ARB, known for rugged products developed for the Australian Outback, is one of those rare companies that have a cult-like following. Everywhere we go, there is always someone who swears by the brand and its product. Over the years our experience has been in line with that thinking as well, sampling products that have always exuded quality and OEM-like craftsmanship and precision. ARB also does real-world development and testing in the harsh environs of the island continent, and it stands behind its products.
1. ARB's Old Man Emu suspension system is simple and effective, including four new coil sp
With the popularity of the Jeep Wrangler JK, ARB quickly went to work to offer a complete line of products for the hottest thing in wheeling since the TJ. In addition to its well-known Air Locker and differential covers, ARB also has two styles of front bumpers; a rear bumper, rock sliders, and its own Old Man Emu brand lift kit. And while we are at it, don't forget that they also offer lighting options under the IPF brand.
ARB was along with its JK on our Rubicon trip last summer, and after watching the ARB company Wrangler take on the infamous trail, we were convinced its newest products were a fit with our readership and contacted ARB about doing a product installation and review of its offerings.
With ARB on board with their sliders, bumpers, lights and suspension system, and a donor Wrangler available we headed over to Off Road Evolution in Fullerton, California, for the install. Follow along to view our donor Jeep go through a transformation from stock to Outback-rated.
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2. With the JK securely on the rack and the wheels removed, the sway bars were disconnecte
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3. Next, we drooped the front axle as far as possible and installed the new coils. We chos
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4. Once the new front springs were seated, the OME Nitrocharger front shocks were installe
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5. We then moved to the rear of the JK where the OME coils and shocks were installed.
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6. To finish up the suspension install, we reconnected the sway bar to the end links.
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7. The OME kit makes for a clean install and does not require aftermarket brake lines, tra
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8. Next, the stock front and rear bumpers were removed from the JK.
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9. We chose ARB's airbag-compatible Deluxe front bumper, which has turn signals, placement
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10. We first mounted the supplied turn signals to the ARB bumper.
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11. To ensure airbag compatibility, which has been confirmed through crash testing, the fa
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12. Once the extensions were installed, the bump can assembly was mounted to the new bumpe
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13. Supplied bumperettes were then added to the front of the bumper.