Metalcloak Frame-built bumper install on a 2020 Jeep Gladiator Rubicon (JTR)

[doc-ketamine]

(long title, to aid in search accuracy; apologies)

I had the MOPAR OEM steel bumper on my 2021 JTR, and that was fine ... but I had to buy a separate winch plate, and with that the whole setup was quite heavy. This time around I did some research. Goal was to find a mid-length steel bumper where I could use embedded fog lights, with less weight than the OEM. I think I found that w/ Metalcloak. I like their products, like the looks and customizability / plug-n-play nature of this bumper. The bumper I bought was the Metalcloack frame-built bumper w/ flare caps and the winch guard. Their base bumper has an integrated winch plate. Website says the whole thing weighs 80lb and it seems like an accurate number.

The bumper is well-constructed, w/ the base being 3/16" hot-rolled steel. I have no idea if that's good or not, but it is sturdy. I definitely don't regret the purchase. It fit my BADLANDS APEX 12000 winch with no issue.

I downloaded the PDF instructions. Unfortunately, the instructions are total shite. Sorry, @Metalcloak, I love your stuff, but the instructions are mostly useless. There is no detail as to what machine screws / bolts go where. Some of the pictures reflect bolts that are not included (you have to take a guess as to which ones to use where, in some cases). There are zero instructions for installing the skid plate - none in the packaging, none on their website, and none on their forums (they have a separate website for their instructions). I found useful YouTube video from MetalCloak for a JT install.

I did find a good, helpful video from Trails 411. This is the only way I found out I had to grind out some nutserts in order for the bumper to fit.

You can re-use the OEM fog-lights, but you need to tap the holes so you can use the provided machine screws. It's #8-32.

Some of the other surprises:

• I also had to grind down the welds on the lateral aspects of the bumper base, so it would fit between the lower arms of the frame.
• I had to muscle the skid plate into place and never could get it to sit right, so I'm fairly sure some of the bolts are cross-threaded.

TL;DR - the bumper is great but the "1-2 hours" suggested install became a 4 day event for me (working in my spare time) requiring multiple trips to the hardware store, an angle grinder, a tap and die set, etc etc. I actually recommend the bumper! But I recommend you have a lot of technical know-how to get it done.

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[Blue Ridge]

Thanks for this! Having just ordered a front and rear set, it's going to be a big help!

 

[Blue Ridge]

After a closer look and actually watching the video, this has inspired me to just bring the Jeep to the 4x4 shop when the bumpers come. Their labor rates are pretty reasonable and I think it would be easier for someone who has done this before. I take some level of pride in doing most Jeep stuff myself, but I have to recognize when something is going to be more trouble than fun.

 

[Mjolnir]

Thanks for this! Having just ordered a front and rear set, it's going to be a big help!

Rear took me less than an hour to put on. And I love it.

The only thing that took a bit was the license plate light. The connector was just stuck and a PIA.

 

[Blue Ridge]

Good to know. I may do the rear myself and bring the front bumper in, since that's the part that takes grinding and boring out holes.

 

[Mjolnir]

Good to know. I may do the rear myself and bring the front bumper in, since that's the part that takes grinding and boring out holes.

Drilling the holes was super quick honestly (when i did this on my JK). Dont know about the grinding as that was not necessary on the JK's. I have a different front on my JT but have the MC on the rear.

 

[Blue Ridge]

The video for the front pushed me over the edge. I tinker with firearms a bit, and there's no worse feeling than bringing a disassembled gun in a shoebox to a gunsmith. Except maybe pulling into the 4x4 shop in a Jeep with the front bumper in the bed. I know it could go smoothly, I just know the frustration when it doesn't.

 

[doc-ketamine]

I get your concerns. And if you have a reputable shop then by all means go with them for your peace of mind. I figured that if I royally screwed up I would just have to pay my buddies in beer to help get me out of a jam, and I really wanted to learn more and become more capable at working on a rig … I was willing to assume the risk.

Top-notch build quality though.

 

[Blue Ridge]

Excited to get them. I was quoted 2-4 weeks. I picked no fairlead, because I haven't decided on a winch, and I figured most of them come with one.

 

[MOJAVEC22]

Still loving it? I just hit a car last night when they ran a red light and it’s time to pull the trigger on this bumper. Had my eye on it for a couple years now. Unless there’s something similar that might be better for whatever reason.

 

[doc-ketamine]

Sold that JT in 2023. Loved the bumper tho

 

[Pickles85]

I just installed this bumper last weekend totally agree with your assessment of the instructions. Had to contact them to get an actual picture of how the skid plate lined up. Still can't figure out why they send rivnuts with the skid plate when you don't need them.

 

[SanDiegoTim]

Can you get by with the stock Rubicon skid plate (w/mods?) or do you need the Metalcloak skid?

 

[doc-ketamine]

Can you get by with the stock Rubicon skid plate (w/mods?) or do you need the Metalcloak skid?

I’m pretty sure you can’t use the stock skid plate. I used the Metalcloak skid.

 

[SanDiegoTim]

thanks, doc - I actually spoke with Metalcloak this morning to check on my order and they told me the MC skid plate provides better protection overall and, on the JTR, protects the swaybar disconnect, etc better than Rubicon skid plate. I had already ordered the MC skid with my new MC FrameBuilt bumper, but got to thinking more about what I already have, etc. Looking forward to replacing that plastic front bumper!

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