I am completing the install of the ARB front winch bumper the PO started. There is a part that the ARB instructions call a "tubular cross brace" that was removed but should have been saved for reinstallation along with the recovery point. The PO apparently was told by somebody that this brace wasn't needed, and that it was all rusted out anyway so he threw it out.

I'm trying to determine exactly what part this is so that I can further determine if it is, in fact, needed. I looked on Rovers North, Microcat, AB, etc, but can't really tell because I don't have the part in front of me to match it up to. Seems to me that it would be a necessary part, especially with a winch to prevent frame twisting on side pulls and other impacts.

Can anybody help me out with this? I can take a pic of a different angle if that helps.
Thanks

 

That part is not really needed but I would suggest that if you are installing an ARB bumper that you modify the mounting bracket so that you have at least 3 grade 8 bolts to secure the bumper to the frame, otherwise the bumper is not secured well enough to handle much winching and has a tendency to sag with time.

 

Perfect. Then I don't have to waste anymore time on part procurement. Are you suggesting replacing the three grade 5 bolts included with the bumper with grade 8s or are you suggesting adding three grade 8s in each frame horn?

 

I was suggesting using grade 8 bolts. I am not sure is ARB has changed their mounts, used to come with 2 bolts a side, if they now have 3, you are set.

 

1999-2004 Discovery II - Front Underside Protection Bar - ABY100000

UNDER BODY PROTECTION BAR DIS2 > Under Ride Protection Bar > Chassis > Body & Chassis > Discovery 2 - 1999 to 2004 > Discovery > Main Menu > Home > Britcar (UK) Ltd

I put it back on while installing my ARB. I figure that if the designers say to re-install it, they probably know what they are talking about.

I'd pick one up at a salvage yard. I'll bet it's almost free.

 

I believe it was a little more important, especially when running a plastic bumper but with a metal,. there is a lot more support to prevent frame twisting.

 

Yeah, there's three bolts now, Mike. Two going laterally through the frame and one going up from the bottom to the top. Not sure if that's going to prevent the sag, but it can't hurt.

I'll continue installation without that bar, but next time I'm at the boneyard and it's cheap enough, I'll probably pick one up. Thanks for the pics, Jafir. Now I know what it looks like. Thanks guys!