We all want our 4x4s to feature top parts and components, but if you’re driving without a bull bar, you’re missing out.
Our 4WD beasts are all about being tough, from handling off-road terrain, like sand and water, to approaching each challenge with the tenacity and aggression of a raging bull. But without a bull bar, complete with accessories and attachments, your 4×4 might not be living up to its potential.
In this post, we’ll explain exactly what bull bars are — and why you need one — and how to install your very own to give your 4WD a boost.
What Are Bull Bars & Why Do You Need Them?
Made from steel or aluminium, a bull bar goes on the front of your 4WD to help minimise the impact of collisions. It is known as a bull bar since it’s supposed to be as tough as a bull when it comes to protecting your car. However, you might also hear about nudge bars, which are a similar, smaller version.
Bull bars are common among 4WD aficionados because they shield your vehicle from anything it may collide with head on, including rocks and low-lying shrubs. Furthermore, bull bars can have additional accessories and attachments to make them a key part of winches, fog lights and other off-roading equipment. You’ll find that most bull bars are intended to offer a variety of mounting choices; however, you must ensure that they are ADR certified and compatible with your vehicle’s airbag system. Most current 4WDs include extra safety features such as parking monitors, cruise control, and emergency braking systems, all of which rely on sensors and camera systems to work. Your bull bar may get in the way of these features, unless you’re careful.
While you may have heard talk that bull bars can be dangerous, interfering with airbags and crumple zones, modern bull bars have seen tremendous advances in engineering and technology. Many new aftermarket bull bars are engineered to slide back and collapse with the crumple zone in the event of an accident while still providing robust protection for minor incidents, protecting your 4WD from harm.
How to Install Bull Bars On Your Car
Bull bar installation may vary from a super-easy Sunday afternoon auto DIY fest to a backyard blood match between you, the bull bar, and every gadget in your yard, based on your vehicle and the sort of body armour and protection you require. A lot will depend on the vehicle and your degree of experience, but the bull bar is the most important factor.
So, consider this: “What is it made of?” as well as “Who made it?” Some of the greatest brands in the big bull bar industry are quite similar, and each brand employs high-quality materials, such as stainless steel. However, this does not mean that they are interchangeable. If you want a good-quality bull bar — and a straightforward install — you want to do your research.
Once you’ve got your hands on your desired bull bar, here are some standard installation instructions to follow to correctly and securely attach it to your 4WD.
Prepare Yourself, Your Car & Your Space
Before you get down to business, make sure you have everything you need handy, including tools and clear, easy access to your 4×4. Take the time to read the instructions, ensuring you not only have the right tools on hand but there are no parts missing from the bull bar. You don’t want to be halfway through the install and then realise you’re missing something.
Take Off the Grill & the Bumper
To access where you’ll need to install your bull bar, you need to remove both the grill and bumper. This will typically mean finding and removing the grill’s top and bottom locks and screws. The bumper may then be removed by loosening the plugs on either side. You’ll need to disconnect any wires from the bumper also. Gently unhook it from the attachment’s source. You may also need to unscrew the trim between the headlights and the wheels using a suitable tool. At the end of this step, your 4WD should have an uncovered front.
Take Away the Beam Across the Bottom
After removing the grill and bumper, you’ll notice a lengthy steel beam running across the bottom at front of your 4×4. Unscrew the nuts on this to expose the two protruding iron arms where the bull bar brackets will be fastened.
Put the Brackets in Place
Insert the larger bull bar brackets into the projecting arms. Then, on both sides, place the supporting brackets. However, do not tighten the bolts until all the brackets have been placed. This will allow you to make modifications as you install the other components. Check that all the brackets are aligned before securing the details with your spanner.
Set Up the Bull Bar
Because bull bars can be quite heavy, you may need the assistance of family or friends for this step.
To begin, position the bull bar’s mounting points in the brackets you set up in the previous step. Then, lightly secure all the nuts to secure the bull bar in position. This will allow you to adjust and position the bull bar as needed.
Once you’re satisfied with its placement, torque all the bolts and check for stability. You may also like to give it a couple of shakes to see how it holds.
Finish & Clean Up
Reconnect the wiring and reattach the front grill and bumper around your bull bar. Based on the type of your bull bar, you may need to bolt the underbelly dust plate to the underneath of the bar. With everything back in position, you can get ready for your next 4×4 adventure, confident that your car’s front section has a bit of extra protection.
If at any time during any of these steps you feel like it’s just not going to work out, don’t worry. Your bull bar is about safety, so you want to be confident in the install. Therefore, many people prefer to go to their mechanic to have them fit and install their bull bar, giving them peace of mind and making the process go super smoothly.
Some Extra Tips When Installing Your Bull Bars:
- Bull bars may be heavy (50–90 kg is average), so make sure you have two persons to assist you with the installation to avoid damage to your car or injuries to yourself or other persons.
- When installing the bull bar, take special precautions to avoid scratching your car. Having an extra person on hand makes this far easier.
- When you’re completed, make sure the bull bar is stable and secure. Give it a few shakes to see how it is holding. The last thing you need is for it to come off while you’re off-roading!
Considerations for Installing Your Bull Bar
As with any product, it’s important to really think about how you’re going to use it and choose a model that offers all the features you need and want. So, for a bull bar, are you going to be regularly off-roading and needing to use recovery gear, like winches, or are you more often driving around town?
If it’s the latter, a bull bar may be more of a hassle than it’s worth. This is because it adds a lot of extra weight to the front of your car, which may require further modifications to rectify balance and weight distribution issues. Regardless, you’ll see your fuel consumption go up with the increased weight on board. Similarly, the placement of your bull bar may affect your car’s cooling system by blocking off stock air intakes. Finally, your state or territory may have strict rules around car modifications, and your chosen bull bar may not be legal.
Is It Time to Add a Bull Bar to Your 4WD?
For many 4×4 owners, bull bars are essential components. Without them, off-roading trips can be more dangerous, or you may need to find different mounting points for recovery accessories.
If you feel a bull bar is right for your car, you want to invest in a quality and safe option. Luckily, there’s PX Wholesales. They have a range of dependable 4×4 bull bars and bull bar attachments to choose from, so you’re sure to find something to suit your 4WD and driving style.
