Bumper options and advice

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!

 

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 ......

 

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. ^_^

 

I think that is pretty expensive for a stubby.
The stubby on my jk was only maybe $400

 

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.

 

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

 

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.

 

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.


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.

 

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!

 

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.

 

Best I have right now. Here is the evo mfg stubby w/ stinger, winch fog/dust lights and d ring mounts.

Here a link to the bumper. The stinger is another $150-200 or something like that. Very minimalist stubby bumper.
https://www.northridge4x4.com/part/...ufacturing-quarter-pounder-front-bumper-black

 

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.

 

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.

 

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.

 

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. .

 

I do enjoy the look of them! Unique may as well be my middle name. Haha.

And yes. Bitten.

 

My interpretation of the description for rear Westin bumper tells me its compatible with JKs with no factory hitch. Call to confirm

 

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

 

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.