Here's a few pics of the KMA front bumper and skid plate.

Front View:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1621111&a=13735247&p=53936343&Sequence=0&res=high

Side View:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1621111&a=13735247&p=53936345&Sequence=0&res=high

Much better approach angle:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1621111&a=13735247&p=53936342&Sequence=0&res=high

Skid plate:
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1621111&a=13735247&p=53936351&Sequence=0&res=high

The construction of the bumper seems pretty decent. There is a couple things I would like to change. The pig gap in the center of the bumper is kinda ugly. Although it does let alot more air through, so I may just leave it alone. I want to have a small skid plate made to fit between the front skid on the bumper and the rear tranny skid. Overall I'm happy with it. :flash:

Can't see the pics... :(

The "Pig Gap" sounded intriguing too...

;)

Looking at the side view, it looks to me like there is no way that has a better approach angle than stock - except for the sides. But I personally think the ARB is the same way.

It also appears that there is no place (at this point) for a winch.

Why did he leave the big gap in the first place?

I Still can't see the pics. :(

The curse of the browser I guess.

OK - NOW I can see the pics...

A black grill insert might finish that gap off....let in all of the air...but give it a more finished look.

Was there supposed to be a Diamond Plate insert there originally, as there are to either side of it?

Have you held a board up to the front end to measure approach angle?

From here, it looks like it will be better than stock too.


That big 'ol plate on the bottom of the truck...no turn up on the edges? A head on or side on hit looks like it would transmit all of the force right at the bolts holding it...?


All in all....looks sturdy!

:D

BTW - you have a front rec hitch mount....is that where the winch will go?

There is a 2" reciever in the front that I can use for a multi-mount winch set up when I get one. I don't know why they left that big gap in it. I actually bought the bumper from a soon to be former Frontier owner. He said it took him forever to get all the the pieces to the bumper. He got the tranny skid almost a year from when he ordered it. I believe the approach angle is about the same as the ARB. It opens up the front tires more so you can get a better angle on certain obstacles.

I hope you didn't pay more than an ARB for that.

If you buy anything from KMA, plan on spending double the original cost to fix it. Or maybe the best plan is to order it un-welded and then put it together yourself.

Originally posted by Schludwiller
I hope you didn't pay more than an ARB for that.

I paid $450 for the bumper and skid plate. The guy also through in a set of quick discos for the front and an idler arm brace. It seemed like a good deal to me. Didn't have to pay for shipping. Went over to his house pulled it off and through his old bumper back on in less than 30 minutes.

It looks to me that it has a better approach angle than the ARB does, since the ARB has those support trusses that extend a good 3" below the level of the frame horns. (Where you could bolt up an ARB skidplate...)

Of course, now that my ARB is bracketed for the body lift, I don't have that problem. :)

My approach angle is as good as it's gonna get w/out going to larger tires or cutting down the frame horns.

http://www.beatdriven.com/xterra/4x4lo_mirror/rockface.jpg

BTW, Rednec--did you paint the bumper or did it come in that textured finish? I kind of like that look.

It was gloss black when the guy got it. He "textured" it himself. I believe he used the rhino liner stuff you can buy at the parts store. How is that stuff holding up on the plastic on your truck. I'm thinking about doing some of it on mine to match the bumper.

Here's a pic of the idler arm brace and disco(you can only see the front edge of the brace):
http://albums.photopoint.com/j/View?u=1621111&a=13735247&p=53936350&Sequence=0&res=high

I like the textured look too, Other's who've Rhino'd later complained that if you scuff it on rocks and dirt gets rubbed into it its impossible to get clean again....others feel that that's ok too.

All in all, sounds like you got a good deal.

:)

Im not trying to be critical here, but if you get in a wreck that thing doesnt look as if it will hold up. The bar bar running along the hood is what a half inch thick? and the two support brackets in the middle are hairline thin. And was it painted when you first got it or did they line-x it or whatever so that you wouldnt be able to truely see the welds ? Ha j/k If you are happy with it then I am happy for ya. Peace

It's... Frankenbumper! :O

Yeah...How can it ever be made sturdier than the completely bombproof stock bumper! :D

Originally posted by SSR Xterra
Im not trying to be critical here, but if you get in a wreck that thing doesnt look as if it will hold up. The bar bar running along the hood is what a half inch thick? and the two support brackets in the middle are hairline thin. And was it painted when you first got it or did they line-x it or whatever so that you wouldnt be able to truely see the welds ? Ha j/k If you are happy with it then I am happy for ya. Peace

The bumper is very sturdy. It mounts the same way as the ARB. I haven't seen an ARB upclose yet, but I think they are built very similar. The previous owner of the bumper has hit a good sized deer running 65mph and all it did was knock the bumper out of alignment. A friend of mine tack welded it in place so that it won't move. The welds can be easily ground of if the bumper needs to be removed. It was origionally painted black, but the guy added the rhino liner coating to it himself.

Well man enjoy it im glad your happy with it

Hey I'm glad you're happy. But I'll cut off my right hand before I put KMA on the same level as ARB. ;)

I just reread my above post, and I guess it sounded alittle harsh. I apoligize for that. I'm not trying to stick up for KMA in anyway. I've heard the horror stories about there products. This one must have been made by a different welder at KMA... :D. I haven't had a chance to go wheelin since I put it on. Hopefully within the next 2 weeks I'll be able to go.

Originally posted by rednec
I'm not trying to stick up for KMA in anyway. I've heard the horror stories about there products. This one must have been made by a different welder at KMA... :D.

Well perhaps they built it before they started paying their welders in moonshine (in advance). :D

The KMA bumper kind of reminds me of a Ranch Hand bumper. You see alot of Ranch Hand bumpers here in Texas on full size Fords and Chevy's. It looks pretty sturdy to me, and I like the front receiver hitch. However, I don't think it has the 'fit and finish' qualities of an ARB, TJM, or Calmini.

Does anyone have any idea how any of these bumper that we are putting on our trucks affect the air bags?

The ARB, ect... bumpers are far better finish built. I like to be different, plus I couldn't beat the price...

As far as affecting the air bag, ARB and TJM said it won't affect it in anyway. The sensor goes by force, not when it gets crushed.

There was a controversy a while back on the effect after market bumpers had on airbag deployment/crash worthiness.

It seems a rigid bumper distributes the force across the face of the rig, simulating a crash into a flat wall in effect.

The stock bumper is designed to crush incrementally to absorb the force more gradually...the aftermarket is not...it's rigid, and hard mounted to the frame w/o a crush space.

The rest of the front end of the X is designed to crush incrementally as well...the force of the impact is transmitted to all of these frontal impact crush points at the frame attachment point, and as the frame crushes, to the hood/fender/engine crumple zones...etc.

The trade off in initial shock/force absorbtion is balanced by the more even distribution.

The airbag deploys based upon G forces and angle...if you are going to absorb enough shock to need them, they'll deploy.

Your bumper on the other hand...will impart more force to the soft mounted stock bumper of the head car on you are entertaining...and IT'S stock bumper will absorb impact forces incrementally...and if your rig has more force behind it (Force =Mass X Accelleration)...your solid rigid battering ram will go through his soft stock crush/crumple zones like Grant through Richmond...

Using the other car as your crumple zone may absorb enough crash impact to prevent your airbags from deploying.

:D


Now - If you hit a really big rock instead (A one Xterra Crash)...You loose the crumple zone of the other party...and its all you. The bag's shock sensors will get a larger initial sharp impact as the hard frame mounted rigid bumper smacks the rock...sending a massive shock wave along the frame....so the bags are MORE likely to go off...and you are more likely to WANT them to go off.

I believe I saw an ad in a catalogue for "Rock Crusher Bumpers"...I'm sure that's all you need for this situation.

;)