Help choosing front bumper
 

I'm looking at metalcloak frame built front bumper but I wonder if I can install a steering/crossmember skid plate like AEV, Mopar, Rugged Ridge, etc, with this bumper.

For sure it would be possible but you would have to explore various models of skids and see which one fits best to the dimensions of the bumper. That steering skid is one of the easiest mounts to do as there are lots of drill points on various bumpers that you 'could' bolt into - regardless, it's going to be a custom install.

I like Metal Cloak as well, but give a look at JCR.com. They have some really good lookin bumpers and have great prices. Another place to check out would be ACE Engineering. Again, good prices and some pretty quality looking stuff. I will be running JCR bumpers once I make it to that point. EVO's front 1/4 Pounder is again another quality choice and at $300 for a really stout and quality product you couldnt go wrong. There are SOOOOO many options out there, but these should give you some really good places to start your research. Hope this helps!

Thanks for suggestions

My requirements are:

recessed winch mount
factory fog light locations
skid plate for steering components and crossmember
mid widht or full width (Stubby bumpers are not legal in canada)
bull bar or stinger
modular (you can replace dented parts)

Jcr are nice but they are coming unfinished on bare metal

Paint the JCR youself. Its easy. Clean it up really good, shoot some etching primer on it, then regular primer then your paint. Very simple and can all be done by rattle can.

LOD mid-width fits most of your requirements. Don't dent it and you wont have to replace dented parts.

The cool thing is there are multiple choices for the front that are under $400. Youre luck to find anything under $1k for the rear. (Tire Carrier that is) Theyre out there, but few. I like LOD too, they make good stuff. LOD, JCR, and the Evo 1/4 pounder are my personal favs.

My three favs:

JCR $469 #1

LOD $569 #2

EVO $650ish #3

Lemme throw my 2 cents in the ring here.....if you want modular so you can change the look- that's fine, but understand that these bumpers are typically 1/4" steel or so on the frame. If you're going to "dent" anything- it'll be buckle the turd out of your framerail, not bend the bumper.

My brother has the Metalcloak bumper for the TJ and (long story short) mashed it into a cement wall at 40. The bumper was mildly bent but the frame of the jeep was crooked as a dog's hind leg.

Any quality bumper- you won't "bend" them before they break or bend something else UNLESS you go aluminum. Then I could see bending them without breaking elsewhere.

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Arent all aftermarket bumpers attached to the frame? Even the stock bumper is attached to the frame. Am I missing something here? If so please educate me. Im still learning so I would highly interested to hear from you on this..