View Poll Results: Which Bumper Would You Use?
ARB Delux
62
50.82%
Expedition One
48
39.34%
Other Full Width - Please Specify
12
9.84%
Voters: 122. You may not vote on this poll
ARB vs Expedition One Front Bumper
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Apr 2008
Posts: 266
Likes: 0
From: Amarillo, Tx
Isnt the Ex1 a thicker metal?
I thought I read somewhere that the ARB is a stamped metal that is 1/8". which would mean it isnt as thick and stout as others. I know it may seem stout when you kick it, but will that hold up the the weight of the Jeep on a rock?
Ex1 is a nice stout 3/16" thick. I have slammed my rear bumper a few times and the rock came out with all the damage, nothing on the bumper.
That was one of the reasons I went with EX1.
I thought I read somewhere that the ARB is a stamped metal that is 1/8". which would mean it isnt as thick and stout as others. I know it may seem stout when you kick it, but will that hold up the the weight of the Jeep on a rock?
Ex1 is a nice stout 3/16" thick. I have slammed my rear bumper a few times and the rock came out with all the damage, nothing on the bumper.
That was one of the reasons I went with EX1.
Well it looks like you’ve already made up your mind to go with the ARB but since you asked I’m going to add my opinion anyway.
I think the Expedition One bumper (with their skid plate) is a stronger bumper; gives better ground clearance and adds strength to the front of the frame as well by replacing the flimsy front cross member with a much stronger piece.
As far as looks go the ARB looks like it was developed for another model and adapted to the JK as an afterthought; why else would those ugly rectangular signal light be there?
Overall, if someone had to give me a good solid tug from the front to get me unstuck I’d feel better about the E1. Just my 2 cents; like I said it looks like you’ve made up your mind already anyway. Enjoy you ARB; I’ll be asking you about it when you get it to see how it compares to the E1 rear.
I think the Expedition One bumper (with their skid plate) is a stronger bumper; gives better ground clearance and adds strength to the front of the frame as well by replacing the flimsy front cross member with a much stronger piece.
As far as looks go the ARB looks like it was developed for another model and adapted to the JK as an afterthought; why else would those ugly rectangular signal light be there?
Overall, if someone had to give me a good solid tug from the front to get me unstuck I’d feel better about the E1. Just my 2 cents; like I said it looks like you’ve made up your mind already anyway. Enjoy you ARB; I’ll be asking you about it when you get it to see how it compares to the E1 rear.
This was my reasoning, Thicker stronger metal means a stronger bumper.
I am very pleased with both of my bumpers from EX1. No problems at all and have performed great Off road.
Clearance is a good thing also, EX1 can clear 37's with 4" lift.
I was happy to pay for a bumper that has the requirements I wanted.
DOnt know where you can hook up to the ARB to pull/get pulled out of a sticky situation.
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 6
From: St. Louis, MO
This was my reasoning, Thicker stronger metal means a stronger bumper.
I am very pleased with both of my bumpers from EX1. No problems at all and have performed great Off road.
Clearance is a good thing also, EX1 can clear 37's with 4" lift.
I was happy to pay for a bumper that has the requirements I wanted.
DOnt know where you can hook up to the ARB to pull/get pulled out of a sticky situation.
I am very pleased with both of my bumpers from EX1. No problems at all and have performed great Off road.
Clearance is a good thing also, EX1 can clear 37's with 4" lift.
I was happy to pay for a bumper that has the requirements I wanted.
DOnt know where you can hook up to the ARB to pull/get pulled out of a sticky situation.
JK Newbie
Joined: Jun 2009
Posts: 82
Likes: 0
From: Batesville, AR
Just installed my new Expedition One trail series front with Rubicon skid plate last night. The quality is excellent and it looks great! They have changed their packaging material to the blown in molded foam for great protection during shipping.
I don't think it's fair to make everyone think they have any more quality issues than anyone else based on two or three people's experience. Typically, when someone has no issues with a product they don't get on a forum to say so.
If you have a problem you either post because you are mad at your bad luck or are searching for answers to remedy the situation. I've had a great experience with the company and have been accommodated and hope others will give them a chance and should see that their bumpers are worthy to go on tanks!
I don't think it's fair to make everyone think they have any more quality issues than anyone else based on two or three people's experience. Typically, when someone has no issues with a product they don't get on a forum to say so.
If you have a problem you either post because you are mad at your bad luck or are searching for answers to remedy the situation. I've had a great experience with the company and have been accommodated and hope others will give them a chance and should see that their bumpers are worthy to go on tanks!
Last edited by Dr_Audio; Sep 5, 2009 at 06:10 AM.
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 85
Likes: 0
From: Hendersonville NC
I just ordered the front/rear front bumpers from Exp one. I say I've done tons of research and I like the way they have built what they have more than others. So I'd say get the front to match the rear. Cause it will look the best 
JK Enthusiast
Joined: Jan 2007
Posts: 139
Likes: 0
From: New England
I just ordered the ARB front bumper from Dave at Northridge 4x4 and got the second-to-last one: thanks Dave!
I did a LOT of research before deciding on the ARB. While there are many good looking and strong bumpers available for the JK, the ARB took the prize for me. Reasons? (1) it is full length and engineered to be air bag compatible, which is important to me for the 85% on road driving I do with idiots on the road; (2) it is engineered for the stresses of winching and recovery (see their website for information about their design, engineering, testing, etc); (3) it is strong: one solid piece of metal bent five times, with internal support brackets for the wings; (4) it is light, comparatively, at 89 lbs; (5) it has cutouts for the factory fog lights; (6) it has two shackle mounts below the front of the bumper; (7) it has two highlift jack slots, which no other bumper I considered, (LOD, OR-FAB, Expedition 1, Schrockworks, AEV, or Smittybuilt), have; (8) it has light tabs that can be added or removed; and (9) stylistically it best compliments the lines of the JK and therefore is the best looking: IMHO.
I did a LOT of research before deciding on the ARB. While there are many good looking and strong bumpers available for the JK, the ARB took the prize for me. Reasons? (1) it is full length and engineered to be air bag compatible, which is important to me for the 85% on road driving I do with idiots on the road; (2) it is engineered for the stresses of winching and recovery (see their website for information about their design, engineering, testing, etc); (3) it is strong: one solid piece of metal bent five times, with internal support brackets for the wings; (4) it is light, comparatively, at 89 lbs; (5) it has cutouts for the factory fog lights; (6) it has two shackle mounts below the front of the bumper; (7) it has two highlift jack slots, which no other bumper I considered, (LOD, OR-FAB, Expedition 1, Schrockworks, AEV, or Smittybuilt), have; (8) it has light tabs that can be added or removed; and (9) stylistically it best compliments the lines of the JK and therefore is the best looking: IMHO.
Thread Starter
JK Super Freak
Joined: Nov 2008
Posts: 1,680
Likes: 6
From: St. Louis, MO
I just bought a Hi-Lift jack over the weekend. Now I'm trying to figure out how it mounts to the front hoop. I've seen numerous pictures of it on this and other sites and figured it was just a parts kit from ARB but can find no mention on thier site.
Any ideas?
Any ideas?
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 31
Likes: 0
From: Tucson, Az
Fab Fours Front Winch Bumper in Textured Black Powder Coat Finish for 07-09 Jeep® Wrangler & Wrangler Unlimited JK
A stylish, high clearance winch bumper with integrated D-Ring mounts and lights. Design is focused on it's strength and rock-clearing abilities... more
$1529.99
A stylish, high clearance winch bumper with integrated D-Ring mounts and lights. Design is focused on it's strength and rock-clearing abilities... more
$1529.99
