ARB vs AEV bumper. Which one?
09-27-2010 | 08:25 AM
#21
Thread Starter
JK Freak
Joined: Apr 2010
Posts: 514
Likes: 0
From: Eastvale, ca
I was in the same spot. I couldn't decide if the AEV was worth the extra cash, but like it more than the ARB. Last week I found a guy off of Craig's List that was selling his ARB for $400, so I pulled the trigger on the ARB.
I installed it this last weekend with the help of some local guys. So far I really like it. The ARB is very solid, and still looks good with the Jeep. It has 2 light brackets on the bummer under the bullbar, and 2 on the bar itself. I'm not sure if I like the 2 on top, because I doubt I will ever use them.
I installed it this last weekend with the help of some local guys. So far I really like it. The ARB is very solid, and still looks good with the Jeep. It has 2 light brackets on the bummer under the bullbar, and 2 on the bar itself. I'm not sure if I like the 2 on top, because I doubt I will ever use them.
09-27-2010 | 08:56 AM
#23
JK Newbie
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 33
Likes: 0
From: Ashburn, VA
this is one of the most common discussions I have seen on a jeep forum - maybe because i had the same problem myself and so searched for weeks 
I've attached pics because it'll help.
I finally pulled the trigger on the AEV - it was more expensive (ouch) but I'd seen it on some rigs locally and liked the look better than the ARB. It was kinda a pain to install but the instructions were great - get some local jeepers to help you out because its HEAVY. the passenger side tow bracket wasn't welded together correctly, it was just a little off so it wouldnt have fit right (I would have had to drill extra holes to mount then the bumper itself would have been a little off) - I called them and after 5 min of trying to explain (was my fault not theirs) they agreed it was an issue and sent me a new part. All in all, I love the bumper and would make the same purchase over again.
I've attached pics because it'll help.I finally pulled the trigger on the AEV - it was more expensive (ouch) but I'd seen it on some rigs locally and liked the look better than the ARB. It was kinda a pain to install but the instructions were great - get some local jeepers to help you out because its HEAVY. the passenger side tow bracket wasn't welded together correctly, it was just a little off so it wouldnt have fit right (I would have had to drill extra holes to mount then the bumper itself would have been a little off) - I called them and after 5 min of trying to explain (was my fault not theirs) they agreed it was an issue and sent me a new part. All in all, I love the bumper and would make the same purchase over again.
09-27-2010 | 09:06 AM
#24
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 165
Likes: 0
From: Hedgesville, WV
I went back and forth about this for a while. I ended up getting the AEV. I simply liked the look better and decided I only live once. 
I did have to put washers under the AUX light mounts to clear the EPI 9.0s that I put on it. I'll probably remake those brackets when I get bored this fall. Other then that I love it.
I did have to put washers under the AUX light mounts to clear the EPI 9.0s that I put on it. I'll probably remake those brackets when I get bored this fall. Other then that I love it.
09-27-2010 | 12:33 PM
#26
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Oct 2009
Posts: 195
Likes: 2
From: Houston, TX
09-27-2010 | 12:59 PM
#28
JK Newbie
Joined: Sep 2010
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: British Columbia, Canada
09-27-2010 | 02:40 PM
#29
JK Newbie
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 37
Likes: 0
From: NJ
09-27-2010 | 04:03 PM
#30
JK Super Freak
Joined: Apr 2007
Posts: 1,699
Likes: 2
From: Lancaster Pa
I have an ARB on my 94XJ, and it is one very nice bumper. Very strong, and I'm very happy with it. After 12 years on my XJ, it still looks good with little if any rust. With that said, I went with the AEV for the 07JK unlimited. Reason was back when I got the bumper ARBs' was not yet on the market, and didn't look like it would be ready for another year or so. As for the AEV, I'm okay with it but would rather have the ARB. Don't get me wrong, the AEV is a very nice bumper, well made and runs the lines of the JK nicely. I just like the ARB a bit better.