DV8 Off-Road Spec Series Bumpers - Comprehensive Review

[tobyw]

I’m just digging into the instructions in preparation of install and I’m a bit concerned with the stability and strength of mounting this bumper using a 12k winch and the only thing securing this heavy duty setup is three M10 bolts and washers on each side?

Better not look at the instructions for mounting your winch then either... Secret: it's only held on with *gasp* four M10 (sometimes 3/8-16 for us old timers) bolts.

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[redone17]

@monsterfd - GREAT info here.

I am surprised you had heat issues with the grate that's there. With a lightbar, I can see that being an issue - but are those holes not lined up with the stock intercooler? Mind you, I don't have ACC.

I was tempted to get a new intercooler while I had this all apart...definitely would like to avoid install/removal/install. But, also would avoid the expense if not necessary

Good thing I have an entire set of extra skids thanks to FedEx and how they handle their packages...

 

[redone17]

Better not look at the instructions for mounting your winch then either... Secret: it's only held on with *gasp* four M10 (sometimes 3/8-16 for us old timers) bolts.

I think that is pretty standard with all winch mounts. I never had an issue with my Apex Badland 12k in the RC Hidden Winch location.

 

[monsterfd]

@redone17 there is airflow, but it most definitely is restrictive. under the right combinations of incline, payload weight, speed and temp could cause it. for example, if i had around 500 lbs (cooler, tent, passenger)going up hill on a freeway 80 degrees out, id almost always get it. i also hit it on flat ground, 100 degrees out passing a semi around 70mph.

anyway, the nice thing about the bronco is its super easy to swap an intercooler in after the fact. you could get the bumper and give it a try. worst case you hit temp, go into limp mode. pull over and restart the engine and the code clears, then buy the IC. best case you dont hit it and save the intercooler money.

 

[redone17]

@monsterfd - appreciate the intel! I hope to have these mounted up this weekend.

 

[Superstition]

@redone17 there is airflow, but it most definitely is restrictive. under the right combinations of incline, payload weight, speed and temp could cause it. for example, if i had around 500 lbs (cooler, tent, passenger)going up hill on a freeway 80 degrees out, id almost always get it. i also hit it on flat ground, 100 degrees out passing a semi around 70mph.

anyway, the nice thing about the bronco is its super easy to swap an intercooler in after the fact. you could get the bumper and give it a try. worst case you hit temp, go into limp mode. pull over and restart the engine and the code clears, then buy the IC. best case you dont hit it and save the intercooler money.

I definitely see higher charge temps, especially climbing a grade in the summer out of Phoenix. Even without the light mounted in the grate, my charge temps can hit 255 deg climbing a grade and routinely run at 225 deg at 80 mph on flat ground at 100 deg outside. I've never had a fault, but I do worry about things being 25F or 30F hotter than I use to get without the bumper on. Did you need to remove the adjusting grate in front of the stock intercooler to get that Cobb installed?

 

[monsterfd]

I definitely see higher charge temps, especially climbing a grade in the summer out of Phoenix. Even without the light mounted in the grate, my charge temps can hit 255 deg climbing a grade and routinely run at 225 deg at 80 mph on flat ground at 100 deg outside. I've never had a fault, but I do worry about things being 25F or 30F hotter than I use to get without the bumper on. Did you need to remove the adjusting grate in front of the stock intercooler to get that Cobb installed?

no, just detach 2 hoses, drop the stock IC, transfer the bushings, reinstall.

 

[redone17]

no, just detach 2 hoses, drop the stock IC, transfer the bushings, reinstall.

Oh dang. So you can do it without removing the bumper? Just need to unbolt the skid?

 

[monsterfd]

Oh dang. So you can do it without removing the bumper? Just need to unbolt the skid?

correct

 

[JMontes]

Installed mine this past weekend!

 

[redone17]

Ugh. Factor 55 fairlead doesn’t fit…

What are y’all using?

 

[Superstition]

Ugh. Factor 55 fairlead doesn’t fit…

What are y’all using?

I'm using the DV8 Pocket. It works quite well.

 

[redone17]

@sklnbnzaz - do you happen to have any pics of how you ran the lighting harness? I was under the impression that were provided zip cable tabs - but, that doesn’t seem to be the case. I’m utilizing the brackets for the light bar to secure the harness to that through the middle. But, I’m not 100% psyched on how it’s laying out.

Anyone that can chime in, I appreciate it.

 

[redone17]

I think I did alright.

 

[sklnbnzaz]

@sklnbnzaz - do you happen to have any pics of how you ran the lighting harness? I was under the impression that were provided zip cable tabs - but, that doesn’t seem to be the case. I’m utilizing the brackets for the light bar to secure the harness to that through the middle. But, I’m not 100% psyched on how it’s laying out.

Anyone that can chime in, I appreciate it.

There were zip tie tabs along the bull bar and also underneath where the in bumper light bar is and the pocket light bar are. Lots of them. I would check with their support. I ran everything along the bumper and up in to the driver side battery compartment area

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