I'm in the process of building up my 2K8 Rubicon Unlimited. I decided to start with some minor mods and a lift kit (which should be here soon). After doing some extensive reading I've found the rear tail gate isn't going to handle the weight of the wheels and tires I'm planning on running (35" ProComp XterrainXT's) so I'm going to be ordering some bumpers soon.

For the rear I've pretty much decided on the Expedition One bumper which looks amazing, gets excellent reports from other forums, and has all the features I want (swings w/ the tail gate, hi-lift jack mount, simple lines).



So I'm trying to pick out a front bumper that will match it's looks, be functional, and mount a set of Lightforce Blitz lights. I've narrowed it down to 3 finalists but am always willing to entertain a fourth.


ARB JK Standard Bull Bar
Winch Mount
Light Mount
Shackle Points
No mount for factory fogs




Rock Hard Jeep JK Wrangler Full Width Front Bumper
Winch Mount
Light Mount
Shackle Points
Factory Light Mount




[img]Expedition%20One%20Trail%20Series%20Front%20Bumper[/img]
Winch Mount
Light Mount
Factory Light Mount
Shackle Mount




So which do you guys like? Any other brands you'd recommend? I'm not into the stubby look myself so a full width would work best for me.

 

ARB Deluxe or AEV

 

AEV-----------

 

It looks like you want full width. Check out MBRP. https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/sponsoring-manufacturers-vendors-check-out-cyber-monday-specials-24/mbrp-bumper-sale-%24699-00-a-88711/

 

When I was looking for a full-width I really came down to the ARB Deluxe, Expedition one and the Rampage.

I finally decided on the ARB deluxe since it was the one that perfectly matched the factory flares (from the front and the side), had the extra thick winch guard bar, and had the winch fairlead sunken into the bumper. I also liked that the d-rings hung below the bumper so no clank especially if you use the ballcock shank washer mod.

 

I love the Expedition One Trail Series bumper. I also have the Rubi skid plate and rotated my e-disco motor to tuck it up in between the frame rails. I cut my lower brace and installed the skid plate. This requires me to have a bumper that installs the winch higher up instead of tucked between the frame rails since that's where the e-disco motor is.

I love the look of Expedition One bumper and I like that you can install additional fogs/aux lighting in front of the winch.

I love the build quality and have been very happy with their customer service.

 

I vote for either the AEV Front Bumper or Schrockworks Stubby bumper. I ordered the Schrockworks stubby, but since it looks like you want a full length front bumper, the AEV looks good. Good luck with the decision. Lol it's a hard decision, took me about 3 weeks of searching and deciding which bumper I wanted to go with before I pulled the trigger and finally ordered.

 

I also have the Expedition One rear bumper/tire carrier. I voted for the ARB, which is the one I would like to get, maybe next year.

If the Expedition One front bumper wasn't so wild looking, I'd get it. I don't like the contour of the top of the bumper.

 

I also like the LOD mid-width bumper.

 

I was trying to avoid the AEV bumper as I'm already spending $1400 on my rear bumper. Another $1400 for the front would be brutal. But the AEV front, E1 rear seems to be the most common combination.