact size. I know other members have this unit and are happy with it. Can't comment on the Uniden though.
                    [b]#[/b] 2007 D4D GX [b]#[/b] Full Privacy Tint [b]#[/b] [color=#FF0000][b] Flinders Red [/b][/color] [b]#[/b] 2 x HID LightForce 240 Blitz [b]#[/b] ARB Winch Bar [b]#[/b] Alloy Rims [b]#[/b] Hilux Washer Jets [b]#[/b] Stebel Nautilus Compact Truck Horn [b]#[/b] ARB Alloy Roof Rack [b]#[/b] ARB Dual Battery System [b]#[/b] Charcoal Rough Country Canvas Seat Covers [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]Suspension:[/color]Autocraft Bilstein Shocks/Struts & Ridepro Coils [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]L.E.D[/color] Side Marker Lights [b]#[/b] ARB Onboard Air [b]#[/b] Pirelli Scorpion LT ATR 265/70's [b]#[/b][color=#0080FF]--Custom 3"exhaust---[/color]

                    Comment

                    • #25
                      Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                      I have hit 4 roos 3 times no bullbar as well as goats and a donkey but had prtection then , not too fun having to nurse the vehicle to a road house and wait a couple of days for parts to get there to make me temporarly mobile . First priority was to get the wife and kids out of my hair , put them on a bus back to the nearest town for accomadtion or home , then sort out the vehicle . Last roo I hit was a double header , so no , it has been 5 that i hit but this time had a roo bar no damage just a bit of abuse from a 10 year old for being cruel .

                      One thing I mite add is on three of these occasions it was in the middle of the day , once in Shark Bay , once in the Kimberly's and the double header near Abany , so there every ware .Yes there are more about mostly at sun rise but not all wildlife have watches on . My thorts are not to travel without a roo / bull bar . Its not so much the damge to the vehicle its more the damage to the holiday .

                      Comment

                      • #26
                        Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                        Hi Grinch,

                        i fully understand your concerns about what you should fit and what you can get away with. in regards to the bullbar, obvisously there is the issue of animal strike but it also gives you a really solid position to mount lights and for that amtter, your radio aerial. there are a few good cheap factory bars around through the likes of ebay etc.

                        but let me leave you with my own recent (2 months ago) expereince. i was travelling at about 3.30pm north on the Bruce Hwy through to Bundaberg for work (thank god it was a company car). doing speed limit of 100kph, a roo happened to just jump out from between the bushes, no warning, no time to swerve, just BANG. it was a falcon (yeh enough said but) and the result was $8000 damage and air bags didnt go off, just panel damage.

                        now a bullbar may have minimised the damage, maybe. but my point is that this can happen without warning, and doing all the right things

                        enjoy your trip

                        regards Tony
                        2000 Prado GLX, manual, 3.4ltr with LPG conversion, dual batteries, bullbar, driving lights, 3 handbrakes (wife and 2 kids)

                        Comment

                        • #27
                          Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                          Mick,

                          Thanks for your comments.

                          As I don't have a bar on my car I have no experience of the protection it offers.

                          The list of good experiences with the bars hitting wildlife from yourself and others implies its a good idea.

                          I guess that if the impact is big enough to set off the airbags then the car would be damaged either way. If it is a little less, then you win with the steel bar. -

                          That's the benefit of sharing the experience on this forum :P - I did expect to hear from a few of you. :wink:

                          Cheers - Greg
                          Greg - 08 D4D Prado,
                          Some trips done - Cape York, Fraser Island, Simpson Desert / Central Aust, Vic High Country.

                          Comment

                          • #28
                            Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                            Anthony
                            I drove up the Development Road to the top of Cae York last year (millions of corrogations) with a standard suspension. Dropped the tyres to about 26-28psi and it rode wonderfully. Trouble was, once we got home and unloaded, it didn't ride so well as the struts and shocks were cactus. Have since replaced with OME which aren't bad, but am a little disappointed with how firm the ride is without a load in comparison with the origonal suspension. If I were you, I'd be upgrading to a light-medium after market suspension to give a small lift and to eliminate fade on rough roads, and include air bags in the rear to level the vehicle when towing.
                            Good luck wit your trip
                            Travelman

                            Comment

                            • #29
                              Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                              Hi All

                              Once again thanks for the plethora of information. I will take it all on board and hopefully come up with the correct mods to suit our trip and my driving.

                              All the advice is appreciated, and it is great to know that there is so much knowledge and experience that someone like me can tap into.

                              I will post some pics up of the trip as we are going on our merry way.

                              Cheers and thanks again :lol: :P :mrgreen:

                              Anthony

                              Comment

                              • #30
                                Re: Are bullbars, suspension lifts necessary?

                                Good Luck Anthony! Have a good trip mate!! 8)
                                [b]#[/b] 2007 D4D GX [b]#[/b] Full Privacy Tint [b]#[/b] [color=#FF0000][b] Flinders Red [/b][/color] [b]#[/b] 2 x HID LightForce 240 Blitz [b]#[/b] ARB Winch Bar [b]#[/b] Alloy Rims [b]#[/b] Hilux Washer Jets [b]#[/b] Stebel Nautilus Compact Truck Horn [b]#[/b] ARB Alloy Roof Rack [b]#[/b] ARB Dual Battery System [b]#[/b] Charcoal Rough Country Canvas Seat Covers [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]Suspension:[/color]Autocraft Bilstein Shocks/Struts & Ridepro Coils [b]#[/b] [color=#0000FF]L.E.D[/color] Side Marker Lights [b]#[/b] ARB Onboard Air [b]#[/b] Pirelli Scorpion LT ATR 265/70's [b]#[/b][color=#0080FF]--Custom 3"exhaust---[/color]

                                Comment

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