Bumper Analysis Paralysis! HELP!

[1996XJ]

Not sure if this has been mentioned yet but IronCross and FabFours are both American made and have some entry level nice looking stuff, for the same price (like high 500 and low 600) if not a hair cheaper than the brands that have theirs made in china. As for lights im grabbing the ones that come with a way to use the factory fogs.

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[Vanishing Point]

That looks awesome, but aren’t you worried UV rays will ruin it over time?

I spray it with protectant and the rope only cost about a $1 a foot plus I think $10 on each end to put a loop in it. It's already been out there for a year and it still looks new. I figure every three years or so I'll just buy a new one. Less than $50. Which is about 1/2 a tank of gas.

 

[Challenger85]

It sticks out quite a bit. I'd say 8" at the bumper and a foot at the front of the bull bar. I'll try to find a Gladiator tomorrow and park next to it. But if length is an issue this might not be the one.

Damn! My small garage sucks ass lol. I don’t drive it all week so I like it locked up out of the elements.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Damn lol. I am wondering if maybe the stock Rubicon steel might be the easiest path. But then I have to buy the bar just to add lights and now it’s like what $1500 + lights? ? Sucks to be indecisive lol.

I have a receiver under my bumper so I can more easily maneuver and park my car hauler in the narrow spot next to my shop. Shown here with the rubber JEEP cover - this is my 2020 I traded for a 2022 recently -

I'm putting it all back onto the front of the 2022 now - what a chore. Everything wants to take the same holes in the frame. with that steel bumper and the receiver - heaven help the poor schmuck who runs into the front of this truck.

 

[MikeVeee]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...initive-front-bumper-thread.51743/post-935107

Lots of info on this same topic in a previous thread that helped me tons back when I was in the same boat deciding what bumper and winch to go with on Mojave that allowed me to keep factory skid plate & factory LED fog lights.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Totally understandable! I did wonder if I got something that was cheaper if I could just have it powder coated thicker to last longer.

If you’re going to spend the time and money to powder coat thicker, (which will just chip up from highway rock chips and grit sandblasting), have it LineX’d and be done.

 

[Challenger85]

I have a receiver under my bumper so I can more easily maneuver and park my car hauler in the narrow spot next to my shop. Shown here with the rubber JEEP cover - this is my 2020 I traded for a 2022 recently -

I'm putting it all back onto the front of the 2022 now - what a chore. Everything wants to take the same holes in the frame. with that steel bumper and the receiver - heaven help the poor schmuck who runs into the front of this truck.

Seriously lol. That would hurt.

 

[Challenger85]

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...initive-front-bumper-thread.51743/post-935107

Lots of info on this same topic in a previous thread that helped me tons back when I was in the same boat deciding what bumper and winch to go with on Mojave that allowed me to keep factory skid plate & factory LED fog lights.

I like that one too! I’m going to read that thread, thank you.

 

[Challenger85]

If you’re going to spend the time and money to powder coat thicker, (which will just chip up from highway rock chips and grit sandblasting), have it LineX’d and be done.

Hmm. True. I hate the way Line X looks but that’s way more durable for sure.

 

[Maximus Gladius]

Hmm. True. I hate the way Line X looks but that’s way more durable for sure.

It’s usually shinny when done but I had them apply a matte finish to my side bars on my previous truck (elk accident). You can see on page 1 they aren’t shinny.

 

[869 KPH]

Hey @Challenger85, I too am a frequent sufferer of analysis paralysis. It's exactly why I went with the steel bumper from the factory. I think it's perfect, coated well, and none of the unknown issues related to some of the aftermarket options - like what would happen if you hit an elk going 75 MPH?

So my two cents - if the factory steel looks ok to you, go for it. You can always convert it to a stubby and leave it that way permanently.

 

[ShadowsPapa]

Hey @Challenger85, I too am a frequent sufferer of analysis paralysis. It's exactly why I went with the steel bumper from the factory. I think it's perfect, coated well, and none of the unknown issues related to some of the aftermarket options - like what would happen if you hit an elk going 75 MPH?

So my two cents - if the factory steel looks ok to you, go for it. You can always convert it to a stubby and leave it that way permanently.

Yes, you can......

 

[Challenger85]

It’s usually shinny when done but I had them apply a matte finish to my side bars on my previous truck (elk accident). You can see on page 1 they aren’t shinny.

I didn’t even notice, that looks good!

 

[Challenger85]

Hey @Challenger85, I too am a frequent sufferer of analysis paralysis. It's exactly why I went with the steel bumper from the factory. I think it's perfect, coated well, and none of the unknown issues related to some of the aftermarket options - like what would happen if you hit an elk going 75 MPH?

So my two cents - if the factory steel looks ok to you, go for it. You can always convert it to a stubby and leave it that way permanently.

Im leaning this way some because as you said there isn’t any doubt with it. Plus you can add some accessories to it easily which is a plus. I wish I could have ordered it from the factory that way.

 

[Challenger85]

https://www.quadratec.com/p/quadratec/heavy-duty-auxiliary-light-mount-brackets-wrangler-jl

I wanted a metal bumper but now I’m a bit worried about weight and not 100% sure I ‘need’ - winch. Anyone use these? I can solve wanting lights at the very least.

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