ARB doesn't list a bumper for a frontier after 2000 so I am either going to get a Cal Mini or Shrokworks bumper. I'm leaning toward the Shrokworks unit, anyone have a preference and why?

The ARB will bolt right up.

The shrock bumper comes with a few more options, but overall construction is very similar to the Calmini, and price is similar as well.

Both are a bit sturdier than the ARB - they use heavier steel on the flat portions.

if it were me, I would go with the Shrockworks... but up to you, bro!

The reason ARB does not list for an 01+ application is that the bumper and grille are one piece, and some minor modification of the bumper/grille plastic is necessary.

Other than that the trucks are the same, ARB is my preference.

My arb as taken quite a beating. Due to experience if I buy a winch bumper for a different truck it will be an arb unit.

I vote Shrockworks but then I am partial because I have one... I will be posting pictures of my SAS in a moment, you can see it there.

the only problems I have with the ARB: heavy as hell, weak wings (at least on the frontier models...hopefully gator will post up with example photos...) and insanely high priced... custom is the way to go in my opinion, but you can't lose with either of the 3 you're looking at...

I have built my own bumpers before and unless you want something very unique, it is not cost effective. I'm pretty sold on the shrockworks for this application, they quoted me 5 weeks in bare metal, which works for me because I need to add tow bar tabs. One thing I discovered since beginning this Nissan project is that NO ONE keeps anything in stock for Nissans.

arb for my truck is $1400, a custom one (tube or plate like the arb...) $300-700... less than half... and thats not doing any of the work myself...
pretty cost effective if you ask me...

A Calmini bumper saved my families lives..

arb for my truck is $1400, a custom one (tube or plate like the arb...) $300-700... less than half... and thats not doing any of the work myself...
pretty cost effective if you ask me...

I don't know where you buy your materials, but I'd have over $300 in materials to build one myself. And that is before powder coating. The last one I made I had over 30 hours invested in it. Rear bumpers are less time consuming, and a little less in materials, unless you add a tire carier. Shop rates around here go anywhere from $40 to $120 per hour. I charge $48 on this type of work, I wouldn't build one for less than $1500. I'll send a pic soon of the last one I built tonight if I can.

Wow I just read my last response and realized it sounded like I was angry. I'm not believe me. I would actually envy you if you could build a winch bumper for $700, because I can't.

Here are some shots of the last front bumper I built, maybe the last one I'll ever build.
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Let's try that again




I used 3/4" solid bar for the shackle mounts, they bolt directly to the frame.



The main plate is 1/4" with two breaks, I then pie cut the top and lower to fold it in and welded it up. I added a 3/8" plate under the winch mounting surface which is also bolted directly to the frame. I wanted those Piaa projector lens/driving light combos in there, which is why I didn't just buy an ARB.

the vertical towers are 3/8 plate, I flame cut the outer and machined the center

OK this picture thing is beating me!

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