BUMP’N’ GRIND

WE START THE TRANSFORMATION OF OUR 2022 ISUZU MU-X BY FITTING A PREDATOR BAR FROM OFFROAD ANIMAL

- MATT RAUDONIKIS

WHEN we started planning the build of our Isuzu MU-X LS-M, we wanted something a bit different for the front end when compared to what we put on our most recent build – the Isuzu D-MAX. While the D-MAX wore a full-size bullbar and winch package from Ironman 4x4, we knew we needed to watch the weight on the MU-X to keep it within GVM; so we went looking for a metal replacement front bumper, not a bullbar.

Enter the guys from Offroad Animal; a Melbourne company that designs and engineers its 4x4 accessories at its Mornington Peninsula facility and then has the finished products manufactured overseas. We’ve known these guys for years, always liked what they do and were only too happy to fit one of its Predator bumpers to our MU-X.

Why replace a bumper with something that doesn’t offer the protection of a bullbar? As I said, weight was an issue here, but replacing the standard plastic bumper with a metal one not only gives you a stronger bumper bar, but clever design also improves the approach angle of the Isuzu with the new bumper. The Predator bar has mounting holes for auxiliary lighting and aerials when required, and it is also made to mount a 12-volt winch and most low-mount winch units will fit inside the bar.

The kit for the Predator bar even comes with a flip-up number plate mount to make access to any winch easier when using it.