Knock off Rubicon metal bumper?

[ShadowsPapa]

Thanks, ShadowsPapa. When you posted your photo of the winch plate bracket I realized that I needed to remove the thin metal crosspiece pictured here. Once that was out of the way I saw that I was bolting the bracket to the wrong hole in the frame. Out with the spacers and everything bolted up great. Before I could only use one bolt on each side to attach the plate to the bracket, now I could use 2. What a difference that made! Things are much more secure now. I’m still a little dissatisfied with the thickness of the plate, but I think it’s going to be OK.
I finished the install and it looks really good. So thanks for encouraging me.

I agree on the winch plate - but then just having one was a bonus for me, with my thinking. I knew I could pull the bumper off and replace that winch plate any time in the future when I save a few more bucks or find a good one - even a really good used one, whatever.

I'm really glad you got yours in a better place now, so to speak.

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[trust]

I finally took the plunge and ordered one that came in today, initial impressions are mixed, bumper is fine except for the extra holes hich were expected, however, mine had no fog lights at all much less the leds, I don't think there is a winch plate though it may be a piece I didn't recognize. A bunch of stuff I don't recognize and I'm not sure there is a cover for the winch hole either unless it is part of the front plate mount. I'm hoping to just return it though I gave them the option to send led fogs and ill probably use it. I don't have a winch for it now and the wife is strongly opposed to adding any function to the truck. Besides id likely use an 8274 warn I have and I'm not sure a mount for that is available. Fwiw quadratrac has hole free plastic pieces for 16 bucks per.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I used the plastic plugs fro Amazon to fill the holes in the plastic pieces as well as the steel bumper. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07SY8SR6...abc_S0K25722Z68SR0CYYSXF?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1
They really are quite acceptable.

 

[trust]

Great empty pockets, thanks for the link. I've already been contacted by the seller and he said the leds were not included but he'd send me a set if that'd be ok vice sending it back. They're about 3 weeks out though. I guess maybe I'll go ahead and keep it and have him send the leds when he can. Just wanted to let yall know he seems very stand up and responsive so far....

 

[Empty Pockets]

I also came very close to returning mine. I did not like the thickness (thinness??) of the winch plate (0.160”) and I felt the paint could be better. Mostly I was frustrated because the lack of instructions was getting the better of me. Another member was instrumental in talking me into taking a closer look. I realized after seeing his posted photos that I had installed the winch plate brackets incorrectly. I took it all down, reinstalled and I am happy with the results. I installed my M8000 Warn, bolted the bumper on and went to a close-by empty parking lot to wind the new synthetic line on under tension. After the first drum wrap I locked it into 4L and set the hand brake hard. The winch would easily pull the weight of the Jeep with all tires locked. There was no noticeable flex in the winch plate. I think I’m good to go.

I took the bumper apart and substituted my Sport s black hooks for the red ones. Also did not install the red shackle eyes underneath. I’m looking now for a good deal on a steel mopar skid plate and brackets to complete the install.
The plugs were suggested in another thread. They are really snug. I found if I removed the first ring or two of the locking material from the back of the plug, AND cut a wedge shaped piece out of the back it would go in the hole with some gentle persuasion from a rubber hammer.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions or issues. Will be glad to send photo or whatever.

 

[Alans17]

I’ve noticed surface rust on my bumper where the side pieces attach. I’ve only had it for a month or so. I think either the finish isn’t great or they were careless with assembling it (or both). It’s not enough to make me regret the purchase, but I’m not pleased. Can anyone recommend a paint to touch them up?

I haven’t attached the winch plate since I don’t yet have a winch, but it should be fine. Anyone know where to get some instructions? Thanks.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Can anyone recommend a paint to touch them up?

I’ve pretty much decided that I’ll let the finish take care of itself for now and if it looks bad come summer I’ll pull it off and spray it with bed liner.

 

[trust]

Instruction would be nice, I think I can nuke it out but I'm already stumped by the extra red pieces in one box... easier to wait for the LEDs or add them later?

 

[Empty Pockets]

I would personally wait and add them when they get in. I’ll try to remember to look at mine tomorrow and maybe snap a pic or two.

I’d also recommend installing your winch plate now to make it easier if you add a winch later.

 

[Punknhead]

I picked mine up from a guy who changed his mind so I was able to get it pretty cheap. I love it. A added the factory skid plate and painted my tow hooks. No winch yet. Prolly gonna add lights next—I like the KC’s someone has earlier in this thread. Once I find a steel rear I will be done with bumpers. This is all I will ever need.

 

[trust]

Thanks pockets. That was my thought too, besides I haven't shovelled the drive yet and its about 10 below with the wind...

Looks great punk! I'd like to do some kc 6" LEDs the bar

 

[trust]

Update: 3 weeks have turned to 4 and still no LEDFORD, I exchanged emails friday and he said his shipment was delayed hopefully to Monday. No word yet on Wednesday so ill email him again....

I've watched a couple swap videos, including the robmotive one but most appear to be swapping in real MOPAR parts. I think that once I get the plastic one off it should become clear enough for me to figure out. A couple questions, 1] did yall have to reuse the factory fog light wiring? 2] the rings in the new bumper doesn't appear to have hole alignment with more than one bumper hole, will this become more clear? 3] still not sure how the other big red pieces are installed or where, has anyone found instructions or even an exploded drawing of this thing? And 4] what are all the flag nuts for? 5] anyone find a better install video than robs?

Thanks

 

[trust]

LED foglights, not fords....

 

[brianinca]

I used the factory LED light harness pulled from the plastic bumper. I did have to zip tie the harness up, it's over-long for the job. Also had to TAPE the connection on the frame rail, that's all factory and LOOSE otherwise.

Not sure what rings you're talking about, I did have to use a deburring tool to clean up the holes on the frame rail for clearance. Harbor Freight kit, $60 and spectacularly good for the money. So weird for HF to have first rate stuff:

https://www.harborfreight.com/2-in-double-cut-genuine-solid-carbide-burrs-4-pc-56405.html

The big red pieces seem to be if you don't put the skidplate on, so I didn't use them.

Update: 3 weeks have turned to 4 and still no LEDFORD, I exchanged emails friday and he said his shipment was delayed hopefully to Monday. No word yet on Wednesday so ill email him again....

I've watched a couple swap videos, including the robmotive one but most appear to be swapping in real MOPAR parts. I think that once I get the plastic one off it should become clear enough for me to figure out. A couple questions, 1] did yall have to reuse the factory fog light wiring? 2] the rings in the new bumper doesn't appear to have hole alignment with more than one bumper hole, will this become more clear? 3] still not sure how the other big red pieces are installed or where, has anyone found instructions or even an exploded drawing of this thing? And 4] what are all the flag nuts for? 5] anyone find a better install video than robs?

Thanks

 

[trust]

Thanks Brian, looks like the big red pieces are for using shackles vice the hooks. Its moot though as y factory skid is is the way of where I think they mount, per the jl forum. I figured I'd need to reuse or make a pigtail for the fogs so thanks for confirming that.

Wish the lights would get here. I may go ahead and install without them just to clear space in my garage

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