Yet Another Bumper Conundrum

[Moonshineheadache]

I would apologize for asking yet another "same ole question",...but hey we're Jeep owners and that's what we do!

Months ago I jumped on the cheap train and got a 10th Anniversary JK front bumper from Amazon. I made no excuses for my behavior - I thought the extra time and prep was worth the cost savings, but I've come to see the error of my ways. This thing is a piece of crap and belongs in a landfill.

I've got one shot to replace it and make my once trouble free Jeep life a happy place. So here is my criteria:

1) Stubby to mid-width
2) Clean, simple and a bit old school (the likes of the Smittybuilt XRC's, Rugged Ridge Stubby HD, Poison Spyder Crawler or Bruizer)
3) Reasonable price - would prefer something $500-700 if possible.
4) I've not decided if I'm getting a winch yet, but if I go that route, I like those that sit within the frame rails rather than on top blocking the grill.
5) Will accept my factory LED fogs would be nice
6) Durable finish that won't rust in 6 months (like the previously POS)

I feel like I've paged through 100's of pages of options on Quadratec, Morris, etc and I'm seeing spots!

Any slam dunk options out there? Anyone want to share what you've found and love?

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[JT Thomas]

Which bumper did you get from Amazon so I know to stay away from it.

 

[kevman65]

Stubby, winch within frame rails, factory fog lights.

That's a tall order and if you get it you will find it a pain in the ass to mount either the winch or the fogs, whichever you install last.

On a stubby, the bumper is barely wider than frame rail horns. Thus you have room for a winch between the rails. Now they have to figure out where to put fog cutouts. They're going to crowd the winch area, no other choice.

Yes they are out there. Yes it takes an ambidextrous preteen with tiny hands to work on it.

 

[Moonshineheadache]

Here is the POS I purchased. I really like the idea of near stock look, but preferred the earlier design over the current for the reason Kevman mentioned...slightly bulkier profile with a bit more room to work than the newer streamlined styling.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B...arch_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1#customerReviews

 

[kevman65]

I'm running this, https://www.rockhard4x4.com/product_p/rh-90212.htm

Plenty of room to get to fogs, winch mount was still a PITA because the bottom of the bumper curls back to act like a skid plate.

 

[Benbean66]

I'm eyeballing this one in the recessed winch version. I like the modular design being able to make it a mid-width or full width.
https://www.quadratec.com/p/hyline-...3iDDIZrIkkhlkERo1Woa3HJ_2TpC1QWcaAiWDEALw_wcB

 

[GRAN1TE JT]

I’m running the Cavfab Vantage stubby bumper and I love it. Great price, (~$400 I believe?) Great quality, and really clean looking. I know you mentioned you don’t want a top mounted winch so that’s the only problem. This bumper has mounts for the factory rubicon fogs so you shouldn’t have a problem. Only thing is you’d have to paint it or get it powdercoated. I attached a pic since it isn’t really popular and I don’t see many pics online
https://www.cavfab.com/CavFab-JL-JT-Vantage-Front-Bumper_p_318.html

 

[Rozik169]

I got the rugged ridge hd stubby no issues so far but I do keep mine in a garage

 

[Tstrausburg]

I've always like the ARB Stubby. My brother has had one on his JK for a few years and it has stood up to North East Winters and salted roads. Their quality is top notch and it definitely looks "old school tough". You'd lose your fogs though. If my brother didn't already have it, I would buy it. Some other members on this forum have it installed on their Gladiators. Here is a link: https://www.jeepgladiatorforum.com/forum/threads/arb-stubby-bumper.36487/
It is also the bumper that Shawn from "The Story Till Now" Youtube channel has on his Gladiator if you want some more views and angles. Since I don't want to copy my brother's look, I am thinking about Metalcloaks or EVO's Quarter Pounder.. Good luck with your search!

 

[PunknJLBlackJT]

Just finished installing the quadratec QRC bumper on mine this afternoon. The only issue I have with it is how far they put the mounting holes for the winch. It smashes the cables into the grill.

 

[kevman65]

Just finished installing the quadratec QRC bumper on mine this afternoon. The only issue I have with it is how far they put the mounting holes for the winch. It smashes the cables into the grill.

Relocate the hot lead out the same side as the other leads instead of out the back.

 

[Boostnu]

Rugged ridge arcus

 

[Haywire]

agree on RR Arcus. clean oem-ish look, beefy winch plate, fairly light, easy install. Northridge got one to me in under a week.

 

[Moonshineheadache]

After much debate and many sleepless nights, I pulled the trigger on the Barnes 4x4 Pritchett Canyon.

Thanks to JK Gear for the good review/install video...you convinced me!

Not my ride (courtesy of JK Gear), but a good pic.

 

[j.o.y.ride]

You wont find many (any?) stubby that have the winch sit inside the rails AND also have room for factory fogs. Usually end up with some fog pods attached to the top.

Also, IMO, get raw steel if you have any plans to use it for what it's built for. It will get scraped up and paint, esp rattle can, is super cheap and easy to fix.

Motobilt is straightforward, no bs, solid steel from 'murrica. $650 or so with the bull bar.

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