1. Welcome to Jeeps.net!

    You are currently viewing as a guest! To get full-access, you need to register for a FREE account.

    As a registered member, you’ll be able to:
    • Participate in all Jeep discussion topics
    • Transfer over your build thread from a different forum to this one
    • Communicate privately with other Jeep owners from around the world
    • Post your own photos in our Members Gallery
    • Access all special features of the site

Bumper options and advice

Discussion in 'Wrangler JK (2007-2017)' started by Aletani, Sep 7, 2017.

  1. Sep 7, 2017 at 9:14 PM
    #1
    Aletani

    Aletani [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2017
    Member:
    #1823
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Female
    Augusta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '09 JK
    JKS 2.5" Lift
    Ok. So I've been looking around at bumpers. I've found two that I really like the look of...

    Front bumper: https://www.carid.com/2009-jeep-wra...nch-black-bumper-with-end-caps-194505752.html

    Back bumper: https://www.carid.com/2009-jeep-wra...hino-rear-modular-black-bumper-153522417.html

    Questions... Is this a brand you know of and like? Are stubby bumpers a benefit or detriment overall? What are your thoughts at looking at the specs?

    Should I look at a different brand? Are there kits that come with both bumpers and all fenders and are those cost effective?

    I'm hoping to upgrade my bumpers and fenders sometime soon as I can't even stand on my back bumper without it warping and I'm a buck ten...

    Thank you guys for being so wonderful and helping accelerate my education on all things JEEP!
     
  2. Sep 7, 2017 at 9:36 PM
    #2
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2016
    Member:
    #203
    Messages:
    4,831
    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    Lots of cool looking bumpers from all the major brands. Tough to choose because some look incredible. Some jeepers like the stubby look while others want the full width protection. Jokingly you will probably climb over a Hyundai easier on the street with stubbies. Stubby bumpers definitely have an advantage off-road for obstacles or approach angles but the DMV may have an issue with them. My criteria for aftermarket awesome bumpers is price and increased weight....some are very heavy like over 100lbs ......
     
    JKBob 25 and Aletani[OP] like this.
  3. Sep 7, 2017 at 9:51 PM
    #3
    Aletani

    Aletani [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2017
    Member:
    #1823
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Female
    Augusta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '09 JK
    JKS 2.5" Lift
    Thx! I don't think the DMV much cares in GA... but good to know.

    I do threaten to roll over the jerks in their little 4cyls who cut me off...

    Weight doesn't seem to be listed on the two I linked... But I do love the look of them and they're modular for easy future upgrades...

    Thanks for your feedback! Sounds like Oct 7th and 8th I'll be taking Chi out to Chattanooga TN for her first off roading. Very excited. ^_^
     
    JKBob 25 and Rc Jeep like this.
  4. Sep 8, 2017 at 6:52 AM
    #4
    Rc Jeep

    Rc Jeep Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
    Member:
    #190
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Vehicle:
    '16 Rubicon
    Evo mfg front coil overs Evo mfg rear coil overs Jks drag link flip Je reel 1310 front & rear driveshafts 37" Nitto trail grapplers 17x9 atx slabs Evo mfg quarter pounder w/stinger Evo mfg rear fascia w/ d ring mounts
    I think that is pretty expensive for a stubby.
    The stubby on my jk was only maybe $400
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  5. Sep 8, 2017 at 7:11 AM
    #5
    Prerunner1982

    Prerunner1982 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 4, 2017
    Member:
    #1745
    Messages:
    1,356
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Jon
    Vehicle:
    93 XJ 2 door
    Stubby bumpers make it easier to put a tire up on an object.

    A full width bumper offers more protection, however if you plan on going with cut or flat fenders the full width bumper may not look right. That's just my opinion though, you may like the look.
     
    JKBob 25, Rc Jeep and aggrex like this.
  6. Sep 9, 2017 at 4:17 AM
    #6
    kyldrn

    kyldrn Member

    Joined:
    Feb 6, 2017
    Member:
    #931
    Messages:
    8
    Gender:
    Male
    Vehicle:
    07 Green Wrangler Sahara
    I have a hammer head bumper. $800 bumper I bought from someone for $200. It had some chipped paint but in good condition. Look around on pages and buy a used one if you want to save money. Also, depending on the wheel size you want and the type of wheeling you do will play a big factor in your bumper choice. I prefer a mid or a stubby
     
    JKBob 25, Aletani[OP] and aggrex like this.
  7. Sep 9, 2017 at 5:19 AM
    #7
    AceMan

    AceMan Active Member

    Joined:
    Nov 6, 2016
    Member:
    #462
    Messages:
    35
    Gender:
    Male
    Georgia Mountains
    Vehicle:
    2010 wrangler unlimited
    I put stubbies on my JK. Went cheap - cut off the ends of my stock bumper with a sawsall bought two stubby ends for $30 each and fitted them on. Love the look. Also added 1.25" wheel spacers to accommodate larger tires and give wider stance.
     
    JKBob 25, Aletani[OP] and aggrex like this.
  8. Sep 9, 2017 at 6:38 PM
    #8
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2017
    Member:
    #1197
    Messages:
    3,874
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Jersey Shore, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2016 JK Wrangler Sport
    Agree with several members. It's about cost and weight with me also. I think almost a grand for a 100 lb bumper. Just doesn't work for me. I did what Aceman did. I installed Verticaly Driven Subbies too. I like the look. And....what I like withow keeping the original bumper. You can still install a winch if you'd like with only adding the weight of the winch. You can also add a light bar with the stock bumper.
    20170416_152730.jpg

    The rear bumper. I'm still looking at several now. Again. Weight and cost. Between the Hi Lift jack, 25 lbs.. the spare, 65 lbs, and the hitch, 30 lbs. Not looking to add much more weight. Just a custom mid length bumper.

    Let us know what you decide Aletani.
     
    Aletani[OP] and aggrex like this.
  9. Sep 10, 2017 at 11:10 AM
    #9
    Aletani

    Aletani [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2017
    Member:
    #1823
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Female
    Augusta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '09 JK
    JKS 2.5" Lift
    Thanks guys, you've really helped, once again. So I definitely agree that weight is a high priority point. Any tips on what to look for in a bumper that will be lighter weight?

    I really don't want to keep my stock bumper, even tho yours looks great cut and capped. Mine doesn't even have the fog lights or tow hooks..... So it really needs to go.

    Was wondering about the "tubular" bumpers, seems like they would weigh less being hollow. Are they cost effective and light? I'll have to research a bit. I definitely want to find a good deal on a set or each of the bumpers, so I'll happily peruse the various groups I'm in for a good deal... Was wondering if you guys have suggestions on how to find good salvage ones in junkyards? Is that advisable? I'd obviously have to make sure they don't have stress fractures or rust, and I'd have to get it off of the junker myself... but they probably go really cheap... I would think.

    Thank you all for your input. Keep teaching me!
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  10. Sep 10, 2017 at 11:22 AM
    #10
    chris4x4

    chris4x4 With sufficient thrust, pigs fly just fine Moderator

    Joined:
    Jul 19, 2016
    Member:
    #2
    Messages:
    4,068
    Gender:
    Male
    Less metal = less weight. Might want to look into the "Tactic" that Quadratec sells. Stubby bumpers are generally lighter also (less steel).
     
    JKBob 25 and Aletani[OP] like this.
  11. Sep 10, 2017 at 11:35 AM
    #11
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2016
    Member:
    #203
    Messages:
    4,831
    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    RockHard makes some nice AL bumpers if weight is the primary criteria. Tubular bumpers are trying to make a comeback with the JK but some jeepers think the tubular style fits the older Wranglers better but that's just their opinion. Functional bumpers with built-in D-ring tabs, winch ready and fog lights make sense. So many features to choose from. Just take your time and choose what fits your style, budget and function expectations.
     
    JKBob 25 and Aletani[OP] like this.
  12. Sep 10, 2017 at 1:41 PM
    #12
    Rc Jeep

    Rc Jeep Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 8, 2016
    Member:
    #190
    Messages:
    465
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Ryan
    Vehicle:
    '16 Rubicon
    Evo mfg front coil overs Evo mfg rear coil overs Jks drag link flip Je reel 1310 front & rear driveshafts 37" Nitto trail grapplers 17x9 atx slabs Evo mfg quarter pounder w/stinger Evo mfg rear fascia w/ d ring mounts
    aggrex, JKBob 25 and Aletani[OP] like this.
  13. Sep 10, 2017 at 4:19 PM
    #13
    Aletani

    Aletani [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2017
    Member:
    #1823
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Female
    Augusta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '09 JK
    JKS 2.5" Lift
    Lmk what you guys think of these... They're inexpensive but I think they would look good and be serviceable for the easy/moderate aggression of trails we plan to do... I think if you guys feel that they are quality enough that I may invest in them in a month or two. I appreciate simplicity, so aesthetics of them are fine. But I hope they're quality...

    https://www.quadratec.com/products/12200_0001.htm
    https://www.quadratec.com/products/12200_1001.htm

    Lmk. Thx guys. You're the best.
     
  14. Sep 10, 2017 at 5:16 PM
    #14
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2016
    Member:
    #203
    Messages:
    4,831
    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    Westin rear bumper looks nice. If you choose the built in hitch it may not be tow-rated but should be good enough for the awesome rack.
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  15. Sep 10, 2017 at 5:22 PM
    #15
    Aletani

    Aletani [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2017
    Member:
    #1823
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Female
    Augusta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '09 JK
    JKS 2.5" Lift
    It looked like in the desc that the factory hitch should work... That's essentially what I put on... Hopefully they'll be compatible.

    There are two diff product links there, just one number difference in the URL. Haha.
     
    aggrex and JKBob 25 like this.
  16. Sep 10, 2017 at 6:27 PM
    #16
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2017
    Member:
    #1197
    Messages:
    3,874
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Jersey Shore, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2016 JK Wrangler Sport
    Interesting bumpers. Would definitely give your JK a unique look.

    One thing to remember Aletani. Build this Jeep with the image you have of it in mind. Take an idea from here and there. And make it yours. And have fun with it. Looks like you've been bitten. :).
     
    Aletani[OP] likes this.
  17. Sep 10, 2017 at 6:49 PM
    #17
    Aletani

    Aletani [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2017
    Member:
    #1823
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Female
    Augusta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '09 JK
    JKS 2.5" Lift
    I do enjoy the look of them! Unique may as well be my middle name. Haha.

    And yes. Bitten.
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  18. Sep 10, 2017 at 6:56 PM
    #18
    aggrex

    aggrex Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Sep 12, 2016
    Member:
    #203
    Messages:
    4,831
    DE
    Vehicle:
    Backcountry '16
    Tuffy>AEV>TTO>JW>STech>EVOcage>MagnaFlow>SpiderTrax>RockHard>TF>SpringTail>67design>Bolt>GPCA>Curt>
    My interpretation of the description for rear Westin bumper tells me its compatible with JKs with no factory hitch. Call to confirm
     
    JKBob 25 and Aletani[QUOTED][OP] like this.
  19. Sep 10, 2017 at 7:18 PM
    #19
    Aletani

    Aletani [OP] Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Aug 28, 2017
    Member:
    #1823
    Messages:
    108
    Gender:
    Female
    Augusta, GA
    Vehicle:
    '09 JK
    JKS 2.5" Lift
    I see what you mean... It has a built in hitch receiver... I do not intend to tow, so just the bike rack should be fine for it. Thx for the heads up tho. Haha
     
    JKBob 25 likes this.
  20. Sep 10, 2017 at 8:19 PM
    #20
    JKBob 25

    JKBob 25 Well-Known Member

    Joined:
    Mar 22, 2017
    Member:
    #1197
    Messages:
    3,874
    Gender:
    Male
    First Name:
    Bob
    Jersey Shore, NJ
    Vehicle:
    2016 JK Wrangler Sport
    A center tow point is good to have. You may not have any intentions of towing any one at this point. But...a solid center tow point will come in handy if needed. ....you....or them.....Its good to have. You did mention you don't have tow hooks up front. Not an issue. You still have your rear hook. Just have to hope, if you get stuck, or helping a stuck Jeeper. It is an off center pressure point. It's good to have a center pressure point. Less stress on your frame.
     
    aggrex and Aletani[OP] like this.

Products Discussed in

To Top