Knock off Rubicon metal bumper?

[StingyJT]

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.

Where was the bumper made? I purchased the OEM steel, and it was made in USA. That may help determine if they are made in same factory.

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[Empty Pockets]

The knock-offs are from China. I had a rough go at first but I’m totally satisfied now. A couple of notes for others considering this bumper.

I swapped my black hooks out for the red ones. I felt that the factory hooks were better quality and tow hooks is not somewhere I want to compromise on.

I did not use the red plates for the shackles. To me they looked like a poor design that could grab on things in your path. If you need to double line, especially if you are in mud, you’ll likely use the tow hooks up top anyway.

The flag nuts that were asked about are for the winch mount. On each side there is a bolt location that needs the handle so that you can insert it up into the frame where you can’t otherwise reach. Nice idea.

Yes, you must pull the wiring harness from the plastic bumper. There is no provision for securing it behind the bumper. What I did is pick up some of the little light weight “figure 8” shaped chain connectors at Lowe’s in the hardware and fasteners department. I secured 1 end under the washer and nut for any of the many screws in the bumper and used the other as a point to zip tie the wire to. Here is a photo.

Hope this helps.....

 

[trust]

Thanks, all, Im about ready to say screw it and just stay plastic, easier to explain to the reichsmarschall that way anyway

 

[StingyJT]

The knock-offs are from China. I had a rough go at first but I’m totally satisfied now. A couple of notes for others considering this bumper.

I swapped my black hooks out for the red ones. I felt that the factory hooks were better quality and tow hooks is not somewhere I want to compromise on.

I did not use the red plates for the shackles. To me they looked like a poor design that could grab on things in your path. If you need to double line, especially if you are in mud, you’ll likely use the tow hooks up top anyway.

The flag nuts that were asked about are for the winch mount. On each side there is a bolt location that needs the handle so that you can insert it up into the frame where you can’t otherwise reach. Nice idea.

Yes, you must pull the wiring harness from the plastic bumper. There is no provision for securing it behind the bumper. What I did is pick up some of the little light weight “figure 8” shaped chain connectors at Lowe’s in the hardware and fasteners department. I secured 1 end under the washer and nut for any of the many screws in the bumper and used the other as a point to zip tie the wire to. Here is a photo.

Hope this helps.....

Thanks. So that kills the theory that people say they’re made In the same factory. I ordered mine from BAM, but you’re still getting the knockoff for half (not to mention the winch plate is included - had to get mine from Rustys). Curious if the Mopar Steel Bumper skid mounts up to knockoff.

 

[Moonshineheadache]

I retrofit the 10A JK copy bumper on mine and found a guy selling Arcus hooks for $60 that I swapped on instead. Some quality short socket head fasteners from McMaster Carr, a heavy coating of PlastiDip and some tinkering to mount my factory LED's and I was in business. My wife especially likes the Rhino USA white "earrings" I added.

 

[microboby]

I have it and looks pretty good , bolted right on to the factory Rubicon skid plate from my plastic bumper . Kept it stubby mode with winch plate installed but now winch . The back side of the bumper is a little to exposed to the elements so something to keep in mind . Paid like $460 from amazon

 

[Jpeazy21]

I have it and looks pretty good , bolted right on to the factory Rubicon skid plate from my plastic bumper . Kept it stubby mode with winch plate installed but now winch . The back side of the bumper is a little to exposed to the elements so something to keep in mind . Paid like $460 from amazon

Link?

 

[MarkrR6754]

Link?

I believe this is his $450 bumper from Amazon. Looks exactly like it.
AmazonSmile: Steel Front Bumper With Fog Light For 2018 2019 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon: Automotive

 

[microboby]

I believe this is his $450 bumper from Amazon. Looks exactly like it.
AmazonSmile: Steel Front Bumper With Fog Light For 2018 2019 2020 Jeep Wrangler JL Rubicon: Automotive

This is the correct link I purchased . It’s a 114 lbs box and took about 10 days to arrive . Let me know if you have questions or need any extra pictures if it

 

[brianinca]

It does.

Thanks. So that kills the theory that people say they’re made In the same factory. I ordered mine from BAM, but you’re still getting the knockoff for half (not to mention the winch plate is included - had to get mine from Rustys). Curious if the Mopar Steel Bumper skid mounts up to knockoff.

 

[BamaJeepTruck]

what brackets would I need to install the steel skid plate after I put this bumper on my Sport S? Thanks

 

[ShadowsPapa]

what brackets would I need to install the steel skid plate after I put this bumper on my Sport S? Thanks

There are two steel skid plates used. One that was used with the Rubicon "plastic" bumper - it does not attach to the bumper, and the other one was used with the Rubicon steel bumper and DOES screw to the bumper bottom edge.

I used the latter and ordered the bracket and screw and nut kit from justjeeps or whatever the site is called.
This is what you need for the steel skid plate that screws to the bumper -
https://www.justforjeeps.com/jl-jt-...FutgGK1lDxbkU-9BiVtSRsDNNcpn5rgQaAjbdEALw_wcB

For the skid plate that does not attach to the steel bumper, you also need the front brackets. I don't find my records on the front brackets.

 

[BamaJeepTruck]

There are two steel skid plates used. One that was used with the Rubicon "plastic" bumper - it does not attach to the bumper, and the other one was used with the Rubicon steel bumper and DOES screw to the bumper bottom edge.

I used the latter and ordered the bracket and screw and nut kit from justjeeps or whatever the site is called.
This is what you need for the steel skid plate that screws to the bumper -
https://www.justforjeeps.com/jl-jt-...FutgGK1lDxbkU-9BiVtSRsDNNcpn5rgQaAjbdEALw_wcB

For the skid plate that does not attach to the steel bumper, you also need the front brackets. I don't find my records on the front brackets.

Thanks! Exactly what I needed to know.

 

[Phishs]

Can you install the bumper without the winch plate?

 

[brianinca]

Yes, the winch plate doesn't fill any structural role in the bumper. Just like the OEM steel bumper.

Can you install the bumper without the winch plate?

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