Help a gal out - bumper suggestions?
JK Jedi Master
Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 14,800
Likes: 374
From: Midwest City, OK
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1
From: The San Andreas Fault
Let me preface this with, I'm not an off-road enthusiast (not that I won't be one day), have no clue how to off-road and probably won't for some time. I want to customize my JK, but for the most part for looks only.
After doing research for hours, I'm about to give up on my search for a non-factory bumper for my 07' JK. A lady plowed into me last week and now I have a reason to put a new front bumper on. I want one with the factory fog light cut-outs as I already have those installed. I'm not a fan of the stubby bumpers and for what reason would I need one? I initially liked the looks of the tube bumper by Rugged Ridge, but after reading the hatred toward that style on the JK, I've opted against it. Ideally, I want something thats practical from a resale standpoint, as who knows when I might get an itchin' to sale it (although its paid for, so this is unlikely for a while). Also, after reading about different weights and stuff, I'm thoroughly confused.
In a nutshell, I'm trying to make an educated decision on my own and would like some recommendations on a front bumper that I can put on my JK that will cause no issues as far as functionality (i.e. weight/lowering) and has the cut-outs. Any help you can offer, would be GREATLY appreciated.
I am female if that gives you insight on my limited knowledge of all things mechanical! 
After doing research for hours, I'm about to give up on my search for a non-factory bumper for my 07' JK. A lady plowed into me last week and now I have a reason to put a new front bumper on. I want one with the factory fog light cut-outs as I already have those installed. I'm not a fan of the stubby bumpers and for what reason would I need one? I initially liked the looks of the tube bumper by Rugged Ridge, but after reading the hatred toward that style on the JK, I've opted against it. Ideally, I want something thats practical from a resale standpoint, as who knows when I might get an itchin' to sale it (although its paid for, so this is unlikely for a while). Also, after reading about different weights and stuff, I'm thoroughly confused.
In a nutshell, I'm trying to make an educated decision on my own and would like some recommendations on a front bumper that I can put on my JK that will cause no issues as far as functionality (i.e. weight/lowering) and has the cut-outs. Any help you can offer, would be GREATLY appreciated.
I am female if that gives you insight on my limited knowledge of all things mechanical! - If fits both the factory fog lights and the factory crush cans that are part of the air bag system
- The new model allows you to order it without the plates that are need to install a wich, so it can be relatively light ~75 lbs. This new model is also easier to install the original model.
- It's arguably *one* of the best looking bumpers and certainly has factory like integration and quality. It has a smoother factory look, but it does not look as Rough 'n Tough as others like the ARB bumper to which it is frequently compared, if that is your preference.
- It wil increase the resale value of your JK because it tends to be highly coveted by many
On the negative side, it is a bit pricey ~$1200 and AEV products are rarely available at a discount.
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee!
*Sigh*
First off, my apologies for the length of this. There are not really any custom shops around here and the dudes aren't really anxious to help me, so I'm having to self-educate. Secondly, I hate chrome so thats out for sure. I have narrowed it down to 5 different bumpers and I need your help pickin one! Each brand I have questions/concerns about. Price isn't a huge factor but I figure I've got a little over $500 bucks from insurance, (I'd throw in the same if necessary), so one thats as easy to install and would require similar labor time would be ideal.
General questions that reflect all of them: Should I get a textured black or polished? Will they hold up in weather, etc and not rust? Will the ones with winch mounts look stupid if I don't have a winch? Is it going to look stupid if I keep the factory rear bumper? Do the shorter ones that are not flush with the tires still give as much protection to my vehicle (obviously a concern since two old ladies in the last year have capsized the right corner of the factory one, and it held up only damaging the bumper and no body damage)? Will the shop need to order kits and other stuff to install or just the bumper itself? Will all of these be suitable as far as weight is concerned and not cause it to sag?
Olympic Rock- there are several of these that look very similar to me, and I have no idea which one is the proper choice for me, also can you get it without the hitch plug? I dont 'really like that on there
ARB Deluxe/ AEV Premium/ RR Modular/ LOD/Mopar - honestly to me these all look so similar I don't care WHICH one it is, I just want to know which one is right for me.
I'm frustrated b/c I still have no idea which to get but I'm getting tired of driving my truck instead of the Jeep. Its an embarrassment to roll around with a jacked up bumper! Eventually, I'd like to put a lift on it (though small since I'm only 5ft tall) and I'll be getting new tires and wheels soon since my stock wheels have around 42K on them. Its hard for me to get it done when I have no idea what I'm doing and no one willing to help that knows what they're doing. How bout I just ship it to one of yall and you can fix it up and I'll just pay ya?!?!
General questions that reflect all of them: Should I get a textured black or polished? Will they hold up in weather, etc and not rust? Will the ones with winch mounts look stupid if I don't have a winch? Is it going to look stupid if I keep the factory rear bumper? Do the shorter ones that are not flush with the tires still give as much protection to my vehicle (obviously a concern since two old ladies in the last year have capsized the right corner of the factory one, and it held up only damaging the bumper and no body damage)? Will the shop need to order kits and other stuff to install or just the bumper itself? Will all of these be suitable as far as weight is concerned and not cause it to sag?
Olympic Rock- there are several of these that look very similar to me, and I have no idea which one is the proper choice for me, also can you get it without the hitch plug? I dont 'really like that on there
ARB Deluxe/ AEV Premium/ RR Modular/ LOD/Mopar - honestly to me these all look so similar I don't care WHICH one it is, I just want to know which one is right for me.
I'm frustrated b/c I still have no idea which to get but I'm getting tired of driving my truck instead of the Jeep. Its an embarrassment to roll around with a jacked up bumper! Eventually, I'd like to put a lift on it (though small since I'm only 5ft tall) and I'll be getting new tires and wheels soon since my stock wheels have around 42K on them. Its hard for me to get it done when I have no idea what I'm doing and no one willing to help that knows what they're doing. How bout I just ship it to one of yall and you can fix it up and I'll just pay ya?!?!
Last edited by countrygal26; Mar 10, 2010 at 04:35 PM.
JK Junkie
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 2,343
Likes: 1
From: The San Andreas Fault
You are asking the right questions
The finish on the lower cost bumpers is not the same as the higher end ones, so rust should be a concern with first group.
Polished bumper look flashy unless it is only used as highlight, so its a matter of taste. A lot of JKs only have an aftermarket front bumper for winch purposes, so using the stock rear is not a problem. The stubbie and mid length bumpers do not provide as much protection as the full length ones, but they provide more clearance for big tires and are lighter in most cases. Most bumpers come everything you need unless you are ordering parts for a special winch, modular bumpers, off road lights etc.
The weight varies on bumpers, some are as heavy as 120-130 lbs plus the winch.
If you want simplicity at reasonable price and reasonable weight go with the MOPAR bumper from your list. The ARB Deluxe is a bit pricier but it is a high quality bumper with most of the features you want. And if you want the top of the line in factory looks, quality and integration of fog lights, etc the AEV is your best choice.
The RR is modular so you can mix and match parts, but IMO the finish is not on the par with the others.
Installing the bumper shouldn't be an issue. A couple of six packs of beer should be enough to entice 1-2 fellow local Jeep owners to bring some tools and get the job done.
The finish on the lower cost bumpers is not the same as the higher end ones, so rust should be a concern with first group.
Polished bumper look flashy unless it is only used as highlight, so its a matter of taste. A lot of JKs only have an aftermarket front bumper for winch purposes, so using the stock rear is not a problem. The stubbie and mid length bumpers do not provide as much protection as the full length ones, but they provide more clearance for big tires and are lighter in most cases. Most bumpers come everything you need unless you are ordering parts for a special winch, modular bumpers, off road lights etc.
The weight varies on bumpers, some are as heavy as 120-130 lbs plus the winch.
If you want simplicity at reasonable price and reasonable weight go with the MOPAR bumper from your list. The ARB Deluxe is a bit pricier but it is a high quality bumper with most of the features you want. And if you want the top of the line in factory looks, quality and integration of fog lights, etc the AEV is your best choice.
The RR is modular so you can mix and match parts, but IMO the finish is not on the par with the others.
Installing the bumper shouldn't be an issue. A couple of six packs of beer should be enough to entice 1-2 fellow local Jeep owners to bring some tools and get the job done.
JK Newbie
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 70
Likes: 0
From: Orlando, FL
You are right to be concerned with weight. ARB is heavy. You will see the front drop about an inch on stock springs.
I have it on my 4 door
On my 2 door, I just have spacers on stock springs so I knew weight would be an issue. I went with the Rugged Ridge. I gotta agree with what e everyone is saying about the RR. Great system.
I have it on my 4 door
On my 2 door, I just have spacers on stock springs so I knew weight would be an issue. I went with the Rugged Ridge. I gotta agree with what e everyone is saying about the RR. Great system.
JK Freak
Joined: Jul 2009
Posts: 534
Likes: 0
From: Charleston
First off, my apologies for the length of this. There are not really any custom shops around here and the dudes aren't really anxious to help me, so I'm having to self-educate. Secondly, I hate chrome so thats out for sure. I have narrowed it down to 5 different bumpers and I need your help pickin one! Each brand I have questions/concerns about. Price isn't a huge factor but I figure I've got a little over $500 bucks from insurance, (I'd throw in the same if necessary), so one thats as easy to install and would require similar labor time would be ideal.
General questions that reflect all of them: Should I get a textured black or polished? Will they hold up in weather, etc and not rust? Will the ones with winch mounts look stupid if I don't have a winch? Is it going to look stupid if I keep the factory rear bumper? Do the shorter ones that are not flush with the tires still give as much protection to my vehicle (obviously a concern since two old ladies in the last year have capsized the right corner of the factory one, and it held up only damaging the bumper and no body damage)? Will the shop need to order kits and other stuff to install or just the bumper itself? Will all of these be suitable as far as weight is concerned and not cause it to sag?
Olympic Rock- there are several of these that look very similar to me, and I have no idea which one is the proper choice for me, also can you get it without the hitch plug? I dont 'really like that on there
ARB Deluxe/ AEV Premium/ RR Modular/ LOD/Mopar - honestly to me these all look so similar I don't care WHICH one it is, I just want to know which one is right for me.
I'm frustrated b/c I still have no idea which to get but I'm getting tired of driving my truck instead of the Jeep. Its an embarrassment to roll around with a jacked up bumper! Eventually, I'd like to put a lift on it (though small since I'm only 5ft tall) and I'll be getting new tires and wheels soon since my stock wheels have around 42K on them. Its hard for me to get it done when I have no idea what I'm doing and no one willing to help that knows what they're doing. How bout I just ship it to one of yall and you can fix it up and I'll just pay ya?!?!
General questions that reflect all of them: Should I get a textured black or polished? Will they hold up in weather, etc and not rust? Will the ones with winch mounts look stupid if I don't have a winch? Is it going to look stupid if I keep the factory rear bumper? Do the shorter ones that are not flush with the tires still give as much protection to my vehicle (obviously a concern since two old ladies in the last year have capsized the right corner of the factory one, and it held up only damaging the bumper and no body damage)? Will the shop need to order kits and other stuff to install or just the bumper itself? Will all of these be suitable as far as weight is concerned and not cause it to sag?
Olympic Rock- there are several of these that look very similar to me, and I have no idea which one is the proper choice for me, also can you get it without the hitch plug? I dont 'really like that on there
ARB Deluxe/ AEV Premium/ RR Modular/ LOD/Mopar - honestly to me these all look so similar I don't care WHICH one it is, I just want to know which one is right for me.
I'm frustrated b/c I still have no idea which to get but I'm getting tired of driving my truck instead of the Jeep. Its an embarrassment to roll around with a jacked up bumper! Eventually, I'd like to put a lift on it (though small since I'm only 5ft tall) and I'll be getting new tires and wheels soon since my stock wheels have around 42K on them. Its hard for me to get it done when I have no idea what I'm doing and no one willing to help that knows what they're doing. How bout I just ship it to one of yall and you can fix it up and I'll just pay ya?!?!
Thread Starter
JK Newbie
Joined: Mar 2010
Posts: 7
Likes: 0
From: East Tennessee!
After looking at other threads and doing an advanced search (which I failed to do earlier, so my apologies) a lot of my questions are answered and I'm pretty decided on the Mopar. It seems to meet my needs better, and I'm just familiar with this brand versus RR. I wanna say I read in another thread of someone who installed the front and rear bumper and his jeep dropped 1/2in so they guestimate 1/4 of an inch on either or. Weight on the bumper is 66lbs. Is this really something I need to concern myself with fixing? I read where you can just add some coil spacers or something, which obviously I personally have no idea how to do. I'm just ecstatic to have finally made a decision!
JK Freak
Joined: Aug 2008
Posts: 807
Likes: 0
From: Austin, Tx
Good choice. Thats a quality bumper.
If the bumper weighs down your front end, you can add 1 inch coil spacers that will bring it back up. You might even be able to have the body shop repairing your jeep put them on while they are at it.
If the bumper weighs down your front end, you can add 1 inch coil spacers that will bring it back up. You might even be able to have the body shop repairing your jeep put them on while they are at it.
JK Super Freak
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 1,228
Likes: 0
From: Massachusetts
After looking at other threads and doing an advanced search (which I failed to do earlier, so my apologies) a lot of my questions are answered and I'm pretty decided on the Mopar. It seems to meet my needs better, and I'm just familiar with this brand versus RR. I wanna say I read in another thread of someone who installed the front and rear bumper and his jeep dropped 1/2in so they guestimate 1/4 of an inch on either or. Weight on the bumper is 66lbs. Is this really something I need to concern myself with fixing? I read where you can just add some coil spacers or something, which obviously I personally have no idea how to do. I'm just ecstatic to have finally made a decision!