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EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts?

FijiKid

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Was looking at purchasing Mopar OEM stubby steel bumper, but price was stopping me from pulling the trigger. Came across this item on EBay - Significantly cheaper.

Intersted in your thoughts?
Also if anyone here has picked this up / experience (install?) experience with it?

Thanks in advance!!!

Jeep Gladiator EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts? IMG_0732
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Hootbro

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They are a mixed bag. They are not well protected under the powder coat where the OEM is usually zinc plated to resist corrosion. The fastener hardware is even less protected.

For the cost though, many still found value in them with some re-powder coating, bed liner or even painting them to match.
 

Joe_G

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I installed mine 3 weeks ago, got it for $300 shipped from eBay. Very happy with it at that price. Bull bar had a few scratches from shipping, I just touched up with some paint which is fine. At $300 I'd say you can't beat it, looks great on the Jeep vs the plastic factory bumper. It's heaver but I noticed no difference in ride height at all. Came with a stout winch mount too and the plastic air dam. I did have to buy a skid plate, didn't feel like cutting my stock Rubicon plate, but got that on eBay too for $120.
 

Joe_G

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Happen to recall which skid plate you needed to order to avoid cutting the original?
Yep. Here's the skid plate. I'd say OEM quality, it's a thick heavy piece. I bought some u-nuts and bolts from Amazon to mount it. There is a different frame mount too that you can get on ebay but I didn't bother with that, this one rests on the Rubicon front frame mounts and bolts right up to the rear frame mounts and the front of the bumper. It's strong.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/115451056718

Here is the bumper. If you buy it, ask if you can get one without sensor holes. I didn't remember and had to buy plugs. They accept offers and shipped very fast. Very happy with them.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/186014182277
 

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Thunderspud

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Great, thanks for the info. I've actually had the bumper sitting in our shop for awhile at this point. Just haven't gotten around to installing it. Mainly due to the questions surrounding needing to make cuts on our steel skid.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if there is something in the design of the knockoff bumper that necessitates the trim, or is there another skid plate option for folks that got the Mopar steel bumper straight out of the gate?

I guess I can just go crawl under there and compare ours to what's at the Ebay link as well...... just being lazy.
 

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Great, thanks for the info. I've actually had the bumper sitting in our shop for awhile at this point. Just haven't gotten around to installing it. Mainly due to the questions surrounding needing to make cuts on our steel skid.

Out of curiosity, does anyone know if there is something in the design of the knockoff bumper that necessitates the trim, or is there another skid plate option for folks that got the Mopar steel bumper straight out of the gate?

I guess I can just go crawl under there and compare ours to what's at the Ebay link as well...... just being lazy.
It's the bumper design, steel bumper lower edge goes back further than the plastic. You don't need to cut much to make plastic skid plate work but I didn't feel like doing it.
 

Thunderspud

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It's the bumper design, steel bumper lower edge goes back further than the plastic. You don't need to cut much to make plastic skid plate work but I didn't feel like doing it.
Cool. I guess what is confusing to me is that I already have a steel skid plate under there. Can't currently snap a picture because I am not near the Jeep unfortunately.
 
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FijiKid

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Thank you for replies. Very helpful!
I looked and it appears that I have a steel skid plate already there that came stock. Wonder if this means would not have to cut and would work? … Or is there there is a plastic version that is out there, that I am not aware of.
 

Thunderspud

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Thank you for replies. Very helpful!
I looked and it appears that I have a steel skid plate already there that came stock. Wonder if this means would not have to cut and would work? … Or is there there is a plastic version that is out there, that I am not aware of.
This is essentially my question as well. Worst case I will try and get over to the shop and take a better look at both the bumper and the existing steel skid on the Jeep later today.
 

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I don't go cheap on things that are load bearing. I just wouldn't trust a winch or pull from an ebay bumper. I have had some HARD pulls. I would at least buy fasteners separately. If you don't wheel, then won't matter except maybe the finish.
 
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FijiKid

FijiKid

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I installed mine 3 weeks ago, got it for $300 shipped from eBay. Very happy with it at that price. Bull bar had a few scratches from shipping, I just touched up with some paint which is fine. At $300 I'd say you can't beat it, looks great on the Jeep vs the plastic factory bumper. It's heaver but I noticed no difference in ride height at all. Came with a stout winch mount too and the plastic air dam. I did have to buy a skid plate, didn't feel like cutting my stock Rubicon plate, but got that on eBay too for $120.
Curious also, fitment ok? Easy install?
I’ve noticed that with most aftermarket items, direct bolt on rarely is… lol! Appreciate it.
 

Camaroboi13

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Most of the ebay bumpers are pretty much the same, several of us have them. My recommendation would be to strip it and powdercoat it as soon as you get it. This will save you some headaches in the long run, because the finish on these things is paper thin and they WILL rust within a year if not dealt with right away. I powdercoated mine white to match the rest of my rig, and I'm still happy with it. I must not have done as many HARD pulls as other people have, but no complaints with my winch holding up as well.
Jeep Gladiator EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts? IMG-3860
 

Joe_G

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Curious also, fitment ok? Easy install?
I’ve noticed that with most aftermarket items, direct bolt on rarely is… lol! Appreciate it.
Yes, easy install and perfect figment. There are tons of videos on YouTube on how to do it. I did it by myself. Well my son kept me company. Can’t comment on the long term durability of the finish but looks good out of the box. I’ll use bed liner if it starts to decay is my plan. It’s easy to take off if o ever have to.
 

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Well, after looking under the truck.....the steel skid I have is definitely different than what's at the Ebay link provided earlier. Here are some images......

Jeep Gladiator EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts? 20240731_161853

Jeep Gladiator EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts? 20240731_163650
Jeep Gladiator EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts? 20240731_163657
Jeep Gladiator EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts? 20240731_161911


It's steel. Just doesn't have the same mounting points as the one above. Maybe I am just misunderstanding where this other referenced skid plate attaches? A quick glance at the Mopar catalog says I have this guy. Part number 68356721AB

Jeep Gladiator EBay - Generic OEM style Stubby Bumper - Thoughts? skid
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