Deer played tag with me today...

[GWolgamott]

So deer played tag with me on highway this morning. Took my fender with it. I feel like I need a mad max bumper now. But it bent corner of the steel under my cheap plastic stock bumper. Bounced off side but didn't hurt any of the doors or other parts. Sounds like an excuse to swap in new bumper after getting it back from body shop. Any one have recommendations for a mostly stock gladiator? I think still want a full width one since well deer.

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[Zero_Accel]

Well that depends on what your budget is, how much do you want to spend?

You can't really go wrong with the optional steel Mopar 3 piece steel bumper. Bonus is the wings come off for wheeling, and can go back on for your stray deer on the highway. Plus, they're very customizable. Easily the most popular option, tons of pictures. And they're occasionally listed on the members for sale section.

Mopar also has an alternative front bumper, pretty rare option.

As for aftermarket recommendations, ARB makes some high quality stuff and has a full width bumper that almost looks factory.

AEV is also becoming an available option on the 2024+ models, so that's another "factory" look to go with.

 

[cranbiz]

I assume the insurance is paying the bill. If you want to keep the stock appearance, go with the Mopar steel bumper. If you don't mind painting one first, the knockoff steel bumper s also decent and much less expensive.

 

[GWolgamott]

I do like the modular design, does anyone make that setup as a knock off of Mopar? I can budget for the Mopar just if others out there. I guess should say ive looked just wanted to see what other people were using ad well.

 

[Lunentucker]

Several here have purchased a cheaper Chinese IP Theft version of the Mopar steel front bumper from Ebay.

 

[cranbiz]

I do like the modular design, does anyone make that setup as a knock off of Mopar? I can budget for the Mopar just if others out there. I guess should say ive looked just wanted to see what other people were using ad well.

It's a direct copy so, yes, it can be installed without the ends. A Plus is it usually has the winch plate built into it. Mine came with the short bull bar too. It came in at less than $500.

 

[cranbiz]

What was the estimate to fix it? My son played chicken with a deer a week ago with the WK2. Initial estimate was about $2500 but I expect a supplimental being submitted.

 

[GWolgamott]

I'll have to check thar out thanks.

 

[GWolgamott]

What was the estimate to fix it? My son played chicken with a deer a week ago with the WK2. Initial estimate was about $2500 but I expect a supplimental being submitted.

It's covered under my comp insurance so $100 deductible. Wife got an education insurance year back, so it's pretty reasonable for me to have good comp insurance here.

So figured try see what I can have them do for different bumper. If not I sell the new one they put on cheap. Figure even if can't get insurance to let me, a fresh install bumper would be easy to remove. So optimal time either way.

 

[Jefe1018]

I don't think there is a prettier full width bumper than the stock steel one. I'd probably go with one of the eBay knockoffs then have a local shop strip and recoat it, probably in the ball park of $1,000 all said and done.

Most decent looking and quality bumpers are probably in that ball park. I like that Rugged Ridge Venator:

https://ruggedridge.com/p/rugged-ridge-venator-front-bumper/v/jeep/gladiator/

 

[Carrotzilla]

It's a direct copy so, yes, it can be installed without the ends. A Plus is it usually has the winch plate built into it. Mine came with the short bull bar too. It came in at less than $500.

Shipping?

 

[cranbiz]

Shipping?

Bought it on Amazon. Free shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09R1ZMHY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[GWolgamott]

Anyone try putting aftermarket fenders that have plug and play lights with them for a sport model with Halogen that is? Crap is back ordered due to strike, so looking to see if I can have them try putting on aftermarket stuff for me. I was just going to take the oem stuff off (The plastic bumper and was thinking maybe the fender before.). Maybe sell them cheap afterwards, but was going to wait until spring to do so. Now since I have a long long wait until they even get oem parts. Want to try to find aftermarket for both and see about having them put those on and just pay the difference. Got cleared from insurance to do so of course already. But not sure what fender options are out there that will actually not require me taking it to jeep dealer afterwards to flash the turn signal lights.

 

[smlobx]

Bought it on Amazon. Free shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09R1ZMHY8/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o03_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

What’s your opinion of this bumper? The reviews aren’t great.
Thanks.

 

[GWolgamott]

What’s your opinion of this bumper? The reviews aren’t great.
Thanks.

Was wondering that myself...if liked it or not. I still plan on replacing my bumper regardless.

Anyone try putting aftermarket fenders that have plug and play lights with them for a sport model with Halogen that is? Crap is back ordered due to strike, so looking to see if I can have them try putting on aftermarket stuff for me. I was just going to take the oem stuff off (The plastic bumper and was thinking maybe the fender before.). Maybe sell them cheap afterwards, but was going to wait until spring to do so. Now since I have a long long wait until they even get oem parts. Want to try to find aftermarket for both and see about having them put those on and just pay the difference. Got cleared from insurance to do so of course already. But not sure what fender options are out there that will actually not require me taking it to jeep dealer afterwards to flash the turn signal lights.

Also the body shop was willing to work with me, but they were about to call me back their supplier found parts and were on a truck. So few days not few weeks they'll have the parts. I told them that's fine then, give me time to figure out what I want to do then.

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