What's Behind the Plastic?

[wayoflife]

Have any of you seen what the front end of the JK looks like behind the bumper or without one on? Well, let me tell you, I have and now know why the new JK's come with the big funky plastic air-dam underneath. Unlike the TJ, which has a the front cross member tube spanning the front frame rails, the JK's frame rail simply protrude independantly with what looks like rows of crumple zone dimples in them. Underneath each frame rail are brackets with a bar connecting them together, kinda like a chin and that's what all the plastic is hiding. Needless to say, it'll be interesting to see how the aftermarket bumper manufacturers are going to deal with this. I suppose they will either have to hide it with a big ass bumper or just leave the ugly thing hanging down there. I guess time will tell :)

[wayoflife]

Okay, for those of you who are interested, here's a spy shot I was able to find of the front end.

http://www.jk-forum.com/uploaded/jk-front-frame-01.jpg

See what I'm talking about?

[jbjarko]

Holy ugly.

[TJ Frank]

Have you seen the article in the 4 Wheels Drive and Sport Utility mag ?

There's a couple a good pics and they install aftermarket bumpers also

[wayoflife]

Have you seen the article in the 4 Wheels Drive and Sport Utility mag ?

There's a couple a good pics and they install aftermarket bumpers also
Actually, I haven't. Which issue is this? If it's still on the stand, I may have to pick one up :)

[sympleman]

Hmm, It kinda looks like it would be easier to recess an 8274 in the bumper at least. But, you are right, it will have to take some creative engineering to make it look good.

[wayoflife]

Hmm, It kinda looks like it would be easier to recess an 8264 in the bumper at least. But, you are right, it will have to take some creative engineering to make it look good.
Yeah, that's a good point, or any winch for that matter. At least you'd be able to keep more of your grill open up anyway and that's always a good thing :yup:

[TJ Frank]

Actually, I haven't. Which issue is this? If it's still on the stand, I may have to pick one up :)

I'll check tonight. You should have an answer back by tomorrow. My home computer just died this monday :sad: but the mad scientist (me) is working on it :yup:

[TJ Frank]

Yeah, that's a good point, or any winch for that matter. At least you'd be able to keep more of your grill open up anyway and that's always a good thing :yup:

Ha that is what the did in the mag ... i'll try to get something for you folks :)

[wayoflife]

Bummer about your computer. If you get it working again and if you've got a scanner, please do post some pics :)

[TJ Frank]

Bummer about your computer. If you get it working again and if you've got a scanner, please do post some pics :)


The power supply was dead :embarrased:

Ok the article is in the October issue of 4 Wheel Drive & Sport Utility Magazine.

Here's a sneak peak. If there's any legal issue, just wipe the pics :D

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/TJFrank/JK/Bumper1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v626/TJFrank/JK/Bumper2.jpg

[wayoflife]

:thinking: ah ha, very cool. Would you happen to know the make of that bumper? And what's with the funky bumperettes? Are they steel or rubber?

Glad to hear your comp problem was just a power supply and that you were able to fix it :)

[TJ Frank]

:thinking: ah ha, very cool. Would you happen to know the make of that bumper? And what's with the funky bumperettes? Are they steel or rubber?

Glad to hear your comp problem was just a power supply and that you were able to fix it :)


I have sent you a PM here last night and en e-mail at eddie@4x4xplor, did you get it :confused:

[wayoflife]

Hmmm, I didn't receive your email for some reason but I just checked and apparently I did get the PM. I just forgot to set my account to receive an email notification when I get one :naw:

Anyway, thank you for the scans, I have included them in a new post under the Modified JK (http://www.jk-forum.com/showthread.php?t=24) board.

Thanks :)

[luna95]

so does this front end setup preclude installing a tubular steel bumper?

[wayoflife]

so does this front end setup preclude installing a tubular steel bumper?
Tube bumpers were the thing back in the 80's but have since been rendered obsolete by off-roading standards. Now a days, bumpers are designed with approach and departure angles in mind as well as durability to taking hard hits on the trail. Most bumpers today are also desigend with recover points in mind, winch mounts and points to install additional lights. None of these functional features are available on tubular bumpers and thus, many people buy them just for "looks" only.

Hope that helps you out :)

[DREDnot]

It seems alot of features on the JK that TJ guys are picking on are really well thought out attempts to address some past shortcomings that were modded by owners. In this case, you get to mount your winch better and get some decent protection for the steering box, tie rod, and radiator. All you need is a cool looking skid plate(a la landrover) that goes from the bumper to the "chin" bar

[wayoflife]

Sorry, but from all the people I've talked to working on aftermarket front bumpers (since originally posting this thread), that "chin" won't be doing a whole lot of anything except buckle on the first large rock it kisses. Most of the front end design apparently was modified to accomodate European pedestrian crash standards. Also, please don't misunderstand, I love the JK and it isn't so much that guys like me are "picking" on the JK but rather, we're starting to look at it for what it someday can be... modified, built up and ready for the rocks. :)

[DREDnot]

Something like this will stiffen it up and make it work for us.

http://img45.imageshack.us/img45/9774/garyextreme2cq0.jpg

[wayoflife]

Yeah, that just might do the trick :)