OK
I have Steel Blue Rubicon Unlimited
I have the AEV Argent Wheels.
I have the OME 2 in Lift
I am getting the BFG KM2 or perhaps the Nitto Terra Grappler in 33's

Anyway, please be patient with my ramble and rant.
I hope you guys can help me decide what is really best for me.

I am trying to decide on a bumper and all.

I figure if I am doing the front I might as well do the back.
I also figure I might as well get a winch even though I do not anticipate much of a need for it as my Jeeps more for daily driving and going in the woods when I am hunting (not much wheeling). I think I would skip doing a rear bumper before Id skip the winch.

I really have been looking at the Shrockworks middy with a winch as I think the Anthracite bumpers and sliders would really look good with the steel blue and the AEV Argent wheels.

What do you guys think?
Would that look good?

Or should I go with something with a flat black textured look?

Any other company that makes both a front and rear you would suggest I look at? I really do not need the rear I guess... I would go with a rear if I was doing the shrocks front and sliders in the antracite but if not I guess Id be content just getting a front.

I do not want a bumper where the winch mounts on the top of the bumper.

Id like something that has built in fogs and will allow for fogs mounted on the bumper as well.

I really have been considering the AEV bumper and I am sure the stock rear would be fine. The AEV looks GREAT but WOW is it pricey, too pricey for me really...
The ARB is more reasonable but where are the shackles? Their rear is ok but again I am missing seeing the shackles? (im sure they have em I just dont know where) and I also would rather have a rear with the backup lights in it.

 

--Skip the winch or get a cheap one if you don't think you'll need it. If you only do moderate trails then you're probably safe without one.

--Unless you're one who is constantly backing into trees, it's perfectly okay to skip the rear bumper. I think the only reason to justify getting a rear bumper is if you need a swing-away tire carrier to accommodate a larger/heavier spare tire (think 35"+). Personally I would rather beat up a stock plastic bumper than an $800 aftermarket bumper.

As far as bumper recommendations go, I really like Shrockworks bumpers. I think they're the best looking bumpers on the market. However, the wait sucks -- expect to wait as long as three months for a Shrock bumper to be delivered to your doorstep.

Coming in at a close second in my book is the LoD Signature Series Stubby (don't get this bumper if you have a lisp ). I like it because it's a stubby (lightweight, better approach angle) and it incorporates the stock fog lights. If only it had tabs for aftermarket lights... Here's a pic...



If you decide you don't want a winch (and don't want to pay $109 extra for a winch cover plate for a Shrockworks bumper) then I would recommend the PureJeep stubby. It incorporates the stock fogs and can be fitted with shackle mounts (at an additional charge, of course). Here's a pic of that bumper. It's even on a Steel Blue JK.



If I were to get a full-length bumper it would definitely be the ARB. It's a great looking bumper that you can pick up for a reasonable price (unlike other comparable bumpers, cough, AEV ). The ARB's shackles are mounted down low. You can see where they mount in this picture.



Here's a bumper comparison thread if you want to look into what other companies have to offer:
https://www.jk-forum.com/forums/jk-show-tell-33/front-bumper-comparison-23194/

Good luck with your decision.

 

Being w/o a JK yet, all I have to do is debate... I can't actually pull the trigger on anything yet. Well, I could if I wanted to look at the stuff sitting in the living room for who knows how long until I actually get a JK to put it on, but you get the point.

So, here goes. All things considered, waiting time from order to delivery, looks, quality build, price, and all those things you said you want... the Bulldog Fab is the way I've decided to go when it's time to pull the trigger.

Pricing is equal to or less than bumpers of similar quality.

Lead time is next to none. Mitch has told me he can have it out in 1 day max from when I pay.

His stuff looks awesome. Top notch work there.

I haven't heard anyone complain about the build quality and from the pics I've seen, I know why.

As far as winch mounts, factory fogs, tabs for aftermarket lights, winch hoops, stinger hoops, etc., heck, Mitch has told me that he'll make whatever is wanted/needed. I think if you can think it (or better yet draw it), then he can make it.

As I said, I haven't pulled the trigger on mine yet, but at this point I can guarantee that when I do, Mitch is gonna have a busy day ahead of him! Front bumper, rear bumper, tire carrier, and sliders will all be coming from the same place.

That's my

 

I know I do not NEED a winch BUT I do not think it would hurt
having it seeing that the roads can get nasty here in Michigan in
the winter and sometimes it can get quite muddy. Odds are I wont
use it often at all but the one or two times I use it, it will be worth it
BUT I agree I do not need a Warn so I just need to look at good
lower priced reliable winches.

I really do like the ARB and think that would be my best bet.
I just wonder if their finish will match the Rock Rails I am getting
from Shrockworks (they will be angled down a little to be used as a step
without having tacky looking steps, what can I do gotta make the GF
happy and as I said I dont be doing anything super hardcore where I am
worried about them being in the way.

As stupid as it is the only real reason I wanted a new rear was for
the backup lights, anyone incorporate a back up light somehow into
the stock bumper? If not oh well I will live (I also thought the weight
would help the OME lift settle)

As for Bulldog, whats their website?

 

I say go with the Shrock.....It will look tits! Make dur you post lots of pics!

 

check out Round Star OffRoad's custom bumpers i got my front stuby winch mount from him and i am really impressed with his work. he can with or with out factory fog lights....completely custom, at a reasonable price too. here is a pic of it in primer.......
http://my.project-jk.com/showphoto.php?photo=25140


07 JK Unlimited
33x11.5x16
JKS Quicker Disconnects
Warrior Products Tube Doors
Mopar Off Road Rear Bumper
Oil Pan Tranny Skid Plate by SkidRow
Custom Front Winch Bumper by RoundStar OffRoad
Skyjacker Adjustable Rear Track Bar
Skyjacker Brake Line Extenders
Rock Krawler Adjustable Front Lower Control Arms
And Plenty of "CHARACTER" From rocks and Trees

 

Coming in at a close second in my book is the LoD Signature Series Stubby (don't get this bumper if you have a lisp ). I like it because it's a stubby (lightweight, better approach angle) and it incorporates the stock fog lights. If only it had tabs for aftermarket lights... Here's a pic...



My LoD stubby came with light tabs on the hoop!

 

the mopar bumper with fogs is on the website now with no picture and no price but there is a part number.

So maybe consider the mopar I know I will

 

I can vouch for the PureJeep winch version of the stubby as well as their rear swing arm bumpers. I've clanked both of them off rocks pretty good and not a dent to be seen.

As far as colour goes, black is nice because if you mangle the powder coating down the line you can always touch it up. I guess you could do it with other colours, but black hides it well.

 

Damn
Talked to a couple shops and guys who wheel a lot.
All said if you arent gonna use the winch a couple times a year dont
get it as they can corrode etc.

I guess I should skip on the winch...

I don't know, does ARB even make a plate to cover the winch?

I guess if I am not getting a winch I may just get a rear to balance it out.