Help Installing a Rubicon Bumper

[Balor]

I have a 2025 Willys and a new rubicon bumper so I can add a winch and I'm looking for anyone that has installed a front rubicon bumper and anything I my need to do so.

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[Bird Dog]

I replaced my plastic OEM front bumper with a steel OEM bumper on my Rubicon and it was fairly straight forward. I would recommend having a couple different lengths of socket extensions as well as a swivel adapter to help getting a couple of the harder to reach nuts on and off. I used a Grimm brand winch plate and a Smittybuilt X20 winch and everything fit nicely without any cutting or grinding of metal. I watched a YT video from Northridge (where I got the GRIMM plate) and that helped a lot.

 

[Joe_G]

I installed an eBay bumper in a couple hours, helps a lot to have an extra set of hands when you mount it. It's a straight forward job, lots of YouTube videos to help.

One thing I didn't like is that the steel bumpers are not closed off from the back like the plastic bumpers are and it looks unfinished and the wiring gets all wet and muddy. I picked up these close out panels and I'm very happy with them, come with all nuts and bolts and gaskets needed and easy to install. Looks much better and has to be better for the fog lights.

https://www.utahdesignfoundry.com/products/jl-steel-bumper-closeout-panel

 

[sparks702]

I installed an eBay bumper in a couple hours, helps a lot to have an extra set of hands when you mount it. It's a straight forward job, lots of YouTube videos to help.

One thing I didn't like is that the steel bumpers are not closed off from the back like the plastic bumpers are and it looks unfinished and the wiring gets all wet and muddy. I picked up these close out panels and I'm very happy with them, come with all nuts and bolts and gaskets needed and easy to install. Looks much better and has to be better for the fog lights.

https://www.utahdesignfoundry.com/products/jl-steel-bumper-closeout-panel

man 80 dollars ? That’s like almost half the cost of the knockoffs, surely someone has to have a 3D printed solution for that

 

[Gvsukids]

man 80 dollars ? That’s like almost half the cost of the knockoffs, surely someone has to have a 3D printed solution for that

That's been talked about.
https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...el-bumper-close-out-panels.72249/post-1179853

https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/...ut-panel-install-on-mopar-steel-bumper.69805/

 

[Joe_G]

^^ Yes they are pricey but if you run with the stubby bumper like I do, it really looks terrible with no closeouts. Looks like your Jeep is missing a part. Worth the $80 to me. I was glad someone made the kit so I didnt' have to get clever getting matching bolts and cutting and painting some sheet aluminum or steel. If you wanted to make them yourself it wouldn't be hard.

 

[wcberry]

man 80 dollars ? That’s like almost half the cost of the knockoffs, surely someone has to have a 3D printed solution for that

OK, here you go. https://www.ebay.com/itm/2774284908...temsV2SignedOut&tu=01K85MX8KTQ8FBNE1Y3ZE8D7RR

 

[Pismo61]

I replaced my plastic OEM front bumper with a steel OEM bumper on my Rubicon and it was fairly straight forward. I would recommend having a couple different lengths of socket extensions as well as a swivel adapter to help getting a couple of the harder to reach nuts on and off. I used a Grimm brand winch plate and a Smittybuilt X20 winch and everything fit nicely without any cutting or grinding of metal. I watched a YT video from Northridge (where I got the GRIMM plate) and that helped a lot.

Where did you find the rear cover plates between the grill and bumper on the right and left sides?

 

[Joe_G]

OK, here you go. https://www.ebay.com/itm/277428490804?_trkparms=amclksrc=ITM&aid=777008&algo=PERSONAL.TOPIC&ao=1&asc=20250506202230&meid=b3abe995fa244af8b8097909cca426b3&pid=102751&rk=1&rkt=10&mehot=none&itm=277428490804&pmt=0&noa=1&pg=4375194&algv=RecentlyViewedItemsV2SignedOut&tu=01K85MX8KTQ8FBNE1Y3ZE8D7RR

That's new and that's nice. Good find.

 

[D_JT]

If you are keeping your original fog lights, you will new adapter brackets for them to work in the steel bumper.

 

[Bird Dog]

Where did you find the rear cover plates between the grill and bumper on the right and left sides?

Sorry for the delayed response! Maximus-3. They were a sponsor at one time not sure they still are but they do have a website. Listed under their winch accessories.

 

[cb4017]

When I put one on my 21 Sport it seemed pretty straight forward. Between the instructions and YouTube videos I don't recall having any problems.

The new bumper did come with LED fog lights so I did have to use JScan to program the computer for them to work correctly.

 

[starrskream]

i removed a plastic bumper, and installed a mopar steel bumper and maximus triple hoop in under an hour. its 8 bolts to remove the bumper and a few more for the skid plate. 4 of those bolts can be accessed with a impact gun electric or air. the other 4 need a deep socket and rachet. the plastic bumpers skid plate will not fit without modification.
as to the winch plate and winch i have zero clue i did not install one(yet)

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