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...
1. ARB's Old Man Emu suspension system is simple and effective, including four new coil springs matched to needed carrying capacity; four specially valved heavy-duty shocks, and optional spacers to level out the typical JK lean. ARB backs the suspension with a 2 year/24,000-mile warranty.
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.
2. With the JK securely on...
2. With the JK securely on the rack and the wheels removed, the sway bars were disconnected and the stock coils and shocks were removed.
3. Next, we drooped the front...
3. Next, we drooped the front axle as far as possible and installed the new coils. We chose our springs based on the fact that we were installing ARB bumpers. ARB also offers springs for stock bumpers, as well as stock applications.
4. Once the new front springs...
4. Once the new front springs were seated, the OME Nitrocharger front shocks were installed. These twin-tube shocks feature multi-stage compression and rebound valving with a special triple-lip check valve seal to remove dirt from the piston rod and are designed for a comfortable ride over rough roads with high loads in mind.
5. We then moved to the rear...
5. We then moved to the rear of the JK where the OME coils and shocks were installed.
6. To finish up the suspension...
6. To finish up the suspension install, we reconnected the sway bar to the end links.
7. The OME kit makes for a...
7. The OME kit makes for a clean install and does not require aftermarket brake lines, track bar relocation, steering modifications or end links, keeping product and installation costs down considerably.
8. Next, the stock front and...
8. Next, the stock front and rear bumpers were removed from the JK.
9. We chose ARB's airbag-compatible...
9. We chose ARB's airbag-compatible Deluxe front bumper, which has turn signals, placement for the factory driving lights, and contours to match the lines of the JK. ARB also provides tabs for lights and winch mounting. Both front and rear bumpers have Hi-Lift jacking points.
10. We first mounted the supplied...
10. We first mounted the supplied turn signals to the ARB bumper.
11. To ensure airbag compatibility,...
11. To ensure airbag compatibility, which has been confirmed through crash testing, the factory bump cans are reused and an ARB extension is added.
12. Once the extensions were...
12. Once the extensions were installed, the bump can assembly was mounted to the new bumper.
13. Supplied bumperettes were...
13. Supplied bumperettes were then added to the front of the bumper.